under the microscope

Common food dye turns live mice transparent.

This sounds like science fiction, but I think it’s not. “In an effort to enhance the research abilities of biologists, Stanford University researchers have discovered that applying a popular food coloring to the skin of mice allowed them to see […]

under the microscope

Inside the laboratory for extraordinary microbes.

“Cultivarium builds tools to grow, transform, and engineer “extraordinary” microbes: the salt lovers, heat tolerators, and geyser growers that have long been inaccessible to scientists. Studying such organisms might lead to better gene-editing tools or medicines. And regardless of whether […]

under the microscope

Lithium hypothesis of obesity.

I had read bits and pieces of this before, and it’s quite interesting. This is a thorough recap of the investigation into the hypothesis that lithium contamination is a major driver of obesity. “All this seems like pretty strong evidence […]

under the microscope

Oral Alzheimer’s drug advances to Phase 2 trial.

“Asceneuron’s lead drug candidate ASN51 is a small molecule designed to block OGA, an enzyme that plays a role in protein aggregation. By preventing tau aggregation, the drug is intended to slow Alzheimer’s progression. In Phase 1 tests in healthy […]

under the microscope

Superlubricious coating.

“Using biowaste from cassava plants, scientists have created a coating that virtually eliminates friction in metal parts.” … “Until now, superlubricious behavior has only been seen between super-small particles at the nanoscale. The new study though, shows that the phenomenon […]