Wednesday, 8 February, 2012

After decades of effort, gene replacement brings eyesight to the blind. How did it work? What does animal research say about gene therapy for curing cancer, reducing pain or reversing muscular dystrophy? Why has gene therapy taken so long?

Scientists learn to make human embryonic stem cells without using eggs, embryos, or legal hassles. Adding four genes to skin cells did the trick.

In 1997, Dolly was BIG NEWS. What did Dolly teach? Why did cloning attract so many oddballs, and what is the status of reproductive cloning and therapeutic cloning? The Why Files honors Dolly with a 10-year lookback.

New electronics, new sensors and new electrodes promise new hope for people with grave nerve disabilities. Replacements for both sensory and motor nerves have long ago left the drawing board.

Think all socks are created equal? Think about socks at all? A few scientists that think with their feet say choosing the right pair of socks is a major feat. Indeed!

Korean scientist pulled off the biggest scientific fraud in memory. How did he do it? How is science supposed to prevent fraud? Why did it matter, and who loses out?

Brains are slathered in receptors for chemicals found in opium and marijuana. Drug-like chemicals made in your brain affect mood and vision, reproduction and addiction.

Fruitfly muscles are triggered when they are lengthened by the opposing muscle, explaining why they can beat their wings 200 times a second.

Where did tattooing and piercing originate, and what do they signify? What are the medical risks?

Developmental biology meets dentistry as scientists grow human teeth in test tubes. All the latest on test-tube teeth. Sounds better than the iron teeth that the Romans used…