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3D illustration of white Candida albicans yeast cells growing against host tissue.
A Fungal Messenger Impairs Immune Cell Function
Farnesol, a fungal signaling molecule, alters lipid synthesis in dendritic cells, causing mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased inflammatory responding.
A Fungal Messenger Impairs Immune Cell Function
A Fungal Messenger Impairs Immune Cell Function

Farnesol, a fungal signaling molecule, alters lipid synthesis in dendritic cells, causing mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased inflammatory responding.

Farnesol, a fungal signaling molecule, alters lipid synthesis in dendritic cells, causing mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased inflammatory responding.

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What Drives the "Wet Dog Shakes" Reflex in Furry Animals?
Hannah Thomasy, PhD | Nov 7, 2024 | 3 min read
Scientists identified the mechanoreceptor that triggers the distinctive shake-off behavior observed in mice when they become wet.
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Worms’ Nose for Danger Helps Ward Off Pathogens 
Laura Tran, PhD | Nov 7, 2024 | 3 min read
Nematodes can sniff out trouble, kicking off a mitochondrial defense in the gut to fend off bacterial invaders.
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Sleep Disruptions and Impaired Muscle Control in Ataxia May Share a Culprit
Shelby Bradford, PhD | Nov 5, 2024 | 4 min read
Dysfunctional neurons in the cerebellum, a brain region that controls motor functions, reduced REM sleep in mice.
Bluish-grey circles of fuzzy mold grow in a Petri dish.
How a Moldy Cantaloupe Took Fleming’s Penicillin from Discovery to Mass Production
Hannah Thomasy, PhD | Nov 4, 2024 | 10+ min read
Alexander Fleming’s 1928 discovery of a mold with antibacterial properties was only the first serendipitous event on the long road to penicillin as a life-saving drug.
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Meet Cyclone: A Monitoring Tool That Watches for Waves of Immune Response
Rashmi Shivni | Nov 1, 2024 | 4 min read
A new algorithm detects when immunotherapies create surges of T cell responses in melanoma patients.
An artistic interpretation of CRISPR genome editing showing the cutting and changing of DNA segments.
A Small Genome Editing Nuclease Packs a Big Punch
Sahana Sitaraman, PhD | Oct 30, 2024 | 4 min read
For the past decade, scientists have relied almost exclusively on CRISPR-Cas systems for genome editing. Now, a smaller but equally efficient nuclease is here to compete. 
An illustration of a perforated grey nucleus holding colorful spaghetti-like DNA strands.
Gene Proximity to Nuclear Speckles Drives Efficient mRNA Splicing
Karen Kelley Perkins, PhD | Oct 30, 2024 | 4 min read
Nuclear architecture investigation provides insights into the role of nuclear bodies in RNA processing.
A reddish brown ant with a whitish fungal stalk growing out of it.
Zombie Fungi Hijack Hosts’ Brains
Hannah Thomasy, PhD | Oct 29, 2024 | 10+ min read
Mind-controlling fungi are changing the ways that scientists understand host-parasite relationships.
The Swedish bridge spider on a web over a blue background.
Unraveling the Web of Proteins in Spider Silk
Kamal Nahas, PhD | Oct 29, 2024 | 4 min read
Compartmentalized protein expression in the spider silk gland provides clues to spinning more sustainable materials. 
Image of blood in a test tube with the four base pairs of DNA in the background.
A Novel Polymerase Reduces Stutter in Forensic DNA Analysis
Laura Tran, PhD | Oct 28, 2024 | 4 min read
A breakthrough enzyme aims to resolve a persistent DNA artifact that has challenged forensic analysis for decades.
Photo of flooding in a Florida neighborhood following a hurricane.
Are "Flesh-Eating" Bacteria Causing Infections in Florida? Not Exactly, Experts Clarify
Danielle Gerhard, PhD | Oct 25, 2024 | 4 min read
Following recent hurricanes, reports of "flesh-eating" bacteria in Florida have emerged, but these bacteria, which exist year-round, don't actually consume flesh.
A thermal image of a woman’s head and neck taken from the back.
Newly Found Fat Cell Uses a Different Approach to Heat the Body  
Kamal Nahas, PhD | Oct 25, 2024 | 4 min read
Single-cell sequencing unpacked 10 varieties of fat cells, including one that uses an alternative heat-regulating strategy that protects against weight gain.
The two sections show an oval-shaped structure, some of which is red in color. The red-colored structure is larger in the image above.
Fathers’ Gut Bacteria Impact Offspring Health
Sneha Khedkar | Oct 25, 2024 | 4 min read
Gut microbiome disruption in male mice increases disease risk in offspring, indicating that preconception paternal health status can affect the next generation.
3D illustration of an antibody bound to a metallic nanoparticle.
A New Approach Improves Signal Detection in Mass Cytometry
Shelby Bradford, PhD | Oct 24, 2024 | 3 min read
A team of researchers developed a technique, ACE, to improve the ability to study low-abundance proteins using mass cytometry.
Image shows a brain and a digestive system, specifically the intestines, connected by nodes. 
Gut Serotonin Curbs the Developing Immune System
Claudia Lopez-Lloreda, PhD | Oct 24, 2024 | 3 min read
In neonatal mice, the neurotransmitter serotonin mobilizes immune cells that promote tolerance to antigens.
A cat head and human head are seen in profile against a blue background, white and purple Toxoplasma parasites pass between them.
Genetically Engineered Parasites Smuggle Therapeutics into the Brain
Hannah Thomasy, PhD | Oct 23, 2024 | 4 min read
Scientists modified Toxoplasma gondii to deliver a potential Rett Syndrome therapeutic to the mouse brain. 
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Targeting Protein Isoforms to Develop Safer Opioids
Claudia Lopez-Lloreda, PhD | Oct 23, 2024 | 4 min read
Inhibiting a protein isoform in the spinal cord alongside morphine improves the opioid’s pain-relieving properties without increasing unwanted side effects.
Vector illustration of a woman wearing a red blazer and white shirt, holding her head as she struggles with stress and anxiety.
Why Are Successful Scientists Leaving Academia Mid-Career? 
Iris Kulbatski, PhD | Oct 23, 2024 | 10+ min read
Three researchers who left academia share their tales of self discovery, course correction, and growth.
A pile of superworms.
The Culprit of a Mysterious Superworm Epidemic Finally Identified
Danielle Gerhard, PhD | Oct 22, 2024 | 5 min read
Advanced microscopy aided in the detection of the pathogen responsible for a nationwide superworm apocalypse and informed the development of a potential vaccine strategy.
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