Has addiction gone VIRAL? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Retroviruses like HIV make us sick by inserting their genes into our cells. Usually, these genes cause cells to make new copies of the retrovirus. But occasionally, the genes mutate and can’t make new viruses.
Continue reading
Wear your lipstick like warpaint… against DISEASE?! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. We’re all told to “wrap it up” in sex ed. No glove, no love… or something like that. But that does NOTHING for kissing. How can we smooch safely? Alberto Tuñón-Molina and
Continue reading
“Gangnam Style”, “Despacito”, “Happy”…we LOVE music that goes viral! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science, saying…but what about a VIRUS that goes MUSICAL? Quick treatment of viruses requires understanding them. But different viruses have different proteins and genetic information, which take time to decode.
Continue reading
Psst! Is your stomach playing telephone – with your brain? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Let me think… Is it dinner time yet? Your brain keeps tabs on your stomach. Whether it’s time to digest or eat up. But does your gut TALK BACK?!
Continue reading
A BANANA a day keeps the doctor away?! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with The Loh Down on Science. This flu season resulted in millions of illnesses and thousands of deaths. Unfortunately, only THREE classes of drugs are approved for its treatment in the US. Meet Evelyn Covés-Datson from University
Continue reading
I VANT to suck your… biofuel? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Algae can be made into a biofuel that’s greener than gasoline – literally! But a mysterious killer has been sucking its life out. What causes these healthy aquatic creatures to become a rotting
Continue reading
Has addiction gone VIRAL? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Retroviruses like HIV make us sick by inserting their genes into our cells. Usually, these genes cause cells to make new copies of the retrovirus. But occasionally, the genes mutate and can’t make new viruses.
Continue reading
Did playing doctor just get real? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. What if you could diagnose viruses – like Zika – from home? This may be possible very soon! Right now, a Zika diagnosis requires a blood test. This can be challenging and expensive
Continue reading
What’s Batman’s REAL super-power? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Viruses take energy and nutrients from their hosts. BUT it also takes energy to FIGHT viruses! In us humans, eventually, either the host or the virus dies. But, BATS can carry viruses for YEARS. How?
Continue reading
Travelling on an airplane this flu season? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. AH-CHOO! Scootch scootch! Between the close quarters and recycled air, there’s a good chance you’ll catch something. You can try to protect yourself by wearing a mask or popping vitamin C. But
Continue reading