Metagenomics is a powerful tool for studying the genetic material of entire communities of microorganisms. To make sense of all that data, scientists rely on reference databases. These databases are collections of known genetic sequences that help identify what's in a sample. One of the most widely
The way a person grows up can have a big impact on their adult life. This includes things like where they live and how much money their family has. Past studies have shown that these early experiences can affect health and behaviors later in life. For example, they can influence whether someone deve
In 1874, Wilhelm Wundt published a book that would change the course of psychology. The Grundzüge der Physiologischen Psychologie was not just a book. It was a foundation. It set the stage for modern psychology. The book went through six editions between 1874 and 1911. Each edition built on the last
Headaches are a common issue among young people. Some parents worry that braces might make these headaches worse. To find out if this is true, a group of researchers looked at many studies. They wanted to see if kids and teens who get braces have more headaches. They also wanted to know if braces he
In the Netherlands, cows that roam freely in the floodplains face a significant challenge. They ingest harmful chemicals called dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs. These chemicals enter the cows' systems through the grass and soil they consume, leading to increased levels in their meat fat. Understanding
The Department of Education has been a target for many years. Now, it seems that the Trump administration is taking steps to shut it down. This move is part of a broader campaign promise to reduce federal involvement in education. However, making this happen is not so simple. The department was crea
The internet is a vast place, where people can say what they want. Sometimes, this freedom leads to harmful ideas spreading quickly. One such idea is antisemitism, which has been sneaking into online conversations in sneaky ways. It's not always obvious, but it's there, hidden in plain sight. This i
Container ports are busy places. They handle lots of cargo. But they also release harmful gases into the air. These gases can make people sick. They cause problems like breathing issues and heart diseases. So, it's important to measure how green these ports are. One way to do this is by looking at h
Crohn's disease is a tough condition that can mess with a person's physical and mental health. It's a long-term issue that causes inflammation in the gut. Most people deal with it through medication, but that often comes with unpleasant side effects and can be hard to stick to. So, researchers are a
In the battle against breast cancer, early detection is key. One powerful tool in this fight is magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI. To make MRI scans even more effective, scientists often use contrast agents. These agents help make tumors stand out more clearly. Traditionally, iron-based oxides have
