Why do people and animals need to breathe? A biologist explains why you need a constant source of oxygen

Inhaling air is how you get the oxygen your body needs to turn your food into energy. Other living things use different strategies.

Christina S. Baer, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, State University of New York • conversation
Feb. 5, 2024 • ~6 min

Cells routinely self-cannibalize to take out their trash, aiding in survival and disease prevention

Cells degrade and recycle damaged parts of themselves through a process called autophagy. When this “self-devouring” goes awry, it may promote cancer and neurodegenerative disease.

Justin Quiles, Postdoctoral Scholar of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of California, San Diego • conversation
Feb. 8, 2023 • ~9 min

Sea otters demonstrate that there is more to muscle than just movement – it can also bring the heat

New research finds that ‘leaky mitochondria’ help keep sea otters warm.

Randall Davis, Regents Professor, Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University • conversation
Dec. 2, 2021 • ~7 min

Disputes over when life begins may block cutting-edge reproductive technologies like mitochondrial replacement therapies

The nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett has implications for how assisted reproductive technologies, which can prevent the transmission of disease from parents to child, are regulated.

Diana Bowman, Associate Dean for International Engagement in the College of Law, Arizona State University • conversation
Oct. 22, 2020 • ~10 min

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