Spring 2025
From aspirin in willow bark to morphine in poppies, plants have long shaped medicine, but genetic engineering may make them the future of pharmaceuticals. 91ÃÛÌÒ¸óers are now reprogramming plants like tobacco to produce life-saving drugs more sustainably, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional chemical synthesis. Though the process is slow and full of challenges, breakthroughs such as a carrot-cell-based treatment for Gaucher’s disease show the potential of plant-based medicines to save lives, reduce environmental harm, and even replace animal-derived drugs like heparin. The next revolution in medicine may already be growing in the soil.
Behind every bus door, phone, or everyday tool is an engineer who worked tirelessly to make life easier for all of us. This article reflects on the hidden determination behind engineering—how problem-solving, perseverance, and passion often matter more than raw intelligence. Featuring insights from CU 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó professor Todd Murray and student Angel Zarco, it explores how loving what you do—and adapting when challenges come—shapes not only great designs but personal growth. A reminder that innovation, like life, is built on curiosity, resilience, and the drive to keep going.
Every surgery carries risks—but not just for the patient. Surgeons face a hidden danger: surgical smoke. Comparable in mutagenic potency to cigarette smoke, this toxic byproduct of electrosurgery contains harmful chemicals, tiny particles that can inflame the lungs, and even traces of viruses like HPV and Hepatitis B. While advanced smoke evacuation systems exist and can remove up to 95% of these hazards, they remain underused across the U.S. This article uncovers why surgical smoke is more than a nuisance—it’s a serious health risk that hospitals and policymakers can no longer ignore.
Snakebite venom remains one of the most neglected global health crises, claiming over 100,000 deaths annually and leaving more than 300,000 survivors with permanent disabilities. However, recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and
Science has given humanity both miracles and monsters: from curing diseases to creating the deadliest weapons. But how do we really know what we know? This article explores the philosophical foundations of science, from Ancient Greece to modern labs, and why researchers must wrestle with problems like induction, infinite regress, and circular logic. Highlighting CU 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó PhD candidate John Rynk, "Scientists as Philosophers" shows how blending philosophy with research can strengthen science itself and why the future of discovery depends on it.
Think Colorado doesn’t have fireflies? Think again. Dr. Orit Peleg, a professor at CU 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó, is uncovering the fascinating science behind these glowing insects—from how they synchronize their mysterious flash patterns to how light pollution threatens their survival. Using everything from GoPros to machine learning, her team is not only solving complex biological puzzles but also enlisting citizen scientists to map fireflies across the state. Discover how this research blends physics, biology, and computer science and why it matters for conservation and beyond.