Articles for category: Biology & Genetics, Conservation

A DNA helix.

How DNA Barcoding Helps Identify and Protect Wildlife

Linnea H, BSc Sociology

DNA barcoding is a scientific technique that uses a short genetic sequence from a standard part of the genome to identify species. Often compared to the way a supermarket scanner uses UPC barcodes to identify products, this method offers an efficient and reliable means of distinguishing between different species, even those that are closely related. ...

Scientists Find Lucid Dreaming is a New State Of Consciousness

Scientists Find Lucid Dreaming is a New State Of Consciousness

Andrew Alpin

Imagine being fully aware that you’re dreaming, talking to a scientist in real time while you sleep, and even answering math questions correctly without waking up. That sounds like science fiction, but over the past few years, researchers have shown that this is not just possible – it may represent a distinct, measurable state of ...

White and brown ceramic teapot on wooden tray.

International Tea Day: The Botany and Chemistry of the World’s Favorite Leaf

Trizzy Orozco

Did you know that a simple cup of tea connects people across continents and centuries, weaving together stories of science, tradition, and taste? As the steam rises from a freshly brewed pot, it whispers tales of ancient botanists, wild mountain plantations, and the invisible chemistry that makes every sip unique. On International Tea Day, let’s ...

Blue banana.

The Banana That Tastes Like Ice Cream and Glows Under UV Light

Trizzy Orozco

Imagine biting into a banana that’s so creamy and sweet, it feels like you’re eating a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Now, picture that same banana glowing like a secret jewel when you shine ultraviolet light on its skin. This isn’t a fantasy from a faraway planet or a trick of the imagination—it’s a real ...

Dardanus pedunculatus (Hermit crab).

How Crabs Use Trash, Shells, and Bottle Caps as Designer Hats

Trizzy Orozco

Picture a tiny crab scuttling across a stretch of sandy beach, dragging behind it not an ordinary seashell, but a neon-green bottle cap, perched proudly like a crown. It’s a sight that can make you laugh, shake your head, or even feel a pang of concern. In a world where human trash washes up on ...

Microbiome lab

How Dr. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan’s Discovery of the Ribosome Structure Revolutionized Molecular Biology

Maria Faith Saligumba

Molecular biology is a field that delves into the intricate mechanisms defining life at a cellular level, focusing on the interactions between various systems within a cell, such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. Among these cellular components, ribosomes play a critical role by serving as the machinery for protein synthesis, translating genetic information into functional ...

Newborn baby being held by a doctor after birth

How Dr Virginia Apgars Development of the Apgar Score Saved Millions of Babies Worldwide

Maria Faith Saligumba

In the history of medicine, few innovations have had as profound an impact on newborn care as the Apgar Score, developed by Dr. Virginia Apgar. Introduced in 1952, this simple yet revolutionary assessment tool transformed neonatal care and drastically improved infant survival rates worldwide. Dr. Apgar’s work underscored the importance of systematic observation and quick ...

Colorized electron micrograph of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) particles (magenta) harvested and purified from cell culture supernatant.

How Emerging Infectious Diseases Are Changing the World Can We Prepare for the Next Pandemic

Maria Faith Saligumba

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) have been a significant concern throughout history, but their impact on global health and stability has garnered increased attention in recent years. These diseases, often originating in animals, can jump to humans, creating new challenges for public health. The emergence of diseases like SARS, Ebola, and most recently, COVID-19, highlights the ...

Why Highly Empathetic People Are Prone to Emotional Burnout

Why Highly Empathetic People Are Prone to Emotional Burnout

Sumi

If you’ve ever walked out of a room feeling more exhausted than the person actually going through the crisis, you’re not alone. Highly empathetic people often carry an invisible emotional backpack packed with everyone else’s worries, fears, and pain. From the outside, they look kind, supportive, and endlessly patient. On the inside, many of them ...