Watching swarms of tiny insects dive into burning fires can be fascinating, but what drives them to this fiery death? From the first man-made fire to modern light fixtures, artificial illumination has drawn insects in, often to their deaths. Until now, it has been widely theorized that insects are attracted to light, even when it […]
Like a moth to a flame: Why insects are attracted to light Read More »
Moving objects with your mind has always been an element of science fiction, popularized as an iconic feature of the “force” in the pop culture-defining series “Star Wars.” But recent advancements in brain-machine interfaces, or BMIs, are working to bring fantasy to fruition. With the power of deep learning algorithms, even lab rats are becoming
A new hope: Rat recollection and a glimpse into the future of prosthetics Read More »
Imagine the sun-kissed shores of Okinawa, where residents embrace the Ikigai philosophy — a lifelong pursuit of purpose intertwined with passion, skill, and societal contribution. This idyllic island serves as a testament to the potential for extended, vibrant lives. Now, let’s embark on a journey, into the microscopic realm of cells, where the mitochondrial theory
The Ikigai of the cell: Unveiling the mitochondrial theory of aging Read More »
Theoretically, the more cells an organism has, the higher the incidence of malignant transformation. If this were true, humans should be considerably more cancer-prone than something as small as a mouse; however, this is not the case. “Peto’s paradox” describes the phenomenon that, despite the increase in cell number, instances of cancer don’t increase in
The whale that lives forever: Cancer prevention mechanisms in the bowhead whale Read More »
The pink, squishy organ inside our heads is often considered the ultimate biological control center. There is no doubt that the brain is extraordinary, complex, and great at its difficult job of controlling organisms; however, it is not the only player in cognition. Instead, scientists are now realizing that other types of cells possess forms
Plants and the ‘roots’ of cognition Read More »
Guys literally only want one thing. Or at least, the male antechinus, an Australian marsupial, seems to prioritize one thing over everything else: sex. These mouse-like animals live fast and die young, forgoing sleep in order to reproduce during their short fertile window. Scientists are, naturally, fascinated by these pocket-sized marsupials and their exciting, mysterious
Live fast, die young: The mysterious life of Australia’s sex-crazed marsupial Read More »
Knowing that animal agriculture is responsible for at least 14.5% of all carbon emissions, scientists have been researching alternatives to the traditional meat diet, with the current leading alternative being meat analogs or “fake meats.” The menus of vegan-friendly, trendy restaurants and even your run-of-the-mill spots, like Burger King, have been featuring items such as
Scientists by day, chefs by night: Cells are being cultured to resemble meat Read More »
Cancer is a disease that impacts an immense amount of people globally. In the US alone, about 5.5% percent of the population has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. However, there is still so much unknown about its cause. The question persists: why is so little known about the cause of cancer? This disease
The unseen cause of cancer Read More »
Stars flicker faintly as the dark horizon reddens. Howling, freezing winds and desolate craters starkly contrast the lush tropical rainforests and coral gardens 10,000 feet below. As the blinding light finally emerges over a sea of swirling clouds, a bright reflection appears from the sparse, reddish slopes. It is a silver plant, radiating under the
Mirror of the sun: The Hawaiian silversword Read More »