CancerSEEK – the ‘holy grail’ of cancer diagnosis?
Kelli Gallacher, University of Bristol
It may only be early in 2018, but we have already been treated to some exciting science news. Last week, a study published in Science described a blood test that is able to detect proteins and genes that are characteristic of eight common forms of cancer; ovarian, lung, breast, liver, stomach, pancreatic, colon and oesophageal. This could have a huge impact in how we diagnose cancer – but how far have we come and how soon can we see the test in practice?
Continue reading CancerSEEK – the ‘holy grail’ of cancer diagnosis?
Life at the extreme levels of air pollution
By Louise Corscadden, University of Leicester
Recent news headlines have highlighted the rise of extreme air pollution levels globally, from Delhi to London. It has become hard to ignore the thought that the very air we breathe can harm us. The World Health Organisation estimates that 7 million people annually will die a premature death due to air pollution and the number is likely to rise as pollution levels increase.
Continue reading Life at the extreme levels of air pollution
One size doesn’t fit all – 5 things I learned from quitting my PhD
By Matthew Sinton, University of Edinburgh
I remember the moment that the email dropped into my inbox. It was the 29th of February, at 5.05pm, and I had given up hope of hearing about my PhD application that day. I opened the email with trepidation, excitement, and dread. I had poured so much energy into preparing my PhD application that a lot was wrapped up in this.
Continue reading One size doesn’t fit all – 5 things I learned from quitting my PhD
Biofilms: the ultimate survival mechanism
By Debosree Pal, JNCASR, India
Communication and decision making often form the keys to survival at the cellular level. Intracellular and intercellular communications have been well established through signaling pathways in multicellular organisms. The often undervalued unicellular denizens of the living world utilize such strategies in rather intelligent fashion to accomplish survival mechanisms in extreme conditions.
ARCHIVE 