The Biochemist Blog

On message (a short guide to getting started in science communication)

With Wordpress for bloggers, Instagram for photographers, YouTube for vloggers, and the world’s loudest-ever microphone in Twitter, there’s quite simply never been a better or easier time to get started in science communication. Not only are there a whole variety of different ways of getting your message out, but social media has also democratised the process. You don’t need to be a professional communicator or even an expert user, you just have to want to give it a try: this is the age of the empowered amateur. The range of technologies also means that…

November 7, 2018 Historical / Journal content / Research / Student-focused

The Bloody History of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While TB may seem to be a disease of the past in developed nations, it still kills 1.7 million people annually. Therefore, despite the advances in TB prevention and treatment, complete eradication of this deadly disease is still a global concern.

November 2, 2018 Blog Posts / Research / Student-focused / Uncategorized

OBESITY: MANIPULATING OUR GUT MICROBIOTA IN THE QUEST TO BE LEAN

This is the final instalment of my three-part series that investigates how the correlative link between the gut microbiota and our weight has come to be. Part 3 explores the range of weird and wonderful solutions the market has to offer. Can we force the microbial hand simply through our dietary choices?

October 17, 2018 Biochemical Society / Research / Uncategorized

Understanding FMRP: Two Pathways to Target

One of the first genetically diagnosed causes of autism and most common inherited single gene cause of intellectual deficiency is Fragile X Syndrome, or FXS. Individuals with FXS present with psychiatric symptoms including anxiety, attention disorders, aggression and self-injurious behavior.

October 15, 2018 Biochemical Society / Diversity / Events / Policy / Uncategorized

Regional Disparity: APPG Diversity and Inclusion in STEM Meeting

Tuesday 11th September 2018, saw the 3rd All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) meeting on Diversity and Inclusion in STEM hosted by the British Science Association and chaired by Chi Onwurah MP.

October 10, 2018 Biochemical Society / Education & careers / Historical / Research / Uncategorized

How Cell Culture Changed Science

Understanding of cell biology has greatly advanced in recent years, thanks to improved cell culture techniques. By culturing cells (i.e. growing cells outside the body) scientists are able to perform experiments on living tissue, which they couldn’t possibly perform on a human being.

October 3, 2018 Blog Posts / Education & careers / Historical / Research / Uncategorized

Going Viral: A Brief History of Nearly All Things Virus-related

We have all had multiple viral infections in our lifetime, be it the flu or a more serious disease such as measles. Every year, new strains of virus feature in the spot light, making it a challenge to keep up with treatment options. But when did we first come across viruses? How did we differentiate them from other disease-causing pathogens? How did the first vaccinations against viruses come about?