Medical Science

The deadly nightshade plant, or belladonna, is extremely poisonous. It contains atropine, which is potentially dangerous but has important medical uses.

The wood frog survives freezing. A study of its adaptations for survival may be helpful in understanding human health problems and in the use of organs for transplants.

The 'Spermbot' is the latest breakthrough in nanotechnology, but how does it work and what else could it be used for?

Article answering: Does having a blood transfusion change your DNA? Transfusion cannot change your DNA but bone marrow transplants can change your DNA. So, Does a blood transfusion change your DNA and if so, will it be for the worse? Doubtful. Will a blood transfusion change your DNA in future?

Antibiotic resistance is becoming a very serious problem. Phage therapy—treatment with viruses that attack bacteria—may be the solution.

Hydrochloric acid is made in the stomach and is a helpful chemical. However, too much or too little acid or acid in the wrong place can cause problems.

Broca's area, Wernicke's area, and the circle of Willis are important parts of the brain. They are named after the famous scientists who discovered them.

Interstitial fluid bathes cells, giving them nutrients and removing wastes. The interstitium is the space containing the fluid. Some scientists believe that fluid-filled spaces in the body are connected, forming an organ. The spaces may play a role in transporting cancer cells.

Mucus has vital functions, such as trapping germs in air passages and protecting the stomach lining from an acid attack. Excess mucus can cause health problems.

Researchers have found that people with osteoarthritis seem to have a lower than normal level of FOXO proteins in their damaged joints. Increasing the protein level might help to treat the disease.

Blood flukes (genus Schistosoma) parasitic flatworms which infect the organ systems of mammals. They are a serious concern in developing countries, with over 250 million cases recorded per year.

Paneth cells are found in the glands of the small intestine. They play an important role in keeping the intestinal lining in good condition. A problem with autophagy or unfolded proteins in the cells has been repeatedly linked to Crohn's disease.

Giant viruses are huge entities compared to other viruses and are bigger than some bacteria. They are often large enough to be seen under a light microscope and contain very large genomes.

Clostridium perfringens is a bacterium that can have big effects on humans. It's a common cause of foodborne illness and may cause multiple sclerosis.

Bispecific antibodies can bind two different antigens simultaneously. With over 100 formats in the development it is one of the fastest growing class of investigational drugs.

When someone experiences a heart attack, cells in their heart die. Scientists have found two ways to replace the lost cells in rodents. The techniques may one day work in us.