Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
November 1, 2024

Science & Technology




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The axolotl, a salamander from Mexico, has 32 million base pairs in its genome.

Axolotl salamander has largest genome ever sequenced

Characterized by the branch-like projections from its neck and named after the Aztec god Xolotl of lightning and death, the axolotl (pronounced ACK-suh-LAH-tuhl) is probably the most scientifically studied salamander in the world, according to National Geographic.


Volumetric imaging may produce light "holograms"

Some say science fiction predicts future technology. Others say science fiction itself shapes technology by creating visions of the future. Either way, one feature of futuristic fiction has been conspicuously absent in recent technology — 3D holographic images. 


EPA orders cleanup of nuclear waste in Missouri

While many may be concerned and skeptical about the effectiveness of environmental protection policies under the Trump administration, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently took a huge step forward by finally ordering the clean up of a Superfund nuclear waste site in Missouri. 


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After testing, chronic disease patients showed an increased risk for cancer.

Chronic diseases may be risk factors for cancer

Researchers in the United States and in Taiwan have found a potential correlation between chronic diseases and cancer risk. In this study, Chi-Pang Wen, a professor at the National Health Research Institutes in Zhunan, Taiwan, and his team have suggested that chronic diseases and markers should be taken into account while studying cancer development and mortality.


Studying the history of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

In a study published earlier this month in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), researchers found that the prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) may be up to five times as great as previously estimated.


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In 2012, the UAE provided funding for the Sheikh Zayed Tower at the med campus.

Hopkins receives $50M for new stroke institute

Earlier this month, it was announced that Hopkins would use a $50 million gift from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to create the Sheikh Khalifa Stroke Institute. The Institute aims to expand upon the University’s past successes in neurology and neurosurgery while relying on the University’s experience in fields ranging from biomedical engineering to psychology.


Atmospheric traits may help us find alien life

From science-fiction movies to Area 51 myths, it is very apparent that modern society holds a deep interest in what lies beyond the limits of the earth — more specifically, the possibility of life on other planets. A recent study from the University of Washington has claimed that looking for a chemical disequilibrium that occurs in atmospheres may be key in detecting planets with extraterrestrial life.


Combating climate change through geoengineering

Scientists at the University of New South Wales have found that using climate engineering to modify the surface of the land in crowded urban areas and in areas of agricultural growth in North America, Asia and Europe has yielded promising results, reducing extreme temperatures by two to three degrees Celsius (about four to five degrees Fahrenheit). 


Researchers in China clone two macaques

On Jan. 24 earlier this year, a paper published in the journal Cell described the successful cloning of two macaque monkeys at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Neuroscience in Shanghai. 


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According to the CDC, the flu vaccine seems to be less effective than it has been in the past.

CDC says this may be the worst flu season in a decade

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicted that this year’s flu will be the worst in almost 10 years. Flu season usually begins in the fall and continues into the winter. The exact reason for the spread of the virus from October to May is unclear. 


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Otop1 is a gene that has been linked to balance and coordination and is also found in taste cells. 

Protein found in both taste buds and inner ear

Functions in the body are commonly interconnected, but many of them often have unusual connective networks. Recently researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences discovered that cells responsible for detecting sour foods are functionally connected to the vestibular system in the ear. 


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Researchers in Tel Aviv discovered that post-concussion syndrome can be treated with daily hyperbaric sessions.

Can hyperbaric treatment heal brain injuries?

Traumatic-brain injuries (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there were about 2.8 million TBI related visits, hospitalizations and deaths, contributing to nearly 50,000 deaths.


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Children with trisomy 21 may possess a unique genome superior to others. 

People with Down syndrome have a super genome

Trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome, is one of the most well-known forms of genetic conditions. The incidence of trisomy 21 is one in 700 live births.  Normally, healthy people are born with two copies of each of their 23 sets of chromosomes. However, people who have trisomy 21 are born with an additional, abnormal copy of chromosome 21. 


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In the 1940s, German V-2 rockets were the first man-made objects to be launched into space.

The past, present and future of the space race

In this feature, we explore how space science research has been and still is associated with both absurdity and great power competition. We delve into the roots of rocketry in war, the space race between the U.S. and the USSR, and what some consider to be the beginnings of a second space race between the U.S. and China.


Hopkins Highlights

Bloomberg professor claims universe is expanding faster than expected Hopkins astrophysicist and 2011 Nobel Prize in physics winner Adam Riess recently presented at a meeting of the American Astronomical Society in the National Harbor. 


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Induced pluripotent stem cells can be used to treat disorders like heart disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Skin cells manipulated to recreate stem cells

Researchers at the Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco, Calif. have discovered a new way to make induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by manipulating the genome of skin cells using CRISPR techniques.




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