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Professional, interactive data visualization for everyone: lessR

David Gerbing, Ph.D, from Portland State University, explores professional, interactive data visualization for everyone through lessR.

Lost in taxonomy: Why bacterial type strains are the anchor we need

Professor David Ussery and Dr. Ake Vastermark, bioinformatics and microbial taxonomy experts at Oklahoma State University, introduce the challenges of defining bacterial species in an era of rapidly expanding genomic data. Their article highlights how modern genome-based tools can bring clarity to this evolving field.
Figure 1. Cladoselache fyleri, a chondrichthyan fossil preserved at an early stage of decay and disarticulation in an iron-carbonate concretion, collected by William Kepler between 1880 and 1886 from the Cleveland Shale Member of the Ohio Shale (Upper Devonian), Cleveland, Ohio, USA (above), and an interpretive sketch of the specimen (below). The cartilaginous bones of the skull, including the jaws, have largely disarticulated, and some of the tiny teeth are scattered nearby. The body was twisted just behind the pectoral fin, so the fossil appears in left-lateral view at the front, and in oblique-ventral view through most of the trunk and tail regions. A distinct rounded line surrounding the fish represents the margin of the microbial biofilm, or “decay halo,” that was responsible for early decay and also forming the concretion and preserving the fish remains. The fossil is 50 cm in length. This previously undescribed specimen was one of many surprises in the 19th-century geological collection of Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio.

Cladoselache, a puzzling ancient shark-like fish

Loren E. Babcock, Professor in the School of Earth Sciences at The Ohio State University, introduces research on Cladoselache, a puzzling ancient shark-like fish.
Texture of mold and fungi, microbiology, abstract background. Close-Up

Legacy asbestos: An ongoing public health risk

Jean C. Pfau and Tracy McNew from the Center for Asbestos-Related Disease address the legacy of environmental asbestos, which continues to pose a public health risk.
The location of the experimental restoration peatland (with the six treatment plots covered in straw mulch) is set against the Sudbury landscape, with the now decommissioned 381m tall ‘Superstack’ in the background. The site is located within the Laurentian University Greenspace and emphasizes the importance of this research and education opportunity for both local and global audiences.

Sudbury peatland restoration from metal pollution

Professor Pete Whittington discusses efforts to restore metal-contaminated peatlands in Sudbury, Ontario, which were heavily affected by mining since the 1880s.
DNA abstract digital visualization. Changes in the genome, scientific transformations

The legacy of bias: Building the foundation for sex and gender-based medicine

Alyson J. McGregor, Associate Dean at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, highlights the historical bias present in medical research; the exclusion of which has created a significant knowledge gap that impacts the diagnosis and treatment of various health conditions.
Atomic Force Microscope in Material Research Laboratory.

Atomic-Force Microscopy (AFM) data: Are these images real?

Focusing on atomic-force microscopy (AFM) data, Nancy A. Burnham examines the challenges in image processing for scientific research, highlighting how different techniques yield varied images and clearer views of key features. The choices researchers make during processing can therefore lead to differing conclusions, underscoring the importance of critical evaluation in scientific publications.
Figure 1. Human oligodendrocytes. A. Cartoon of oligodendrocyte myelination of neuronal axons. B-D. Oligodendrocytes grown in a dish (cell culture). E,F. Oligodendrocyte excitotoxicity. G. Peroxynitrite (ONOO) formation and protein damage. H. Oligodendrocyte excitotoxicity with quinolinic acid (QA) causes formation of toxic forms of α-synuclein as monomer (arrow) and oligomers. Ponceau shows equal protein loading in the lanes.

iPSCs and NSCs model newborn brain injury

This article discusses research by Dr. Lee J. Martin and his team on HIE, a leading cause of neonatal mortality. They use human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and neural stem cells (NSCs) and emphasize the vulnerability of oligodendrocytes, sharing how these cells can accumulate toxic misfolded proteins, potentially causing severe neural damage and long-term cognitive disabilities in affected infants.
Selective focus shot of mid adult female therapist giving constructive advice to insecure teenage boy, that is struggling with negative emotions, sitting across from her on the sofa, during a therapy session.

Youth suicide: An overview

Professor Deborah Winders Davis from the University of Louisville School of Medicine discusses the prevalence, risk factors, and stigma associated with youth mental health and suicide, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and developing intervention strategies to tackle the critical issues facing young people.
A hand with a microplate filled with color samples

Smarter decisions, better outcomes: How a new molecular test improves patient care

Oliver Bathe, Professor of Surgery and Oncology at the University of Calgary and CEO of Qualisure Diagnostics, examines how a new molecular test can lead to smarter decisions and better patient care outcomes in his third article.
Detailed surface shot of a fresh ripe red strawberry.

Food environment dynamics research

Dr. Terrence Thomas and Murat Cankurt, Ph.D. at North Carolina A&T State University provide guidance on the fundamentals of food environment dynamics research.

Gut microbiome and aging – Unlocking new frontiers in healthy longevity

As the population ages, research into preserving healthy longevity is gaining pace. Christian Brechot highlights the role of the gut microbiome – a complex community of microorganisms within us – in influencing health as we age.
Moon and Earth at night. Cities light. Planet and satellite. Moon surface. Deep space with stars. Exploration of solar system. Elements of this image furnished by NASA (url:https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/PIA00405/PIA00405~small.jpg https://eoimages.gsfc.nasa.gov/images/imagerecords/79000/79765/dnb_land_ocean_ice.2012.3600x1800.jpg)

Driving innovation in lunar water purification technology

Learn about how the UK Space Agency’s International Bilateral Fund (IBF) supported the UK-Canada Aqualunar Challenge to promote advancements in lunar water purification technology.
3d render, abstract background with wavy neon lines. Trendy wallpaper with colorful spectrum

How U.S. research and innovation are reshaping the global energy future

Cecilia Van Cauwenberghe discusses how U.S. research and innovation are transforming the global energy landscape, beginning with comments on energy innovation necessity.
Father on paternity leave looking after his infant son at home

Paternal perinatal mental health: Barriers to help-seeking

Deborah Da Costa, PhD, Associate Professor at the Department of Medicine, McGill University, Scientist at McGill University Health Centre, details the benefits and barriers to paternity leave uptake by fathers following the birth of a child.
Indian female coworkers dressed in saris operating equipment producing spools in textile factory and representing women empowerment

Stimulating women’s entrepreneurship in contexts of oppression

Applying insights from a recent article published in the Academy of Management Perspectives, Dr Jennifer Jennings discusses critical precursors to entrepreneurship for women living under oppressive conditions.
Brock University

Clones for viticulture in Canada: National clonal selection program

Jim Willwerth from CCOVI at Brock University highlights the importance of clonal propagation in grapevine cultivation, as new vines are grown from cuttings of a ‘mother vine’ to preserve desirable traits. He also advocates for a national clonal selection program to assess new clones for Canada’s cool climate.
3D rendering

Resilience as a metric: Why midlife interventions matter more than ever

Dr Rebecca Crews and Heather Makar from Renue By Science advocate for changing health policy to prioritize proactive resilience maintenance over reactive disease treatment, especially during midlife. They emphasize the benefits of NAD+ biology as a measurable intervention framework.

Connecting Canada for rare disease care and research

The Canadian Rare Disease Network (CRDN) is uniting care, research, and lived experience to improve the rare disease journey in Canada.
Adipose cells, a cluster of fat cells - 3d rendered image on white background. Medical, microbiology concept illustration.

Fueling bone regeneration by rewriting immune metabolism

Chima V. Maduka, DVM, MS, PhD, and Christopher H. Contag, PhD, provide insights on tuning immunometabolism to resolve inflammation and promote repair at the bone–biomaterial interface.

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