Can we treat diseases with Cas12a (CRISPR)? Modifying multiple genes.
A Swiss team figured out how to modify multiple genes in one cell using the gene-editing CRISPR system Cas12a. What do the findings mean for disease treatment strategies? Can we…
Sex and gender | Blue is for Girls, Pink is for Boys
“Is it a boy or a girl?” The first question we ask about a new baby. But can we honestly answer it? Or is this distinction between male and female…
The S.H.I.T. Show attracted the bunch.
S.H.I.T. Show to the people! (an update)
OK, so we arranged our first ever Science&Health Informal Talk (S.H.I.T.) Show in Amsterdam. We uploaded pictures from it on our social media, but where’s that written update we promised…
The S.H.I.T. Show attracted the bunch.
The S.H.I.T. Show and how it all started, Interview with the organizers
If you haven’t heard, the Ivory Embassy is organizing the upcoming Science & Health Informal Talk Show (or the S.H.I.T. Show). The event, DNA Manipulation: Treating Diseases and Designing Babies…
What is epigenetics? The making of a spectacular concert
What is epigenetics? They say it's important for the development of an organism. It’s also critical in cancer and a potential target in the battle against it. Word has it…
First CRISPR babies born in China | Is that a good thing?
It finally happened. The CRISPR babies born in China were the first gene-edited babies ever! Or that’s the claim at least.He Jiankui, a scientist from the Southern University of Science…
The top 6 limitations of CRISPR for successful treatments
China started CRISPR clinical trials already in 2015. The US came shortly after. Why so few diseases targeted? What are the limitations of CRISPR technology for clinical applications? Damn, this…
The gut microbiome (Part 2) – what controls the microbiome?
Yet another Q&A because it’s fun. In our last post, you saw that microorganisms in your digestive tract are a big part of your life. Much of the bacteria in…
The gut microbiome: The good, the bad, and the slacker (Part 1)
This is a simple warm-up preparing you for a series of upcoming posts dealing with the gut microbiome. You know, these microorganisms living inside you that can alter your mood,…
How to recognize pseudoscience: 5 common traits
Let’s talk pseudoscience. Why? Because it’s so available and is often seen as a replacement for conventional medicine. And to be honest, it also scares the crap out of me.…