Topic

Medicine, Psychology & Health

A collection of 109 issues

The Biological Immortality of the Turritopsis dohrnii Jellyfish

The Turritopsis dohrnii jellyfish defies aging by reversing its life cycle through transdifferentiation, a process where its cells revert to their earliest form. This unique ability, a biological reset button, allows it to achieve potential immortality.

Dr. David Fajgenbaum's Remarkable Journey to Cure His Own Castleman Disease

Diagnosed with a deadly rare disease, medical student David Fajgenbaum used his own blood samples to find a life-saving drug. Now in remission, he leads a collaborative network to accelerate cures for others, pioneering a patient-centric research model.

How a Tooth Becomes a Window for the Blind

Osteo-Odonto-Keratoprosthesis is a rare surgical last resort for severe corneal blindness. The procedure uses a patient's own tooth and jawbone, implanted into the eye, to serve as a biological anchor for an artificial lens. This method minimizes tissue rejection.

What the FDA's Food Defect Handbook Reveals About Mold

The U.S. FDA permits natural or unavoidable defects in food, including mold, through its Food Defect Levels Handbook. For example, frozen strawberries are only considered adulterated if the average mold count exceeds 45%, a standard reflecting mass production realities.

The Deadly Dangers of 19th-Century Ice Cream

Before modern food safety, 19th-century ice cream was a deadly gamble. Unpasteurized milk carried diseases like typhoid, ice was cut from polluted rivers, and vendors used toxic chemicals like lead and arsenic for color, turning a popular treat into a poison.

Beyond Survival: How Gene Modulators Are Rewriting the Lifespan for Cystic Fibrosis

Groundbreaking drugs called CFTR modulators are transforming Cystic Fibrosis from a fatal genetic disorder into a manageable condition. By correcting the faulty protein at the heart of the disease, these therapies are predicted to grant a near-normal lifespan for many.

Airplane Wastewater Surveillance Is Our Next Defense Against Pandemics

Scientists are analyzing airplane wastewater to screen for new pathogens and viral variants from international travelers. This innovative public health strategy provides a powerful, non-invasive early warning system to detect and track global health threats before they spread.