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.
New understanding of the complex relationship between genes and the epigenome. Mary Gehring
In this extraordinary era almost any limb, organ or tissue can be replaced. Shawn Kelly
The awesome brain work necessary for picking up a pencil. Tamar Flash
An ingenious solution to the crisis of ineffective antibiotics is making headlines. Kim Lewis
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. Sameer Sonkusale
Many nations prohibit GMO foods, but the US doesn't even require labeling. What can science tell us about GMOs? Sheldon Krimsky
Providing a way to help severely impaired individuals communicate................ Frank Guenther
Determining the relationship between environmental contaminants and the global increase in autism. Marc Weisskopf
Many common toxins in the environment significantly harm the fetal brain. Philippe Grandjean
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. David Page
What causes cancer, and how do the current different theories influence the research? A internationally prominent research team provides a unique view. Ana Soto and Carlos Sonnenschein
A distinguished leader in genetic research discusses his dual commitment to science and ethics. Jon Beckwith
Can bioelectric signals in cells be exploited for regeneration of limbs and tissue? Michael Levin
From ancient traditions to modern pharmaceutical labs, certain plants have been valued for their therapeutic qualities. The Weng Lab analyzes the unique chemistry --and evolution-- of such plants. Jing-Ke Weng
Producers of perfluorinated alkylate substances (PFAS) withheld for decades the facts about the health and environmental threats of these ubiquitous toxins. Philippe Grandjean
A world authority on how environmental toxins affect brain development brings the evidence to the general public. Philippe Grandjean
The unique features of the nano-scale make possible many innovations in medical research and medical applications. Sameer Sonkusale, DIrector of the Tufts University Nano Lab explains the advantages of the nano-scale and a number of recent nano-innovations in medicine. Sameer Sonkusale
TB cells do not all respond to antibiotics. Discovering why is the key to effective treatment. Bree Aldridge
New approaches and new technologies offer fresh understanding of antibiotic resistance, and real solutions to the problem. Gautam Dantas
Endocrine disruptors such as BPA cause developmental problems and disease. How does this damage occur? Ana Soto and Carlos Sonnenschein
The potential danger of long-term use of ADHD drugs. Robert Whitaker
Truly innovative research: nano-tech devices for medicine and environment. Sameer Sonkusale
A tour of some innovative medical nano-devices at the Tufts University Nano Lab. Sameer Sonkusale
A visit to the Alan Jasanoff Lab at MIT to learn how brain scientists are developing new techniques and devices to improve brain imaging.
A visit to the Weng Lab at Whitehead Institute to learn how researchers exploit the mechanisms and molecules of plants contributing to medical innovations. Jing-Ke Weng
More than one in five Americans now takes a psychiatric medication. But long-term results are poor. Robert Whitaker, author of several books on this subject, discusses the problems of these meds and describes more effective initiatives.
The real dangers of psychotropic drugs that are routinely prescribed for children. Robert Whitaker
An explanation of how environment, community, class, and other factors must be included in public health. Sandro Galea
Important insights into the brain from research on anesthesia, coma and sleep. Emery N. Brown
An important update on the impact of common toxins in the environment that permanently affect the brain -starting in the womb. The evidence of damage is far ahead of the regulation of these chemicals. Thomas Zoeller
Visual representation is essential for the communication of science concepts and data. Bang Wong
Many viruses, including coronaviruses such as covid-19, originate in wild animals. To understand the transfer and infection process, it is necessary to consider the disease ecology: the interaction between humans and wild animal disease hosts. Jonathan Runstadler
Genomic medicine will revolutionize health care, but it also introduces a challenge for data management. John Quackenbush
A major breakthrough in the restoration of vision. Shawn Kelly
Jonathan Levy of Boston University School of Public Health describes how urban air pollutants such as vehicle exhaust affect our health.
Medications that are effective initially can cause very serious problems later. Robert Whitaker
Exploring the "antibiotic paradox" and the decades-long efforts of Dr. Stuart Levy to avert the danger we have created
Despite great medical accomplishments in ancient civilizations, then medical advances from the 17th century on, the connection between germs and disease was unknown.
The effects of vehicle pollutants on the developing brain. Shakira Franco Suglia
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. John Connor
Why are viruses so successful, and can we manage the bad ones? John Connor
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. John Connor
A comprehensive approach to public health: the body, the environment, the culture, the conditions. Sandro Galea
The public should be more familiar with the broad implications of forensic DNA. Sheldon Krimsky.
SftP News ROUNDUP July 18 - July 24 SftP News ROUNDUP July 25 - July 31
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