Biology

Materials that mimic the lotus effect: Lotus leaves inspire self-cleaning surfaces

Biology, Technology / /

The study of preexisting designs is a common practice for guidance in problem solving. Innovators can turn to structures around them for inspiration, and what’s a more complex and functioning system than nature? In terms of hydrophobic properties, or water-repellant behavior, scientists strive to mimic the lotus effect. This effect is named after the leaves […]

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Keep your friends close, and your plants closer: How flora can help mitigate stress

Biology / /

As more time is spent inside, creating an environment of comfort and productivity indoors has become a significant hurdle. The extra stressors of lifestyle changes and online work are some of the new barriers for staying motivated. Optimizing workspaces within the home has become especially important, as even small changes can reduce the stress and

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Hidden Markov Models for biochemical applications

Biology, Technology / /

As the amount of data in the biological field expands exponentially as a result of more efficient biological processes, such as Next Gen Sequencing, machine learning has become a tool to leverage this data for contributions to the drug development and medicinal fields. One of the most widely utilized machine learning models is the Hidden

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Fruit that lasts forever! How gene editing may answer the problem of postharvest waste

Biology, Environment / /

Crisp apples, plump tomatoes, juicy berries, and citrusy oranges are endless luxuries in the middle of Boston’s cold, dead winter. Despite slush and ice covering grass and sidewalks, grocery shelves are fertile with everyone’s favorite produce. However, the fresh fruits and vegetables that fill the aisles involve a lengthy journey and intense science to get

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Your gut is a garden — for bacteria: Bacterial blooms and their link to neurological conditions

Biology, Health / /

Next time you feel lonely during this time of social isolation, just remember you always have 100 trillion friends. Why? Because you aren’t really alone. As you read this, there are 100 trillion microorganisms who call your digestive system home and are dedicated to keeping you healthy. Contrary to popular belief, not all strains of

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The tales of conjoined twins

Biology, Health / /

Abby and Brittany Hensel are conjoined twins, a medical phenomena in which two babies are born anatomically connected to one another. The sisters shot to fame in 2012 when they became stars of their own reality show, titled “Abby and Brittany,” which detailed their interconnected journeys as they graduated college and attempted to establish their

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