Zinc is a metal essential to life – scientists have discovered a protein that helps keep cells alive when zinc levels are low

While iron and calcium are the metals that get the most attention, zinc is also important for human health and function.

Caitlin Murdoch, Postdoctoral Researcher in Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University • conversation
May 17, 2022 ~6 min

Biofuel: how new microalgae technologies can hasten the end of our reliance on oil

New developments in microalgae cultivation are helping to propel the potential of renewable biofuels to combat climate change.

Callum Russell, Chemical Engineering PhD, University of the West of Scotland • conversation
Feb. 24, 2022 ~7 min


How mRNA and DNA vaccines could soon treat cancers, HIV, autoimmune disorders and genetic diseases

DNA and mRNA vaccines produce a different kind of immune response than traditional vaccines, allowing researchers to tackle some previously unsolvable problems in medicine.

Deborah Fuller, Professor of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Washington • conversation
Jan. 24, 2022 ~9 min

Five chemistry research projects that you can get involved in

Getting involved in citizen science projects can be a great way to have a positive impact on the world.

Samantha Richardson, Lecturer of Analytical Chemistry, University of Hull • conversation
Jan. 5, 2022 ~8 min

When researchers don't have the proteins they need, they can get AI to 'hallucinate' new structures

Using a form of artificial intelligence called deep neural networks, researchers can generate new proteins from scratch without having to consult nature.

Ivan Anishchenko, Acting instructor in Computational Biology, University of Washington • conversation
Jan. 5, 2022 ~8 min

A new way to organize cancer mutations could lead to better treatment matches for patients

Every cancer is different. Grouping cancer mutations by their structure and function could help make treatments more personalized.

Jacqulyne Robichaux, Assistant Professor of Thoracic & Head and Neck Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center • conversation
Oct. 25, 2021 ~8 min

The 2021 Nobel Prize for medicine helps unravel mysteries about how the body senses temperature and pressure

The joint award recognizes the long road to deciphering the biology behind the brain’s ability to sense its surroundings – work that paves the way for a number of medical and biological breakthroughs.

Steven D. Munger, Professor of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida • conversation
Oct. 5, 2021 ~9 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


COVID-19: kids are using soft drinks to fake positive tests – I've worked out the science and how to spot it

There's a way for parents to spot the fraud.

Mark Lorch, Professor of Science Communication and Chemistry, University of Hull • conversation
July 2, 2021 ~7 min

What is mRNA? The messenger molecule that's been in every living cell for billions of years is the key ingredient in some COVID-19 vaccines

Recently in the spotlight for its role in the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, mRNA is not a new invention. It's a crucial messenger molecule at work every day in every cell in your body.

Penny Riggs, Associate Professor of Functional Genomics and Associate Vice President for Research, Texas A&M University • conversation
April 9, 2021 ~7 min

/

4