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November 14, 2025 November 14, 2025 | Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896

Science & Technology

Medicine Nobel winners show vesicle bubbles in cells key for cargo transport

By CONNIE CHANG | October 14, 2013

On Oct. 7, the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded jointly to James E. Rothman, Randy W. Schekman and Thomas C. Südhof for their work on transportation mechanisms within the cell. Together, their research highlighted how vesicles, which are bubbles in the cell that contain molecules essential to the organism, transport their cargo. Previously, researchers had been puzzled by how vesicles know where to go and at what time. Thus, the discoveries of Rothman, Schekman and Südhof are a major step in understanding cell communication.

Bioethics Corner: Regulating the import of food

By SAAD ANJUM | October 3, 2013

In an effort to promote the safety of imported food, the FDA proposed new regulations for importers this past July as part of implementing the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) signed by President Obama in Jan. 2011. According to the FDA news release, the proposed regulations are a response to the modern global food system. The release also explains that imported food from 150 countries accounts for 15 percent of the United States food supply.  Foodborne diseases cause approximately 48 million (or one in six) Americans to get sick every year, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Airlines may allow use of mobile devices during lift-off

By SEAN YAMAKAWA | October 3, 2013

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you kept your electronic device on during takeoff or landing? It’s a hassle to have to turn our electronic devices off, but pilots and flight attendants are adamant about reducing electronic device activity during take off. With our increased dependence and closeness to MP3 players, texting, web surfing, and a myriad of other functionalities in mobile devices, these airline policies are wearing passengers’ patience thin.

Hope is found even in flat-lined EEG

By TONY WU | October 3, 2013

Most think of a coma as a state of limbo between life and death. The word “coma” conjures up an image of a seemingly lifeless patient, hooked up to a variety of monitoring devices. The most recognizable of these devices is the EEG. The EEG — or electroencephalogram — measures the brain activity of the patient.

Does dog food alleviate chemo side effects?

By MARU JAIME | October 3, 2013

In a world where so much has already been discovered, it is common for people to overlook the true potential of everyday chemicals. Similar to how Mustard Gas was used in World War I and then harnessed to become a potential chemotherapeutic agent, many everyday chemical substances possess great potential.

Functional mechanical gears found in insect

By ALBERT HUANG | September 27, 2013

As creative as our large human brains make us, the adaptive forces of nature often outsmart us. After all, it was these forces that pushed us to develop such meaty neo-cortices in the first place and made us the smartest species on earth.

Harvard creates matter, light sabers

By SOPHIA GAUTHIER | September 27, 2013

Until recently, the concept of squirrels dueling with light sabers was a complete work of science fiction and loopy Internet humor. However, now, a team of Harvard and MIT scientists are claiming to have created of a new form of matter — from light. They make an analogy between the newly created “photonic molecules” and a light saber. And they aren’t joking.

Scientists discover genetic basis for handedness

By MELISSA STALEY | September 27, 2013

The distribution of right handed and left handed people in the world seem to be random. Different family members can write with either hand, and there are a few of those who can switch between both hands. In most cases, it doesn’t seem to be a trained practice and it just comes naturally for each individual. However, recently, genes that are linked to the orientation of internal organs during embryogenesis were found to play a role in the development of handedness.

Merlin protein prevents tumors

By JOEL PALLY | September 27, 2013

Tumors, both cancerous and noncancerous, can arise when cellular pathways that control cell proliferation and tissue growth go awry. Many ongoing research efforts are underway to identify the crucial genetic underpinning of such pathways.

Largest earthquake ever recorded in Asia

By SEAN YAMAKAWA | September 27, 2013

“Not another earthquake!” I am sure that this is the thought that most Japanese citizens would jump to if they heard that one of the absolute largest earthquakes ever recorded occurred earlier this year right on the Japanese sea border. The magnitude 8.3 earthquake rattled the earth below the Sea of Okhotsk, an area enclosed by the Russian, Chinese, and Japanese borders.

JHU uses light to restart the heart

By KELLY CARTY | September 21, 2013

Electrical stimulation of the heart is a common phenomenon. If you are CPR/AED certified, you’ve practiced saving someone’s life using a defibrillator. If you know anyone with a heart problem, chances are they have a pacemaker or have talked to their doctor about getting one. Both defibrillators and electrodes use direct electrical stimulation to correct cardiac arrhythmias.

A mass of students use wifi to get iOS7

By SEAN YAMAKAWA | September 21, 2013

If you own a Twitter, you certainly know what day it is today. It’s #iOS7 day, of course. After weeks of anticipation, Apple has finally released iOS 7 to the masses. What is new in iOS 7, and what does it mean for you?

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