In the wake of COVID-19, bats have swooped into the spotlight due to their ecological role as natural reservoirs for viruses. Some of these viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, can cross into different species, becoming zoonotic viruses. But despite the cocktails of viruses existing in bats across over a thousand species, they remain mostly asymptomatic when […]
The human immune system is built on a foundation of complex networks. Together, many different types of immune cells and organs do everything from staving off infection to killing cancerous tumors. Inspired by the immune system’s versatility, scientists have been exploring its uses in cancer treatments by directly targeting some of these cells, an approach
Battles on multiple fronts: The power of combination immunotherapy in cancer treatments Read More »
When you think of the skeletal system, what comes to mind? Most of us visualize a collection of rigid, porous bones, organized in “the leg bone’s connected to the knee bone” fashion. However, a significant portion of the skeletal system is actually composed of cartilage. In every anatomy textbook, you’ll find a section listing three
Bounce back: How lipocartilage is changing regenerative medicine Read More »
Restricting caloric intake has long been associated with improved health and extended lifespan in various species, from yeast to mammals. However, implementing such a regimen often proves difficult due to the accompanying feelings of hunger and energy deprivation. Recent exploration from researchers at Xiamen University in China suggests that lithocholic acid (LCA), a secondary bile
Could lithocholic acid-mediated caloric restriction be the key to delaying aging? Read More »
How does a song get “stuck” in your head? The repetitive, catchy verse from a song that your brain continually replays is known as an earworm. A 2020 study found that 97% of American college students experience earworms for over an hour. While songwriters and advertisers take advantage of earworms to increase engagement and make
Earworms: The musical itch Read More »
In the world of medicine, the need for viable, healthy tissue and organs is critical. Yet, in the United States alone, over 100,000 patients are waiting for organ transplants, while many also struggle with chronic conditions requiring tissue regeneration. A promising solution lies in 3D bioprinting, a groundbreaking technology at the intersection of biology, engineering,
3D bioprinting: Ctrl+P human organs in real time Read More »
Imagine throwing up the contents of your stomach, only to be told that 66 million years from now, scientists will study your fossilized vomit. In a discovery as fascinating as it is nauseating, a Danish fossil hunter stumbled upon a rare specimen of regurgitalite (fossilized vomit), likely the result of a prehistoric predator’s unfortunate meal
Big news for the vomit community Read More »
Trees have symbolized life, strength, and connection across cultures and millennia. Recently, these silent sentinels have garnered recognition as heroes in the fight against climate change. Carbon storage, combined with reductions in fossil fuel use, is a critical component of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Trees offer an accessible, relatively inexpensive solution. Through photosynthesis, trees
While clouds rolling in on a sunny summer day may be a disappointing sight for many, clouds play a critical role in regulating Earth’s climate. A key gas produced by marine microalgae, known as dimethyl sulfide (DMS), is largely responsible for cloud formation. DMS is not widely known, but its characteristic “smell of the ocean”
Cloudy with a chance of climate change: How ocean acidification alters the atmosphere Read More »