Biology

From protein to pathology: Investigating multiple system atrophy

Biology, Health / /

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by rapid escalation of cell loss, a consequence of progressive decay of structure and function of neurons. Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative condition in which central nervous system function is degraded. Atrophy refers to the death of neuronal cells which can have dramatic effects on an individual’s function. […]

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A new RNA: Nobel prize awarded to Cambridge scientists for discovery of microRNA

Biology / /

DNA and RNA are often hailed as the “code of life.” This isn’t far from the truth. DNA and RNA are nucleic acids, made up of a sequence of chemical components called nucleotides. The order of these nucleotides encodes genetic information in the form of genes, which are transcribed from DNA into RNA before directing

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Crisis on the nanoscale: Can metal nanoparticles stop the spread of superbugs?

Biology / /

After the revolutionary discovery of antibiotics in 1910, bacterial infections — once the leading cause of human mortality — became readily preventable, contributing to a 23-year rise in average lifespan. Although traditional antibiotics like amoxicillin and doxycycline continue to save millions, decades of overprescription are catalyzing the rise of deadly new pathogens. Prolonged exposure to

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In your wildest dreams: Sleep science seeks to manipulate the mind

Biology, Psychology / /

Imagine sinking into bed after a long day, ready for the blissful escape of sleep. The dreams that follow are expected to be the usual blend of random absurdities — maybe a stroll through a cotton candy city, a conversation with a talking cat, or being chased through the clouds by an old friend. But

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Why we must act to conserve microbial diversity

Biology / /

With 1,276 vertebrate and plant species becoming extinct in the last five centuries, the impact of human activity on biodiversity is apparent. However, awareness of the threat to microbial life has not yet reached the forefront of scientific discourse despite growing evidence that modern medicine and agriculture pose significant risks to the diversity of microorganisms.

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Friendly Fire: How Our Own Immune Cells Can Fuel Brain Cancer

Biology, Health / /

Studies show that anywhere from 30% to 50% of the tumor mass in glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, is actually made of our own immune cells. Glioblastoma is an elusive and dangerous tumor type. Only a quarter of patients live longer than a year, and less than 10% survive longer than five years. It grows

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