Signal transfer has an important role in the human body: without communication between cells, many processes such as action or perception could not take place. Rapid communication between cells largely goes via the nervous system. Through a mechanism in which a difference in voltage is created by diffusion and conduction of ions, nerve cells can […]
Abstract Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) acquire and translate brain signals from a patient to carry out some action on an external device. BCIs may collect these data signals through invasive, semi-invasive, or non-invasive techniques. Such techniques include electroencephalography (EEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Electrocorticography (ECoG). This review will aim to understand the development of […]
Abstract The wide-ranging adaptations of birds has astounded scientists for many years and the crested auklet (Aethia cristatella) is no exception. Aside from its physical ornamentation and vocalisations, the auklet’s citric plumage-odour is one of its most well-known characteristics. The tangerine-like secretion is used in courtship displays as well as acting as an ectoparasite repellant, […]
Abstract The concept of sensory substitution involves supplying sensory stimuli through a sensory modality usually used for gathering different sensory data. An example of this would be echolocation in blind humans. It is usually our eyes which help us decide how far away objects are, by processing the sensory stimuli we receive visually. However, in […]
Abstract Allergic diseases have increased by over 50% in the last two decades. To raise awareness, education to children about their management and prevention is urgently needed. This is of rising importance as the number of people dying from food allergies, anaphylaxis and allergic asthma continues to rise at a shocking rate. This report discusses […]
Abstract Pathogens are acquiring resistance faster than the introduction of new antibiotics. A growing number of infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhoea, salmonellosis, etc are becoming harder to treat due to antibiotic resistance. Therefore, it is the need of the time to conduct research in order to reduce antibiotic resistance by microorganisms. The article will […]
Abstract The human gut microbiome is home to trillions of microorganisms, but according to recent research, this number can be greatly altered depending on one’s daily dietary intake. Researchers have been studying effects of common diets such as vegetarian, vegan, carnivore, and ketogenic diets as well as infant diets on gut flora, which have provided […]
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in several drastic changes in not only our everyday lifestyle but also healthcare. From school to social gatherings, almost everything has shifted to an online platform and medicine is no different. Telemedicine is the provision of healthcare services remotely with the help of modern telecommunication technology. To gain an […]
Abstract Since the 1960’s the MRSA bacterium has been a global epidemic. MRSA, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, is a type of bacterium that resides on and inside humans. Because of the usage of antibiotics to treat this, selection and procreating of mutating methicillin-resistant bacteria remains a continuous threat. An alternative against the plague of resistant bacteria […]
Abstract This article will explore the use of CRISPR Cas9 technology to create models of tumors to improve understanding of which genes are responsible for tumor initiation and progression, and to develop therapies that target those genes. There are already different types of immunotherapies, such as engineered TCR therapy and CAR T cell therapy, which […]
Abstract Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), predominantly affecting the lungs. The SARS-CoV-2 virus infects cells by using the membrane bound angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a site of entry into the cell. These have been found in the lungs to be mainly situated […]
According to the NHS, 850,000 people in the UK suffer from dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, but because of the lack of understanding of the disease and its pathology, there are currently no ways of treating it. However, a recent study by researchers at the University of Eastern Finland has […]
Striking news in Biology! One of the most impressive successes in the use of stem cells on humans, was performed on a seven-year old Syrian boy who was suffering from devastating genetic disorder called junctional epidermolysis bullosa. The boy’s disease was caused by a mutation in a gene, called LAMB3, that produces a protein that […]
Have you ever thought of using something extremely lethal to cure movement disorders, neurological conditions and wrinkles? Botulinum – the most potent neurotoxin and is just right for the job. Poison or Drug? By Jessica Kan On Friday 24th March 2017 as part of the ATOM festival, Dr Keith Foster delivered an intriguing talk about […]
Targeted Therapy: a tremendous solution Abstract: Targeted therapy is a relatively new method of curing cancer that uses drugs to attack targets on which cancer cells’ growth closely depend. [1] By attacking the proteins or enzymes responsible for their abnormal growth, its effects are amplified. Targeted therapy is successful in curing many cancer patients, it […]
A study by Zurafa Sakel. Abstract The aim of this study is to explore whether classical music can improve short term memory in healthy volunteers. This may help learning of healthy people. It may also have a positive impact on communication and interaction as well as reducing agitation in dementia patients. This standardised prospective […]
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is keen to encourage students to see biology as an inspiring and exciting field of study. Linda DaVolls tells us about ZSL’s annual Prince Philip Award and Marsh Prize! If you are reading this then it’s probably safe to assume that you have more than a passing interest in […]
Why does this procedure exist? Mitochondria provide energy to nearly every cell in the body. Mitochondria is transferred from mother to the baby, but if there is a problem with the mitochondria inherited to the baby, then this can result in severe mitochondrial diseases. One in every 6,500 babies born have severe mitochondrial disease which […]
Why does this procedure exist? Mitochondria provide energy to nearly every cell in the body. Mitochondria is transferred from mother to the baby, but if there is a problem with the mitochondria inherited to the baby, then this can result in severe mitochondrial diseases. One in every 6,500 babies born have severe mitochondrial disease which […]
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) This new revolutionary genome editing tool will enable the elimination of many genetic diseases. It could also be used to modify crops, screen for cancer genes, eradicate virus’ and for genome engineering. This has sparked debate on whether ethically, this could lead to a slippery slope on what […]