CRISPR-Cas, without a doubt, is a buzzword in the modern scientific community. It holds immense potential, above all else, to implement change within medicine and by extension people, policy, and the world. However current the potential of CRISPR-Cas may seem, the discovery of the CRISPR-Cas system dates back almost 40 years. The focus now applied […]
The Evolution Of CRISPR Read More »
Thirteen years ago, scientists of the NIH embarked on a journey to do the seemingly impossible: create a map of the human brain. They coined this undertaking the Human Connectome Project (HCP). This crusade is nothing new to the field. Starting with Santiago Ramón y Cajal, who discovered intricate neuronal networks in the late 1800s
Human Connectome Project Read More »
Spanning thirteen years, six countries, and hundreds of experts, the completion of the Human Genome Project marked one of the greatest scientific feats in the past century. The landmark scientific effort comprehensively sequenced 3.2 billion nucleotide base pairs and accounted for 92% of the human genome by the time the project ended in 2003. Today,
Resequencing of the human genome Read More »
There is no doubt that seahorses are fascinating creatures. Ranging from the size of a pine nut to nearly a foot long, sporting funky colors and an aura of mythicism, they have long been a source of wonder to human civilizations. Scientists find them intriguing for a host of reasons — their elongated, suction-like snout,
Nature’s miracles: Hippocampi Read More »
Contrary to our peaceful perception of the humble bee, foraging for pollen can be a treacherous journey filled with seduction and trickery. Bees don’t get a “free lunch” in their mutualistic relationship with flowers. Instead, flowers often exploit bees as vessels for pollination, forcing them to endure trials reminiscent of Jason’s endeavors for the Golden
Trials of the Golden Fleece: What bees must overcome when collecting pollen Read More »
Cells make up tissues, which make up organs, which form organ systems, which ultimately are the key to keeping us alive. But what is the key to unlocking how various types of cells are made? How does a neuron know to transmit information from the brain to parts of the body, and how does a
Histones: The mastermind behind gene expression Read More »
Today, the longest beard measures 17 feet, 6 inches. On average, facial hair grows about a half inch per month. To many, the beard is a common feature of a man — one that is rarely looked at when discussing evolution. What is its purpose? Does a beard have specific uses, or is it just
Fluffy beards: Safeguard or just for show? Read More »
Insulin is a necessity. A peptide hormone produced by the pancreas, insulin is important in controlling blood glucose levels as well as carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. In fact, without insulin, glucose can not be stored, and its absence causes fat to be broken down into keto acids, triggering diabetic ketoacidosis, a harmful condition often
Breaking the pattern: California’s step into reducing insulin prices Read More »
Over time, people have developed countless tips and tricks for falling and staying asleep through the night. Counting sheep, yoga, meditation, reading, watching ASMR videos, melatonin, and essential oils … While some of these methods may work temporarily, they may not be the solution to long-term sleeping problems. All of these strategies share a common
Lullabies for adults: How white noise can improve sleep Read More »