Figure 1: This is an image showing the main parts of the coronavirus, from the RNA genome in the center to the protruding S1 proteins used to enter cells. Researchers at the University of Washington Medical School found that these S1 proteins are able to cross the blood-brain barrier, a restrictive barrier to prevent the …
Study offers explanation to the COVID-19 effects on the brain Read More »
Figure 1: A scanning electron micrograph of Enterococcus faecalis, a bacterium that commonly resides in the human intestinal tract Source: Wikimedia Commons Over the last decade, gut-brain psychology has drawn much attention to the instrumental role of the gut microbiome in regulating brain development and function, including behavior and cognition (Liang et al., 2018). To better …
Your Personality Might Say Less About Your Brain, And More About Your Microbiome Read More »
Figure 1:Magnetic resonance image (MRI) – coronal slice of a 4-year-old child with brain cancer. Current treatment options include standard chemotherapy, with radiation but novel nanotherapy may improve survival rates. Source: Wellcome Collection. Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) As the most common and aggressive form of brain cancer in U.S. adults, with around 14,000 …
Innovation Beyond All Barriers: The Arrival of a Life-Saving Treatment Read More »
Figure 1: Cell culture in a Petri dish Source: Wikimedia Commons Melanomas are one of the rarest but most deadly skin cancers. Just like other cancers, earlier detection often results in better prognosis due to early intervention measures like chemotherapy. Unlike other cancers, however, early detection of melanomas is often a challenge due to technical …
A New Hybrid Method for Sequencing the Melanoma Genome Read More »
Figure 1: Researchers have identified crucial molecules utilized by the coronavirus to infect cells. With further testing, there may be a way to target these molecules to prevent viral growth, leading to broader treatments for future pandemics. Source: Pixabay As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the world, scientists have made tremendous gains in understanding the …
Figure 1: C. elegans in Agar under Microscope Magnification Source: Wikimedia Commons The paper, “Ultrasound Elicits Behavioral Responses through Mechanical Effects on Neurons and Ion Channels in a Simple Nervous System” (Jan Kubanek) discusses the mechanism by which ultrasound can stimulate a response from certain neurons in the brain of the roundworm, C. elegans (Kubanek, …
Figure 1: This diagram demonstrated how CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) works to inhibit the expression of certain genes at the transcription level. This mechanism has been used to study how changes in the expression of certain enzymes impacts a cell’s metabolism. Source: Wikimedia Commons The strength of enzymes present in a bacterium plays a significant role …
Mechanisms of Metabolic Robustness Discovered in E. Coli Read More »
Figure 1: Comparison of smallpox (left) and cowpox (right) inoculations 16 days after administration. Source: Wikimedia Commons The historical practice of inoculation was a major precursor to the development of vaccinations. Prior to the widespread use of inoculation in the 18th century, it had been recognized that some diseases don’t reinfect a person after recovery. …
Edward Jenner, Cowpox Inoculation, and the History of Vaccines Read More »
Figure 1: An image of the famous Olsen twins Source: Wikimedia Commons Twins are a genetic and developmental phenomenon that have captivated mainstream media and the scientific community alike. Despite their creepy depiction in horror movies, twins are their own individuals . . . usually. A look into twin types must, naturally, include the more …
Seeing Double: A Look into Twin Types and Twin Studies Read More »
Figure 1: NASA’s Artemis program has the goal of putting the next man and first woman on the moon. A team of researchers believe they have come up with definitive proof that there could be much more water and ice on the moon than was earlier speculated. Source: Wikimedia Commons The moon has been an object …
To Infinity and Beyond: Signs of Water on the Moon May Heat up Lunar Exploration Read More »