Amping up the brain’s ‘sewer system’ may help treat Alzheimer’s

Amping up the brain’s ‘sewer system’ may help treat Alzheimer’s

Researchers are developing a new non-invasive strategy for mitigating the symptoms and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, according to Nature Communications. As Cell & Bioscience reported, scientists are currently investigating how to reduce an agglomeration of Alzheimer’s-associated proteins, toxins and cellular debris by enhancing the brain’s ability to clear waste.

A new species of mussel has been found in the Gulf of Mexico

A new species of mussel has been found in the Gulf of Mexico

Every year, on average, 2,000 new species are discovered through various types of fieldwork, according to the Ocean Census, and an interesting new one has just been identified. A paper published in January of 2024 in Part I of the journal Deep Sea Research, titled Oceanographic Research Papers reported that a tiny shallow oceanic species of mussel has officially been identified and named: Vadumodiolus teredinicola.

Mount Holyoke Climate Justice Coalition celebrates ‘radical hope’ in climate activism

Mount Holyoke Climate Justice Coalition celebrates ‘radical hope’ in climate activism

With the clock ticking down on the threshold to prevent irreversible climate damage, it is easy for the climate crisis to feel like an insurmountable obstacle entirely out of the hands of average citizens, The Guardian reported. For many, hope in the face of the climate crisis can be impossible to pick out of the nihilistic tangle of political inaction and daunting news headlines.

Customized vaccines may be the next step in treating cancer

Customized vaccines may be the next step in treating cancer

Amidst the maelstrom of novel cancer treatments featured in the news, cancer vaccines have become a rapidly advancing method for preventing, treating and personalizing cancer medicine.

According to the Cancer Research Institute, various cancer vaccines either exist or are currently being tested in clinical trials. However, unlike vaccines for influenza and COVID-19, many of them are not meant to be preventative. Instead, cancer vaccines may help the immune system attack pre-existing cancerous cells based on their specific mutations, making them more of a treatment than a prophylaxis — a measure meant to prevent the spread of disease. 

This automotive technology claims to help bring an end to art heists

This automotive technology claims to help bring an end to art heists

Have you ever been to a museum and thought about how easily someone could recreate some of the featured art? It may not be as easy as you think. Origify, a technology originally used for spare car part product authentication, has now been adapted to identify potential counterfeit art pieces, The Guardian reported. 


This company says it has found Amelia Earheart’s plane, others aren’t convinced

This company says it has found Amelia Earheart’s plane, others aren’t convinced

One of history’s most enduring mysteries, mired in speculation and conspiracy, may have just been solved. After 87 years, an underwater research team claims to have potentially discovered famed aviator Amelia Earhart’s long-lost plane at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, BBC News reported.

AI seeks to make neurosurgery safer and more effective

In an increasingly automated world, Artificial Intelligence is becoming commonplace in almost every area of our lives. 

According to the Pew Research Center, many Americans have misgivings about its effects on privacy, customer service and public safety. Forbes lists job loss, reduced human interaction, misinformation and an uncertain future for humanity as primary concerns of AI’s rise. However, AI also illustrates great promise for the future of industries like medicine. 

Mount Holyoke College selects two students for Beckman Scholars Program

Mount Holyoke College selects two students for Beckman Scholars Program

Erin Desmond ’25 and Illia Kawash-Cooper ’25 have been selected by Mount Holyoke College to participate in the Beckman Scholars Program, a research scholarship and mentorship program available to students at select institutions across the country, according to their website. Beckman Scholars receive a $21,000 award to pursue a 15-month research project, which is divided across the academic year, two summer sessions and associated conferences and events. Participating institutions are selected each year, with 2023 marking the first year that Mount Holyoke was chosen.