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Artist’s rendition of the molecular structure of a ribosome (blue and purple) as it produces a polypeptide chain (red) from an mRNA template (orange and gray), with tRNA molecules (dark purple) shuttling amino acids.
Specialized Sperm Ribosomes Are Key to Male Fertility in Mice
Dan Robitzski | Dec 15, 2022 | 4 min read
A previously unknown kind of ribosome is responsible for folding sperm proteins, which decay before fertilization if prepared by other ribosomes.
close-up photo of fruit fly on white background
Scientists ID Heart-Damaging SARS-CoV-2 Protein
Grace van Deelen | Nov 22, 2022 | 3 min read
In flies and mice, a viral protein increases the rate of energy use by heart cells. But it’s not yet clear if the finding applies to humans.
A nine-banded armadillo walking on dry grass.
Leprosy Bacterium Rejuvenates Armadillos’ Livers
Alejandra Manjarrez, PhD | Nov 15, 2022 | 4 min read
Mycobacterium leprae appeared to reprogram the animals’ livers to a state partially resembling early development, resulting in healthy organ growth.
network of intestinal blood vessels
Science Snapshot: No Guts, No Glory
Lisa Winter | Nov 1, 2022 | 1 min read
This image took 3rd place at the 2022 Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition.
Three white mice
High-Fat Diet in Mice Affects Social Behavior Across Generations
Sophie Fessl, PhD | Oct 27, 2022 | 4 min read
Pups born to mice whose mothers had been fed a high-fat diet showed social deficits, a study shows. 
illustration of liver with veins in blue and arteries in red.
Ethanol-Making Microbe Tied to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Natalia Mesa, PhD | Oct 19, 2022 | 4 min read
A study adds to evidence linking gut bacteria to liver conditions in people who don’t drink excessive amounts of alcohol. 
A premature infant drinking from a bottle
In Search of the Best Milk Recipe for Preemies’ Gut Bacteria
Alejandra Manjarrez, PhD | Aug 22, 2022 | 5 min read
Milk fortifiers of human origin show no evident advantage in the development of the gut microbiota of premature infants over fortifiers derived from cows, while the intake of the mother’s own milk does, two studies suggest.
Pink and purple <em>Plasmodium</em> parasites inside red blood cells
Malarial Host-Parasite Clash Causes Deadly Blood Sugar Drop
Natalia Mesa, PhD | Jul 18, 2022 | 4 min read
Scientists say they have finally figured out why some people with severe malaria end up with dangerous hypoglycemia, also reporting that the condition starves the parasite into changing tactics from virulence to transmission.
small striped mammal
Gut Microbes Help Ground Squirrels Endure Hibernation
Alejandra Manjarrez, PhD | Jan 27, 2022 | 4 min read
By breaking down urea, the animals’ gut bacteria recycle nitrogen, which can be then used to build new molecules during prolonged fasting.
A white coat-wearing doctor holds the results of an EKG test in one hand and traces over them with a pen in the other hand
Doctors and Researchers Probe How COVID-19 Attacks the Heart
Dan Robitzski | Jan 12, 2022 | 8 min read
Experts have a decent grasp on how COVID-19 impacts cardiovascular health in the near term. The implications of long COVID, however, remain mysterious.
Illustration showing the bodily systems affected by Long COVID
Infographic: Bodily Systems Affected by Long COVID
Sruthi S. Balakrishnan | Sep 1, 2021 | 1 min read
Symptoms documented in cases of long COVID are wide ranging and variable.
Illustration of a person sick next to a calendar indicating they've had covid for a long time
Mechanisms of Long COVID Remain Unknown but Data Are Rolling In
Sruthi S. Balakrishnan | Sep 1, 2021 | 10+ min read
A year and a half into the pandemic, the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection are garnering more research attention as millions of long COVID patients emerge.
image-2021-08-16-08-24-55-620
Could a Synthetic Probiotic Replace a Strict Diet for Patients with Phenylketonuria?
Roni Dengler, PhD | Aug 16, 2021 | 2 min read
Synthetic biologists introduced an engineered microbe that may lead to new treatment options for phenylketonuria.
Segmented filamentous bacteria artificially colored in green attach to the intestinal wall of a mouse
Gut Microbes Help Coordinate Immune Activity in Mice
Catherine Offord | Jul 29, 2021 | 4 min read
The microbiota helps align a mouse’s innate immune system with its feeding patterns, prepping the animal to fend off infection when it’s most likely to be eating.
Skin Rash May Point to SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Roni Dengler, PhD | Jun 14, 2021 | 2 min read
Skin symptoms are often the first, or only, symptom of COVID-19.
Magnified image featuring a full view of a bdelloid rotifer recovered from permafrost (labeled A) along with two insets: one side view of the organism’s head (labeled B) and a view of its mouthparts (labeled C)
Rotifers Bounce Back After Being Frozen for 24,000 Years
Lisa Winter | Jun 8, 2021 | 2 min read
The hardy animals were pulled from the permafrost in Siberia, giving scientists the opportunity to study how they survive extreme conditions.
Pink background with menstrual products off to the right
No Proof COVID-19 Vaccine Affects Menstruation or Fertility
Lisa Winter | Apr 27, 2021 | 2 min read
Following vaccination, some women claim their periods have changed, leading to rumors about how the shots affect recipients’ reproductive systems, and even others’ by proxy.  
a close-up photo of C. elegans worms
Eyeless C. elegans Perceives Colors: Study
Shawna Williams | Mar 4, 2021 | 4 min read
The roundworm uses cues from visible light to help avoid eating toxic bacteria with a distinguishing hue.
How Gaining and Losing Weight Affects the Body
Abby Olena, PhD | Jan 17, 2018 | 3 min read
Millions of measurements from 23 people who consumed extra calories every day for a month reveal changes in proteins, metabolites, and gut microbiota that accompany shifts in body mass.
How Probiotic Yogurt Works
Bob Grant | Oct 26, 2011 | 3 min read
Researchers show that the bacterial species in probiotic, fermented dairy products may alter gene expression and metabolism in native gut microbiota.
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