By: Jillian Carmichael, 4th year student in the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program “Did you see that post? It’s going viral!” Social media can be a strange beast. Within hours, funny videos about pandas going down slides or kids saying the most ridiculous things are all over the Internet. These viral posts saturate social media and it’s almost … Continue reading Going Viral: How Social Media Mirrors Science
Pregnancy Brain: A Neuroscientific Guide for the Expectant Mom (Part 2 of 2)
By: Jordan Gaines Lewis, 5th year student in the Neuroscience Graduate Program My forgetful friend – the subject of my original article – gave birth to a baby girl on Thanksgiving Day. She’s a beauty, and I know Mom agrees that the morning sickness, crazy sense of smell, and forgetfulness were worth it in the end. … Continue reading Pregnancy Brain: A Neuroscientific Guide for the Expectant Mom (Part 2 of 2)
Pregnancy Brain: A Neuroscientific Guide for the Expectant Mom (Part 1 of 2)
By: Jordan Gaines Lewis, 5th year student in the Neuroscience Graduate Program A few months ago, my friend asked me, “Why have I become so forgetful since I became pregnant?” I told her I didn’t know, but that I’d look into it and write an article for her. She then followed with, “I was going … Continue reading Pregnancy Brain: A Neuroscientific Guide for the Expectant Mom (Part 1 of 2)
Zika Virus: The New Kid on the Block
By: Jillian Carmichael, 4th year student in the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program Move over Ebola. There’s a new virus in town. If you’ve been paying attention to the news in the past few weeks, you may have heard about the Zika virus outbreak that’s currently sweeping through the Americas. As with any emerging outbreak, fear is a … Continue reading Zika Virus: The New Kid on the Block
Meet a Scientist: Jessica Parascando
This is the eighth post in our “Meet a Scientist” series. Next up is Jessica Parascando, a 1st-year student in the Public Health program. Meet Jessica: Let’s get to know you a bit! Where are you from, what did you study in college, and what is your role at Penn State College of Medicine? I was born … Continue reading Meet a Scientist: Jessica Parascando
What is Déjà Vu?
By: Jordan Gaines Lewis, 5th year student in the Neuroscience Graduate Program What is déjà vu? Many of us know the feeling. You'll be going about your day, minding your own business, folding some laundry...nothing out of the ordinary. Suddenly a sensation of familiarity washes over you, and you're completely aware that it's happening. I've been here … Continue reading What is Déjà Vu?
Frankenfood? The Real Science Behind GMOs
By: Ross Keller, 5th year student in the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program A recurring theme in science fiction is the ability to modify an organism’s genetic material. The goal is usually to give the modified person or creature amazing characteristics — super speed, super strength, or mind control, to name a few. I haven’t met anyone with these … Continue reading Frankenfood? The Real Science Behind GMOs
Penn State College of Medicine Students Describe Their Theses…in 20 Words or Less
Last week, in response to this recent post circulating social media, we asked our students: What is the topic of your thesis, in 20 words or less? Here are the responses! I make mutant viruses and utilize drugs to study how herpes simplex virus spreads from the mouth into neurons. -Jillian Carmichael, 4th-year Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. … Continue reading Penn State College of Medicine Students Describe Their Theses…in 20 Words or Less
What is your thesis about…in 20 words or less?
Many of us have enjoyed this recent post called "20 PhD Students Dumb Down Their Thesis for Us," which originated from this reddit post last month. Examples included: When I get rid of this gene, it messes the brain up. A lot. My experimental drug does NOT cure addiction. You can make antimatter move in … Continue reading What is your thesis about…in 20 words or less?
C, D, E, F, G, A, Brain: Music as Therapy
By: Cecilia Bove, 1st year student in the Neuroscience Graduate Program You may recall from my “Meet a Scientist” interview that I grew up in a music-rich home. I like to say that I can fluently speak Italian, English and Music – because it is, in all respects, a language. Music can make us feel without saying … Continue reading C, D, E, F, G, A, Brain: Music as Therapy
Lions Talk Science 