Latest Articles

Epidemiological studies suggest that environmental rather than genetic factors are responsible for the current autoimmune epidemic. We take a look at how immunotolerance may be induced in affected individuals by taking inspiration from helminth infection.

The applications of CRISPR mediated genome editing are continuing to grow. The number of individuals addicted to nicotine is also continuing to grow. The solution? CRISPR-edited nicotine-free tobacco plants, say researchers Felix Stehle and Julia Schachtsiek from the Technical University of Dortmund in Germany.

For scientists investigating genomes and molecular mechanisms of microbes, it is vital that they can collate existing knowledge and understanding in the context of their current work to draw conclusions and fill gaps in knowledge. We spoke to Dr Peter Karp, leader of the BioCyc project, a microbial genomes and metabolic pathways web portal, about the evolution of BioCyc and its role in research.

Being able to differentiate bacterial species is important for a host of reasons. While molecular techniques can determine the specific species, even without getting into the molecular nitty gritty, there are phenotypic differences between groups of bacteria that can be used to differentiate them. One such useful classification – if a bacterium is Gram positive or Gram negative - is based on the structure of bacterial cell walls.

The UK has lost its measles-elimination status. New York have removed nonmedical exemptions from school vaccination requirements. Italy have made a number of vaccines mandatory. Here, we explore how global health authorities are tackling the issue of vaccine hesitancy as the number of measles cases continues to rise.

Having strains and cell lines that have been checked and confirmed to be what it says on the tube is invaluable to scientific validity and integrity, saving untold time and money. We spoke to Mindy Goldsborough, Ph.D., Chief Science and Technology Officer, VP and General Manager, ATCC Cell Systems about the importance and challenges of maintaining authenticated cell lines for scientific research.

Our immune system is fine-tuned to respond to a variety of different antigens, but some pathogens have found a way to hijack the immune system using superantigens. But how do superantigens manipulate the immune system into causing such extreme reactions? And what other secrets do they hide?

A clinical trial testing a "mosaic" HIV vaccine is due to commence in September. The trial is pertinent considering a recent UNAIDS report expressed concerns that the pace of progress in reducing new HIV infections has slowed. This article discusses the plans for the trial and the current status of vaccine research in the field.

How can you treat something if you don’t know what the problem is? This is the first challenge for medics and vets, one for which diagnostic testing holds the key.

In the western world, when we turn on our taps, we take it for granted that the drinking water that comes out is safe. But a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to ensure this is the case. We spoke to Fiona Regan, Professor of Chemistry at Dublin City University and Director of the DCU Water Institute, about the challenges facing our water resources.