Biologizing - Biological News n' Views

I recall being taken to the zoo when I was younger and approaching an enclosure where the smell of freshly popped popcorn emanated. This was the binturong (Arctictis binturong) enclosure, also commonly known as the “bearcat”. This name is misleading, as this animal is not a bear or a cat, but a part of the civet family, a family made up of long-bodied, short-legged carnivorous mammalian species. They live in the rainforests of Southeast Asia and are solitary animals. And the best part: they smell like movie-theatre popcorn! This fact was very interesting to learn about when I was younger, but now I am curious on the science behind what really causes this smell. The binturong’s popcorn scent comes from their urine. More specifically, a chemical compound in their urine. This compound is 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (also known as 2-AP), a compound that is responsible for the major aroma in toasted bread and cooked rice. Scientists using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry recognized 29 chemical...

This past summer, Bronny James, son of NBA superstar Lebron James, suffered a cardiac arrest during a preseason practice. The incident gained the attention of many basketball fans internationally because his college debut was so highly anticipated. Although many people wished Bronny well as his future in basketball was still up in the air, others used it as an opportunity to support the anti-vax movement. During the peak of the coronavirus pandemic when the COVID-19 vaccine was being developed, the safety of the vaccine was a highly contested topic around the world. This vaccine was perhaps more highly scrutinized than others because of the gravity of the situation at the time which was compounded with the many pressures doctors and researchers were dealing with. At first, when the vaccine came out people were hesitant to take it and it quickly became a political talking point in the approaching 2020 presidential election. Instead of educating the public on the facts about the vaccine,...

Over the past 15 years or so, the usage of deep brain stimulation in patients with Parkinson’s Disease has become increasingly popular and the procedure is accessible to a broad range of patients with varying symptoms. Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that hinders motor control and mobility, as well as other neural signaling issues. Deep brain stimulation entails a surgical procedure that places thin wires or electrodes into specific regions of the brain which are calibrated to a device that is also intravenously implanted, called a neurostimulator, that directs message transmission through the electrodes to the brain. In this article, the author hones in on how DBS can be tweaked and customized to the severity of patients’ symptoms. Several weeks following the procedure, DBS specialists can program the neurostimulator device to alter its effects such as frequency of electrical messages being sent to the brain. With this being said, the article disclaims that DBS sho...

With the recent waves of new Covid-19 variants on the rise, there has been an upsurgence of weariness and speculation when it comes to vaccination of the virus. This weariness can be warranted with any new medical development when it comes to questioning the safety and concerns of a new product created to treat a relatively new disease. However, speculation can go to the extremes when questioning the validity, safety, and security of the Covid-19 vaccines. The article in question goes about discussing the concerns that some citizens have regarding the use of microchips within the Covid-19 vaccine. This is clearly an example of bad science. The article describes how the Gates Foundation, by founder of Microsoft: Bill Gates, has subsidized over 1.6 billion dollars in immunizations for lower income countries. While many see this as a positive financial investment in the name of improving public health, Gates has met backlash from a smaller vocal minority regarding the legitimacy of the va...

For some, fainting can be a daily struggle, an anticipation of the next bout of lost consciousness. Scientists have begun to recognize that there appears to be a connection between the brain and heart that leads to fainting spells and there seems to be an added genetic component for theformation of the heart. The Bezold-Jarisch reflex (BJR) is when cardiac inhibitor receptors are activated leading to dilations of blood vessels, hypotension, a slow heart rate, and eventually syncope or fainting. This reflex was found to occur due to activation of the specific type of vagal sensory neurons called NPY2R. Lovelace et al. did a study on mice, where they discovered a connection between vagal neurons, vNAS stalled heartbeats, and BJR. In order to discover this connection they manipulated the specific neurons, NPY2R. By manipulating these neurons, the mice went from their normal activities to immediately fainting. However, when these neurons were removed, the mice stopped fainting all together...

Anxiety rates are at an all-time high, with an estimated 31.1% of adults in the United States experiencing an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. However, there is new hope on the horizon in the realm of treatment and it comes from within. Inside every one of us is another world full of trillions of microorganisms known as our gut microbiome. These microorganisms, known as microbiota, have a wide variety of functions within us such as supporting our immune system and metabolism and overall keeping us running smoothly. But can these microbes pave the way for a healthier, calmer life? A systematic review run by Dr. Jinghong Chen looked at over 3000 articles and 21 studies to compile evidence for the influence of our gut microbiome on our general mental health. The studies varied, with some treating their experimental group with probiotic supplements and others using non-probiotic strategies to influence balances in the microbiome. Over half of these studies concluded that ther...

The human attention span is naturally drawn towards sensational stories. When flipping through a newspaper, “firefighter saves cat from tree” is far less likely to grab our attention than “deadly explosion kills six people.” News media outlets do their best to capitalize on out-of-the- ordinary stories in order to get as many clicks for views as possible. Although this is a smart tactic from a business success standpoint, it often results in misinformation, as facts are left out to play up the drama of a story. There might be no better example of this than sharks. Shark attacks are heavily dramatized events, and have inspired movies like Jaws for decades. However, the reality of sharks is far less frightening than our perception of them. Sharks kill fewer people per year than car accidents, lightning strikes, cows, and falling coconuts. Our perception of reality is altered by the media we consume, and a shark attack is a far more compelling story than someone getting hit on the head wi...

Humans have started and continue to cause the Earth’s sixth mass extinction event. Climate change may contribute the most to the contemporary loss of biodiversity. Many have noticed the effects of climate change lready and one can predict what the future holds given climate change trends; the Galapagos Islands have exhibited these effects and can offer insight as to how climate change affects island species and others. Endemic island species tend to suffer at the hands of climate change since they have nowhere else to go and cannot adapt quickly. Climate change has increased the frequency of extreme weather patterns (El Niño-Southern Oscillation [ENSO] and La Niña events) as well as climate variability. The increase in ENSO events aids terrestrial species who experience greater rainfall and increased food availability consequently yet significantly harms many marine species. La Niña does the opposite and helps marine species but harms terrestrial species. These climate events have occu...

I recall being taken to the zoo when I was younger and approaching an enclosure where the smell of freshly popped popcorn emanated. This was the binturong (Arctictis binturong) enclosure, also commonly known as the “bearcat”. This name is misleading, as this animal is not a bear or a cat, but a part of the civet family, a family made up of long-bodied, short-legged carnivorous mammalian species. They live in the rainforests of Southeast Asia and are solitary animals. And the best part: they smell like movie-theatre popcorn! This fact was very interesting to learn about when I was younger, but now I am curious on the science behind what really causes this smell. The binturong’s popcorn scent comes from their urine. More specifically, a chemical compound in their urine. This compound is 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (also known as 2-AP), a compound that is responsible for the major aroma in toasted bread and cooked rice. Scientists using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry recognized 29 chemical...

Colombia, a country located in South America, is renowned for its vast and diverse jungles and rainforests, which are home to an incredible array of flora and fauna. Unfortunately, the delicate ecosystems of these natural wonders are currently under threat from a devastating plague caused by invasive species. Invasive species, which have been introduced to these ecosystems either intentionally or unintentionally, disrupt the natural balance of the environment and cause significant harm to native species, ultimately leading to a decline in biodiversity. This problem is not unique to Colombia, as invasive species have become a global issue, impacting thousands of ecosystems worldwide. Pablo Escobar was a notorious drug dealer who was based in Colombia in the 1980s. Eventually, he was caught and condemned to death after a trial. However, Escobar had his eccentricities, including a group of hippos he kept as pets. These hippos got out of his property when he died and have since taken over ...

Fish is consumed frequently, raw or cooked. There are many known benefits like omega-3s and other additional vitamins. Some people who have eaten fish have claimed to feel tired afterward. This could be due to the consumption of the fish. To be specific, fatty fish like salmon, halibut, and tuna. Fatty fish can be a dietary source of omega 3s and vitamin D and have been known to play a role in preventing physical and mental health problems. Vitamin D is important for sleep regulation and is vital during winter/season changes. A study was conducted with ninety-five male participants. They were separated into two groups, Control and Fish. The Fish group ate salmon three times per week from September to February. The Control group ate an alternative meal but with a similar nutritional value three times per week during the same period. The sleep, sleep quality, daily functioning, and vitamin D were recorded pre-testing and post-testing. The variables were compared. It was found that the pa...

A recent study by researchers from the University of Bristol has found a strong association between consuming ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and an increased risk of upper aerodigestive tract cancers- specifically those affecting the mouth, throat, and esophagus. Analyzing data from around 450,000 adults over 14 years, the study found that higher UPF intake was linked to a 23% higher risk of brain and throat cancer and a 24% higher risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Surprisingly, the study revealed that increased body fat resulting from UPF consumption minimally explained the heightened cancer risk, challenging the notion that obesity alone is the primary factor. Despite UPFs' known association with weight gain, this study's findings couldn't solely be attributed to body mass index or waist-to-hip ratio. Researchers suggested other potential factors such as additives (like emulsifiers and artificial sweeteners) and contaminants from packaging and manufacturing processes might...

  Climate change has become a very controversial topic in the past several years. Many claim to believe that climate change isn’t real and that there is nothing to worry about. Climate change deals with the warming of the planet over the years which causes detrimental issues to our home. Many factors play into climate change but the main issue being the humans not making safe choices to protect the earth and the other species that inhabit it. This past year was the hottest year on record and climate change is to blame for this. Some examples that cause climate change by humans are the generation of power through electricity and burning fossil fuels such as coal and oil. Something else that is a leading factor in climate change is cutting down forests. This action is to make space for farms or buildings. Once the trees are cut, they release the carbon that they have been storing. The trees also take in the carbon dioxide that humans produce. Without them, the carbon dioxide remains ...

Recent research done at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute suggests that humans are not alone in having imaginations by using technology right out of a sci-fi novel. This discovery was done using a novel system that combined virtual reality with a brain-machine probe that allowed for scientists to visualize a rat’s inner thoughts. Results showed that rats are able to picture places or objects that aren’t right in front of them and are able to mentally visualize themselves moving to those places or interacting with those objects. Rats have the ability to recall and generate neural activity patterns similar to those in a human’s hippocampus.   A prominent component of this study, the novel brain-machine interface, is not something to be ignored either. The brain-machine interface (BMI) was first used for a project 9 years ago to determine whether or not animals could think. This led to the development of a machine that could help them understand an animal’s thoughts in real time: a ...

There are many creatures on this planet that are useful for way more than you think. Butterflies can perceive a broader range of colors than humans can. Scientists have discovered that butterflies can successfully navigate the ultraviolet spectrum effortlessly. By mimicking the butterfly’s compound eye, and tiered photoreceptor structure, researchers have been able to build imaging sensors to delve into the ultraviolet range. A team led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers Viktor Gruev and Shuming Nie have developed this sensor that can detect multiple UV regions. They do this by employing stacked photodiodes and perovskite nanocrystals to capture different UV wavelengths. The camera essentially absorbs or re-emits UV photons as visible light. With this, researchers have been able to distinguish between cancer cells and normal cells with 99% accuracy, as cancer cells have different concentrations of spectral signatures. The UV imaging sensor holds promise in diver...

Water is an essential part of life. It hydrates our systems and provides nourishment when you feel extremely hot or tired. Almost all animals rely on water in order to survive as well, with some living in masses of water for all their lives. Water in of itself sustains life. However, it can easily be contaminated by other contaminants that can affect anyone who consumes it. Contaminants include: lead, nitrates, E.Coli, arsenic, and other bacteria. We use chemicals in order to treat water such as chlorine or chloramine. These chemicals may leak in bigger natural bodies of water that can affect wildlife and their ecology. There have been studies and research into the greater effects of artificial chemicals in different environments. However, an infamous American far-right radio show host and prominent conspiracy theorist, Alex Jones, has gone to the lengths of claiming that these chemicals for curing water alter the chemical balance of the brian to make individuals homosexual....

Fluoride is a common ingredient in nearly all commercially available dental hygiene products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash. Fluoride is also added to the public drinking water supply in some countries including the United States. It is used to aid in the mineralization of teeth and bones to keep them strong and healthy, as well as to prevent dental cavities. While fluoride is generally considered to be safe for consumption, recent articles have shed some light on the possible negative effects.     A recent article published by Healthline, “Flouride: Benefits and Precautions”, weighs these possible negative effects against the positive health benefits. The article first lays out the known benefits of fluoride. One important benefit highlighted is the prevention and reversal of dental cavities. Bad Bacteria in the mouth can produce harmful acids, which damage the tooth enamel and lead to demineralization. This loss of minerals can lead to cavities. Supplementing with fluorid...

The giant squid has the largest eyes of any living animal. Although they are not the largest living animals, their eyes are even bigger than those of whales, and are about the size of a soccer ball. There are other large animals that live at similar depths that giant squids do, but none of them have eyes close to the size of the squids. It has also been found that larger eyes equal a small field of vision, meaning that in some ways squid may not even be gaining an advantage with their gigantic eyes. This indicates that squids use their eyes differently than other species around them. One feature of large eyes that does help giant squids is that large eyes can see large shapes against bioluminescence up to 500m away due to their enlarged pupil. Scientists discovered that the ocean depth can impact which types of eyes are superior, and 600m deep larger eyes perform very well in their ability to view objects from far away. When large animals move past small bioluminescent animals the biol...

For some, fainting can be a daily struggle, an anticipation of the next bout of lost consciousness. Scientists have begun to recognize that there appears to be a connection between the brain and heart that leads to fainting spells and there seems to be an added genetic component for theformation of the heart. The Bezold-Jarisch reflex (BJR) is when cardiac inhibitor receptors are activated leading to dilations of blood vessels, hypotension, a slow heart rate, and eventually syncope or fainting. This reflex was found to occur due to activation of the specific type of vagal sensory neurons called NPY2R. Lovelace et al. did a study on mice, where they discovered a connection between vagal neurons, vNAS stalled heartbeats, and BJR. In order to discover this connection they manipulated the specific neurons, NPY2R. By manipulating these neurons, the mice went from their normal activities to immediately fainting. However, when these neurons were removed, the mice stopped fainting all together...

One vaccine that would cure any and all hospital bugs sounds too good to be true. Hospital superbugs are strains of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi commonly contracted during one’s visit to the hospital. These superbugs pose a big problem in hospitals as the infections they cause are hard to treat or impossible and they spread from patient to patient. They threaten modern medicine as they are resistant to the antibiotics used during treatments and surgeries, as well as increasing hospital bills and patient stays. One in every thirty-one patients battles a bug they received in the hospital while there for a different health issue. This article is an example of bad science, although it does hold some truth. For one, the study conducted was done on mice. We are still a ways away from human trials. In this study, a single dose of the vaccine was administered in mice, and this dose provided protection against nine superbugs. This vaccine acts like an early warning system, where it a...

CRISPR-Cas 9 is a gene editing tool that is creating great debate in the scientific community. The technology consists of the Cas-9 enzyme which is used to cut the double-stranded DNA causing a break in it. Uniquely the Cas-9 enzyme is able to make this break at a targeted location due to a guide strand RNA. The break in the DNA is repaired with DNA damage repair mechanisms. The technology is being used to cut out mutations in DNA that lead to genetic disorders. These mutations are cut out and the DNA is repaired, resulting in the disorder theoretically being eradicated. It is being used to treat genetic disorders such as Huntington's disease; however, that is on consenting adults. It is greatly agreed that extensive research must be done before CRISPR is used on germline cells. Dr. Kubikova did a study using human embryos and CRISPR that revealed some of the realities of CRISPR. The study took donated sperm and eggs and treated the embryos with CRISPR targeting sequences with ...

Spirostomum ambiguum are single-celled organisms that reside on sediment beds of brackish water habitats. These worm-like organisms range in size from 1 to 4 mm and feast on surrounding bacteria. However, there is more to meet the eye regarding this tiny aquatic organism. In a fraction of the time it takes to blink, Spirotomum ambiguum can shrink to more than half its original length. This contraction generates a gravitational force equivalent (g-force - a measure of acceleration) that is 10,000 times greater than that experienced by any other contracting cell. The energy produced is large enough to destroy the internal structures of a cell. However, this single-cell organism manages to dissipate this energy. Manu Prakash and Ray Chang of Stanford University noticed after imaging the insides of Spirostomum ambiguum cells before and after they had undergone a contraction event that their internal structures vacuoles (fluid-filled sacs) appear to entangle in the folds of a membrane-like ...

The amount of research and development being done today in the medical industry, naturally it’ll be easy for “bad science” to slip through to the public’s eye. “Bad science” will be harmful, damaging the integrity of the field, misleading the public, and hindering progress of real research because of misconceptions between fiction science and fact based science. Therefore, it's important to read critically and on an evidence based approach. This becomes more clear for topics as broad as stress, something that affects millions of people and can be faked with science. Recently, a team of scientists based in China researched acupuncture treatment, a traditional Chinese medical method of inserting thin needles into the body, for treatment of stress and depression. The research was conducted on mice, examining the expression of neurotrophic factors in the brains of SDS mice. Results showed that simultaneous acupuncture stimulations reduced SDS immobility time at locations GV20, inferior...

Every classic movie monster, from vampires to werewolves has one thing in common: proximity to humanity. In many horror stories, things that seem innocent, familiar, and comforting can be twisted into something terrifying. The increasing popularity of doll-based horror stories like Annabelle and high-tech horror like M3gan is impossible to ignore. There is something particularly terrifying about an object that looks almost human but isn’t. Recently, the term “uncanny valley” has been coined to describe this phenomenon. What exactly is the uncanny valley, and what biological purpose does this seemingly innate fear fulfill? In an article entitled “Danger Avoidance: An Evolutionary Explanation of Uncanny Valley” by Mahdi Muhammad Moosa and S. M. Minhaz Ud-Dean, a meta-analysis was performed testing the hypothesis that the uncanny valley was brought about for danger avoidance. The article first closely defines the uncanny valley as a strongly negative reaction to something that looks almos...

 A recent article published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration highlights the danger that ocean acidification poses. Often labeled as “climate change's evil twin”, ocean acidification is becoming more prevalent than ever before due to the increased rates of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.  Prior to the industrial revolution a harmonious ecosystem was prevalent due to the beneficial flow of carbon dioxide between life forms. The flow of carbon dioxide was the following: first, carbon dioxide is absorbed from the air via terrestrial plants. Next, rivers export this gas into the ocean. Lastly, evaporation from the ocean releases it back into the air. This balanced cycle lasted for centuries. Now, the release of fossil fuels into the atmosphere has tampered this balance tremendously. One-third of carbon dioxide emitted from fossil fuel is absorbed via the ocean. This has raised the temperature of the ocean and lowered the pH, which promotes acidificat...

Peripheral artery disease is emerging as a global epidemic, affecting 230 million people worldwide. It is a condition caused by fatty acid buildup in the arteries, blocking them. It is known to cause chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), which is arm or leg pain due to decreased blood flow in the arteries. CLTI increases the risk of limb amputation. This paper uses a scaffold resorbable treatment that releases a drug into the bloodstream to prevent artery narrowing. This treatment avoids the disadvantages of previous treatments to yield improved patient outcomes. Treatments like surgery by harvesting the saphenous vein for bypass have been previously shown to increase blood flow to the limbs, reducing the risk of amputation. However, revascularization is an invasive procedure with complications, and angioplasty has yielded better results. Angioplasty is a non-surgical technique that widens the narrowed arteries by inflating a balloon in the artery to increase blood supply. Angiopla...