By Laura Tran, C2ST Intern, Rush University

When we get hurt, our bodies are capable of closing cuts and mending broken bones. We can even use stem cells to regrow parts of our liver¹. But this is basically the extent of our regeneration capabilities. Although our bodies naturally form scar tissue at major injury sites to protect them from blood loss and infection, we generally can’t recover tissue loss or reverse it (in the case of limb loss, as an example). It may be the case that we cannot regrow lost arms or legs due to the complexity of these limbs. 

Continue reading “Getting A Leg Up On Regenerative Medicine With BioDomes”

By Laura Tran, C2ST Intern, Rush University

Scientists are ringing in the new year with transplanted pig organs. 

Each day, roughly 20 people die¹ waiting for an organ transplant. Unfortunately, the demand for life-saving organs far exceeds the supply and results in years-long waits. Scientists are trying to solve the human organ supply crisis using organs from non-human animal sources like pigs (called xenotransplantation, xeno in Greek means “foreign”).

Continue reading “A Change of Heart: How Genetically Modified Pig Organs Are Saving Lives”

By Laura Tran, C2ST Intern, Rush University

Imagine you are cooking and you accidentally touch a hot pot on the stove. Ouch! It happens in an instant. You pull your hand away as a reflex and then you feel the pain. Our sensation of pain comes from these receptors called “nociceptors”¹  (“no-see-septors”) that respond to stimuli such as temperature (e.g., hot or cold), mechanical pressure (e.g., stretch/strain), and chemicals (e.g., toxins/poisons). The heat from the pot is the stimulus that activates your nociceptors. 

Continue reading “Managing Pain With…Anthrax?!”

By Summer Seligmann, C2ST Intern, Loyola University

Broadband transmits large amounts of data very quickly and makes things like remote learning, telemedicine, and other important online services possible. However, broadband access is not equal, and many communities suffer from not having high-speed internet access. Over the last decade, Roberto Gallardo, PhD., has researched how the availability of broadband can impact economic and community growth. 

Gallardo is the Director of Purdue’s Center for Regional Development (PCRD). At PCRD, Gallardo works with public, private, and non-profit organizations to provide planning and technical assistance and promote regional growth. Additionally, the Office of Community and Rural Affairs recently announced that Gallardo will be the acting director for the Next Level Connections Broadband Programs. In this role, Gallardo will be assisting in the implementation of broadband programs across the state of Indiana. 

Continue reading “The Importance of Broadband: A Discussion with Roberto Gallardo, Ph.D.”

By Laura Tran, C2ST Intern, Rush University

People look up for inspiration. Likewise, German astronomer and mathematician Johannes Kepler looked to the heavens and unlocked the secrets to planetary motion. On December 27th, we celebrate Kepler’s birthday and his contributions to astronomy.

Continue reading “Reaching Beyond Our Stars: Kepler’s Exoplanets”

By Summer Seligmann, C2ST Intern, Loyola University

Computers are everywhere. Their technology helps people get around, order groceries, do research, and so much more. Technology is so intertwined with our lives that the average person spends more than 10 hours online everyday. The debate we see today, over how to govern this technology and how to protect the rights of people who create it, has been happening since computers first gained popularity in the 1970s. Before 1980, few laws protected the authors of computer programs and softwares, but this all changed on December 12th, 1980, when President Jimmy Carter signed the Computer Software Copyright Act into law. 

Continue reading “The Computer Software Copyright Act of 1980”