Contributed by Seth Bordenstein — What is the craziest thing a phage enzyme can do to eukaryotic hosts? Read more →
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Coley's Toxins Revisited
by Roberto — In the last few years, immunotherapy has quickly become the emerging "fourth pillar" in cancer treatment, joining surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The basic concept behind the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors as anti-cancer therapeutics is that activating the immune system can sometimes result in the body ridding itself of malignant cells. Read more →
Filamentous Phage Shields
by Roberto — Elaborate mechanisms that protect bacteria against phage are well known, with CRISPR leading the way. Less familiar but equally fascinating is the fact that, somewhat unexpectedly, phages themselves sometimes offer bacteria protection in harsh environments. Filamentous phages do just that. Read more →
Requiem for an Apparatus
by Roberto — Have you ever seen the type of apparatus that Carl Woese and colleagues used to obtain data to support their conclusion that Bacteria and Archaea were so distant phylogenetically as to merit being different domains of life? Read more →
Gut Microbes and Exercise
by Roberto — These days there seems to be an ever-growing number of studies aiming to associate diverse human behaviors with gut microbiome composition. My curiosity has been particularly piqued by studies involving exercise. Read more →
A Breath of Fresh Air – More than Just Oxygen
by Mechas — Our lives are stitched from numerous activities, many of which go largely unnoticed. One of these is breathing, which is essential but only occasionally acknowledged. Read more →
Women: An Unfolding Story
by Mechas — International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, commemorates women's struggle for equality, celebrates achievements, and raises awareness about discrimination and disparity. Read more →
Inactive Ingredients Meet Gut Microbes
by Janie — Among all the human microbiome's kaleidoscopic effects on human health, one likely less frequently thought about by prescribing medical professionals is the ability to chemically alter the medications we take. It's well-established that our gut residents are teeming with enzymes... Read more →