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Comparing In Vitro and In Vivo Models as Part of Pre-Clinical Studies for COVID-19 Medicines
When developing novel therapeutics and treatments for SARS-CoV-2, both in vitro and in vivo models play key roles in pre-clinical testing. In this review, Poppy Bradley compares different models of COVID-19 pathogenesis, considering their advantages and limitations to developing candidate drugs or testing existing drugs.
In Conversation with Nishigandha Kelkar
Working as the integration lead for displays on Boeing aircrafts, Nishigandha (Nishi) Kelkar is an aerospace engineer currently working at Collins Aerospace. Alongside being part of the team digitising the cockpit systems of a Boeing 777x, she is also the founder of the startup Project LaunchPad. In an insightful interview, our Volunteer Team spoke with Nishi about her work and achievements.
SOX2 and BRN2 as Key Transcription Factors in Neural Rosette Formation In Vitro
Cell models are used around the world for biomedical research into disease, so it is important we are able to tailor them to our needs. Zuzana Hudáčová investigates how neural rosettes are able to form at a molecular level and discusses their implications for stem cell research.
In Conversation with a GP Surgery about the COVID-19 Crisis
COVID-19 has turned our world upside down, and as of July 28th 2021, 4,183,365 people worldwide have died from the virus. The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has been a force for good throughout the pandemic, with a vital role played by primary care staff. Jahnavi Giridhar interviews a team of GP surgery staff to dig deeper into the true story of primary care NHS staff and COVID-19.
Delivery Drones: The Future of Shopping
There is much speculation around the use of drones to transport shopping from sellers to consumers. Vishini Giga explores the potential impacts of their use, and asks whether drones will be the future of shopping.
Clean Water, Clean World
Access to clean, safe water is a fundamental human right. Yet, each year unsafe water results in 1.2 million deaths globally. Miraya Vyas explores the issue of dirty water, and shares her experience of creating a water filter to both learn about and tackle this issue.
LGBTQ+ People Changing the World Through STEM: Celebrating Pride 2021
To celebrate Pride Month 2021, members of our Youth STEM Matters Volunteer Team are shining the spotlight on some of their favourite world-changing LGBTQ+ people in STEM!
My Experience with the Medic Mentor and University of Birmingham’s Live Virtual Work Experience
Work experience can be a key influencer in a young person’s career path, but during the pandemic, it has been more challenging to find. Undeterred, Anne-Rosa Bilal participated in the Medic Mentor and University of Birmingham’s Medical Live Virtual Work Experience, and reflects on her experiences and what she learned.
Sex Differences in the Brain - a Myth?
How often have you heard phrases like ‘women are naturally more empathetic’ or ‘men have more mathematical brains’? And does science support this? Shalini Sellam investigates.
In Conversation with Dr Natisha Dukhi
Dr. Natisha Dukhi has been working for over a decade as a medical scientist and public health researcher in South Africa and globally, with specialisms in human anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and clinical nutrition. In an insightful interview, our Volunteer Team spoke with Natisha about her work and achievements.
An Introduction to Monoclonal Antibodies and Their Uses
The way problems are approached in the medical field is changing thanks to new discoveries and technological advancements, with monoclonal antibodies being a key discovery. Kassthury Nageswaralingam introduces their range of uses in diagnosing and treating disease.
[Image Credit: NIAID / CC BY 2.0]
The Role of Radioisotopes in Medical Diagnostic Procedures
Have you ever wondered what nuclear medicine expects to accomplish? Kiran Bashir explores the role of radioisotopes in diagnostic procedures, and the challenges associated with their availability for patients.
Breaking Barriers With Bitcoin
The cryptocurrency bitcoin allows secure and transparent transactions to take place, however, this comes at an environmental cost. With artwork by Esra Almaeeni, Kavya Venkatesan explores the impact of bitcoin on the SDGs and discusses the two sides to this coin.
How Transistors Facilitated the Space-Age and How Far They’re Going to Take Us
Transistors are perhaps the greatest invention of the 20th century enabling the switch from large processing systems to the handheld devices we all now own. But what role did they play in space exploration and how are these small electronic devices going to improve our healthcare? With artwork by Amber Briscoe, Lily Tierney explains.
Hostile Architecture: From Canada to Peru
Have you ever thought about how your town or city is designed? Is it inclusive of everyone, or are the design choices discriminating against the most vulnerable people? Kavina Uthayakumaran and Valeria Cerpa Salas investigate, using their local cities of Toronto (Canada) and Arequipa (Peru) as case studies.
[Image Credit: Cara Chellew]
Mathematicians Develop a New Model for Predicting Epidemics Based on Precedents
Since COVID-19 was first identified in late 2019, it has spread around the world. Zainab Khan reports on the development of a new mathematical model, the CBRR model, which will help us combat the virus.
The Interdependence of Human Health and the Health of Planet Earth
Human and wildlife wellbeing are inextricably linked. From medicine, to food production, to disease; human health depends on the health of the ecosphere. With artwork by Kiera McCabe, Laura Maisvoreva explores this interdependence.
The Oxford AstraZeneca Vaccine - Should You Be Concerned?
Alongside the COVID-19 pandemic, it could be said that there has been a pandemic of misinformation around coronavirus. Lucy Hargreaves explains the science behind the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine and debunks myths and misconceptions.
The Science of the Sanitary Pad
Jahnavi Giridhar breaks down the stigma of menstruation, sharing the science of periods, and discussing the sustainability of menstrual products.
World Passwordless Day?
Can you easily recall your email account password? Is your password, by any chance, something memorable to you, like the name of a pet, or a colour? Is it a word? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then it’s likely that your password is not strong enough. Read on to find out how you can have safer password practices this World Password Day.