/oss/taxonomy/term/1380/all en /oss/article/critical-thinking-technology/artificial-intelligence-coming-our-proteins <p>At first glance, these two things look nothing alike. On the one hand, we see the mesmerizing contortions that proteins display to grant life forms their functionalities. On the other hand, we have the oldest continuously played board game in the history of our species, consisting of a gridded board and simple stones. </p> <p>In both cases, however, a sobering truth has emerged in recent years: computers beat humans. </p> Fri, 18 Aug 2023 16:00:52 +0000 Jonathan Jarry M.Sc. 9602 at /oss /oss/article/technology-history/wrap-your-hair-around-biotechnology <p>What comes to mind when you think of biotechnology? Maybe it’s Dolly the cloned sheep, or GMOs, or stem cell therapy, or DNA profiling, or mRNA vaccines. Rightly so. These are indeed examples of biotechnology, defined as the “manipulation of living organisms, or of substances produced by living organisms, with an aim towards developing useful agricultural, industrial or medical products.” But how about a lotion formulated to repair damaged hair? Probably not something you would connect to biotechnology. Just wait and see. First, though, a quick lesson on the chemistry of hair. </p> Thu, 06 Jul 2023 13:19:29 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 9560 at /oss /oss/article/medical-critical-thinking-health-and-nutrition/yummy-hype-nutrigenomics <p>Should you let your genes decide what you eat? The field of nutrigenomics certainly leans in that direction. Frustratingly, there are two sides to nutrigenomics. On the one hand, it is a research endeavour trying to shed light on the interactions between the food we eat and the molecules in our body. On the other hand, it is a commercial endeavour piggybacking on the public’s fascination with DNA and the personalization of care.</p> <p>Is it worth the hype?</p> Sat, 27 Aug 2022 22:20:50 +0000 Jonathan Jarry M.Sc. 9215 at /oss /oss/article/covid-19-general-science/worlds-second-best-molecule-year <p>The COVID-19 pandemic has made visible so many unsung heroes. Essential workers, parents who must work from home and care for their children, healthcare personnel. But there is one hero whose positive impact on the pandemic remains unsung and for good reasons. It doesn’t technically qualify as a hero because it’s not even alive. It’s a molecule but not any molecule, mind you. The prestigious journal <i>Science </i>dedicated<a href="https://science.sciencemag.org/content/246/4937/1543.long"> its Christmas 1989 cover</a> to throwing flowers at it, calling it “the molecule of the year.”</p> Thu, 11 Feb 2021 19:29:57 +0000 Jonathan Jarry M.Sc. 8615 at /oss /oss/article/health-history/symbol-healing <p>A snake coiled around a staff is a widely recognized symbol of healing.  The staff belongs to Asklepios, the mythical Greek god of medicine.  In ancient Greece the sick would go to be healed at shrines called “asklepieia” where priests often used sacred serpents in their ceremonies.  Whether the snakes just scared people into feeling better, or were actually used in treatment, is not clear, but Italian researchers have now examined the healing potential of the "four-lined snake" commonly found in the area.  The research was prompted by an ancient relief showing contact between a boy’s wound</p> Fri, 03 Jan 2014 20:05:44 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 2057 at /oss /oss/article/health-you-asked/what-are-prions <p>Imagine your brain literally turning to sponge. That’s just what happens in a family of diseases known as the “spongiform encephalopathies” which leave the brain riddled with holes. In humans, spongiform encephalopathies include Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), Kuru, Fatal Familial Insomnia (FFI) and Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker Syndrome (GSSS).</p> Tue, 06 Nov 2012 18:22:25 +0000 OSS 1767 at /oss