Only 1% of chemical compounds have been discovered – here's how we search for others that could change the world

The limitless world of chemistry and how researchers investigate it.

Matthew Addicoat, Senior Lecturer in Functional Materials, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Oct. 17, 2023 • ~8 min

Tenacious curiosity in the lab can lead to a Nobel Prize – mRNA research exemplifies the unpredictable value of basic scientific research

The winners of the 2023 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine made a discovery that helped create the COVID-19 vaccines. They couldn’t have anticipated the tremendous impact of their findings.

André O. Hudson, Dean of the College of Science, Professor of Biochemistry, Rochester Institute of Technology • conversation
Oct. 3, 2023 • ~9 min

Strep throat can easily be confused with throat infections caused by viruses – here are a few ways to know the difference

Despite an abundance of research on strep, there is still a great deal of debate in the scientific community over whether and when people should get tested and treated for it.

Allen Shaughnessy, Professor of Family Medicine, Tufts University • conversation
July 12, 2023 • ~9 min

The melting Arctic is a crime scene. The microbes I study have long warned us of this catastrophe – but they are also driving it

To fully understand the extent of climate-related dangers the Arctic – and our planet – is facing, we must focus on organisms too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Arwyn Edwards, Reader in Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University • conversation
June 23, 2023 • ~27 min

Gain-of-function research is more than just tweaking risky viruses – it's a routine and essential tool in all biology research

From cancer immunotherapy and antibiotics to GMO crops and pandemic surveillance, gain of function is a cornerstone of basic research.

Anice Lowen, Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University • conversation
May 8, 2023 • ~11 min

Reconstructing ancient bacterial genomes can revive previously unknown molecules – offering a potential source for new antibiotics

Ancient microbes likely produced natural products their descendants today do not. Tapping into this lost chemical diversity could offer a potential source of new drugs.

Pierre Stallforth, Professor of Bioorganic Chemistry and Paleobiotechnology, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena • conversation
May 4, 2023 • ~9 min

One easy way to fight antibiotic resistance? Good hand hygiene

Using a mathematical model, researchers found that good hygiene can reduce the harmful effects of antibiotic use.

Kristofer Wollein Waldetoft, Postdoctoral Fellow in Infection Medicine, Georgia Institute of Technology • conversation
Feb. 28, 2023 • ~4 min

RSV treatments for young children are lacking, but the record 2022 cold and flu season highlights the urgency for vaccines and other preventive strategies

While RSV can become severe for any child, it poses a particularly serious threat for the youngest babies and for high-risk children.

Flor M. Munoz, Associate Professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine • conversation
Dec. 16, 2022 • ~10 min

Gonorrhea became more drug resistant while attention was on COVID-19 – a molecular biologist explains the sexually transmitted superbug

The US currently has only one antibiotic available to treat gonorrhea – and it’s becoming less effective.

Kenneth Keiler, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State • conversation
Oct. 5, 2022 • ~8 min

Dangerous counterfeit drugs are putting millions of US consumers at risk, according to a new study

Prescription opiods, stimulants such as those used to treat ADHD and the ingredients found in sexual dysfunction drugs like Viagra are some of the drugs that are being marketed to US consumers.

C. Michael White, Professor of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut • conversation
May 25, 2022 • ~6 min

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