Articles by Katharina
Squirrel Hibernation May Help Stroke Survivors
As winter approaches, squirrels collect nuts while bears gorge on food to gain fat for energy and insulation. Animals of all sizes prepare for hibernation, in which they may sleep for up to seven months; definitely something many of us would like to try. Hibernating animals can go for extended periods without eating and drinking, while it is also common for them to reduce their breathing activity and metabolism. How do animals hibernate, and what can squirrel hibernation teach us about new therapies for stroke patients? […]
Health Benefits and Risks of Coffee
Whether you’re in a meeting, lecture, class or just working late, for a lot of people the first thing that springs to mind is coffee. As 125 million people in the world are regular coffee drinkers, it is not surprising that it is one of the most consumed and exported products worldwide. But what does caffeine—the active ingredient in coffee—do to our bodies? We explore caffeine’s biochemical processes that make us more awake, alert and energetic. We also compare the health benefits and risks of long-term coffee consumption. […]
Vaccines, Autism, and Scientific Fraud
We live in a world where a wealth of knowledge is readily available to many. Access to this is usually just a quick click away, but—almost ironically—this convenience means we are also more likely to be exposed to fraudulent information. A man once decided to make some quick cash by publishing an entirely falsified study, with no regard to the consequences. By falsely claiming that the MMR vaccine caused autism, this man single-handedly put the world on red alert, and millions of lives at risk. […]
A Brief Introduction to Forensic Science
‘Evidence never lies.’ Criminal Minds, CSI, Law & Order; the popularity of crime television shows might have a bit to do with how the audience gets a taste of forensic technology. After all, not many people out there would have had the first-hand experience of having their DNA sampled! There wouldn’t be criminal investigations without forensics, and contrary to what TV portrays, lots of different branches exist. From forensic pathology to DNA analysis to toxicology, specialists exist in each field to provide forensic legal advice. […]
Does Alcohol Really Kill Brain Cells? The Effects of Booze on The Body
‘In Vino Veritas’ or ‘in wine lies truth’ are well-known words supposedly uttered 2600 years ago by the poet Alcaeus of Mytilene. Since ancient civilizations, humans have been familiar with alcoholic beverages; its effects are documented as far back as biblical texts. Depending on the amount consumed, alcohol can cause blackouts, headaches, nausea or fatigue. But what actually happens to the glass (or glasses) of wine we consume after it enters the human body? […]
