Studying and Sharing the Big Questions of Biology
Dr. Pedro Márquez-Zacarías explores the “big questions” of biology and gets students and the general public excited about them.
Search Results for: research organisms
Career Conversations: Q&A With Bioengineer César de la Fuente
César de la Fuente, Ph.D., programs computers to discover new drugs, including antibiotics to address the issue of antibiotic resistance.
Sepsis Sleuths
Sepsis is a complex, often life-threatening condition that’s poorly understood. Meet three researchers helping solve the puzzle of sepsis.
It’s Elementary: Celebrating National Chemistry Week
Happy National Chemistry Week! In honor of this celebration, we’re showcasing posts that focus on elements crucial for human health and scientific exploration. NIGMS-supported scientists are studying how each of these elements (and many others) can impact human health. Check out the list below to learn more, and let us know what your favorite element …
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Could a Spoonful of Sugar Be a Medicine?
Large sugar molecules called glycans coat every cell in our bodies. They can also be found inside and between cells, and they are important for many biological processes, including how our cells interact with one another and with pathogens. For example, glycans on red blood cells determine blood type, and those on the cells of …
Science Snippet: Brush Up on Biofilms
A biofilm is a highly organized community of microorganisms that develops naturally on certain surfaces. Typically, biofilms are made up of microbes and an extracellular matrix that they produce. This matrix can include polysaccharides (chains of sugars), proteins, lipids, DNA, and other molecules. The matrix gives the biofilm structure and helps it stick to a …
Science Snippet: Apoptosis Explained
Apoptosis is the process by which cells in the body die in a controlled and predictable way because they have DNA damage or are no longer needed. The term comes from a Greek word meaning “falling off,” as in leaves falling from a tree. When a cell undergoes apoptosis, it shrinks and pulls away from …
Pumping Iron: The Heavy Lifting Iron Does in Our Bodies
Our blood appears red for the same reason the planet Mars does: iron. The element may bring to mind cast-iron pans, wrought-iron fences, or ancient iron tools, but it’s also essential to life on Earth. All living organisms, from humans to bacteria, need iron. It’s crucial for many processes in the human body, including oxygen …
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Gone Fishing: Teaching Bioinformatics With Skate DNA
As computers have advanced over the past few decades, researchers have been able to work with larger and more complex datasets than ever before. The science of using computers to investigate biological data is called bioinformatics, and it’s helping scientists make important discoveries, such as finding versions of genes that affect a person’s risk for …
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Quiz: Prove Your Knowledge of Proteins!
Proteins play a role in virtually every activity in the body. They make up hair and nails, help muscles move, protect against infection, and more. Many NIGMS-funded researchers study the rich variety of proteins in humans and other organisms to shed light on their roles in health and disease. Take our quiz to test how …