Our Body’s Stem Cells use an Ancient Mechanism to Defend against Viruses
Lacking the antiviral mechanisms of the rest of our body, stem cells use an ancient trick from plants and worms – RNA interference – to protect against viral infection. Continue reading Our Body’s Stem Cells use an Ancient Mechanism to Defend against Viruses
Portable HEPA Cleaners and Masking can Reduce Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 Aerosols
What is something we can do to fight against COVID-19 and improve indoor air quality for human health? Portable high efficiency particle air (HEPA) cleaners and masking can significantly reduce exposure to SARS-CoV-2 aerosol particles. Continue reading Portable HEPA Cleaners and Masking can Reduce Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 Aerosols
Something to Sneeze at: How Neurons Drive the Sneezing Reflex
A recent study brings us closer to understanding how and why we sneeze. Continue reading Something to Sneeze at: How Neurons Drive the Sneezing Reflex
How Migratory Birds Find their Way: a Newly Discovered Protein
Researchers have discovered a magnetosensitive protein that may explain how migratory animals such as birds can navigate and orient themselves using the Earth’s magnetic field. Continue reading How Migratory Birds Find their Way: a Newly Discovered Protein
Rainfall in Africa Drives Butterfly Populations in Europe
Rainfall in Africa drives the growth of plants that allow painted lady butterflies to make their flight to Europe and back each year. Continue reading Rainfall in Africa Drives Butterfly Populations in Europe
The Ugly Truth about Beauty Products
PFAS chemicals have been detected in high concentrations in a variety of cosmetic products and may cause harm to human health. Continue reading The Ugly Truth about Beauty Products
When Sick, Bats Isolate
Researchers found that sick bats will socially isolate from healthy bats. Continue reading When Sick, Bats Isolate
Converting Plastic Waste into Fuel
Plastic waste is a huge problem in the world, but only 9% of plastic waste each year is recycled. Recently, researchers discovered a more efficient method of plastic recycling that can hopefully incentivize plastic recycling in the near future. Continue reading Converting Plastic Waste into Fuel
Vaccine hesitancy: More than a pandemic
by Edward Chen Historical evidence shows that developing safe vaccines is necessary to protect the world from deadly diseases. But that’s only one part of the solution. After all, what’s the benefit of having vaccines that people don’t want to use? Enter vaccine hesitancy. Defined by a World Health Organization (WHO) working group as a “delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccination despite availability of … Continue reading Vaccine hesitancy: More than a pandemic
How do COVID-19 vaccines work? Hear from a researcher who helped develop the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
by Edward Chen The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed rapid technological advancements as scientists and engineers mobilize to combat its toll on human lives. Time is of the essence, and after rigorous testing for safety and effectiveness, there are now 3 vaccines with emergency approval in the United States that are all based on relatively new concepts. Two of the vaccines are based on messenger RNA … Continue reading How do COVID-19 vaccines work? Hear from a researcher who helped develop the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.