Latest Articles
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.
Talking Animals, Wild Teachers
Crows are known for their intelligence, particularly their use of tools. A recent study showed just how smart these birds are. After being trained to match items that look the same, the crows spontaneously learned to match items by similarity and difference.
Wanted…Talented Teens!
cSw is recruiting students in grades 10, 11 or 12 as of September for roles as writers, editors, graphic designers and social media coordinators. The Application Period opens on January 15 and closes on March 1. Apply now!
Science Communication
Montage of science/media celebrities talk about the importance of effective science communications. Featuring- The Great Debate: The Storytelling of Science with science educator Bill Nye, astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson, and theoretical physicist Brian Green, Science Communication is a Tool for Empowerment with Renae Sayers, Science Communications: It’s No Joke! with Jayde Lovell, The Science Gap with Jorge Cham, The Art of Science Communications with Alan Alda, and How to Write About Science with Jo Marchant and Geoff Brumfiel.
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.
Who Let The Bugs Out? Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Could Stop Zika
Oxitec, a British biotech company, is combatting the spread of Zika virus, dengue fever, yellow fever and chikungunya, by reducing the mosquito population through genetic engineering. Or rather, letting the bugs limit themselves. Fewer mosquitos? Fewer diseases spread.
Eye-Opening Research on Shut-Eye Deficiency
More than 12 million people in the U.S. stop breathing periodically at night due to a serious sleep disorder called Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Even more concerning, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine estimates that 80 to 90 percent of adults with OSA are currently undiagnosed. Rutgers-based scientist Dr. Judith Neubauer and her team are working tirelessly to solve the mysteries of OSA and develop a treatment for this potentially life-threatening condition.
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.
More than “Bird-Brains”: Parrots Show How to Teach Autistic Children
Dr. Irene Pepperberg, a chemist and "bird-scientist" at Harvard University, spends her time teaching African Grey parrots how to talk and is applying the same concepts in teaching autistic patients. Could these "bird-brained" parrots crack the code to understanding and re-wiring autism?