Silphion, a golden-flowered plant once prized by the Greeks and Romans for its medicinal and culinary uses, disappeared from the ancient world. But a professor in Turkey may have rediscovered the last holdouts of the plant, which was once valued as highly as gold. Ferula drudeana, a plant with similar characteristics, may be the modern-day version of silphion, with potential for medical breakthroughs. Explore the fascinating story of a plant that was the first recorded extinction and the search for its rediscovery.

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.

The world of science is constantly evolving, and with it comes new discoveries that can benefit humanity. However, there are also risks associated with scientific research, particularly in the field of biotechnology. Gain of function work involves manipulating the DNA of microorganisms to give them new abilities, which can be used in vaccine production and cancer treatments. However, this work also includes engineering superbugs that could cause a global pandemic if they escape from the lab. While virologists argue that this research could help us prepare for future pandemics, critics believe that the risks outweigh the benefits. To minimize the risk of lab leaks, experts suggest creating international databases of leaks, near-misses, and fixes, as well as developing a robust pandemic early warning system. As students, it is important to understand the benefits and risks of scientific research and to be aware of the measures being taken to minimize the risks associated with it.

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.

Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell and for good reason. These tiny organelles are responsible for producing the energy that our cells need to function. In this write-up, we'll explore the magic of mitochondria and why they are so important to our health and well-being. Did you know that mitochondria are sometimes referred to as the "second genome"? This is because they have their own DNA and can replicate independently of the cell's nucleus. This discovery, made by Dr. Douglas C. Wallace in the late 1970s, revolutionized our understanding of cellular biology. Another interesting fact about mitochondria is that they are thought to have originated from a symbiotic relationship between early cells and primitive bacteria. Over time, the two organisms evolved together to form the cells that make up our bodies today. This theory, known as the endosymbiotic theory, was first proposed by Dr. Lynn Margulis in the 1960s. So, what exactly do mitochondria do? Well, they are responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through a process called cellular respiration. This energy is then used by our cells to carry out all of their functions, from moving and growing, to repairing and reproducing. It's important to note that our cells can't survive without energy, and without mitochondria, we wouldn't be able to produce enough energy to support our bodies. This is why mitochondria are so critical to our health and well-being. By learning more about the magic of mitochondria, you'll gain a deeper understanding of cellular biology and the role that these tiny organelles play in our lives. So, get reading, reflecting, and exploring!

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.

The human body is made up of trillions of cells, with each cell originating deep within our bones. The porous nature of bones allows for large and small blood vessels to enter, with the hollow core of most bones containing soft bone marrow. This marrow is essential, containing blood stem cells that constantly divide and differentiate into red and white blood cells and platelets, sending billions of new blood cells into circulation every day. Blood cancers often begin with genetic mutations in these stem cells, which can result in malignant blood cells. For patients with advanced blood cancers, the best chance for a cure is often an allogeneic bone marrow transplant. This procedure involves extracting blood stem cells from a donor and infusing them into the patient's body, leading to the regeneration of healthy blood cells. While bone marrow transplants come with risks, including graft-versus-host disease, it is crucial to find the best match possible for the recipient. Donor registries offer hope to those without a matched family member. Learning about the importance of bone marrow and stem cells can inspire students to explore the fascinating world of human biology and potentially make a difference in someone's life through donation.

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.

In just a few thousand years, northern Europeans evolved to digest milk, a feat that was once impossible for adult humans. Scientists now believe that exceptional stressors like famines and pathogens may have driven this genetic change, making the ability to digest milk extra valuable. This study, published in Nature and led by experts from the University of Bristol and University College London, sheds light on the evolution of lactose tolerance and rewrites the textbooks on why drinking milk was an advantage.

Have you ever wondered what happens to your blood after it's drawn at the doctor's office? Or how doctors diagnose illnesses and diseases? Enter the world of Medical Laboratory Science, where the magic happens behind the scenes. As a Medical Laboratory Scientist, your role is crucial in the healthcare industry. You'll use advanced laboratory techniques and equipment to analyze patient samples, such as blood, tissue, and bodily fluids, to help diagnose and treat diseases. You'll work with a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, to provide accurate and timely results that inform patient care. But what makes this career so appealing? For starters, it's a constantly evolving field. With new technologies and discoveries, you'll always be learning and adapting to stay at the forefront of your profession. Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that your work directly impacts patient outcomes and helps save lives. In terms of duties, Medical Laboratory Scientists can specialize in a variety of areas, such as microbiology, hematology, or immunology. You may also work in related fields, such as research or public health. Typical tasks include analyzing samples, interpreting results, and communicating findings to healthcare providers. To become a Medical Laboratory Scientist, you'll need at least a Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science or a related field. Popular undergraduate programs include Biology, Chemistry, and Medical Technology. You'll also need to complete a clinical rotation and pass a certification exam. Helpful personal attributes for this career include attention to detail, critical thinking skills, and the ability to work well under pressure. You'll also need strong communication skills to effectively communicate with healthcare providers and patients. Job prospects for Medical Laboratory Scientists are strong, with a projected growth rate of 11% from 2018 to 2028. You can find job opportunities in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, research labs, and government agencies. Notable employers include Mayo Clinic, Quest Diagnostics, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So if you're interested in a career that combines science, technology, and healthcare, consider exploring the world of Medical Laboratory Science. Who knows - you could be the next person to discover a life-saving breakthrough!

New research has identified gold-based compounds that could treat multidrug-resistant "superbugs", with some effectiveness against several bacteria. Antibiotic resistance is a global public health threat, and the development of new antibiotics has stalled. Gold metalloantibiotics, compounds with a gold ion at their core, could be a promising new approach. Dr. Sara M. Soto Gonzalez and colleagues studied the activity of 19 gold complexes against a range of multidrug-resistant bacteria isolated from patients. The gold compounds were effective against at least one bacterial species studied, with some displaying potent activity against several multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Learning about the chemistry of onions may not seem like the most exciting academic topic, but it can help you understand how things work in the world around you. When you chop an onion, you're changing its chemistry and releasing a gas that causes your eyes to water. You can slow down the onion's enzymes by storing it in the fridge or boiling it briefly, or you can wear goggles or sunglasses while cutting it. Scientists are even working on creating tear-free onions through genetic modification and traditional plant breeding. Learning about the chemistry of onions can help you appreciate the complexities of the natural world and give you practical skills for your everyday life.

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.

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.

Did you know that some viruses are actually good for you? Bacteriophages, or phages for short, are natural enemies of bacteria that can protect our health by killing germs that make us sick. Unlike antibiotics, phages are highly specific and won't harm the good microbes in our bodies. With the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections, pharmaceutical companies are giving phages a second look. In fact, a recent clinical trial showed that they work against antibiotic-resistant ear infections. Researchers are also using them to treat infected wounds in veterans and diabetics and to stop the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections. So, if you're interested in learning more about how these tiny viruses can help us fight disease, read on!

Understanding the blueprint of life is essential to understanding how our bodies work. DNA, genes, and chromosomes are the building blocks that make up this blueprint. DNA is the most basic level and is made up of nucleotides arranged along a sugar backbone. Genes are long snippets of DNA that contain information about building proteins and are the most basic units of inheritance. Chromosomes are long strands of DNA wrapped around proteins called Histones and contain many genes. The body uses acetylation to control the production of proteins. Understanding these concepts can help you understand how traits are passed down and how the body makes an estimated one million proteins from only twenty thousand genes. Knowing the blueprint of life will help you understand how your body works and give you a foundation for further scientific exploration.

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!

Scientists sequence Beethoven's genome from locks of hair, revealing new insights into his health and ancestry. The study, led by Cambridge University and other institutions, uncovers genetic risk factors for liver disease and an infection with Hepatitis B virus. Beethoven's hearing loss remains a mystery, but his genomic data rules out coeliac disease and lactose intolerance as potential causes. The study sheds light on the composer's health problems, including chronic gastrointestinal complaints and a severe liver disease that likely contributed to his death at age 56.

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!