The Quest for Universal Flu Vaccines

Modern flu vaccines have an average efficacy of just 40 percent, and they must be revamped each year. How can we make vaccines that are “universal” — both broadly-protective and highly potent?

Mitochondria Are Alive

The physical world is an intricate dance between matter, information, and energy. Recognizing that mitochondria are alive will open new horizons into how we learn about, and build with, biology.

Levers for Biological Progress

Thoughts on Dario Amodei’s “Machines of Loving Grace.”

The Long Road to End Tuberculosis

The vaccine and antibiotics available to treat tuberculosis have curbed cases, but more innovations are needed to halt its spread and counteract drug resistance.

The Forgotten Pandemic

Humans have suffered from tuberculosis for thousands of years and, even today, the disease kills more than 1 million people each year. Yet diagnosing cases remains a challenge. Why?

A Defense of Peer Review

Why scientists should strengthen, rather than replace, the peer review system.

Farma: Speculative Gastronomy

Despite years on the defensive, GMOs and other food technology can improve human and planetary health. A new restaurant is embracing this potential.