Tag: biology

2016-17, Biology

Individuals of African Ancestry respond more strongly to pathogen than Individuals of European Ancestry

by Jalwa Afroz ’17   The human immune system, varying amongst individuals from different populations, evolved under selective pressure from pathogenic environments. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have shown extreme differences in allele frequency between various human populations for infectious, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases. Additionally, expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping studies in antigen-exposed immune cells have identified hundreds of genetic variants that also explain variation … Continue reading Individuals of African Ancestry respond more strongly to pathogen than Individuals of European Ancestry

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2016-17, Biology

Frog Skin Contains Chemicals That Repel Ants

by Rideeta Raquib ’19   Several species, such as the Lutjanus bohar fish species, have the ability to camouflage themselves to avoid predators. This allows them to have a selective advantage in their respective environments compared to other species. Dr. Andre de Lima Barros, from the National Institute of the Amazonian Research in Brazil, hypothesized that Lithodytes lineatus, a species of frog prominent in the Amazon … Continue reading Frog Skin Contains Chemicals That Repel Ants

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2016-17, Biology

Effects of Neutrophil production on tumor metastasis

by Richard Liang ’18   The term “cancer” comprises various diseases involving abnormal cell growth. They become most dangerous after metastasis, when they spread to multiple organs. Though few treatments are currently available for cancers past this stage, a recent study led by Dr. Juwon Park in Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has identified neutrophils, a type of leukocyte in the blood, as a potential therapeutic target … Continue reading Effects of Neutrophil production on tumor metastasis

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2016-17, Biology, Psychology

Hormonal Birth Control May Lead to Depression

by Patrick Yang   Approximately 62% of women aged 14-44 in the U.S. are using a method of contraception, and 27% of those women are using hormonal contraception, according to a National Health Statistics report. The key to hormonal contraception’s mass appeal lies in its convenience and reversibility; it can be found in pill or patch form and does not have permanent effects. However, the estrogen … Continue reading Hormonal Birth Control May Lead to Depression

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2016-17, Biology

New Enzyme Responsible for Cell Mediated Death Identified

by Richard Liang   The human body has developed mechanisms to deal with genetically damaged cells before they can become a threat. One such mechanism occurs when DNA is excessively damaged. Cells undergo cell death mediated by an enzyme known as poly ADP-ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1). However, in certain instances like a stroke, the PARP-1 pathway is overly activated, causing mass cell death in the body. … Continue reading New Enzyme Responsible for Cell Mediated Death Identified

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2016-17, Biology, Health

Effects of Second Hand Marijuana Smoke

by Richard Liang   Though it is known that second hand smoke from tobacco is extremely detrimental to one’s health, second hand marijuana smoke is often seen as less harmful. However, a recent study led by Dr. Xiaoyin Wang and his team of researchers from the Cardiology Division of The University of California supports the theory that second hand marijuana smoke might not be so harmless … Continue reading Effects of Second Hand Marijuana Smoke

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2016-17, Biology

The Relationship between Asplenia and Invasive Pneumococcal Disease

by Caleb Sooknanan   Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae that occurs mainly among infants and young children. Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is a more serious form of the infection that can cause meningitis, or bacterial infection in the blood, inflammation of the lungs, and other conditions. Bacterial infection, also known as sepsis, is especially common among patients who have undergone spleen … Continue reading The Relationship between Asplenia and Invasive Pneumococcal Disease

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2016-17, Biology

New Study on UTI Antibiotic Resistance

by Caleb Sooknanan   Urinary tract infections, also known as UTIs, are a prevalent series of pediatric infections that damage the urinary system. Febrile, or fever-inducing, urinary tract infections are occurring more frequently among patients. Antibiotics have become widespread assets for treating the disease, but they are not effective in all cases. Dong Sup Lee and his team of researchers at the Catholic University of Korea … Continue reading New Study on UTI Antibiotic Resistance

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2016-17, Biology, Psychology

Infectious Disease Information and Emotional Responses

by Megan Tan   Infectious disease outbreaks cause individuals to react differently in response to this kind of emotional news. Professor Scott Clifford and Professor Jennifer Jerit, from the Department of Political Science at the University of Houston and Loyola University respectively, research two of these reactions to infectious disease outbreaks: disgust and anxiety. In the first study, a questionnaire was distributed to three sample … Continue reading Infectious Disease Information and Emotional Responses

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2016-17, Biology, Technology

Improved Batteries in the Human Body

by Michael D’Agati   The field of bioelectronics, which produces implantable devices for sensing and therapeutics, has recently become a popular field. There is high promise in the collaboration between biology and electronics, but in order for these new innovations to work, a power source, such as implantable batteries, must be present to supply the energy needed. Currently, implantable batteries require bulky metal cases to keep … Continue reading Improved Batteries in the Human Body

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2016-17, Biology, Medicine and Physiology

Exploring A Safer Steroid Therapy

by Aaron Gochman (’18) Most pharmacological approaches in the study of congenital adrenal hyperplasia involve the administration of corticosteroids, potent drugs that quickly affect the body. Extended use of corticosteroids, however, typically yields unpleasant metabolic side effects. Despite this weakness, corticosteroids have been the mainstream treatment in attempting to suppress adrenal androgen. However, scientists from the United Kingdom have discovered a novel approach: corticosterone, a … Continue reading Exploring A Safer Steroid Therapy

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2016-17, Biology, Engineering, Medicine and Physiology

Hippo Biology: The Next Step in Tissue Regeneration

by Aaron Gochman (’18) Traditional studies of tissue regeneration and repair have focused on delivering cells and biomaterials, compounds that will presumably grow when placed in a biologically friendly environment. A new avenue for research, however, has been revealed by a Chinese group that has chosen to focus on drug-based therapeutics instead. The study detailed a discovery in which the team found a drug, XMU-MP-1, … Continue reading Hippo Biology: The Next Step in Tissue Regeneration

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