Research
It’s like magic, but its real.
Microplastics (MPs) pose a significant global health and environmental threat. Limited research has examined the impact of Tire Wear Particles (TWPs), a type of microplastics, on freshwater ecosystems. Dugesia tigrina, a common freshwater planaria species known for its remarkable regenerative abilities driven by neoblast stem cells, serves as the subject of this study which investigates the effects of TWP concentration and accumulation on the regeneration rate of planaria using a Head: Body color ratio. When exposed to TWPs over 2 weeks in different concentrations, Dugesia tigrina demonstrates an accelerated regeneration in higher concentrations. Surprisingly, Dugesia tigrina that are exposed to TWPs for a longer period of 6 weeks shows signs of tolerance to TWP.
The growth of women in STEM fields has always been a force to be reckoned with. Men have tried to show through countless opportunities that they preside in all fields and have created barriers, such as the female pay gap, to display their dominance and preserve their confidence. Around 27% of women have the confidence to pursue a career in STEM and by breaking down the barriers of sexism, hopefully that number will increase exponentially.
Female Vaginal Microbiome
— The purpose of this review article is to highlight the role of beneficial bacteria in promoting a healthy vaginal microbiome. The article describes the mechanisms for maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome, the symptoms of a “dysbiotic” (disrupted) vaginal microbiome, and an overview of the vaginal diseases that can occur from a disrupted bacterial ecosystem inside this organ. Additionally, it outlines how to promote a healthy vaginal microbiome through lifestyle choices and a summary of current treatments available to patients who suffer from bacteria-related vaginal infections.
