Articles for category: Biology & Genetics, Disease & Medicine, Microbiology

A palm holding three antibiotic medicines.

The Future of Microbial Therapy: Can We Replace Antibiotics with Good Bacteria?

Trizzy Orozco

Antibiotics have long been hailed as miracle drugs of modern medicine, combating bacterial infections that once led to severe health complications and even death. However, with the rise of antibiotic resistance, there’s a growing need to explore alternative treatments. One promising avenue is microbial therapy, specifically the use of beneficial or ‘good’ bacteria to replace ...

When Algorithms Predict Your Death: The Morbid Future of Predictive Healthcare

When Algorithms Predict Your Death: The Morbid Future of Predictive Healthcare

Annette Uy

Imagine waking up to a notification that quietly whispers your likely cause of death, or a digital assistant reminding you to avoid risky behaviors based on its calculations of your mortality. It sounds like the plot of a futuristic thriller, but this chilling prospect might soon be reality. Algorithms are already learning to predict not ...

Orange plastic bottle of antibiotic

The Mystery of Antibiotics: How Microbes Produce Natural Defenses Against Pathogens

Annette Uy

Antibiotics have revolutionized medicine since their discovery in the early 20th century, saving countless lives by combatting bacterial infections. Originally discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928 with penicillin, antibiotics are naturally occurring compounds produced by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi to defend against other microbes in their environment. This biologically competitive arsenal is a wonder ...

Pile of logs sitting in the middle of a forest.

How Deforestation Can Lead to the Spread of Infectious Diseases

Trizzy Orozco

Deforestation is a rapidly escalating global issue with implications that reach far beyond biodiversity loss and carbon emissions. It’s a process that both directly and indirectly facilitates the spread of infectious diseases. This article delves into the multifaceted ways through which deforestation acts as a catalyst for disease proliferation, impacting both human and animal populations. ...

Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing (ESBLs) Enterobacteriaceae bacteria: Escherichia coli.

The Hidden World of Microbes: How Bacteria Shape Our Health and Environment

Trizzy Orozco

Microbes form an invisible network of life that influences our health, environment, and even the global climate. This hidden world encompasses bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that inhabit nearly every part of our planet. Despite their microscopic size, these organisms play pivotal roles in ecosystem functions and human well-being. Let’s explore how bacteria, in ...

Researcher and microscope

Single Cell RNA Sequencing A Game Changer in Understanding Disease at the Cellular Leve

Maria Faith Saligumba

In recent years, scientific advancements have transformed our understanding of diseases, particularly at the cellular level. One revolutionary technology making waves in the field of genomics and cell biology is Single-Cell RNA Sequencing (scRNA-seq). This technique allows researchers to study the genetic activity of individual cells, providing unprecedented insights into cellular diversity and function. Practical ...

person in brown long sleeve shirt with white bandage on right hand

How Can We Improve Global Vaccine Access to Fight Deadly Diseases?

Annette Uy

Vaccines are one of the most effective tools in combating infectious diseases and have saved millions of lives. However, despite their availability, there remains a significant disparity in vaccine access between high-income countries and low- to middle-income countries. To address this issue and improve global health, it is crucial to understand the reasons behind this ...

Common Hairworm.

Hairworms Make Their Hosts Jump Into Water to Drown Themselves

Trizzy Orozco

Imagine an insect confidently hopping through the grass, blissfully unaware that its every move is being manipulated by a hidden invader. Suddenly, this unsuspecting creature makes a frantic leap—right into a nearby stream, where it quickly drowns. What invisible force compels such a bizarre and tragic fate? The answer is as astonishing as it is ...

Monkeys sitting on top of a large leaf.

The Role of Wildlife Reserves in Preventing Animal Diseases

Trizzy Orozco

Wildlife reserves, also known as conservation areas or sanctuaries, play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species. These protected areas serve as a sanctuary for animals, providing them with a natural habitat where they can live and breed without the threats posed by human activities such as deforestation, poaching, and urban encroachment. ...