Norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis, causing an estimated 685 million cases each year. The virus can lead to severe illness and contributes to an estimated 50,000 child deaths on an annual basis, mostly in developing countries. Until now, medical researchers assumed that norovirus was only spread via the fecal-oral route – …
Freeze-Dried Mouse Sperm: A Revolution for In Vitro Fertilization?
Infographics When you think of a scientific laboratory, you might picture high-tech equipment, high-powered centrifuges, and bubbling vats of mysterious chemicals. However, the inner workings of the scientific community are often a bit more mundane. Take, for example, a group of researchers in Japan who were at their wits’ end as they tried to transport …
Lab-Grown Fish: Swimming into Sustainability
It seems impossible to discuss the fishing industry without also discussing the harm caused by overfishing, overburdened waterways, and concerns about mercury contamination. But while some experts are busy evaluating the possibilities for less harmful fishing practices, others are examining another kind of seafood: edible lab-grown fish that require no fishing at all. An article …
New AstraZeneca Drug for HER2-Low Breast Cancer Aces Phase III Trial
Infographics Not all cancer cases are created equal. As the medical community hones in on better, less invasive cancer treatments, differentiating between different types of cases is key. Breast cancer is an example of a cancer that manifests in several different ways, requiring different treatment regimens. The presence of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, …
Meet the Xenobots, Living Robots That Can Reproduce
“Life finds a way.” Those were the prophetic words of Dr. Ian Malcolm in Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster Jurassic Park. Now, as researchers discover that reconfigurable organisms, or xenobots as some like to call them, can now reproduce, those words are ringing true. Scientists first reported in 2020 how they created the reconfigurable organisms from skin …
Collaborations Continue to Reveal the Potential of Understanding Protein Structure and Interactions
Proteins are a string of amino acids linked together in a specific sequence, with 20 possible amino acids coming into play. Each protein is defined by its one-dimensional sequence of amino acids, which can be anywhere from a few dozen to several thousand amino acids long. For proteins to function, that string of amino acids …
Using Brain Stimulation to “Switch Tracks” in Mental Health Patients’ Train of Thought
A proof-of-concept study of brain stimulation among patients with epilepsy may have revealed a revolutionary way to treat people with severe depression, anxiety, addiction and other mental disorders. People experiencing these mental disorders often have a diminished ability to shift from one thought pattern or behavior to another, a process known as cognitive control. Alik …
When NSAAs Enter the Mix, Protein Therapeutics May Thrive
Protein therapeutics may soon represent a $200 billion market despite a few inherent limitations. The processes for manufacturing therapeutic proteins are not very efficient or scalable, and the therapeutics often reveal issues with safety and durability of treatment in clinical trials – but those issues may be a thing of the past. Up until now, …
What Gives a Hummingbird Its Distinctive Hum?
Hummingbirds are compact, energetic flying machines belonging to the family Trochilidae. They typically measure 7.5–13 cm (3–5 in) in length, boast colorful, almost jewel-like plumage, and feed on flower nectar. They are also known for agility, flexibility, and speed, which is how they came to inspire the QPS logo. The birds eat eight times their …
Exploring the Cat Microbiome
The human microbiome is a bit of a buzzword in wellness circles, referring to the trillions of symbiotic microbial cells harbored within the body. The microbiota in each individual microbiome can contribute to healthy or unhealthy physical function. In other words, the bacteria in your body can affect everything from digestion and cognition to behavior. …
