Articles for category: Biology & Genetics, Paleontology

Mantis shrimp coming out of a coral.

How the Mantis Shrimp’s Vision Can Teach Us About Color Perception

The mantis shrimp, a small marine crustacean, is one of nature’s most fascinating creatures due to its extraordinary vision system. Found in warm, shallow waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, these vibrant, feisty critters are not only known for their aggressive predatory skills but also for their complex eyes that provide insights into advanced ...

Annette Uy

Orange plastic bottle of antibiotic

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

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 ...

Annette Uy

person holding samples in the laboratory

Antibody Engineering: How Biotechnology is Advancing the Fight Against Infectious Diseases

Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that play a crucial role in identifying and neutralizing foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. With advancements in biotechnology, scientists have developed methods to engineer antibodies, tailoring them for enhanced specificity and efficacy against infectious diseases. Antibody engineering is a dynamic field that combines biology and ...

Annette Uy

woman holding laboratory appratus

Tissue Engineering: Creating Human-Like Organs in the Lab—Are We Close to Solving the Organ Shortage Crisis?

As medical science progresses, one of the most promising fields is tissue engineering—a burgeoning interdisciplinary domain that integrates biology, engineering, and medicine to regenerate, repair, or replace damaged tissues and organs. The potential to create human-like organs in the lab promises revolutionary solutions to the chronic and life-threatening problem of organ shortages around the world. ...

Purple cells

The Role of Microbes in Space and How Bacteria and Fungi Survive in the Vacuum

In the vast expanse of space, where harsh conditions challenge the survival of even the most resilient creatures, certain microscopic life forms, particularly bacteria and fungi, have proven remarkably adaptable. Their ability to endure and thrive in the vacuum of space is not only fascinating but also pivotal for the future of space exploration and ...

Close up of a DNA double helix structure

Unlocking the Mysteries of the Human Genome What We Have Learned From Next Generation Sequencing

Over the past few decades, advancements in genetic research have unlocked countless mysteries about the human genome. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), a revolutionary technology, has accelerated our understanding, leading to significant breakthroughs in medicine, biology, and biotechnology. This article explores the impact of NGS on our comprehension of the human genome, shedding light on its capabilities, ...

Close up of possible disease microbiology.

The Fascinating World of Proteomics How Scientists Are Mapping the Human Proteome and Its Role in Disease

Proteomics is a compelling field of biological study that explores the structure and function of proteins, the essential building blocks of life. Proteins play critical roles in virtually all biological processes, from catalyzing metabolic reactions to replicating DNA. As scientific techniques continue to evolve, researchers are now able to map the human proteome – the ...

Intestinal bacteria. Microbiome.

Microbes in Space Can Life Survive Beyond Earth

When thinking about space exploration, we often envision advanced spacecraft, groundbreaking technology, and heroic astronauts embarking on perilous missions to the stars. However, one of the most important factors in the search for extraterrestrial life and the possibility of sustaining human life beyond Earth lies in the microscopic realm of microbes. These tiny organisms, which ...

Pile of logs sitting in the middle of a forest.

How Deforestation Can Lead to the Spread of Infectious Diseases

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. ...