CuriosiTEA Journal Club 

Student Summary by Olivia Liu Original Source: Teruaki Nakatsuji, Richard L. Gallo, & others. JAMA Dermatology, June 16, 2021. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8209585/ Image Created by Olivia Liu Abstract Background: Having been noted since 1974, there has been a strong connection between atopic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy skin, and Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that can cause skin infection. People who are found wi

Student Summary by Olivia Liu Original Source: Kyrou, K., Hammond, A., Crisanti, A. & others. Science Journal for Kids and Teens, March 2020. https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/dsx_article.pdf; https://www.nature.com/articles/nbt.4245 Cover Created by Olivia Liu Abstract Background: For every 2 minutes we live, one child dies due to a fatal disease called malaria. Malaria is transmitted from person to person by mosquitoes (mainly the Anopheles ga

Student Summary by Hayden Byun Original Source: Fabrizio Camerin et al., Science Journal for Kids and Teens, March 2026 https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/antibody-medicine_article.pdf; https://www.pnas.org/doi/suppl/10.1073/pnas.2425974122 Image created by Hayden Byun Abstract Background: Medicine takes on several different forms and has various ways of entering our bodies, such as through syringes and pills. This is because the physical propert

Student Summary by Olivia Liu Original Source: Rachel Fieldhouse & Nature magazine, Scientific American, June 22, 2026 https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/stem-cells-banish-severe-autoimmune-disease-for-15-years/ Image Created by Olivia Liu Abstract Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune disease (i.e. a condition in which your immune system attacks your own body) in which immune systems create antibodies that strike the spi

Student Summary by Olivia Liu Original Source: Berkley Luk, et al., PLOS ONE, May 15, 2018 https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0196510 Image created by Olivia Liu Abstract Background: Our body is a residence to trillions of bacteria, which start making themselves at home the minute we're born. Most bacteria in the body are probiotic/commensal bacteria, or in other words "good bacteria." Some bacteria that are categorized in this section are bact

Student summary by Olivia Liu Original Source: Julia Busiek, University of California, April 16, 2024 https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/vaccine-acne-uc-discovery-shows-promise Image created by Olivia Liu Abstract Background: Around 85% of the human population has either experienced or will experience acne in their lives. Acne (also known as pimples) has caused social stigma and has been linked to mental health problems. Many p

Student summary by Olivia Liu Original Source:Published June 17, 2025 in Discover Magazine by Lehmann, J. Image created by Olivia Liu Abstract Background: Small animals live shorter lives because their genetics can’t protect them very well from cell damage. However, bats have the ability to live longer and to resist cancer using several strategies. Objective: Scientists want to create treatments for cancer in humans by researching bats. Method: Researchers investigated fib

Student summary by GL Original Source: Published May 15, 2025 in The New York Times by Gina Kolata Abstract ​ Background: KJ was a baby born with a rare and serious condition called CPS1 deficiency, which made it hard for his body to remove ammonia. This could cause brain damage or death. Most babies with this disease do not survive their first week. Objective: Doctors wanted to help KJ by fixing the exact genetic mistake that caused his illness, using a new type of treatme