Medicine

Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation Slows the Spread of COVID-19

2021, Medicine • January 4, 2021

Figure 1: Face masks are decontaminated using ultraviolet radiation. Biosafety cabinets using ultraviolet light to disinfect equipment are common in many labs Source: Wikimedia Commons In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many scientists are researching solutions that may halt the rapid spread of the virus. Exposure to UV radiation seems a likely mechanism for …

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Study offers explanation to the COVID-19 effects on the brain

2021, Biology, Medicine • January 4, 2021

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 …

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Your Personality Might Say Less About Your Brain, And More About Your Microbiome

2021, Biology, Medicine • January 4, 2021

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 …

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Innovation Beyond All Barriers: The Arrival of a Life-Saving Treatment

2021, Biology, Medicine • January 2, 2021

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 …

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A New Hybrid Method for Sequencing the Melanoma Genome

2021, Biology, Medicine • January 1, 2021

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 …

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The Link Between Autism and Gastrointestinal Issues

2020, Medicine • December 21, 2020

Figure 1: A sample of gut bacteria grown in a petri dish. Gut bacteria reside in the digestive tract, aiding digestion. These microorganisms also influence a variety of other systems, including the immune system and central nervous system. Many gastrointestinal issues are caused by a disruption of the gut bacteria microbiome Source: Wikimedia Commons Children …

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Edward Jenner, Cowpox Inoculation, and the History of Vaccines

2020, Biology, Medicine • December 13, 2020

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. …

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Seeing Double: A Look into Twin Types and Twin Studies

2020, Biology, Medicine • December 13, 2020

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 …

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Brain Circuit Disorders in PTSD

2020, Medicine, Neuroscience • November 10, 2020

Figure 1: PTSD and its comorbid mental health symptoms contribute to the pervasive consequences of exposure to psychological trauma. Source: Slideshare Post-traumatic stress disorder is a pervasive and often fatal consequence of exposure to severe psychological trauma (Fenster, 2018). Epidemiological studies show that PTSD has a lifetime prevalence ranging from 1.3% to 12.2%, with variance …

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