You closed your eyes. You went to sleep. So... what was your brain doing the whole time?

In Part 2 of our How to Human episode on sleep, we dive deeper into what happens while we're asleep — from cleaning and reorganizing the brain to consolidating memories and processing emotions.

We explore the glymphatic system and how sleep helps the brain clear away waste, how memories are consolidated and learning is supported, and why sleep plays such an important role in our emotions, creativity and overall brain function.

And because we all have questions about our own sleep, we'll answer a few of them too.

🧬 In this week's BioNews, we meet Mei, a young girl with an extremely rare neurological disorder who received a personalized gene therapy created specifically for her condition. Her story is a remarkable example of what modern genetic medicine can achieve — and a reminder that scientific breakthroughs also come with important ethical questions.

Because sleep might look like doing nothing...

But your brain has a lot of work to do

So get comfortable, turn the lights down, and let's find out what happens when the rest of your body goes to sleep. 🌙

Why do we sleep? Is it simply a way to rest, or is there something much more complex happening behind the scenes?

In Part 1 of this How to Human episode, we explore the evolution of sleep and discover how our brain controls the sleep-wake cycle. Together, we'll dive into the circadian rhythm, melatonin, adenosine, and the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), while breaking down the different stages of sleep and why each one is essential.

In this week's BioNews, we also discuss an exciting new CRISPR-based strategy that could one day offer a more precise way to target cancer cells.

And stay tuned... because in Part 2, we'll uncover what your brain is doing while you sleep, why we dream, and what really happens when we don't get enough sleep.

We followed alcohol through the human body.

Now it's time to follow its story through humanity.

In Part 2 of our alcohol series, we leave the molecules behind and explore the questions that chemistry alone can't answer.

Why do humans drink? Why does alcohol make us feel more social? Why can some people drink more than others? And how has one tiny molecule shaped our biology, psychology and culture for thousands of years?

Join us as we explore the evolution, psychology, genetics and myths behind one of humanity's oldest companions.

Because understanding alcohol isn't just about understanding a molecule... It's about understanding ourselves.

We've all seen what alcohol can do.

It can make us laugh louder, dance without thinking, forget parts of the night, or wake up wondering what happened.

But have you ever wondered why?

In Part 1 of this special two-part Biocause episode, we go beyond the glass and explore the fascinating biology of alcohol. Together, we'll follow ethanol through the human body, uncover how it reaches the brain, why it changes the way we think and behave, and what really happens every time we take a sip.

Because behind every drink lies an incredible story of chemistry, biology and the human body.

3... 2... 1... Divide! Ever wondered how a single cell knows exactly when it's time to grow, copy its DNA, and split into two? In this episode, we're taking you on a fast-paced journey through the cell cycle, breaking down every phase—from G1 to M—without the confusing textbook jargon.

Expect easy explanations, plenty of biology, and a few "wait... that's actually so cool!" moments along the way. And, as always, we've got a few fun biology facts and a quick look at what's new in the world of bioscience.

Whether you're studying for an exam, refreshing your biology knowledge, or just love learning how life works, this episode proves that cell division is anything but boring.

A new chapter of Biocause begins with a simple question: what if laughter is one of the most human things we do?

In this first episode of How to Human, we dive into the biology of laughter and explore what happens inside our brains and bodies when we find something funny. Along the way, we'll discover why laughter is contagious, how it strengthens social bonds, and what it reveals about who we are as a species.

After all, laughter may be more than entertainment... Ιt may be part of what makes us human.

Imagine your cell having a self-destruct button… and actually using it!

This episode is all about apoptosis - the process where cells literally decide it’s their time to die. We’re breaking down how apoptosis actually helps keep the body healthy, why it’s essential for life and what happens when this mechanism stops working properly. From cancer to everyday cell renewal, this tiny biological process has way more main character energy than you’d expect!

Tiny cells, huge drama, and biology that comes straight out of a mission impossible movie!

Thalassaimia: A word so common, and yet so misunderstood…

In this episode we break down what Thalassaimia really is, how genetics play a huge role and how modern treatments are changing lives.

From symptoms and blood transfusions to gene therapy and the importance of awareness, we’re talking about science, health and real life - without the boring lecture vibes

In today’s episode, we dive deep—down to the molecular level—into what coffee really contains beyond that familiar boost of energy. We explore the chemistry behind every sip and uncover the compounds that make coffee so unique.

What exactly is caffeine, and how does it affect the brain? What role do antioxidants play, and why are they considered beneficial? And what gives coffee its distinctive aroma and flavor at a molecular level?

We break down key components like caffeine, chlorogenic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates, explaining in simple terms how each one interacts with the human body—from energy and focus to digestion and metabolism.

If you drink coffee every day (so… probably yes 😄), this episode will make you see it in a whole new way!

We’re back with another episode!

Have you ever wondered how water moves from roots to leaves against gravity? Nope, plants don’t defy physics, they actually rely on it. In this episode, we explore water potential and break down one of nature’s most remarkable systems.