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Human Gene Editing: Science (Non-)Fiction?

Background

Human Gene Editing: Science (Non-)Fiction?

Human gene editing has long been a popular subject in science fiction. Some of these stories, such as GATTACA and The Island of Dr. Moreau, envisioned dystopian worlds ruled by social inequality, genetic mishaps and discrimination.

Igor van der Meulen • October 22, 2025

Dutch Space Week 2025 - What is there to do in Leiden?

Event

Dutch Space Week 2025 - What is there to do in Leiden?

Fasten your spacesuit and fire up the rocket engines, because Space Week is coming to the Netherlands from 4th to 12th of October. Discover the activities in Leiden to experience space to infinity and beyond!

Maria Eugenia Redondo González • October 10, 2025

Fat Bear Week 2025: Alaska’s bulkiest bears fight for the ultimate crown

Event

Fat Bear Week 2025: Alaska’s bulkiest bears fight for the ultimate crown

The biggest (and fattest) event of the year is upon us. As the bears in Katmai National Park in Alaska prepare to hibernate for the winter, the game is on to become the sturdiest bear around. Competition is fierce for the best position by the river, the most fish, and the chunkiest winter body.

Ella Flynn • September 27, 2025

Background

A Fungal Future?

In recent years it has become quite apparent that most of the materials we use are not sustainable. They are either non-degradable, their production process is extremely polluting or sometimes both are true.

Louke Nieman • March 26, 2025

Background

Carbon Dioxide and Our Atmosphere - Make It or Break It?

We hear so much news about how too much carbon dioxide, CO₂, in the air is bad for the environment. You might start to think CO₂ is a bad substance, even though it is an important part of life as we know it.

Hilde Houtzager • March 12, 2025

Background

The Secrets of Soil – How the answer to some problems lies right beneath our feet

Have you ever tried to fix a problem in a very complicated way, only to realize later that the easiest solution was right there all along? This not only happens to many people in their daily lives, but can also happen while trying to solve the major challenges of humanity.

Kerrin Bertram • February 28, 2025

News

Is There An Earth 2.0?

Two of the most intriguing questions humanity has faced since we first realized that the bright spots in the night sky are actually other stars, much like our Sun, are: "Are we alone?" and "Is there another Earth out there?”.

Saphira Brandenberger • February 12, 2025

Background

The Entire Data of You: A Black Mirror Reality in the Making

The research was promising, the results were amazing, and the future looked bright for medicine through genomics. Suddenly, everything changed and it turned into a black-mirror episode. If we don’t keep the data in our genomes safe, we risk this plot becoming a reality.

Hilde Houtzager • January 29, 2025

Background

Water’s Wonders

Water is a tasteless, odourless, transparent liquid that does not provide us with any nutrients or energy. Nevertheless, it is vital for life on earth. But what makes water so special?

Line Weiß • January 22, 2025

AI Regulations: Can we keep control?

How does Europe tackle the challenge and how do US and Chinese regulatory approaches differ?

Max Gloesener • January 14, 2025

Supermodels: the Importance of Animal Models in Biomedical Research

Most of us would agree that experimenting on humans is unethical. But, for biologists interested in human diseases, like myself, this presents a challenge when designing research experiments. The solution? We use a model, such as an animal.

Anna van der Zwaluw • January 10, 2025

Research

The Statistics of Christmas Tree Fires

In this Christmas special we will discuss an interesting report by the National Fire Protection Association about house fires due to Christmas trees in the USA. May your holidays be full of science and joy!

Jakob Stelzer • December 26, 2024