Barking deer. Silky-haired monkeys. Rabbits covered in stripes. For years, scientists struggled to detect the unique and elusive mammals of the Central Annamite Mountains. This region of dense tropical rainforest on the border of Laos and Vietnam is a biodiversity hotspot, full of organisms found nowhere else on Earth. Unfortunately, the area is so remote […]
The tales a leech tells Read More »
Viruses can be catastrophic. Their natural purpose is to infect and replicate, hijacking hosts regardless of the consequences. They can be deadly and are a large source of suffering, even in our modern society. Smallpox, influenza, and COVID-19 are clear examples of viruses that have had widespread, devastating public health effects. Therefore, it seems counterintuitive
Viruses vs. cancer: A bacteriophage approach to gene therapy Read More »
For such a tiny microscopic organism, the algae behind the Gulf of Mexico’s toxic red tides inflicts a mighty force. Characterized by discolored water, dying marine life, and the release of respiratory irritants, red tides have plagued the Gulf since the 1800s and have since increased in intensity and frequency. Karenia brevis, the dominant algae
Harmful or helpful?: Using toxic algae blooms for cystic fibrosis treatment Read More »
The possible inheritance of unfavorable genetics sits in the front of many new and soon-to-be parents’ minds. Though it may seem comforting to know if one’s child carries the risk of developing certain conditions in adulthood, is it in the best interest of the child to grow up with this knowledge? This burden poses an
Anxiety and exploitation: Ethical dilemmas in pediatric genetic screening Read More »
Monkeys can play video games with their minds. Rats can control each others’ brains. Previously injured humans can restore sensation and function in limbs. These impossible-sounding events are all achievable with brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), which are systems that use electrical devices to collect neural signals from the central nervous system and, using algorithms, translate them
The power of the mind: Using neural signals to restore movement in paralyzed limbs Read More »
Invisibility — a superpower that once only seemed possible in the Harry Potter universe — is actually more realistic than we think. A special organism found in South American rainforests, aptly named the glass frog, is a virtually transparent amphibian with translucent green skin, muscle, and tissues. Only the frog’s major organs are visible when
How to disappear: Glass frogs and a lesson on hemoglobin flow Read More »
Nature has provided endless wonder and inspiration for philosophers and artists since the birth of civilization. Now, increasing numbers of scientists have turned to Mother Nature, not as a source of beauty and contemplation, but to seek her guidance as the most resourceful engineer. In 1997, author Janine Benyus coined the term “biomimicry” to describe
As of 2021, 367 million tons of plastics were produced globally, with over 22% composed of single-use items. Thanks to its durability, versatility, and ease of production, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has become the most common form of plastic in disposable products like water bottles and grocery bags. Despite some successes in reducing single-use plastics in
