How Frogs Transformed Research

A Ribbit-ing History of Scientific Breakthroughs

When my research supervisor asked me what my favorite animal was, I didn’t hesitate—frogs. At the time, I was deep into a developmental biology course …

Amazing Enzymes and Where To Find Them

The reason we have cheese, and the reason most of us can’t eat it

Did you know that approximately 68% of people worldwide can’t digest cheese and other dairy products? It …

How Science Killed “Consumptive Chic”

John White Alexander “Repose” (1895) , oil/canvas 53 X 63 in, Metropolitan Museum of Art

“Consumption, I am aware, is a flattering malady,”

~ Charlotte Brontë (1849) wrote of her sister, Anne, who later died from the illness.

Epidemic Proportions

In the 18th and 19th centuries, …

Understanding the Steps in Clinical Trials

By now there is a high chance that you may have heard the words clinical trials, clinical research, drug approvals, phase 3, and everything related to them. Since December 2019 when …

How do Bacteria Communicate with Each Other?

Bacteria are single celled microscopic organisms that populate every surface on earth. They are constantly adapting to changes in their environment and have evolved amazing ways by which to thrive in their …

Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is like an umbrella term for two conditions called Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It is a …

HPV: The Cancer Causing Virus

HPV: The cancer causing virus

What is a virus

Viruses are non-living biological molecules composed of genetic material and proteins. Due to their lack of organelles (cellular machinery), they must enter and replicate their genome within …

Designer Babies – Science and Ethics

Designer Babies - Science and Ethics

Imagine if parents could choose their child’s likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses before they are even born. Parents who want their children to become pro athletes or nobel prize winners may jump …