Discoveries in genetics, cell biology and virology are clarifying the roles of heredity and environment in health and the defenses of cells against disease and infection. Innovations in bio-engineering suggest very hopeful developments for prostheses and regeneration. But scientists are also warning about pollutants, climate change, food production practices, certain medications, and stress. This collection addresses the great advances in medical research.
Beyond the Gene: Epigenetics Revealed
New understanding of the complex relationship between genes and the epigenome
Bionic Being: The New Prosthetics
In this extraordinary era almost any limb, organ or tissue can be replaced
Brain Map: How the Brain Orchestrates Motion
The awesome brain work necessary for picking up a pencil
Breakthrough in Antibiotics Resistance
An ingenious solution to the crisis of ineffective antibiotics is making headlines
Breakthroughs in Nanotechnology
Advances in nanotechnology are revolutionizing medicine. A leader in the field describes recent developments and his commitment to making them available to a wide public.
Conflicting Science on the Safety of Genetically Modified Food
Many nations prohibit GMO foods, but the US doesn't even require labeling. What can science tell us about GMOs?
Cracking the Neural Code for Speech
Providing a way to help severely impaired individuals communicate
Environmental Contaminants and Autism
Determining the relationship between environmental contaminants and the global increase in autism
Environmental Toxins and the Brain
Many common toxins in the environment significantly harm the fetal brain
Evolution of the Y Chromosome: Males Will Survive
The scientist who led the sequencing of the Y chromosome explains its evolution, its survival, and possible relationship to conditions and diseases that affect mostly males.
Genetics and Social Responsibility
A distinguished leader in genetic research discusses his dual commitment to science and ethics.
Harnessing the Bioelectric Potential of Cells for Regeneration
Can bioelectric signals in cells be exploited for regeneration of limbs and tissue?
How Environmental Pollutants Impair Brain Development
A world authority on how environmental toxins affect brain development brings the evidence to the general public.
How TB Bacteria Evade Treatment
TB cells do not all respond to antibiotics. Discovering why is the key to effective treatment.
Long-Term Health Threats of BPA and Other Endocrine Disruptors
Endocrine disruptors such as BPA cause developmental problems and disease. How does this damage occur?
Medicating ADHD: Diagnosis and the Long-Term Effects of the Medications
The potential danger of long-term use of ADHD drugs
Nanotechnology in Medicine
A tour of some innovative medical nano-devices at the Tufts University Nano Lab
Psychotropic Drugs and Children
The real dangers of psychotropic drugs that are routinely prescribed for children
Revealing the Brain through States of Unconsciousness
Important insights into the brain from research on anesthesia, coma and sleep
See What I Mean? Visualizing in Science
Visual representation is essential for the communication of science concepts and data
From The Cell to Cancer
What causes cancer? An internationally recognized research team discuss how different cancer theories shape cancer research
The Advent of Personalized Genomic Medicine
Genomic medicine will revolutionize health care, but it also introduces a challenge for data management
The Issue of Psychiatric Drugs
Medications that are effective initially can cause very serious problems later
The Widespread Resistance to Antibiotics: Stuart B. Levy, M.D.
Exploring the "antibiotic paradox" and the decades-long efforts of Dr. Stuart Levy to avert the danger we have created
Understanding Viruses: The Connor Lab
The Connor Lab at Boston University is a leader in the effort to understand how viruses infect and how cells learn how to block infection
Viruses: Threats in a Tiny Package
Viral infections that were once obscure are potentially global threats in a highly linked world. New tools are being deployed to identify and block these diseases.
What's Your DNA Profile Doing on a Federal Database?
The public should know the broad implications of forensic DNA
