Antibiotika aus Fliegenblut, Wundsalben aus Madenspucke, Enzyme aus Käferkotze – Forscher entdecken den Wert der Insekten für Medizin und Ackerbau. Von Philip Bethge Des Totengräberkäfers Geschäft ist Leichenfledderei. Immer wenn etwas stirbt, im Wald oder auf der Flur, krabbelt er heran, gelockt vom Odem des Todes. Aus einigen Kilometer Entfernung kann das kaum zwei Zentimeter […]
Tag Archives | medicine
The Wizard of Stem Cell Science: Robert Lanza and the Dawning of a New Era of Hope
Ethical worries have slowed medical research into applications for stem cells. But scientists like Robert Lanza have developed less controversial ways to derive stem cells from normal body cells rather than embryos and are already launching the first clinical trials. By Philip Bethge Stem cell researcher Robert Lanza hopes to save thousands of lives — […]
SPIEGEL Blog: Surrogate Mother (Not Yet) Sought for Neanderthal
An interview published last week by SPIEGEL with American genetic scientist George Church has sparked frenetic media speculation about a supposed plan to bring the Neanderthal back from the dead. Church feels his remarks were mistranslated, but it was other media outlets that twisted his words. “Wanted: Surrogate Mother For Neanderthal,” screamed an article in […]
Interview with George Church: Can Neanderthals Be Brought Back from the Dead?
In a SPIEGEL interview, synthetic biology expert George Church of Harvard University explains how DNA will become the building material of the future — one that can help create virus-resistant human beings and possibly bring back lost species like the Neanderthal. –> Update: The Interview has sparked frenetic media speculation about a supposed plan to […]
A Future of Self-Surveillance? Tech Pioneers Track Bodily Functions Day and Night
Using smartphone apps and sensors, high tech pioneers are monitoring their own bodily functions such as heart rates, sleep patterns and blood. The ‘self trackers’ dream of a digitalized medicine that will enable people to lead healthier lives by getting around-the-clock updates on what goes on inside their bodies By Philip Bethge Larry Smarr’s large intestine appears to float […]
Antibiotics Prove Powerless as Super-Germs Spread
Antibiotics were once the wonder drug. Now, however, an increasing number of highly resistant — and deadly — bacteria are spreading around the world. The killer bugs often originate in factory farms, where animals are treated whether they are sick or not. By SPIEGEL Staff The pathogens thrive in warm, moist environments. They feel comfortable in […]
‘Starfish, Daisies and Raying Purple Forms’: Oliver Sacks on the Wonder of Sight
In a SPIEGEL interview, New York neurologist and author Oliver Sacks discusses his new book, “The Mind’s Eye,” which explores how creative people compensate for their sight disorders or blindness. He also discusses his own “face blindness,” which makes it difficult to recognize people. (–> photo-gallery OPTICAL ILLUSIONS) SPIEGEL: Dr. Sacks, five years ago, you were diagnosed with a […]
Brooke the Immortal: An American Child May Hold Secrets to Aging
Brooke Greenberg is almost 18, but she has remained mentally and physically at the level of a toddler. An American physician is trying to uncover the child’s secret. He wants to give mankind the gift of eternal life. By Philip Bethge It is possible that the key to immortality is hidden in this delicate girl, […]