Drug repurposed to activate endothelial cells

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a way to penetrate the blood brain barrier (BBB). This novel finding may soon allow direct drug delivery to the brain for disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and chemotherapy-resistant cancers.

Gold creation requires cataclysmic event

While many might believe it’s the shiny surface that sets gold apart from the other earth metals, the uniqueness of this metal can actually be traced all the way back to its creation. Most elements such as carbon and iron are created within a star through slow natural processes. Gold, on the other hand, as well as other heavy metals, requires a much more extravagant, cataclysmic event.

Oculus brings virtual reality to the market

Not long ago, virtual reality seemed like a distant futuristic technology. However, a device called the Oculus Rift, which was newly released on March 28, may change this.

Microsoft creates human-like chatbot

In a world that can now create anything, from artificial intelligence (AI) that can beat Chess and Go Masters to robots that can paint beautiful works of art, there are still a few things that hold these programs back from being realistically considered “human.” One of those things is the ability to display human thought and emotion.

Model points to fast release of carbon

As Earth’s climate continues to change, some scientists wonder whether these fluctuations are anthropogenic, or human-induced, ramifications of increased carbon release, or whether they are simply part of Earth’s natural carbon cycle. Since the earliest instrumental records of our planet’s climate, measured by thermometers and other rudimentary tools, begin only in the 1850s, it may seem impossible to look far enough into the past to lay this controversy to rest.

Researchers discover most luminous galaxies

Astronomers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) announced that they have observed the most luminous galaxies that were ever seen in our universe. In fact, the galaxies are so bright that they cannot be described by previous descriptors like “ultra” and “hyper-luminous.” According to the researchers, those terms are inadequate, as they have previously been used to describe the luminosity of galaxies that are not nearly as bright as the ones the researchers just observed.

Three percent of Americans live healthy lifestyles

If you currently consider yourself healthy, you may need to rethink this conclusion. Statistically, according to a recent study conducted at the Mayo Clinic, only three percent of Americans live a healthy lifestyle. Perhaps this statistic is not surprising given that the average American male body weight falls just below the cutoff for obesity and more than half of the food consumed in America is “ultra processed.”

What we learn from failed clinical trials

Does your birth month affect your health?

Hippocrates, who lived in ancient Greece, first described a connection between seasonality and disease almost 2,500 years ago, and the study of the seasonality of birth and its relationship to health and disease has been the focus of many research projects in recent years.

Scientists discover a novel chemical reaction

The “Holy Grail reaction” in organic chemistry was recently reached by a team at the Institute of Basic Science in Daejeon, South Korea.

B cell-based vaccine effectively targets HIV

Since the start of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in the late 20th century, nearly 78 million people have been infected and 39 million people have died of HIV, according to the World Health Organization.

Apple unveils iPhone SE at spring event

Following Apple’s traditional spring product event, which was held on March 21, the iPhone SE captured headlines.

Researchers create a self-healing material

A recent discovery showed that seemingly rigid natural materials can be highly adaptable. For instance, bone, a stiff material that is commonly thought to be non-malleable, can remodel itself after facing stress. The sea cucumber, which recycles nutrients in marine ecosystems, can reversibly and rapidly increase the stiffness of its leathery skin.

Hormones underlie human eating behavior

Obesity has more than doubled worldwide since 1980. Currently, about 600 million people are considered obese and about two billion individuals are considered overweight. The factors that have caused this explosion are debatable, with evolving food trends, economic stressors and changes in the built environment ranking among the front-runners in terms of explaining the rise in obesity.

Scientists discover a potential cure for HIV

Scientists working at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University recently uncovered a possible new cure for HIV-positive patients that involves a specialized gene editing system, which has safely eliminated the virus from the DNA of human cells grown in culture.

Researchers find a protein fertilization catalyst

Researchers working on a project funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have discovered a molecule that increases the activity of sperm cells so they can travel to egg cells. The identification of this molecule can potentially be used in male contraceptives and treatments for infertility based on problems with sperm mobility.

Microbe protein offers hope for blindness

Microbe protein offers hope for blindness

Debunking common myths about autism

Autism has long baffled scientists. Its intense heterogeneity and seemingly enigmatic cause have led clinicians and researchers to struggle to devise a cure. However, in the midst of this confusion, several problematic and often disturbing misconceptions about the nature of autism have arisen. I set out to dispel some of the myths surrounding autism.