News Archive
Congress must clarify limits of gene-editing technologies
Phil Ciciora
Genome editing of human embryos represents one of the most contentious potential scientific applications today. But what if geneticists could sidestep the controversy by…
Octopus-inspired sucker transfers thin, delicate tissue grafts, biosensors
Liz Ahlberg Touchstone
Thin tissue grafts and flexible electronics have a host of applications for wound healing, regenerative medicine and biosensing. A new device inspired by an octopus’s sucker…
Study on how bacteria obtain essential nutrients in soil, during infection
Maddie Blaauw and the MCB Communications Office
Much like humans eat food in order to obtain essential nutrients, bacteria acquire nutrients by importing them. An essential nutrient for life is zinc, which cannot be…
CRISPR-induced immune diversification in host-virus populations
Alisa King
Just like humans, microbes have equipped themselves with tools to recognize and defend themselves against viral invaders. In a continual evolutionary battle between virus and…
Exercise and nutrition regimen benefits physical, cognitive health
Diana Yates
Researchers studied the effects of a 12-week exercise regimen on 148 active-duty Air Force airmen, half of whom also received a twice-daily nutrient beverage that included…
Genomic study reveals evolutionary secrets of banyan tree
Diana Yates
The banyan fig tree Ficus microcarpa is famous for its aerial roots, which sprout from branches and eventually reach the soil. The tree also has a unique relationship…
Cancer compound leads to major licensing deal
Jordan Goebig
Researchers affiliated with the Cancer Center at Illinois and the IGB discovered a novel small molecule compound that is now the subject of a new global licensing agreement…
Gene expression altered by direction of forces acting on cell
Liz Ahlberg Touchstone
Tissues and cells in the human body are subjected to a constant push and pull – strained by other cells, blood pressure and fluid flow, to name a few. The type and direction of…
Do-it-yourself COVID-19 vaccines fraught with public health problems
Phil Ciciora
Well-intentioned “citizen scientists” developing homemade COVID-19 vaccines may believe they’re inoculating themselves against the ongoing pandemic, but the practice of self-…
Most homemade masks doing a great job, study finds
Lois Yoksoulian
Studies indicate that homemade masks help combat the spread of viruses like COVID-19 when combined with frequent hand-washing and physical distancing. Many of these studies…
Novel phage alters transcriptome of a common human gut microbe
Alisa King
The human gut is home to a dense and diverse microbial community that represents a vital component of human health, development, and disease states. Within those communities,…
Cholesterol metabolite causes immune system to attack T cells, not breast cancer
Liz Ahlberg Touchstone
In breast cancer tumors, a molecule produced when the body breaks down cholesterol hijacks the myeloid immune cells that normally arm T cells to fight cancer, a new study in…