Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A technique in molecular biology that is used to separate and identify proteins. It is called a Western blot merely because it is similar to a Southern blot, which was named after its inventor, the British biologist M.E. Southern. For example, the Western blot assay method is commonly used to diagnose Lyme disease.

A test commonly used in molecular biology and genetics, the purpose of the test being to check for a match between DNA molecules. In the Southern blot technique, DNA fragments are separated by a method called agarose gel electrophoresis, transferred (blotted) onto membrane filters, and hybridized with complementary radiolabeled probes. The aim is to detect…

A technique in molecular biology, used mainly to separate and identify pieces of RNA. Called a Northern blot only because it is similar to a Southern blot (which is named after its inventor, the British biologist M.E. Southern). There is also a Western blot.

Coughed up blood or bloody mucus. Bloody sputum can be caused by infection in the lungs and airways, such as acute bronchitis or pneumonia, or cancer. Whenever bloody sputum is present and cannot be attributed to a curable infectious condition, a complete lung evaluation is warranted, including bronchoscopy, to be certain cancer is not present. Also known as hemoptysis.

Literally, the appearance of blood, a classic sign of impending labor. The bloody show ‘consists of blood-tinged mucus created by extrusion and passage of the mucous plug that filled the cervical canal during pregnancy.

Bleeding from the blood vessels of the nose. The nose is rich in blood vessels and is situated in a vulnerable position on the face. As a result, any trauma to the face can cause bleeding, which may be profuse. Nosebleeds can also occur spontaneously when the nasal membranes dry out, crust, and crack, as is common in dry climates…

A common name for an anticoagulant agent used to prevent the formation of blood clots. Blood-thinners do not really thin the blood. They prevent it from clotting. Blood-thinners (anticoagulants) have various uses. Some are used for the prophylaxis (prevention) of thromboembolic disorders; others are used for the treatment of thromboembolism. (Thrombi are clots. Emboli are clots that break…

A protective network of blood vessels and cells that filters blood flowing to the brain.

Blood that appears in the urine. Also known as hematuria. Gross hematuria refers to blood that is so plentiful in the urine that the blood is visible with just the naked eye. Microhematuria refers to blood in urine that is visible only under a microscope; there is so little blood that it cannot be seen without magnification. Hematuria,…

A measure of the urea level in blood. Abbreviated BUN. Diseases that compromise the function of the kidney frequently lead to increased BUN levels.