Are you curious about the tiny viruses that inhabit your body? MIT Technology Review's biotech newsletter, The Checkup, explores the world of bacteriophages, or "phages" for short. These microscopic viruses have the potential to treat bacterial infections, but they've been largely abandoned in favor of antibiotics. With antimicrobial resistance on the rise, interest in phage therapy is making a comeback. Learn about the diversity and specificity of phages, and how they could be engineered to target specific bacteria. Discover the potential of phage therapy and the challenges that need to be overcome in this fascinating article.

Have you ever wondered why a black eye turns blue, then green, then yellow, and finally brown before disappearing? It's all because of your hemoglobin, the compound in red blood cells that brings oxygen to your body. When you get hit, the blow crushes tiny blood vessels called capillaries, and red blood cells ooze out of the broken capillaries into the surrounding tissue. From the outside of your skin, this mass of cells looks bluish-black, which is where we get the term, "black and blue". Learning about hemoglobin and how it works in your body can be fascinating and practical knowledge that can help you understand how your body works. It's an example of how exploring academic topics through reading, reflection, and writing can inspire you to learn more about the world around you.

As we grow older, our bodies undergo many changes, including changes in our metabolism. Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur in our bodies to maintain life. These processes are essential for providing energy, building and repairing tissues, and eliminating waste products. As we age, our metabolic pathways can become altered, leading to various age-related diseases and conditions. One example of a metabolic pathway that is affected by aging is the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC). The ETC is responsible for producing ATP, the primary source of energy for our cells. As we age, the function of the ETC can become impaired, leading to a decrease in ATP production and an increase in oxidative stress. This can contribute to age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and diabetes. Another example is the mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) pathway, which regulates cellular growth and metabolism. Studies have shown that inhibiting the mTOR pathway can increase lifespan in various model organisms, including mice. This has led to increased interest in developing drugs that target this pathway as a potential anti-aging strategy. One of the leading academics in this field is Dr. David Sinclair, a Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Sinclair's research has focused on the role of metabolism in aging and age-related diseases, and he has made significant contributions to the field. For example, his research has shown that supplementing with NAD+, a molecule involved in energy metabolism, can improve various aspects of aging in mice. Another leading academic in this field is Dr. Valter Longo, a Professor of Gerontology and Biological Science at the University of Southern California. Dr. Longo's research has focused on the role of fasting and caloric restriction in aging and age-related diseases. His work has shown that periodic fasting can have a range of health benefits, including improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation. In conclusion, the study of metabolic pathways in aging is a fascinating and rapidly growing field. By understanding the complex interplay between metabolism and aging, we can better understand the underlying causes of age-related diseases and conditions. Students who are interested in this topic can continue to explore it through reading and research, or by pursuing their own experiments and projects. With the right tools and resources, they can make meaningful contributions to this exciting field and help improve our understanding of aging and metabolic pathways.

Get ready to revolutionize the way we treat cancer and age-related diseases! A new company, GlioQuell, co-founded by Dr. Kambiz Alavian from the Department of Brain Sciences, is developing a cutting-edge approach to target the powerhouses of cancer cells - the mitochondria. By reducing the efficiency of these structures, GlioQuell aims to turn off the cancer cells' energy supply and treat one of the most aggressive forms of cancer - glioblastoma.

The world is still facing daily COVID-19 infections and the threat of virus mutation, but it's not too late to change the game. A pandemic vaccine alliance, similar to NATO, could be the solution to overcome the "free-rider problem" in global health efforts and ensure the world's biological security.

Metabolism is a complex and essential process that occurs in every cell of our body. It powers everything from our heartbeat to growing hair and converting food into energy. Despite what we hear, exercise has a limited impact on our metabolic rate, which is mostly genetic and related to body size and age. However, understanding our metabolism can help us manage our energy more effectively, leading to better health and well-being. Learning about the science of energy management can be intellectually stimulating and practically beneficial, allowing us to make informed choices about our diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle. So, let's demystify metabolism and discover the secrets of energy management for a healthier and happier life.

Severe stress triggers biological age to increase, but it can be reversed. Surgery, pregnancy, and COVID-19 are studied in humans and mice. Researchers found that biological age increased in situations of severe physiological stress but was restored when the stressful situation resolved. This study challenges the concept that biological age can only increase over a person’s lifetime and suggests that it may be possible to identify interventions that could slow or even partially reverse biological age.

A study of rockfish longevity has revealed a set of genes controlling their aging process, leading to the discovery of a previously unappreciated group of genes associated with extended lifespan in humans. The findings show that the same pathways that promote longevity in rockfish also promote longevity in humans. The study identified two major metabolic systems that regulate lifespan in rockfish: the insulin-signaling pathway, which prior research has shown plays a major role in regulating the lifespan of many different animals, and the previously unappreciated flavonoid metabolism pathway. These results provide insights into how to prevent or delay common human diseases of old age.

Researchers have identified lipid differences in patients with alcohol-related liver disease that could lead to earlier detection and new treatments. Sphingomyelins were found to be significantly reduced in scarred liver tissue, potentially serving as a biomarker for ALD. Learn more about this breakthrough research and its implications for the diagnosis and treatment of ALD.

Discover how human evolution has led to unique diseases like knee osteoarthritis, affecting millions worldwide. Professor Terence D. Capellini shares genetic research on the link between bipedalism and knee osteoarthritis, and how identifying high-risk patients at an early age can inform future therapies. Explore the Developmental and Evolutionary Genetics Lab's work and hypotheses published in his 2020 paper "Evolutionary Selection and Constraint on Human Knee Chondrocyte Regulation Impacts Osteoarthritis Risk." Join the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture's ongoing series to learn more.

Are you stressed about aging and the risks it poses to your health? A new study published in Cell Metabolism offers hope. According to Smithsonian Magazine, researchers found that biological age, which is measured by the state of DNA, can be reversed after a stressor subsides. This means that even if stress increases your biological age and raises the risk of certain diseases, it can be reversed once the stress is gone. The study looked at both mice and humans, and the findings are fascinating. Read the full article to learn more about the study's methodology and results.

Singapore's national flower, Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim, has had its entire genetic blueprint decoded, revealing natural products with antioxidant properties and distinctive colors. The study, published in Communications Biology, could lead to future research in gene and metabolite engineering, as well as the discovery of bioactive compounds for healthcare purposes. The collaboration between A\*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore and SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Biodiversity Medicine showcases the power of genetic sequencing technology in preserving and studying Singapore's plant biodiversity.

Weight loss surgery decreases bile acids linked to higher appetite, but lifestyle changes could mimic the effect. Researchers from King's, the University of Nottingham, and Amsterdam University Medical Centre found that gut microbes play a key role in regulating bile acids and metabolism. The study's results have important implications for targeted interventions for metabolic disorders focused on the gut microbiome. Co-author Professor Tim Spector, the co-founder of personalised nutrition company ZOE, highlights the promise of gut microbiome testing in supporting metabolic health.

Want to know the secret to successful and sustainable weight loss? According to a recent study by Stanford Medicine researchers, it's all about the bacteria in your gut and the biomarkers in your body! The study found that certain gut microbiome ecologies and amounts of proteins can predict whether you will be successful at losing weight and keeping it off. So, are you ready to unlock the power of your gut and biomarkers for weight loss success?

Did you know that adults catch more than 150 colds throughout their lives, and that a single family of viruses causes 30 to 50% of all colds? Understanding the complex relationship between viruses and our immune systems is not only fascinating, but also highly relevant to our daily lives. By reading about pleconaril, rhinovirus, and CRISPR, you'll learn about the science behind vaccines and antiviral drugs, and how they could help us tackle the common cold. But beyond that, exploring this topic will help you appreciate the incredible complexity and resilience of our immune systems, and the importance of maintaining our health. So grab a cup of tea and your favorite notebook, and get ready to dive into the fascinating world of viruses and immune systems!

DNA is a molecule that holds the secrets of life within its code, and it's waiting for you to explore it! This amazing molecule determines our traits, from our physical appearance to our personalities, and it can also tell us about our ancestry, our risk of diseases, and much more. Leading academics in the field of genetics, such as James Watson and Francis Crick, made major contributions to our understanding of DNA by discovering its structure and how it stores and transfers genetic information. Watson and Crick's discovery of the double helix structure of DNA was a major turning point in the field of genetics and opened up new avenues for scientific research. In the early 1990s, the Human Genome Project was launched to map all of the genes in human DNA. This project was a huge success and has had a profound impact on the field of genetics. It allowed scientists to identify specific genes that are associated with different diseases, such as cancer, and has paved the way for new treatments and cures. One of the most fascinating things about DNA is that every person's DNA is 99.9% identical to every other person's DNA. It's the remaining 0.1% that makes each of us unique! Our DNA also contains fascinating stories about our ancestors and their migrations. For example, DNA testing can tell us where our ancestors came from and how they migrated across the world. This is known as genetic genealogy, and it's an exciting field that combines genetics and history. Another fascinating aspect of DNA is its role in evolution. Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection states that species change over time through the process of natural selection. This process occurs because certain traits that provide an advantage in survival and reproduction become more common in a population over time. DNA mutations can lead to changes in traits, and over many generations, these changes can accumulate and result in new species. By exploring the world of DNA, you will not only deepen your understanding of genetics and biology, but also gain a new appreciation for the complexities and wonders of life. So go ahead, unlock the secrets of life with the power of DNA!

Discover the secret behind Gram-negative bacteria's armor-like outer membrane! A new study led by Professor Colin Kleanthous at the University of Oxford sheds light on how bacteria like E. coli construct their outer membrane to resemble body armor, with implications for developing antibiotics.

The discovery of antibiotics in the 20th Century revolutionized healthcare, adding an average of 20 years to everyone's life. However, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, or superbugs, which could cause a health crisis worse than any we've experienced this century. By 2050, it's predicted that 10 million people will die every year from complications with superbugs. A world without antibiotics would be catastrophic, impacting our food chain and causing many to die younger than they do now. As students, it's important to understand the consequences of antibiotic misuse and to be cautious when taking antibiotics. By finishing the full course of antibiotics, we can prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Additionally, we should be aware of the need for new antibiotics and support efforts to fund research into finding them. Anticipating problems and taking action before they become global crises is key to protecting our health and future.

If you're looking for a field of study that is both fascinating and essential to our everyday lives, then look no further than Microbiology! Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae. It is a field that has a significant impact on our health, food, environment, and much more. One of the most appealing aspects of Microbiology is that it has a direct impact on our daily lives. For example, microbiologists play a critical role in developing vaccines, antibiotics, and other treatments for infectious diseases. They also work to ensure the safety of our food supply by monitoring for harmful bacteria and other microorganisms. In terms of research and innovation, Microbiology is a field that is constantly evolving. There are always new discoveries being made, such as the recent development of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology. Microbiology also has a rich history, with notable figures such as Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch making groundbreaking contributions to the field. At the undergraduate level, students can expect to take courses in areas such as microbial genetics, immunology, and virology. There are also opportunities for further specialization, such as studying environmental microbiology or medical microbiology. Real-life examples of exciting careers in Microbiology include working as a clinical microbiologist, a food microbiologist, or a research scientist. There are a range of potential future jobs and roles that this field of study might be directly helpful for, including working in public health, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and more. Notable employers in the field include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer and Merck. To succeed in Microbiology, students should have a strong interest in science and a natural curiosity about the world around them. They should also be detail-oriented, analytical, and have excellent problem-solving skills. Overall, studying Microbiology is an exciting and rewarding experience that has the potential to make a real difference in the world. So if you're interested in a field that combines cutting-edge research with practical applications, then Microbiology might just be the perfect fit for you!

Vaccines are likely the most important public health intervention of the last 100 years, having saved over a billion lives. They have led to a massive reduction in child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa and can even prevent cancer. A world without vaccines would be unimaginable, with outbreaks of disease regularly all over the world. Vaccines are the only public health intervention that can bring equality, as they protect not only oneself but also one's family and community. While anti-vaccination fears have been around for over a century, it's important to engage with people where they are and understand their context, concerns, and experiences with health and vaccines. Taking a vaccine is not just a personal choice, but a moral choice that affects other people. Vaccines are fundamental to the privileges we have in the modern world and make it a safe place for most of us to be.