Ng Sher Ying

ABOUT

Sher Ying is a science writer with an interest in biology and the environment. She graduated with a degree in Biotechnology from Monash University, Malaysia.

Stories by Ng Sher Ying


Airborne Clues: New Testing Method Spots Hidden Viruses In Poultry Markets

Analysing genetic samples from the environment in live poultry markets can reveal more viruses than directly swabbing birds.

Ribosome Fight Club: How Cells Eliminate Inefficient Ribosomes

Poorly performing ribosomes are eliminated in a ‘survival of the fittest’ mechanism, ensuring the quality of protein synthesis in cells.

Meet Balanophora, The Parasitic Plant That Barely Qualifies As A Plant

Researchers have traced how Balanophora evolved an extreme parasitic lifestyle—shrinking its plastid genome and, in some species, abandoning sexual reproduction entirely.

Clogged Brain Drains May Be An Early Warning Sign Of Alzheimer’s

‘Drains’ in the brain that remove toxic waste can get blocked, a phenomenon more likely in those showing early symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

Declining Japanese Encephalitis Immunity Tied to Intensified Dengue

A study in Nepal found that maintaining strong immunity against the Japanese encephalitis virus through vaccines could also lower the risk of severe dengue symptoms.

El Niño Is Driving Insect Declines In Tropics

In pristine tropical forests, El Niño events are threatening insect diversity.

Sweet Treatment: Stevia May Help Fight Cancer

Fermenting stevia leaf extract produces a potential treatment for pancreatic cancer.

A Throuple That Produces Potato Parasites

Kobe University researchers discover a compound secreted by potato roots that undergoes conversion by soil microorganisms and triggers the hatching of potato parasites.

On The Evolution Of Orchids That Never Bloom

A rare occurrence in the wild, exclusive self-pollination is an evolutionary strategy that may lead to extinction.