CuriosiTEA Journal Club 

Student Summary by Hayden Byun Original Source: Ivana Jaric et al., PLOS Biology, October 21, 2022 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9629646/#sec001 Image created by Hayden Byun Abstract Background: Scientists often use genetically similar mice to conduct experiments in order to reduce variation. It has been known that the phenotype, or observable traits, of a living thing is often made up of two factors: genotype (genetic makeup) and the environment that the organism

Student Summary by Audrey Kim Original Source: Jennifer Welsh — LiveScience, September 26, 2011https://www.livescience.com/16230-miracle-fruit-taste-sweet-sour.html Image created by Audrey Kim Abstract Background: The "miracle berry" is a fruit that can turn sour taste into sweet. It possesses a protein called miraculin, which changes the function of our tastebuds and attaches to the sweet-sensing receptors. The impact is strong, making sour lemons taste like an extra-sweet l

Genetic History of Dogs Student Summary by Emma SeoOriginal Source: Eliene Augenbraun, Scientific American, Jan 21, 2021https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/ancient-dogs-had-complex-genetic-histories/ Image created by Emma Seo Abstract Background: The first animals to be domesticated were dogs, and they thrived alongside humans throughout history as humans changed their lifestyles from hunting and gathering to farming to city living. Objective: Researchers wante