Plants can liven up a dreary space, purify our air, and generally keep us healthier – but what if they could contribute to innovative germ-fighting science, too? That question is at the center of recent research on multi-resistant, or multidrug-resistant germs. Why? Because these highly evolved germs are a major concern in healthcare environments. There, they …
COVID-19 and Allergies – Symptoms, Similarities, and the Science
The spring equinox arrived in March and with it came longer days, warmer temperatures and, for about eight percent of the world’s population, seasonal allergies. Prior to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, allergies were more of a nuisance than a serious health concern for most people. But beyond emotional duress stemming from the fact that seasonal allergy …
Natural Killer Cells May Play a Role in Preventing Parkinson’s Disease
According to the Global Burden of Disease study, 6.2 million patients live with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and this number is expected to double by 2040. Although promising medications, such as levadopa, have been introduced, there are currently no cures for PD. Researchers at the University of Georgia are trying to change that with their recent …
How a Rare Breed of Rabbit Is Advancing Genetics
Although you might think of the ability to hop as one of rabbits’ defining characteristics, some rabbits don’t hop at all. The sauteur d’Alfort is a rare breed of domestic rabbit that sometimes walks on its front paws with its hind legs in the air. Its inability to hop and aptitude for handstands has fascinated scientists for years. …
Equine Coronavirus and Horses’ Contribution to the COVID-19 Vaccine
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, people around the world have been asked to do their part to prevent the virus from spreading. Whether they developed a vaccine, cared for the sick, or simply followed health officials’ guidelines, all humans have had the opportunity to make a positive impact – but did you know …
Determining “Responsible Clinical Use” in Heritable Human Genome Editing
A common refrain in science fiction movies is the cautionary statement, “Just because we can doesn’t mean we should.” As new technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 have made gene editing at precise locations in DNA possible, that sentiment has plagued ethicists and scientists alike regarding heritable human genomes. The need for guidelines became apparent when Dr. …
View from My Window, Part 3: The Community We Build
In January, we introduced the social media phenomenon “View From My Window” (VFMW), a Facebook Group whose members who have posted pictures of their inside-out views during lockdown. In February, we reviewed some of the science explaining why the VFMW photos have become such a global phenomenon. We discussed how views of natural environments have …
COVID-19 Immunity After Infection: Can You Catch COVID-19 Twice?
After recovering from a viral infection, the human body’s immune system retains a memory of the virus so that if the person encounters it again, their immune system will be able to recognize and kill the pathogens. Although a healthy immune system is remarkably effective at protecting the body from outside invaders, until recently researchers …
A COVID-19 Call to Arms: The HHS Invites Everyone to Join the Fight
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently launched a new website to enlist the public’s support in fighting the SARS-CoV-2 virus: CombatCovid.hhs.gov. The objective of the site is breaking down barriers where people’s involvement is critical to success, such as recruiting eligible participants for clinical trials in the treatment and prevention of the …
Robust Cell and Gene Therapy Pipeline Targets a Range of Diseases
Cell and gene therapies (CGTs) are quickly making their way from theory to clinical practice, primarily because they target specific disease drivers rather than the broad targets of small-molecule therapies. This specificity is possible because cell and gene therapies target genes and cells to change the way tissues function. The goal for both types of …
