Whales are recovering from near extinction, but industrial fishing around Antarctica competes for their sole food source

The Southern Ocean’s krill-rich waters attract multiple species of filter-feeding whales – and, increasingly, fishing boats.

Matthew Savoca, Research scientist, Stanford University • conversation
Sept. 10, 2024 ~5 min

Researchers doesn’t take enough account of variation in biology – doing so could unlock new understanding in science and medicine

New theory forces us to rethink some deeply ingrained concepts, such as life, death and disease.

Mauno Vihinen, Professor of Medical Structural Biology, Lund University • conversation
Sept. 10, 2024 ~7 min


Found dead in the snow − how microbes can help pinpoint time of death for forensic investigations in frigid conditions

An accurate estimate of when someone died is a critical part of forensic investigations. In extremely cold conditions, molecular biology can provide critical information where the naked eye cannot.

Lavinia Iancu, Assistant Professor of Forensic Science, Director of the Forensic Science Program, University of North Dakota • conversation
Sept. 9, 2024 ~8 min

Study assesses seizure risk from stimulating the thalamus

In animal models, even low stimulation currents can sometimes still cause electrographic seizures, researchers found.

David Orenstein | The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory • mit
Sept. 6, 2024 ~5 min

No detail too small

For Sarah Sterling, the new director of the Cryo-Electron Microscopy facility at MIT.nano, better planning and more communication leads to better science.

Nikole Fendler | Department of Biology • mit
Sept. 6, 2024 ~7 min

Yellow food dye can make living tissue transparent − these methods could one day improve cancer treatment, blood draws and even tattoo removal

New research demonstrates that the dye that gives nacho cheese its yellow-orange color can also make mouse skin see-through.

Guosong Hong, Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University • conversation
Sept. 5, 2024 ~8 min

Mitochondria keep your brain cells alive − helping them run smoothly may protect against Parkinson’s disease

As the powerhouse of the cell, mitochondria lie at the intersection of many essential biochemical pathways. When they go awry, neurodegenerative diseases can result.

Kim Tieu, Professor of Environmental Health Sciences, Florida International University • conversation
Aug. 29, 2024 ~6 min

Study reveals the benefits and downside of fasting

Fasting helps intestinal stem cells regenerate and heal injuries but also leads to a higher risk of cancer in mice, MIT researchers report.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
Aug. 21, 2024 ~8 min


Squid have tiny teeth in their suckers − scientists could use their unique properties to make self-healing materials

Researchers can use powerful microscopes to capture the tiny teeth in squid suckers.

Abdon Pena-Francesch, Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan • conversation
Aug. 21, 2024 ~4 min

What the unique shape of the human heart tells us about our evolution

New research reveals that the human heart has evolved distinct structural and functional traits that set it apart from our closest great ape relatives.

Aimee Drane, Senior Lecturer and Clinical Academic in Faculty of Medicine, Health & Life Sciences, Swansea University • conversation
Aug. 20, 2024 ~6 min

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