John Travis

All Stories by John Travis

  1. Breathtaking Science

    A small region within the brainstem creates the normal breathing rhythm.

  2. Showing Some Spine: Imaging of nerve cell branches stirs debate

    Two research groups have taken unprecedented, high-resolution images of nerve cells inside the brains of live mice—and come to seemingly contradictory views.

  3. Showing Some Spine: Imaging of nerve cell branches stirs debate

    Two research groups have taken unprecedented, high-resolution images of nerve cells inside the brains of live mice—and come to seemingly contradictory views.

  4. Mice have a sharp nose for pheromones

    Mice can detect pheromones with great sensitivity and in a way that's distinct from that of the main olfactory system.

  5. Health & Medicine

    Bilirubin: Both villain and hero?

    Bilirubin, which causes jaundice in newborns, may protect against cellular damage.

  6. Bacteria, this spud’s for you

    A compound in potato extracts stops bacteria from sticking to their targeted cells.

  7. Viral enzyme tackles strep throat

    An enzyme from viruses that chew up bacteria may be a new kind of antibiotic.

  8. Pelvic infection tied to bacterial gene

    A newly discovered gene may explain why some gonorrheal infections turn even more serious.

  9. Fly Genome Creates a Buzz

    Scientists try to make sense of an insect's myriad genes.

  10. Debate over Alzheimer’s enzyme flares up

    Scientists continue to tussle over the identity of an enzyme implicated in Alzheimer's disease.

  11. Bacteria give carpet a nasty smell

    A compound produced by bacteria may be responsible for the "cat urine" smell of some new carpeting.

  12. Pen-shaped device purifies water

    A battery-powered instrument the size and shape of a pen can quickly disinfect contaminated drinking water.