Welcome to TrueScience Blog
The Toll of Lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease that affects an estimated 5 million people worldwide, and the disease usually presents between the ages of 15 and 44. Roughly 90% of the cases are in adult women although adult men and younger individuals of both sexes can develop SLE. Symptoms can include pain, extreme fatigue, hair […]
Viruses and Gene Therapy
There are around 6000 known genetic disorders that cause health problems with the number continuing to grow as more are discovered each year. The clinical effects can vary from just an increased risk for disease (e.g. breast cancer and BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations) to an inevitably fatal condition (e.g. progeria). Many of the more frequently […]
Follow My Blog
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
Understanding Molecular Biology Part I – DNA Structure and Organization
I usually write about recent scientific publications that I find interesting and important, usually in the general area of biology. My goal is to promote scientific literacy and an awareness of the many remarkable advances in all areas of science. I try to provide some background context for the published study and then summarize the […]
Sniff, Sniff, Bite (Mosquitoes are Hunting You)
Mosquitoes, the bane of summer, are persistent pests that can plague our outdoor activities. Not only do they produce itchy bites, but they can also carry a variety of disease-causing viruses including Zika virus, West Nile virus, dengue virus, and St. Louis encephalitis virus. There are 176 species of mosquito found in North America, with […]
A Mutational Limit for Lifespan?
It has long been known that mammalian lifespan roughly correlates with animal size, i.e. larger animals live longer than smaller ones. Mice generally live less than 2 years, your average dog lives 10-13 years, and humans have a typical lifespan of 73 years. What is less clear is the mechanistic basis for this observation. Differences […]
TrueScience 