By Veronica Villanueva, C2ST Intern, Rush University

When we develop new technologies, we rely on our knowledge of physics, chemistry, biology, and math to produce the best outcomes. Sometimes, it’s easier to take ideas from the world around us instead of having to “reinvent the wheel.” Biomimicry is when we model materials, structures, or systems based on biological processes and entities. 

One of the best known examples of biomimicry is velcro(1). In 1941 George de Mestral noticed that burrs were sticking to him and his dog as they walked. When he looked at the burrs under a microscope, he saw they were made of hundreds of tiny hook shapes. These tiny hooks inspired the creation of velcro.

Continue reading “Weaving our World with Biomimicry”

By Veronica Villanueva, C2ST Intern, Rush University

Autoimmune diseases are quite common. Most of us know someone with allergies, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis, but–despite numerous advancements in the study of autoimmune disorders–there are still many questions left to answer about the causes and origins of these afflictions. Many studies are currently underway. While the individual purposes of these studies vary, the overall goal is the same: to give researchers a better understanding of autoimmune disorders. One detrimental autoimmune disease under study is multiple sclerosis (MS). 

MS is an autoimmune disease which impacts the central nervous system. Specifically, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath around nerve fibers. This myelin sheath acts as insulation for neurons and prevents them from taking damage. Without the protection of the myelin sheath neurons are much more susceptible to harm–this can lead to things like impaired vision, loss of motor function, and diminished coordination. 

Continue reading “Kissing Multiple Sclerosis Goodbye: The Surprising Link Between MS and Epstein-Barr Virus”

By Laura Tran, C2ST Intern, Rush University

Recently scientists¹ found a potential alternative for managing pain with anthrax². But bacteria, it turns out, have medical applications beyond just pain management. Not only do some bacteria possess natural tumor-targeting and tumor-killing abilities, but bacteria can be engineered to be used in a number of different therapeutic applications. 

Imagine using bacteria as drug delivery vehicles to kill tumor cells. That’s right, researchers have developed a “cloaking” system³ that allows bacteria to temporarily avoid detection by our immune system. This system allows bacteria to effectively deliver drugs directly to tumors and kill tumor cells in mice. Now that’s putting bacteria to work!

Continue reading “Masters of Disguise: Fighting Cancer With Bacteria”

By Summer Seligmann, C2ST Intern, Loyola University

Last month, the all too familiar scenes of uprooted trees, flipped cars, and wrecked homes played out in the southern states. Over 10 tornadoes touched down in Texas in a single day, damaging thousands of homes before the storm headed to Louisiana and Mississippi. 

On average, 1,200 tornadoes hit the United States each year. Even though tornadoes are somewhat frequent events, meteorologists have a hard time predicting them. 

Continue reading “Why Are Tornadoes So Unpredictable?”

By Laura Tran, C2ST Intern, Rush University

Genetic engineering can be used to produce genetically modified organisms (GMOs) like weather-resistant crops, modified yeast or bacteria that produce insulin¹, and even animal organs suitable for human transplantation². GMO crops offer several advantages such as improved yields, enhanced nutritional value, and resistance to drought, frost, or pesky insects. However, making genetically modified food can be time-consuming and costly. Recent technology may be the solution to circumventing these issues.

Continue reading “GMOs without the GM!”

By Summer Seligmann, C2ST Intern, Loyola University

Just outside of Chicago in Wilmington, Illinois, there’s a place called Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie where you can see native wildflowers, grassland birds, and bison (yes, bison). Midewin is the largest protected grassland reserve in the greater Chicago region, and the first ever designated national tallgrass prairie in the United States.. Midewin and other preserves like these are crucial in protecting our wildlife, biodiversity, and to preserve natural spaces for generations to come. 

Continue reading “The Midewin in the Midwest”