The Dose: Nature's pageant queen
Which boosters are more effective, nature's pageant queen and hunt some critters
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The Serious Stuff
In this section, we share the most important pandemic and science updates.
📈 mRNA boosters more effective. A recent study found that if you had received a J&J COVID-19 vaccine as your initial dose, receiving a Moderna or Pfizer booster might produce a stronger immune response as compared to a second J&J shot. Those who received an mRNA booster had antibody levels that were 10-20 times higher than those who received a J&J booster. In conclusion, the study found that while all three vaccines could be useful boosters, the mRNA vaccines would elicit a more robust response. Read more
🔐 Unlocking mysteries. The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2021 had been awarded to two scientists who unlocked the missing links in understanding how our bodies sense heat, cold and how tight our hugs feel. David Julius had discovered the TRPV1, a receptor that tells us when temperatures are perceived as painful. Ardem Patapoutian had discovered Piezo1, a receptor sensitive to pressure and important in regulating the way we breath (and control our bladder)! Read more
🦟 A long time coming. Sound the applause! With the WHO's approval of the RTS,S (Mosquirix) vaccine, the world's first malaria vaccine is ready for widespread roll-out. Malaria kills around 400k people a year, with 260k deaths afflicting children under five. Beyond mere scientific breakthrough, this vaccine sings of hope. Although the vaccine has limited efficacy (39%), it can reduce chances of hospitalization or death by up to 70% when used with antimalarial drugs. Did you also know that Mosquirix is also the first ever vaccine against parasites? Read more
The Beautiful Stuff
In this section, we share pieces at the intersection of science and art that have us obsessed.
🎨 @drawntomedicine. Merlin Evans is an artist, writer and educator. Known for her medical illustrations, she creates art pieces for projects on patient care, mental health, women’s health and more. Her brush strokes delight, her colours arrestingly immersive, and her storytelling evocative. We highly recommend you check her out. It was hard to pick a favourite, but we also loved this piece and this piece by her.
🕊 Nature’s pageant queen. Name a bird that dresses better than the starling. Check out these two incredible shots of the household starling’s iridescent coat of hearts. Pair the pictures with this intriguing piece on the starling’s puzzling murmurations, a defensive mechanism against predators during their migratory traditions.
🧘🏻♀️ Belly out, pelvis forward. Stuck on creating a meditation habit? Here’s a series of science-backed methods to meditate your way to a state of Zen. This visualization charts 5 types of meditation (body, breath, heart, mantra, and mind) and summarizes the evidence-based effects of meditation.
✨ Auras or disco balls? Some experience migraines as hallucinations while others, distortions. Check out this vivid illumination of what it’s like to experience powerful migraines- in the middle of of walk in the woods. Do you know someone who suffers from migraines? Those familiar with the condition may read this piece and feel ‘seen’.
🔎 Hunt some critters. Ever wondered how organisms adapt and change? In this fun, interactive game, hunt some critters after dark and witness natural selection in action. Hint: pay attention to how critter colors are changing over time.
The Personal Stuff
❤️ The Intern Corner
This week, we asked our team the question, “What are you looking forward to the most this Fall?”
Deanna Parisi: “I absolutely love fall clothing -- hoodies, sweaters, boots and jeans 🙂😛”
Asma Khan: “The change in weather! Bahrain is hot for the majority of the year so when it cools down everyone is taking advantage of it!”
Maria Victoria Dreher: “Definitely the fall outfits! I love boots and comfy sweaters! But I also LOVE getting to see the leaves change, the city looks so pretty!”
April English: “I have the privilege of participating in a 7-day Knowledge Translation Professional Certification, course starting next week. I’ve been wanting to do this course for years, but didn’t have the $$$ to fork out. Now my work is paying for it and I can’t wait! 🤓”
Justyna Kulpa: “PIE!! 🥧 Both apples and pumpkins (locally grown) are abundant in Ontario this time of year and pie is just about my favourite thing to bake (and eat) - in fact I currently have a honey crisp apple and clove pie in the oven! Now that I work entirely from home rather than in a lab, I experiment in the kitchen instead with different doughs, and fruit and spice combinations.”
What are you looking forward to this fall? Hit reply and let us know!
The Cool Stuff
After taking a break in the summer, we are excited to announce that our podcast is back!
🍭 Pour some artificial sweetener on me. This week, we team up with Erin from @foodsciencebabe to pick apart the myths surrounding artificial sweeteners. How do no-calorie artificial sweeteners actually work? Do they cause weight gain? Can they cause insulin resistance, cancer or affect our gut microbiome? Listen here
That’s it for this issue!
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