Surprising Science — April 8, 2014

Regeneration Research Offers Hope for Spinal Cord Injuries

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Healing leaves scars, but regeneration leaves the cells in their original state.

Spinal cord injuries today are considered devastating, but new research suggests that there’s hope in regeneration.

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A group of five men in suits pose with model rockets, showcasing their commitment to fundamental research. Beside them, an illustration depicts a space station orbiting Earth and the Moon, highlighting their visionary investment in space exploration.

Starts With A Bang

Why invest in fundamental research? A former Nazi explains

Back in 1970, Sister Mary Jucunda wrote NASA, decrying large investments in science. A former Nazi’s legendary response is still relevant.

Man peering through a glass container with measurement markings, focused expression, blurred foreground.

Health

The quest for a “communication device” that tells cells to regenerate the body

“Can we push these cells to do something other than what they normally do?” asks developmental biologist Michael Levin. “Can they build something completely different?”

Overlay of hands with abstract purple and black lines in the background.

Health

The exciting research that may cure Parkinson’s

“The field is endless, but my life is limited, as are all of ours. But you do what you can with your time,” says CSO Mart Saarma.

A close up of a red blood cell containing stem cells.

Health

The untapped potential of stem cells in menstrual blood

Long overlooked, menstrual stem cells could have important medical applications, including diagnosing endometriosis

An image of an egg with a blue and white pattern on it.

Hard Science

Ice plumes could reveal signs of life on Europa and Enceladus

If there’s life lurking on the moons of Saturn and Jupiter, could our instruments even detect it?

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