The contribution of HDAC as a potential therapeutic agent for cancer

By Nishka Mahajan DNA within cells carries an individual’s genetic information packaged in the form of chromatin – a dynamic structure comprising nucleosomes as fundamental building blocks. Each nucleosomal subunit is composed of a 147-base-pair DNA segment wrapped around an octamer of four core histone proteins (H2A, H2B, H3 and H4). Each of these coreContinue reading “The contribution of HDAC as a potential therapeutic agent for cancer”

CAR T-cell therapy: A glimpse of hope for cancer patients

By Emmeleia Psyllaki Our bodies are made up of trillions of cells 1. These cells grow and multiply through the process of cell division to form new cells to meet our body’s needs. Sometimes, however, this process becomes disrupted and stops functioning normally. In that case, abnormal or damaged cells multiply and grow when they areContinue reading “CAR T-cell therapy: A glimpse of hope for cancer patients”

Keystone species: how marine mammals can tell us about ocean health

By Asia Lie The ocean can tell us a lot about the health of our environment, namely in terms of global warming. The world relies on the ocean for a large amount of industry and products. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the ocean contributes to the economy at a conservative estimateContinue reading “Keystone species: how marine mammals can tell us about ocean health”

How does Buzz Lightyear do it? The battle between microgravity and the cardiovascular system 

By Stefanie Zhang  Every child once gazed up at the night sky and envisioned themselves that one day, like the Disney toy astronaut Buzz Lightyear, they will reach the stars. Space exploration has seen such advancement in technology and engineering over the centuries that it has allowed us to go from merely orbiting the earthContinue reading “How does Buzz Lightyear do it? The battle between microgravity and the cardiovascular system “

Secondary bacterial infections following viral respiratory infection

By Jessica Lu Respiratory infections are a major cause of mortality across the world. In 2015, lower respiratory tract infections were estimated to cause 2.74 million deaths worldwide.1 Viral respiratory tract infections are frequently linked to secondary bacterial infections that develop during or following the initial viral infection.2-4 For example, during the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, at least oneContinue reading Secondary bacterial infections following viral respiratory infection

Magic mushrooms: a new cure for treatment-resistant depression?

By Sunaina Borkar Over the past few decades, depression has become increasingly prevalent around the world. Although ongoing scientific research has made great strides in the development of effective and accessible mental health treatments, tackling a specific type of depression known as treatment-resistant depression has been a challenge. Treatment-resistant depression currently affects 100 million people,Continue reading “Magic mushrooms: a new cure for treatment-resistant depression?”

Why drinking coffee wakes you up

By Alice de Bernardy Caffeine is considered to be the most widely used drug in the world.1 It is found in many dietary components of our daily lives: not only in coffee and tea, either, but also in soft drinks and even chocolate. While a typical cup of coffee contains around 100 mg of caffeine, its consumption variesContinue reading “Why drinking coffee wakes you up”

Can dogs sniff cancer?

By Esha Kulkarni There have been various cutting edge novel technologies that are being developed to help detect various types of cancers. Indeed, detection of cancer is the first step in providing treatment to patients. Recently, scientists are making use of key “biomarkers”, i.e, molecules that are persistent in tumor populations, to help mark andContinue reading “Can dogs sniff cancer?”

A case of the winter blues- the facts and science behind Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) 

By Fatemah Kassamali Note: this article deals with themes associated with depression- please speak to a trained mental health professional to seek help if you need it.           As the nights draw in and temperatures plummet, many people report feeling the “winter blues”, but is there more to this story than just feeling a little low?Continue reading “A case of the winter blues- the facts and science behind Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) “

Robber flies: the mini assassins with binoculars and two navigation systems

By Clarie Lo Holcocephala fusca, also known as robber fly, is one of the smallest aerial predators in nature. With a total body length of no longer than 7 mm,1 comparable to a grain of rice, its sensory capability and brain capacity are expected to be inferior to other species of the Insecta class. Much toContinue reading Robber flies: the mini assassins with binoculars and two navigation systems