Cancer evolution is mathematical – how random processes and epigenetics can explain why tumor cells shape-shift, metastasize and resist treatments

An epigenetic model of cancer that incorporates the concept of stochasticity could also explain why cancer risk increases with age and how biological development can be reversible.

Andrew Feinberg, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University • conversation
Feb. 10, 2023 • ~8 min

Charting changes in a pathogen's genome yields clues about its past and hints about its future

After a nose swab tests positive for a virus or bacteria, scientists can use the sample’s genetic sequence to figure out where and when the pathogen emerged and how fast it’s changing.

Sarah Nadeau, PhD Student in Computational Evolution, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich • conversation
Dec. 1, 2021 • ~10 min

The music of proteins is made audible through a computer program that learns from Chopin

Many features of proteins are analogous to music. Mapping these features together creates new musical compositions that help researchers learn about proteins.

Yuzong Chen, Professor of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore • conversation
Sept. 29, 2021 • ~6 min

Scientists tap the world's most powerful computers in the race to understand and stop the coronavirus

Scanning through billions of chemicals to find a few potential drugs for treating COVID-19 requires computers that harness together thousands of processors.

Jeremy Smith, Governor's Chair, Biophysics, University of Tennessee • conversation
June 3, 2020 • ~9 min

Your genes could determine whether the coronavirus puts you in the hospital – and we're starting to unravel which ones matter

Researchers from Oregon Health and Science University found that variations in genes that code for parts of the cellular alarm system might play a role in how well people fight off COVID-19.

Reid Thompson, Assistant Professor of Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University • conversation
May 5, 2020 • ~6 min

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