Our Immune system: The ultimate tool against cancer? – Elizabeth Thwaites

The link between cancer and our immune systems Cancer cells are characterised by their uncontrollable growth, often called cell proliferation. The immune system has been found to respond to cancer cells in some instances, recognising the abnormally proliferating cells as foreign, or ‘non-self’. Studies have shown that some immune cells can be found in, and Read more about Our Immune system: The ultimate tool against cancer? – Elizabeth Thwaites[…]

Your gut microbes and depression – Hannah Ging

The phrase ‘gut microbiome’ refers to the bacterial colonies which live in our gut, forming a symbiotic relationship with their host. The host provides the bacteria with a safe place to inhabit and multiply, whilst the bacteria provide the host with key compounds and nutrients via their own metabolic processes, as well as helping to Read more about Your gut microbes and depression – Hannah Ging[…]

Influenza – Everything you need to know! – Thora Paul

What is Influenza virus? Influenza virus (derived from the Latin word for ‘influence’) commonly known as the ‘flu’ is an enveloped single-stranded RNA virus which belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family. There are 4 main types of influenza virus, Influenza A, B, C and D. Influenza virus A & B cause the most severe human illnesses Read more about Influenza – Everything you need to know! – Thora Paul[…]

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

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 rare cases of blood clots, some of which were fatal. When the correlation was first suspected for the Read more about Theories behind rare blood clots related to COVID-19 vaccines – Karolina Bentkowska[…]

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

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

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

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[…]

Ancient Irish Soil Contains Powerful Superbug Antibiotic – Georgia Gray

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[…]

What exactly is Alzheimer’s Disease? – Thora Paul

What exactly is Alzheimer’s Disease?   The History   Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia which is irreversible and induces progressive deterioration of neurones in the brain. Named after Alois Alzheimer a German Physiatrist who first described its symptoms in 1901, after realising his patient, 51-year-old female, Auguste Deter’s progressive mental deterioration. Her autopsy revealed Read more about What exactly is Alzheimer’s Disease? – Thora Paul[…]

5 LGBTQ+ Scientists to celebrate this Pride – Ellie McFarlane

As pride month comes to an end, let’s look at 5 LGBTQ+ scientists that we should be celebrating!   Florence Nightingale: 1820 – 1910 British nurse in command of nursing British and allied soldiers during the Crimean war. Her night rounds spent caring for wounded soldiers led to her being known as ‘The Lady with Read more about 5 LGBTQ+ Scientists to celebrate this Pride – Ellie McFarlane[…]