Articles for category: Biology & Genetics, Ecology, Microbiology

7 Theories About the Origin of Life That Will Make You Rethink Everything

7 Theories About the Origin of Life That Will Make You Rethink Everything

Sumi

  If there’s one question that quietly haunts almost everyone, it’s this: how did life actually start? Not life as in people and pets and trees, but the very first living thing, from a world that was just rock, water, and energy. The more scientists dig into this mystery, the stranger and more mind-bending the ...

CRISPR, genetic, scissors, DNA

Exploring the Role of Microbes in Space How CRISPR and Biotechnology Aid in Understanding Life Beyond Earth

Maria Faith Saligumba

The vastness of outer space presents unique challenges and mysteries that have captivated scientists for decades. One of the most intriguing questions is the potential for life beyond Earth. As we expand our exploration into space, understanding the role of microbes is becoming increasingly essential. With the advancement in technology, particularly in CRISPR and biotechnology, ...

The scalding Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park.

The Fascinating World of Extremophiles: Microbes That Thrive in Extreme Conditions

Trizzy Orozco

Extremophiles are extraordinary microorganisms that have adapted to thrive in environments that are considered inhospitable to most life forms on Earth. From the scalding temperatures of hydrothermal vents to the freezing cold of Antarctic ice, these microbes have evolved to survive—and even flourish—where others quickly perish. Their existence not only challenges our understanding of the ...

Scientist holding a petri dish with microbes.

Synthetic Biology: Engineering Life From Scratch and Its Promise for Solving Global Challenges

Trizzy Orozco

Synthetic biology stands at the frontier of biotechnology, blending biology and engineering principles to design and construct new biological entities or modify existing ones. This interdisciplinary field aims to create organisms with novel functions, kickstarting a revolution in how we understand and interact with life. With roots in genetic engineering, synthetic biology pushes boundaries by ...

An elderly woman comforts a man coughing on a couch.

How Microbial Infections Are Evolving: The Battle Between Pathogens and Our Immune System

Trizzy Orozco

Microbial infections have long been a significant concern for both human and animal health. Pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, constantly evolve to survive and flourish within their hosts, leading to an ongoing battle with the immune systems of animals, including humans. Understanding how these microorganisms adapt and how our immune system responds is ...

They Mate on Your Face While You Sleep: The Secret Lives of Eyelash Mites

They Mate on Your Face While You Sleep: The Secret Lives of Eyelash Mites

Annette Uy

Imagine drifting off into a peaceful slumber, only to discover that tiny, eight-legged creatures are crawling out from your pores, meeting for midnight rendezvous right on your eyelashes. It sounds like the plot of a science fiction thriller, but it’s happening right now—on your very own face. These elusive guests are called eyelash mites, and ...

A scientist handling a forensics case.

Microbial Forensics: How Scientists Use Microbes to Solve Crimes

Trizzy Orozco

Microbial forensics is a groundbreaking field that merges microbiology and forensic science, focusing on identifying microbial strains to gather evidence for criminal investigations. This scientific discipline has gained traction as researchers and law enforcement agencies seek innovative ways to solve crimes effectively. Here, we’ll explore how scientists leverage microbes to unravel mysteries and bring perpetrators ...

Digitally-colorized transmission electron microscopic (TEM) image of Avian Influenza A H5N1 viruses (seen in gold), grown in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells (seen in green).

Why Viruses Aren’t Quite Alive: The Fascinating Science of Viral Life

Trizzy Orozco

Viruses occupy a gray area in the biological world. These microscopic entities have puzzled scientists for decades, standing at the intersection of living and non-living. While they exhibit some features of life, they lack others. So, why aren’t viruses considered fully alive? To answer this question, we must delve into the fascinating science of viral ...

a close up of an HIV-infected T cell.

The Role of Microbes in Climate Change: How Tiny Organisms Are Impacting Our Planet

Trizzy Orozco

Microbes are microscopic organisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and single-celled eukaryotes. Despite their tiny size, they are fundamental components of the Earth’s ecosystems, driving essential biological processes. From decomposition to nitrogen fixation, microbes play crucial roles in maintaining ecological balance. Recently, their significant influence on climate change has gained increased attention as we strive to ...

Close up of a DNA double helix structure

The Hidden World of Microorganisms How Tiny Life Forms Shape Our Planet

Maria Faith Saligumba

Microorganisms are an unseen yet powerful presence that influences every aspect of life on Earth. Despite their minuscule size, these tiny life forms play critical roles that keep our planet functioning. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, microorganisms are integral to maintaining ecosystems and supporting life. This hidden world teems with ...