Have you ever wondered why some animals can regrow amputated limbs while humans can't? From sea stars to salamanders, some animals have the ability to form new tissue, nerves, and blood vessels to create a fully functional limb. Unfortunately, our bodies respond to a wound or cut by quickly patching it up with scar tissue, preventing blood loss and bacterial infection. However, scientists believe that the instructions for regeneration are latent in our genes, waiting to be turned on. Learning about the regenerative abilities of animals can inspire us to explore the potential of our own bodies and genes. By understanding the science behind limb regeneration, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and potential of the human body.

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!

Millions of people with IBS and IBD may find relief with Ferrocalm, a natural food supplement containing a friendly strain of live bacteria that has shown in animal models to reduce symptoms during active flare-ups. Developed over 10 years of R&D at the University of Bristol, Ferrocalm aims to alleviate stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Clinical trials in patients with inflammatory bowel disease are set for 2024 to test efficacy as a pharmaceutical treatment. Dr. Jenny Bailey, CEO of Ferryx, has spent 15 years researching gut inflammation to find a natural solution to improve quality of life for people who suffer from IBS and other gut conditions.

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.

Do you have a passion for helping people and a knack for science? Then a career in dentistry might be the perfect fit for you! As a dentist, you'll be responsible for helping your patients maintain their oral health, prevent dental problems, and treat any issues that arise. One of the most appealing aspects of dentistry is the ability to make a real difference in people's lives. Whether you're helping a patient overcome a fear of the dentist or restoring their smile, you'll have the opportunity to improve their quality of life in a meaningful way. As a dentist, your typical duties might include performing routine check-ups and cleanings, filling cavities, and repairing damaged teeth. You may also choose to specialize in areas like orthodontics, oral surgery, or pediatric dentistry. To become a dentist, you'll need to complete a rigorous education and training program. This typically involves earning a bachelor's degree in a science-related field like biology or chemistry, followed by four years of dental school. In addition to a strong academic background, there are several personal attributes that can make you a successful dentist. These include good communication skills, attention to detail, and a caring and compassionate demeanor. The job prospects for dentists are excellent, with a projected job growth rate of 7% over the next decade. There are also plenty of attractive potential employers in both the public and private sectors. For example, you might choose to work in a private dental practice, a community health clinic, or even the military. Some notable employers include Aspen Dental, Pacific Dental Services, and Heartland Dental. So if you're looking for a rewarding and fulfilling career that combines science and service, consider dentistry!

Cancer is a mysterious and creepy thing, and understanding it is crucial to fighting it. Cancer cells are unstable and selfish, only working for their own short-term benefit. They trick the body into building new blood vessels to feed them, but this can also become their undoing as they continue to mutate. Large animals seem to be immune to cancer, which scientists explain through two main ways: evolution and hypertumors. Evolution means that large animals invest in better cancer defenses, while hypertumors are the tumors of tumors. The solution to the paradox may actually be something different, but researchers still aren't sure what it is. Learning about the nature of cancer cells and cancer defenses can help you understand this complex and important topic.

Do you have a passion for animals and a desire to make a difference in their lives? If so, a career in veterinary medicine might be the perfect fit for you! As a veterinarian, you'll have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of animals, from household pets to exotic species, and help them stay healthy and happy. One of the most appealing aspects of a career in veterinary medicine is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of animals and their owners. Whether you're helping a sick pet recover from an illness or injury, performing routine check-ups to ensure their ongoing health, or even conducting research to advance our understanding of animal health and disease, the work you do as a veterinarian can have a profound impact on the world around you. As a veterinarian, your duties may include a wide range of activities, from diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries to performing surgeries and providing preventative care. You may also choose to specialize in a particular area of veterinary medicine, such as surgery, oncology, or emergency medicine, among others. To become a veterinarian, you'll typically need to complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary school. Popular undergraduate majors for aspiring veterinarians include biology, animal science, and pre-veterinary studies, among others. In addition to your formal education, you'll also need to pass a licensing exam in order to practice as a veterinarian. Helpful personal attributes for a career in veterinary medicine include a love of animals, strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure. Whether you're working in a private practice, a research laboratory, or a government agency, you'll need to be able to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders in order to achieve your goals. Job prospects for veterinarians are generally strong, with a variety of potential employers in both the public and private sectors. Some popular employers for veterinarians include animal hospitals and clinics, research laboratories, government agencies, and zoos and aquariums, among others. With a growing focus on animal health and welfare around the world, the long-term outlook for careers in veterinary medicine is bright, with plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement in the years to come.

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.

Are you fascinated by the human body and the intricate workings of our anatomy? Do you have a passion for helping others and a desire to make a real difference in people's lives? If so, then the field of dentistry might just be the perfect fit for you! Dentistry is a fascinating and rewarding field of study that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral diseases and disorders. As a dentist, you will play a vital role in helping people maintain healthy teeth and gums, as well as treating a wide range of dental problems, from cavities and gum disease to more complex issues like oral cancer and jaw disorders. One of the most appealing aspects of dentistry is the opportunity to work with patients of all ages and backgrounds, from children to seniors. You'll get to build meaningful relationships with your patients, helping them to achieve optimal oral health and improve their overall quality of life. In recent years, there have been many exciting innovations and breakthroughs in the field of dentistry, from new technologies like digital imaging and laser dentistry to cutting-edge research on the links between oral health and overall health. Some of the most inspiring academic figures in the field include Dr. Harold C. Slavkin, who has made significant contributions to the study of craniofacial biology, and Dr. Rena D'Souza, a leading expert in dental stem cell research. At the undergraduate level, students typically study a range of majors and modules, including anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, as well as more specialized courses like dental radiology and periodontology. There are also many opportunities for further specialization, such as orthodontics, endodontics, and prosthodontics. So what kind of career opportunities can you expect with a degree in dentistry? There are many exciting options available, from private practice dentistry to public health dentistry, research, and academia. Some popular employers in the field include the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, the American Dental Association (ADA), and private dental clinics and hospitals around the world. To succeed in dentistry, you'll need a combination of strong academic skills, including a solid foundation in the sciences, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You should also have a strong interest in helping others and a desire to make a positive impact on people's lives. So if you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career that combines your love of science with your passion for helping others, then dentistry might just be the perfect fit for you!

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.

Yawning is not just a sign of tiredness, it's also an example of emotional contagion, where we tend to share the feelings of the people around us. Mimicry and emotional contagion help us intuit the thoughts and feelings of the people in our social circle, forming the basis of empathy. Even children with autism start to yawn when coaxed into looking at the eyes and mouth of a yawner. Evidence from chimpanzees suggests that yawning spreads when empathy exists between two chimps. We feel more empathy for people in our social groups than for strangers, and the brain mechanisms that support contagious yawning may help maintain relationships too. So, don't hold back on the yawns, as it's probably a sign of good social skills. Understanding emotional contagion and mimicry can help us develop better empathy and social skills, which are essential for building strong relationships both personally and professionally.

Horseshoe crabs, a resilient species that has existed for over 450 million years, are facing heightened pressures due to the booming global demand for their blue blood. This blood is the only known natural source of amebocyte lysate, a clotting agent used to detect dangerous endotoxins in a variety of human medical products, including COVID vaccines. The Atlantic horseshoe crab, already considered vulnerable by conservation groups, is facing dwindling numbers due to increased bleedings by biomedical companies. As the industry shifts towards the Atlantic species, questions arise about our obligations to the animals that supply life-saving materials for human benefit.

Frances Oldham Kelsey was a scientist who saved thousands of lives by rejecting an application to sell a drug called thalidomide. The drug was widely used in dozens of countries to treat insomnia, workplace stress, and nausea in pregnant women. However, Kelsey found the data on thalidomide's absorption and toxicity inadequate and rejected the application. Her earlier animal-based research demonstrated that drugs could pass from mother to fetus through the placenta, and she believed that thalidomide could cause harm to fetuses. Her decision to reject the application and ask for better evidence saved countless babies from severe birth defects caused by thalidomide. Kelsey's legacy endures as she prioritized facts over opinions and patience over shortcuts, making evidence-based medicine the foundation of reforms that continue to protect people today. By learning about Kelsey's story, students can understand the importance of evidence-based research and the impact of their decisions in science and medicine.

Are you an animal lover with a passion for science? Then Pre-Veterinary Medicine might just be the perfect field of study for you! Pre-Veterinary Medicine is the study of animal health and welfare, and it covers a wide range of topics from animal anatomy and physiology to nutrition and disease prevention. One of the most appealing aspects of this field is the opportunity to work with animals on a daily basis. Whether you're assisting with surgery, performing routine check-ups, or helping to rehabilitate injured animals, you'll have the chance to make a real difference in the lives of our furry friends. Pre-Veterinary Medicine is also a field of study that is constantly evolving. Researchers are always discovering new ways to improve animal health, and there are many exciting innovations happening in the field. For example, scientists are now using stem cells to treat a variety of animal diseases, and there is ongoing research into the use of gene editing to prevent hereditary conditions. If you're interested in pursuing a degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine, you can expect to take courses in subjects like biology, chemistry, and animal science. Some popular majors include Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, and Pre-Veterinary Medicine. After completing your undergraduate degree, you may choose to specialize in a particular area of veterinary medicine, such as surgery, dentistry, or emergency medicine. One of the great things about studying Pre-Veterinary Medicine is that it can lead to a wide range of career opportunities. Of course, many graduates go on to become veterinarians, working in private practices or for organizations like the Humane Society. But there are also many other careers that are directly related to this field, such as animal nutritionist, wildlife biologist, or animal behaviorist. And if you're interested in working for a specific company or organization, there are many notable employers in this field, such as the ASPCA, the World Wildlife Fund, and the National Park Service. To succeed in Pre-Veterinary Medicine, you'll need to have a strong background in science and a genuine love of animals. You'll also need to be patient, compassionate, and able to work well under pressure. If you have these qualities, then Pre-Veterinary Medicine might just be the perfect field of study for you!

Protect your furry friends from fatal illnesses by vaccinating them against common diseases like panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, and feline leukemia. Dr. Lori Teller, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, recommends vaccinating kittens and cats as early as 6-8 weeks old. Vaccinations not only prevent the spread of diseases but also boost their body's defense against them. Find out more about how to keep your feline friends healthy and happy!

Life Sciences is a fascinating field that encompasses a wide range of scientific disciplines, including biology, genetics, ecology, and more. If you're interested in studying the natural world and discovering new ways to improve human health and well-being, then a career in Life Sciences might be perfect for you! As a Life Scientist, you'll have the opportunity to explore the mysteries of the natural world, from the smallest organisms to the largest ecosystems. You'll work with cutting-edge technology and tools to conduct research, analyze data, and develop new theories and ideas. Whether you're studying the genetics of disease, the ecology of a particular ecosystem, or the behavior of animals in the wild, you'll be at the forefront of scientific discovery and innovation. Some of the most exciting and meaningful aspects of a career in Life Sciences include the potential to make a real difference in people's lives. For example, you might work on developing new treatments for diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, or HIV/AIDS, or you might focus on finding ways to protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity. You might also have the opportunity to work with communities around the world to promote sustainable agriculture, improve public health, or address other pressing global challenges. In terms of typical duties, Life Scientists might work in a variety of settings, from academic research labs to government agencies to private companies. Some Life Scientists specialize in particular areas, such as genetics, ecology, or microbiology, while others work across multiple disciplines. Some common tasks might include conducting experiments and collecting data, analyzing results, writing reports and papers, and presenting findings at conferences and other events. To pursue a career in Life Sciences, you'll typically need a strong background in science and math, as well as a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, biochemistry, or environmental science. Some popular undergraduate programs and majors include Biology, Environmental Science, and Biomedical Engineering. Helpful personal attributes for a career in Life Sciences might include a strong curiosity and passion for learning, excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team. You should also be comfortable working with technology and be able to communicate your findings clearly and effectively to others. Job prospects in Life Sciences are generally strong, with many opportunities for growth and advancement in a variety of fields. Some notable potential employers in the public sector include the National Institutes of Health, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the private sector, companies such as Pfizer, Merck, and Novartis are major players in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. And of course, there are countless academic institutions and research organizations around the world that offer exciting opportunities for Life Scientists to pursue their passions and make a real impact on the world around them.

Have you ever wondered how your genes determine your traits and characteristics? Do you have a passion for science and a desire to unravel the mysteries of life? If so, a career in geneticist might be just what you're looking for! Geneticists are scientists who study genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms. They use their knowledge of genetics to understand how traits are passed down from generation to generation, and how genetic mutations can lead to diseases and disorders. One of the most exciting aspects of being a geneticist is the potential to make groundbreaking discoveries that could change the course of medicine and science. For example, geneticists were instrumental in identifying the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. This discovery has led to new treatments and preventative measures for these diseases. As a geneticist, you'll have a variety of duties depending on your area of specialization. Some geneticists work in research labs, conducting experiments and analyzing data. Others work in clinical settings, helping patients to understand their genetic risks and providing counseling and support. There are also geneticists who work in agriculture, conservation, and forensics. To become a geneticist, you'll need to have a strong background in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Most geneticists have at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as genetics, biology, or biochemistry. Some may also have a master's or doctoral degree, which can lead to more advanced research and teaching positions. In addition to a strong academic background, there are several personal attributes that can be helpful in a career in genetics. These include a curious and analytical mind, excellent communication skills, and a passion for learning and discovery. The job prospects for geneticists are strong, with a growing demand for their expertise in a variety of industries. Some notable employers of geneticists include pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Novartis, research institutions like the National Institutes of Health, and government agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So if you're interested in a career that combines your love of science with the potential to make a real difference in the world, consider becoming a geneticist. Who knows, you might just be the one to make the next groundbreaking discovery!

Ancient Egyptian tombs reveal pots of honey, thousands of years old and still preserved. What makes honey such a special food? The answer lies in its chemical makeup and the alchemy of bees. Honey's longevity and acidic properties lend it medicinal qualities, making it a natural bandage and a barrier against infection for wounds. Discover the magic of honey and its perfect balance of hygroscopic and antimicrobial properties.

Do you love animals and have a passion for science? If so, a career in Veterinary Medicine may be the perfect fit for you! As a veterinarian, you will have the opportunity to work with a variety of animals, from small pets to large farm animals, and even exotic creatures. One of the most appealing aspects of this career is the ability to make a difference in the lives of animals and their owners. Imagine being able to diagnose and treat a sick animal, helping them recover and return to their happy and healthy selves. Or, being able to perform life-saving surgeries and procedures that give animals a second chance at life. As a veterinarian, your typical duties may include performing routine check-ups and vaccinations, diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries, performing surgeries, and providing preventative care. You may also have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as surgery, dentistry, or dermatology. To become a veterinarian, you will need to complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, which typically takes four years to complete. Popular undergraduate programs and majors include biology, animal science, and zoology. In addition to a strong educational background, helpful personal attributes for a career in Veterinary Medicine include compassion, attention to detail, and strong communication skills. Job prospects for veterinarians are strong, with a projected growth rate of 16% over the next decade. There are a variety of potential employers, including private practices, animal hospitals, and government agencies. Notable employers include Banfield Pet Hospital, VCA Animal Hospitals, and the United States Department of Agriculture. In summary, a career in Veterinary Medicine offers the opportunity to combine your love for animals with your passion for science. With strong job prospects and the ability to make a difference in the lives of animals and their owners, this career path is both rewarding and fulfilling.

Genome-edited CAR T-cells treated a young patient's incurable T-cell leukaemia, leading to complete remission after just 28 days. Designed and developed by researchers at UCL and GOSH, the treatment represents a cutting-edge approach that paves the way for other new treatments and ultimately better futures for sick children.