Bioscience
The Farm-Animal Fix for Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C has no vaccine or cure. Current treatments are costly, inaccessible, and can lead to deadly side effects. Researchers may have just found the furry, farm-dwelling answer to this lack of options: alpacas.
Pesticide Exposure Suspect In ADHD Blame Game
A can of pesticide can hurt more than just pests. Most pesticides today are based on a class of substances called pyrethroids, which have typically been considered safer than the alternative of organic phosphates. However, in his research, Dr. Jason Richardson discovered a startling link between pyrethroids and ADHD.
Spicing Up Tumor Treatment With Silibinin
A different application of the same substance can yield amazing results. Silibinin, an extract of the milk thistle plant, has long been used as a supplemental treatment for liver disease. Research at the University of Colorado, however, is showing that silibinin can be used for so much more—in particular, to treat tumors, both cancerous and otherwise.
Crayfish Get Anxious Too!
Humans are not the only ones to feel stress; simple creatures like crayfish also respond to stress in ways similar to humans. By running crayfish in a maze, Dr. Cattaert found that stressed crayfish tend to remain in dark areas with a higher level of blood glucose in their bodies.
A New Breakthrough in Breast Cancer Therapy: Wasp Venom
Spanish scientists are using the poison in wasp venom to develop a new weapon in the battle against breast cancer. Other researchers are exploring ways to incorporate wasp venom in a new class of anticancer drugs designed to attack different parts of cancer cells at the same time.
Turn Back The Clock! – Did Scientists Just Discover The New Fountain of Youth?
Dr. John Ramunas and his team of scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine may have just found the microscopic Fountain of Youth by elongating telomeres, or DNA "handles," expanding the life span of cells. The implications of this? Combatting aging, cancer, grafts, transplants, and more. Take that, Ponce de Leon.
Big Advances in Small Packages: Microchips Simulate Human Organs
A new piece of biotechnology can give us insight into medical conditions, improve laboratory testing, streamline drug screening, and help commercialize personalized medicine. It simply models the basic function of healthy and diseased human organs using artificial materials. The best part? It's the size of your pinky. Welcome to the world of Homo chippiens.
Could Broccoli Be The Key to Unlocking Aging?
Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, or HGPS, affects 1 in every 20 million people worldwide and causes premature aging as well as early death. On a mission to defeat this devastating disease, Dr. Karima Djabli may have just found a solution to treating HGPS and understanding the aging process- something sitting right on our own dinner tables.
Breakthroughs in Respiratory Research: A Breath of Fresh Air
Breathing is the melody of life. If a pulsing heart is the drum beat that regulates life, then breathing is the symphony that plays in time with it, establishing a person’s individualized rhythm. Symbolism aside, the allure of respiration lies in its biology, which is the key focus of Dr. Neubauer’s interest. She studies how hypoxia, or low levels of oxygen in the body, can affect respiration.
Galactica: The Battle for Improved Vision
Living with convergence insufficiency is no easy feat and any treatment that can ease symptoms of CI is a step in the right direction. Interactive and fun video game therapy is promising because of its appeal for kids. Thanks to Dr. Alvarez’s research, many children may soon be playing their way to better sight.