Virtual reality (VR) has been an up-and-coming technology in recent years, and much of it is implemented in recreational activities such as video games and computer software. VR’s utility extends far beyond this, though — as one of the most complex ways ever created to mimic reality, VR is a great tool for scientists to […]
VR, zebrafish, and neuroscience: An unlikely trio Read More »
The beauty of lights can be experienced all around, from the extravagant neon signs of Boston’s Downtown Crossing to the dazzling rows of lights glimmering from Seaport. However, if we take a step back and look to the natural world, we can see that the ocean has its own extravagant light shows. Millions of deep-sea
Lights in the deep ocean Read More »
Life on Earth has been evolving, adapting, and refining itself for over three billion years, leading to the intricate organisms which roam the world today. After such a long time, one would think that cells would have developed ways to ensure high-fidelity during gene replication. After all, cells must replicate their genome to pass down
A balancing act: The consequences of errors in DNA repair and replication Read More »
Pregnancy is an uncertain time for many expectant parents. It’s a daunting experience known for its vast expanse of new territory and potentially risky outcomes. A constant in most pregnancies is the location of the embryo: in the protective, developmentally beneficial environment of the uterus. However, this isn’t always the case. The prevalence of extrauterine
Out-of-place embryos: The rise of undetected ectopic pregnancies Read More »
Vanishing Twin Syndrome (VTS) is exactly as the name suggests: one of the two children in a set of twins vanishes. It usually occurs during the first trimester of the pregnancy, and can sometimes be mistaken for a miscarriage. The cause of the syndrome is unknown, but some possibilities have yet to be eliminated such
Vanishing Twin Syndrome and Brain Damage: The Effects on the Surviving Twin Read More »
Despite the modernity of medicine and the advancements mankind has made in understanding human physiology, there is perhaps no greater mystery than the driving force behind our every action, thought, and feeling: the human brain. The physical structure of the brain is clear, but the origin of many of the existing neuronal pathologies is still
Are our brains self-sabotaging? The role of astrocytes in neurodegenerative diseases Read More »
The rain is pouring outside. It’s only 1 p.m. on a Monday, yet you feel the day has already dragged on for ages. You’ve only made it through two lectures, an hour of unproductive studying, and about half a protein bar. Naturally, you end up at a local — new — coffee shop for a
For the first time, again: Investigating the neuroscience behind déjà vu Read More »
While wrinkle creams and wheatgrass shots may be all the anti-aging rage, the real secret lies within all of us. Put simply, aging is the slow progression of DNA damage. As cells replicate, approximately 100 base pairs of DNA are lost in what is known as the end-replication problem. Organisms have long developed a counter
Curing old age: How genetic regeneration could turn back the clock Read More »
While it is generally agreed upon that the stomach bug is unpleasant, most of us find comfort in the knowledge that the queasiness will pass. Unfortunately, for 14-year-old Lillian Brown, her three-day-long virus came with lifelong reminders. On the third day of her illness, the pain in her stomach was so intense that she had
Short-circuit: A truly negative feedback loop Read More »