Influenza kills up to 646,000 people worldwide each year. While we have all heard about the importance of receiving the annual flu vaccine, it reduces the risk of illness by approximately 60 percent at best. Last year, during one of the deadliest flu seasons in recent memory, the vaccine was only about 40 percent effective.(...)
The Life and Times of a Principled Scientist
Posted by | Events and HappeningsIn a world that amounts to a maelstrom of stimuli and a cacophony of interacting processes, it is of great importance that one develops systems for recognizing specific types of scenarios and reacting appropriately to them. These systems, or principles, inform our future decision-making and spare us the tedium of having to deal with all(...)
Science Has New Advocates on Capitol Hill in Wake of Midterm Elections
Posted by | Did You See This?In the wake of midterm elections, nine new STEM professionals will take seats in the U.S. Congress, eight in the House and one in the Senate. Since the 2016 elections, I have been party to countless discussions with other scientists expressing concern about the deliberate shift away from an evidence-based approach in policymaking. The shift(...)
When Doing Science Isn’t Enough: Critical Issues in Science Policy
Posted by | Events and HappeningsI used to feel like doing science was my way of putting good into the world. I would work on problems related to human health and make discoveries that could be implemented to help people. Recently, however, I have come to realize that research cannot possibly help people unless it is adequately reflected in policy.(...)
Thinking Outside the Brain
Posted by | Recently PublishedGenetics began in the garden — Mendel’s pea experiments revolutionized and developed the field and principles we know and study today. Similarly, my scientific journey began with plants. In college, I studied the model organism Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which is unique in its ability to thrive in total darkness, whereas most plants rely on photosynthesis. My(...)
The Interplay of Hormones and Infectious Diseases: How Our Sex Can Impact Our Risk of Getting the Flu
Posted by | Perspectives in ResearchWith the long days of summer well behind us, and crunchy leaves and cool temperatures beckoning us forward, we all have to prepare for winter in our own ways. For most, hopefully, that includes getting a flu vaccine! The vaccine is an important tool in our arsenal against influenza, but unfortunately, it is not sufficient(...)
Speaking From Experience: Advice For Residents and Fellows
Posted by | A Day in the LifeBiomedical Odyssey bloggers past and present share their experiences and offer advice to prospective residents and fellows. Here are a few of our favorites: Applying for Residency: Parts One, Two and Three A fourth-year medical student offers pro tips and lessons learned during the residency application process. Advice from a Senior Resident to a New(...)
Tips on How to Choose the Right Laboratory
Posted by | A Day in the LifeFor a graduate student or postdoc, choosing the right laboratory can be a daunting prospect. There are many factors that one must consider, but deciding which to prioritize is often challenging. Individual learning styles, interests and career goals vary vastly, so an environment perfectly suited to one person may be one where another flounders. That(...)
Uncovering a Food Preference Signal in an Overlooked Brain Region
Posted by | Perspectives in Research, Recently PublishedThis October marks the publication of my first lead author scientific article, the culmination of my thesis work thus far. Simply put, I found a previously unknown brain signal in the ventral pallidum that reports how good a food outcome was relative to the other available options. What does this signal mean, and why might(...)
Hope for Treating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Posted by | Did You See This?, Recently PublishedThink back to when you were a kindergarten-age kid. Your teachers seemed like giants, and you likely had limitless energy to run around, jump, and play tag with your classmates. Now, imagine that every time you tried to run after your friends at the playground, you waddled everywhere and fell frequently. Imagine that whenever you(...)