The Last Codon
Welcome to Helixa’s Blog, The Last Codon, where we publish about the latest developments in science, biology, biotechnology, and pharma. Always with a critical eye and a spark of social critique.
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Science in Stories: Making Hard Concepts Understandable
Ever read a science article and felt totally lost? You're not alone. This blog shows how to turn complex breakthroughs into simple, fun, and relatable stories. With easy examples and real talk, you'll see how science can actually make sense—and even be enjoyable!
A Bacterial Twist: When Ocean Life Feeds the Land
A newly discovered Bradyrhizobium strain from the ocean has surprised scientists by forming nitrogen-fixing nodules in terrestrial plants. This marine bacterium bridges the gap between sea and soil, revealing evolutionary links and offering new tools for sustainable agriculture in saline and nutrient-stressed environments.
Biotechnology’s Walking Dead
Have you heard about “zombie” biotech companies? These are companies whose value becomes lower than their cash reserves. And there is a new breed of company , lurking in the shadow of innovation, ready to hunt biotechnology's most vulnerable targets. Read on to find out more about the economic battlefield shaping innovation in the biotech and pharma industries.
The GLP-1 Revolution
The global obesity “epidemic” has sparked a pharmaceutical transformation, with GLP-1 receptor agonists emerging as the most effective drugs for weight management. Learn more about how this started, the current players, and the future market forecast!
Biology Education Is Dead. Long Live LLMs
With students using ChatGPT to complete essays, the job market in tatters for entry-level scientists, and more and more investment on AI-biology research, what is the future of education in biology and related fields? Are we to stop students from using AI, to keep teaching them in the same way we have for so long? I say that is no longer possible.
The Invisible Farmers: Microbes That Shape the Future of Seeds
Discover the groundbreaking role of microbes in seed germination and crop growth. Learn how beneficial bacteria and fungi are shaping the future of agriculture by enhancing germination rates and combating pathogens.
A New Partnership To Get Through The Brain's Guardian
The blood-brain barrier stands as one of evolution's most sophisticated achievements. After 111 years of failed attempts, two companies join to try to crack human biology's finest safe. Will they succeed, providing hope for millions of people living with neurodegenerative diseases?
Microbial Teamwork: Ecological Principles for Next-Generation Agricultural Solutions
Explore the fascinating world of synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) in agriculture. Learn about the potential benefits, challenges, and ecological theories that could help optimize microbial products for sustainable farming.
How Gene Editing Saved A Baby, And A Baby Saved Gene Editing
In early 2025, a baby named KJ became the first person ever treated with a fully personalized CRISPR gene-editing therapy. Born with a rare, life-threatening disorder, KJ’s story is more than a medical miracle, it is a glimpse into a new era where cures for rare diseases could become reality for many more children.
Dive into the article to learn how that happened, with insights into the science and the ripples this case has had in the world of gene editing!