Scientists compare CRISPR screens in chimpanzee and human cells to understand evolution
In a recent study from UCSF and MIT, researchers found that they could identify evolutionary differences in biological function by comparing the results of CRISPR screens in humans and chimpanzees. Continue reading Scientists compare CRISPR screens in chimpanzee and human cells to understand evolution
Unmasking AI with a Single Question
Are you talking to a human or a chatbot? Ask them this question to find out. Continue reading Unmasking AI with a Single Question
Can Science Boost the Rights of Nature Movement?
Rivers, skies, and mountains become legal persons under Rights of Nature laws, but their implementation has been difficult. To help interpret and enforce these laws, scientific knowledge must be integrated. Continue reading Can Science Boost the Rights of Nature Movement?
Genetic risk prediction for heart disease underperforms in large research cohort
New research from Northwestern University found that, when predicting heart disease, including genetic information had a minimal improvement compared to a more common test. Continue reading Genetic risk prediction for heart disease underperforms in large research cohort
Astronomers Witness the End of a World
Astronomers recently observed a planet being eaten by its star. In billions of years, the Earth will experience the same fate. Continue reading Astronomers Witness the End of a World
Rethinking What it Means to Sleep Like a Bear
Scientists are beginning to understand why hibernating bears don’t get blood clots, and it could help at risk patients. Continue reading Rethinking What it Means to Sleep Like a Bear
On the Basis of (Fish) Sex
by Emily Goeringfigures by Andrea Luviano Did you know that sea lampreys are more likely to grow into males if they aren’t fed enough food? Or that one type of shrimp produces male offspring in the long days of summer, but females in shorter fall days? Sexual determination systems are the methods by which organisms produce offspring with differing biological sexes. Although all vertebrates evolved … Continue reading On the Basis of (Fish) Sex
My Doctor Told Me I Have High Cholesterol, Now What?
by Isabella Del Priorefigures by Carlos Morales We’ve all heard it before: high cholesterol is bad and can increase your risk for heart disease. Though there is a direct association between cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol, there exists controversy and confusion over treatment options. What counts as “high” cholesterol, do I really need to cut out eggs, and which one is the “bad” one again? … Continue reading My Doctor Told Me I Have High Cholesterol, Now What?
Neuroplasticity: how lost skills can be regained after injury or illness
by Beatrice Awasthifigures by Shreya Mantri Loss of motor or cognitive skills can be a devastating after-effect of injury or illness. When things that used to feel easy suddenly feel impossible, a full recovery can appear completely out of reach. In many cases, persisting symptoms of pain, weakness, and fatigue can be due to dysfunction of the nervous system. Fortunately, the nervous system has an … Continue reading Neuroplasticity: how lost skills can be regained after injury or illness
RNA plays a newly discovered role in the development of cancer
by Carlos Moralesfigures by Shreya Mantri Our cells perform extraordinary functions using information stored in their genetic material, known as DNA. Changes in DNA, known as mutations, can make cells behave erratically, which may lead to cancer. But how does cancer begin? A new model proposes that RNA — the molecular link between DNA and proteins — is at the heart of this phenomenon. How … Continue reading RNA plays a newly discovered role in the development of cancer