Author: Rebecca Chatwin

Theories behind rare blood clots related to COVID-19 vaccines – Karolina Bentkowska

Posted on by Rebecca Chatwin

AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson are two amongst many vaccines which have been accepted for immunisation against SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus) – the virus causing the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite passing all clinical trials and being approved for emergency use to halt the spread of coronavirus, these vaccines have recently made headlines due to their possible link to Read more about Theories behind rare blood clots related to COVID-19 vaccines – Karolina Bentkowska[…]

2021 in Science… so far – Olivia Hesketh

Posted on by Rebecca Chatwin

At the moment, it seems like our lives are dominated by constant mentions of social distancing and coronavirus case numbers. This is inevitable considering the fact that we are living through a pandemic. But coronavirus aside, 2021 so far has brought many fascinating and promising scientific developments of which we don’t tend to see reported Read more about 2021 in Science… so far – Olivia Hesketh[…]

Reinventing the Tyre: using new materials to prevent pollution – Amelia Doran

Posted on by Rebecca Chatwin

Tyres are generating tiny microplastics which can be blown to remote, ice-covered areas across the globe and enter the ocean. These particles are increasing the melting speed of these areas of the ice, contributing to rising sea levels and ocean pollution. CarbonX, based in the Netherlands, thinks the solution lies in using their novel carbon material to improve Read more about Reinventing the Tyre: using new materials to prevent pollution – Amelia Doran[…]

A Day in the Life of a Student: COVID-19 Edition

Posted on by Rebecca Chatwin

Everyone knows life as a student can be challenging. We are still learning how to be independent adults: cooking, cleaning, maintaining a healthy lifestyle (sometimes), socialising and trying to balance all of this with our workload at university. So, it’s no surprise to anyone that being a student during a pandemic is extra-challenging! To give Read more about A Day in the Life of a Student: COVID-19 Edition[…]

Celebrating International Women in Science Day 2021 – BLS Team

Posted on by Rebecca Chatwin

Today, 11th February 2021, is International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Currently, only 30% of researchers worldwide are women. The 6th Assembly for this day will be held virtually from the United Nations Headquarters involving women in science experts from across the globe. The figures below show the proportion of female vs male Read more about Celebrating International Women in Science Day 2021 – BLS Team[…]

Ancient Irish Soil Contains Powerful Superbug Antibiotic – Georgia Gray

Posted on by Rebecca Chatwin

A group of scientists from across the globe called The Traditional Medicine Group has discovered a novel Streptomyces species in Boho, West Fermanagh in Northern Ireland. The limestone grassland soil there is known to be used in Irish folk medicine for its antimicrobial properties, so the team was drawn there to investigate. In findings published Read more about Ancient Irish Soil Contains Powerful Superbug Antibiotic – Georgia Gray[…]

The NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP): An Interview with Louise – Ellie McFarlane

Posted on by Rebecca Chatwin

The NHS Scientist Training Programme is an extremely competitive postgraduate qualification programme for students wanting a career in healthcare science.   Louise, a fellow Lancaster BLS graduate, is now a first year on the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) specialising in Cardiac Science and based in Northampton General Hospital in the East Midlands. She has Read more about The NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP): An Interview with Louise – Ellie McFarlane[…]

Review of BBC Documentary “False Hope? Alternative Cancer Cures” – Ellie McFarlane

Posted on by Rebecca Chatwin

A BBC documentary, by journalist Layla Wright, explores the false hope given to many cancer patients by ‘alternative clinics’ offering alternative treatments to chemotherapy including a strict diet. Sean Walsh was 17 when he was first diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma, a form of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. He battled through a gruelling Read more about Review of BBC Documentary “False Hope? Alternative Cancer Cures” – Ellie McFarlane[…]

Tips for surviving your dissertation project – Rebecca Chatwin

Posted on by Rebecca Chatwin

Looks like it’s that time of year again… So, you’ve decided to undertake a Biomedical and Life Sciences degree course and you’ve managed to survive the first year. The next biggest hurdle in your life is surely the dreaded BIOL387 – the biological sciences research project – your first step into truly independent research. From Read more about Tips for surviving your dissertation project – Rebecca Chatwin[…]

A Review of ‘Rob Burrow: My Year with MND’ – Olivia Hesketh

Posted on by Rebecca Chatwin

Rob Burrow is a national legend in the world of rugby league; he played 17 seasons for Leeds Rhinos, represented his country and was renowned for his small stature and ability to dart around a pitch. Now, just two years after his retirement from the sport he is battling the devastating Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Read more about A Review of ‘Rob Burrow: My Year with MND’ – Olivia Hesketh[…]