Bacterial diseases have threatened humanity since ancient times. Many illnesses that once claimed countless lives - such as tuberculosis, leprosy, cholera, and sepsis - are caused by bacteria.

The discovery of penicillin in the early 20th century brought hope that this threat could finally be overcome. However, antibiotics were often used unnecessarily, and over time this misuse has led to the spread of antibiotic resistance.

Today, untreatable bacterial infections are among the greatest health challenges we face. Could viruses—specifically bacteriophages—offer a new way to fight bacterial diseases?

For centuries, people have been fascinated by the mysterious creatures of caves, often imagining them as hybrids of real and mythical animals.

Today, scientists view caves as natural laboratories, where they can study how life evolves and adapts under simple, isolated, and extreme conditions.

Slovakia is home to more than 6,500 documented caves, many of which shelter rare and unique organisms. Studying these fragile ecosystems is not only essential for expanding our scientific knowledge but also for ensuring their effective protection.

Ecosystems around the world are home to distinctive species of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. These species have evolved over long periods, adapting to their environments and interacting with one another.

While species distributions naturally shift over time, these changes rarely disrupt stable ecosystems. Human activity, however, has altered this balance by transporting plants and animals across long distances—often along with their pathogens. Some of these relocated species become invasive, spreading rapidly and successfully in their new habitats, disrupting native ecosystems, and displacing local species.

What traits make invasive species so successful, and how can we protect our native ecosystems?

The idea of immortality has fascinated humans for centuries. Could science one day reach a point where we no longer die from disease or old age? Aging is a natural biological process—but how do cells “know” they belong to an older person rather than a child? And is achieving immortality even possible?

In fact, some human cells are already effectively immortal. Certain cells are essential for the survival of our species—they form gametes, passing genetic information to future generations. Others, however, can grow uncontrollably and lead to cancer.

How does DNA regulate these processes? What role does RNA play? And how can science use this knowledge to fight cancer?