Lupins are high in protein, but bitter. However, scientists have discovered a mutation that makes lupins sweet, opening the door for their consumption as a plant-based protein source. Continue reading Lupin breakthrough could make this plant a popular source of protein
Using a well-established non-human primate model, researchers were able to successfully treat alcohol use disorder with a gene therapy targeting the dopamine reward system. Continue reading Gene therapy for alcoholism successful in monkeys
A group of researchers from across the country found that whole genome sequencing identified more potentially disease-causing variants than targeted gene panels in hospitalized infants Continue reading Genome Sequencing Finds More Rapid Diagnoses Than Targeted Gene Panels in Hospitalized Infants
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
by Nicolai Penafigures by Jasmin Joseph-Chazan Toward the end of the 20th century, the intricate biology of how the eye produces visual information was thought to be well understood– a combination of sensors and circuits in the eye extract features of visual scenes. This information is conveyed from the eye to the brain by specialized neurons that physically connect the two structures (Figure 1, blue). … Continue reading Vision you can’t see: How the brain senses the time of day
by Hannah Blumefigures by Salvador Balkus In some ways, a living cell is like a shoreline, where some creatures build their homes on rocky, solid structures while others live in shifting and dynamic sands. This ecosystem needs both rigid and fluid structures to support life, and similarly, individual cells in our bodies use both structured and fluid compartments to carry out vital functions. The existence … Continue reading Liquid-within-liquid compartments: a groundbreaking discovery in biology
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?
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
by Gizem Terzioglufigures by MJ Park Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, and despite years of research efforts, there is still no cure. However, recent studies have highlighted the crucial roles of microglia, the resident immune cells of our brain, in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. But the question remains: do microglia defend our brain against … Continue reading Are microglia the hero or the villain in Alzheimer’s disease?
by Ya’el Courtney In 2022, the majority of Americans (52%) followed a particular diet or eating pattern, primarily motivated by two things: a desire to protect long-term health and a desire to lose weight. According to data from the International Food Information Council, 23 million Americans chose to follow a ketogenic, or “keto”, diet last year to work towards these goals. This number has more … Continue reading Keto – It’s Probably Not Right for You