Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
November 25, 2024

Science & Technology



PUBLIC DOMAIN
Research showed immune cells such as macrophages can aid the process of tattoo removal. 

Macrophages may be used to ease tattoo removal

A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine described how immune cells can be used to improve tattoo removal procedures. The study was done at the Immunology Center of Marseille-Luminy in France and led by researchers Sandrine Henri and Bernard Malissen.







PUBLIC DOMAIN
The Lancet Public Health journal states binge drinking may cause dementia.

Researchers link heavy drinking to dementia

Ethanol in alcohol, as well as its metabolite acetaldehyde, can lead to direct and permanent structural and functional changes to the brain. Heavy drinking is commonly associated with unintentional accidents such as car crashes and falls. 


PUBLIC DOMAIN
HALLS’ Mentho-Lyptus cough drops were introduced to the U.S. in the 1950s.

The sweet origins of modern cough drops

Along with tissues and flu medication, cough drops are just about everywhere during the winter months. They are a staple of cold and flu season and can be found in dozens of different flavors, sold by numerous different brands. 


PUBLIC DOMAIN
Cave paintings in the La Pasiega Cave in Spain from 64,000 years ago are thought to be created by Neanderthals.

Neanderthals may be smarter than once thought

From the construction of the ancient pyramids of Egypt to the Colossus of Rhodes to the terracotta army, archaeologists are constantly amazed by what humans thousands of years ago were capable of accomplishing in the absence of modern-day technology.




PUBLIC DOMAIN
Researchers estimate there are 751,527 pairs of Adélie penguins residing on the Danger Islands.

1.5 million penguins found on Danger Islands

Over the last several decades, scientists have noticed a steady decline in one of Antarctica’s most treasured inhabitants — the Adélie penguin. These penguins reside exclusively along the Antarctic coast, along with the emperor penguin. However, a recent study published on March 2 in the journal Scientific Reports states that a supercolony of over 1.5 million Adélie penguins has been found in a group of islands off the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula


Gene editing method can work on DNA and RNA

CRISPR-Cas9 is a molecular genetic method that allows scientists to cut DNA at specific sites of the genome. Traditionally, the technique has been used in animal models to delete certain genes from the DNA in order to attack viruses or correct genetic defects.


Outdated beliefs are halting social progress

Anytime someone announces that they believe the earth is flat, they are met with immediate dismay, criticism or even mockery. Now I am not saying that it is not warranted, but I wonder why such a reaction is not the standard response to scientific ignorance. 


PUBLIC DOMAIN
The sugars in candy can penetrate the liver and raise blood glucose.

Added sugars prime the brain to crave sweets

Worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In the U.S., the issue of obesity threatens the health of both adults and children. With more than one third of U.S. adults living with obesity, they are at risk for certain preventable diseases such as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. 


Brain electrical activity translated into images

The idea of “mind-reading” has commonly been associated with magic or the supernatural. However, research done at a lab in the University of Toronto Scarborough (U of T Scarborough) recently took a significant stride forward in achieving this possibility. 


 
pUBLIC DOMAIN
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are similar to cancer cells and may be developed as a new treatment target.

Stem cells can be used as cancer treatment

Last week, researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine published a study detailing how injecting pluripotent stem cells into the body may train the immune system to attack or even prevent cancer, thereby acting as a cancer vaccine. 


PUBLIC DOMAIN
Hopkins researchers found that cockroaches’ mobility patterns have practical robotic applications.

Cockroaches can be used to model robot locomotion

With this current period of rapid technological advances, it is no surprise that scientists and engineers all over the world are investing ample time and effort into improvements in robotic technology. Many believe that advances in this field will revolutionize the way people live in the next few decades.


Wrap up: the latest in technology

Snapchat Responds to Change.org Petition  Snapchat recently released a controversial update, entirely redesigning the user interface. Since then more than 1.2 million users on change.org have signed a petition stating that the new features make the app more complicated. 


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