March 7, 2024

Touchpoint 1
DNA-tailored diet could help manage blood glucose and reduce risk of type 2 diabetes progression

What is it?
Scientists think we can use an individual’s DNA to create a personalized diet for that person. The hope is that a DNA-informed nutrition plan will reduce illness of severity of longer term diseases.

Potential message for students:
Do students think this is the future? Will we all get our genome sequenced and then get personalized recommendations for diet and personalized drugs? Do you think this would work with anxiety and depression too?

Touchpoint 2
Neuroscientists link visual perception shifts to walking rhythm

What is it?
Researchers have linked vision to walking and running. Both work together to manage that next step. But they think that vision is reduced when you plant your foot and when you pick it up again, vision increases to sample where you are going.

Potential message to students:
Do you think the human body can only so so much at one time and so while it’s trying to balance that next step, it has to take energy away from things like vision? Do you think sound also has an impact on walking or running?

Touchpoint 3
Vitamin Critical to Stem Cell Biology, Wound Repair

What is it?
When you fall and get a cut, stem cells start working to repair the wound. But these stem cells aren’t always sure respond. Researchers think a form of vitamin A may help the stem cells respond better to skin injuries.

Potential message to students:
Do you think vitamins can be used in a topical ointment directly on the body to speed up would care and clear up skin conditions? Do you think a “cocktail” of vitamins may one day be injected directly into a tumor to get it to stop growing?

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