Tag: basic research

  • Science & Tech

    More than a courier

    Now research suggests that a nerve cells’ axons may be making decisions on their own, challenging the dogma that the nucleus and cell body are the control centers of the neuron.

    neurone string
  • Science & Tech

    Termites shape and are shaped by their mounds

    Researchers investigate how centimeter-sized termites, without architects, engineers or foremen, can build complex, long-standing, meter-sized structures all over the world.

  • Science & Tech

    Rapid evolution, illustrated

    A study in which mice were released into outdoor enclosures to track how light- and dark-colored specimens survived confirms that mice survive better in similarly colored habitats, providing insights into evolution.

  • Science & Tech

    Microbial manufacturing

    Emily Balskus and a team of researchers untangled how soil bacteria are able to manufacture streptozotocin, an antibiotic and anti-cancer compound.

    Emily Balskus standing in her office
  • Science & Tech

    Twins in space

    To understand the strain that space flight places on the body, NASA-affiliated researcher Brinda Rana has been examining the molecular changes in the twin astronauts Scott and Mark Kelly for five years.

    Astronaut Scott Kelly along with his brother, former Astronaut Mark Kelly
  • Science & Tech

    Looking at lunglessness

    A recent study shows that a gene that produces surfactant protein c — a key protein for lung function — is expressed in the skin and mouths of lungless salamanders, suggesting it also plays an important role for cutaneous respiration.

    Desmognathus fuscus. That is one of the lungless salamanders featured in the study
  • Health

    The master of survival

    Proteins produced by the tardigrade are suspected of playing a role in the organism’s resilience, ultimately providing the basis for human therapies that halt tissue damage and prevent cell death.

  • Science & Tech

    Radcliffe scholar tracks squirrels in search of memory gains

    Radcliffe Fellow Lucia Jacobs hopes to gain insights on human memory from her work with squirrels.

    Squirrel.
  • Science & Tech

    Reading teeth

    By examining the teeth of Neanderthal infants, a team of researchers was able to glean insight into nursing and weaning behavior as well as winter and summer cycles. The study even found evidence that the Neanderthals had been exposed to lead — the earliest such exposure ever recorded in any human ancestor.

  • Health

    The love lives of fruit flies

    Harvard study reveals how the neurobiology of fruit fly courtship can help illuminate understanding of human disorders of motivation.

    fruit flies
  • Science & Tech

    Eye-popping arachnids

    Harvard researchers examined mysteries of color in the spider species Phoroncidia rubroargentea.

  • Health

    For new medicines, turn to pioneers

    A new study shows that scientific research driven by curiosity is “the best route to the generation of powerful new medicines.”

    Illustration of Scientist standing out with successful science experiment.
  • Health

    Fin to limb

    New research brings scientists closer to unraveling one of the longest-standing questions in evolutionary biology — whether limbs, particularly hind limbs, evolved before or after early vertebrates left the oceans for life on land.

  • Nation & World

    Remember research, Faust urges

    During Washington visit, Harvard President Drew Faust tells business, policy, and diplomatic leaders that they should maintain a strong research partnership between the federal government and higher educational institutions.

  • Science & Tech

    Scientists discover how ocean bacterium turns carbon into fuel

    Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. We hear this mantra time and again. When it comes to carbon—the “Most Wanted” element in terms of climate change—nature has got reuse and recycle covered. However, it’s up to us to reduce.