Author Archives: Nick Lavars

Cells’ trash disposal system shapes as a “toggle” for cancer treatment

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Lysosomal activity can be seen in green in these images of cells clearing out their waste

The techniques our cells use to dispose of waste products offers some exciting avenues for us to potentially intervene in their behavior, whether it’s clogging up these garbage disposal systems to bring cancer undone or repairing their defects to tackle Alzheimer’s. Research from MIT has shown how this activity is ramped up during cell division, with the newly discovered mechanism potentially offering scientists a “toggle” for treating these kinds of diseases.

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Stanford coral study pinpoints cause of sunscreen’s toxic effects

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Sunscreens are known to pose a risk to coral reefs through a common ingredient called oxybenzone, but the precise mechanisms underlying these toxic effects are not well understood. Stanford scientists have now shown how corals convert the compound into… Continue reading Stanford coral study pinpoints cause of sunscreen’s toxic effects→

Switching to Mediterranean diet reduces depressive symptoms in young men

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The body of evidence around how diet can influence our mental wellbeing continues to build as studies demonstrate the dangers of sustained unhealthy eating habits. New research has explored this phenomenon in young men suffering from clinical depressio… Continue reading Switching to Mediterranean diet reduces depressive symptoms in young men→

Signature of brain cell death in Parkinson’s points to new treatments

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Dopamine-producing neurons can be seen in green within brain tissue samples from patients who died from Parkinson's disease

Scientists probing the biological underpinnings of Parkinson’s disease have made an important discovery, shedding new light on the demise of cells that drives neurodegeneration linked to the condition. The breakthrough helps explain why some neurons are susceptible to this form of cell death, and raises some new possibilities around how it might be prevented.

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Fertilizer turning Europe’s farms into massive reservoirs of microplastics

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The sludge that is created through sewage treatment processes is rich in nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen, making it an excellent source of fertilizer for agriculture. But not all that it contains is good for the environment, with a new study de… Continue reading Fertilizer turning Europe’s farms into massive reservoirs of microplastics→

“Factory reset” for the brain rewrites risk of anxiety and alcohol abuse

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An intriguing new study has zeroed in on a brain region that is central to the development of both alcohol abuse and anxiety in adults, and demonstrated how gene editing could be used to wipe clean a person’s predisposition to both disorders. Likened t… Continue reading “Factory reset” for the brain rewrites risk of anxiety and alcohol abuse→

Mouse study suggests daytime-only eating when dieting can slow aging

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What we eat and when we eat it are important lifestyle factors that shape our wellbeing, and scientists continue to unearth valuable insights into exactly what habits can bring the most benefits to our health. New research has probed this question thro… Continue reading Mouse study suggests daytime-only eating when dieting can slow aging→

Fecal transplants reverse signs of aging in brain, gut and eyes of mice

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The connection between gut bacteria and human health continues to be illuminated in all kinds of ways, and among the more fascinating is the way these microbes might influence different aspects of the aging process. A study has not only highlighted new… Continue reading Fecal transplants reverse signs of aging in brain, gut and eyes of mice→

“Master” switch for ear cell programming offers new hope for hearing loss

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Scientists studying the mechanisms behind deafness have pinpointed a single gene they describe as a type of master switch for cell differentiation, opening up exciting new possibilities around restoration of hearing. The discovery is claimed to “overco… Continue reading “Master” switch for ear cell programming offers new hope for hearing loss→

More salt? Robotic chef learns to taste test as it goes

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We’re starting to see robots gain footholds in the food industry in some pretty interesting ways, from droids that carry out deliveries, to systems that churn out 300 pizzas an hour to cybernetic chefs that single-handedly operate fry stations. Researc… Continue reading More salt? Robotic chef learns to taste test as it goes→