By Sarah Choi Cell death and its regulation are integral to human development and function. Indeed, the role of cell death in disease progression further suggests malfunction can have fatal consequences. Over the years, studies on the role of cell death in diseases and the pathways involved has inspired therapeutics that harness the power ofContinue reading “A Fiery Death: Harnessing Pyroptosis in Disease”
Author Archives: imperialbiosciencereview
An underwater symphony: the importance of sound in our oceans
By Evangeline Wilby When humans explore below the surface of the ocean, sound fuses into one background noise, but to marine life, this is a diverse array of sound that is essential to their existence. Specifically, the coral reef; a noisy habitat with a language scientists are yet to fully uncover (Honeyborne et al., 2017). Most people areContinue reading “An underwater symphony: the importance of sound in our oceans”
Role of gut microbiota in inflammatory diseases: IBD and obesity
By Kai Yee Eng To find an area with the greatest population of microorganisms covered in or on our body, we only need look to our gut. Our gut microbiota comprises bacteria, archaea, virus and other microorganisms. Unsurprisingly, none can find another person with the same gut microbiota composition. Given gut microbiota is unique inContinue reading “Role of gut microbiota in inflammatory diseases: IBD and obesity”
How vultures thrive on the carrion that poisons humans
By Isabelle Hall Rotten meat forms a significant part of the diet of numerous scavengers, including vultures and hyenas. Vultures are obligate scavengers, surviving almost solely on carrion. Instances of human consumption of rotten meat have been recorded – some reportedly practise this as a method of achieving a euphoric high, possibly through contraction ofContinue reading “How vultures thrive on the carrion that poisons humans”
The Secret to Skin Anti-Ageing
By Linya Thng Characterized as the most voluminous organ of the body, the skin is not subject to intrinsic and extrinsic ageing. Briefly summarizing, intrinsic aging is defined by an individual’s genetic background and is dependent on time whilst extrinsic aging is influenced by environmental factors such as sun exposure, air pollution, smoking, alcohol abuse,Continue reading “The Secret to Skin Anti-Ageing”
The motivations behind our actions: Are human beings innately good or bad?
By Naveesha Karunanayaka The question of whether humans are innately good or bad may arise when contemplating news stories from recent decades. The disregard for others and horrifying events caused by intentional human action make it difficult to believe we are born good. In exploring this, babies are a good research starting point when lookingContinue reading “The motivations behind our actions: Are human beings innately good or bad?”
Detect-seq: A Tool for Evaluating Gene Editing technologies
By Chi Wai (Jessie) Ng The ethics crisis of 2018 surrounding the birth of two genetically edited twin girls, Lulu and Nana, raised enormous medical practice concerns and sparked outcry from all across the globe. Aside from ethical concerns, the subject matter of gene editing on humans is so sensitive because the genetically modified twinsContinue reading “Detect-seq: A Tool for Evaluating Gene Editing technologies”
The Gut Microbiome in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Implications for Treatment
By Malini Williams Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic autoinflammatory disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The two most common forms of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Ulcerative colitis is characterized by continuous inflammation in the colon which is mostly confined to the mucosa and sub-mucosa. In contrast, Crohn’s disease can affect anyContinue reading “The Gut Microbiome in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Implications for Treatment”
Engineering Bacteria to Mitigate Climate Change
By Ellie Fung When considering climate change mitigation, images of a forest of wind turbines overlooking expansive fields of solar panels and sleek electric cars whirring past towering green buildings often come to mind. After all, grand challenges necessitate grand solutions. However, interest has been growing recently in the manipulation of microbial metabolic systems forContinue reading “Engineering Bacteria to Mitigate Climate Change”
Differences between paediatric and adult cancers: more than an age gap
By Anastasia Alenova Childhood cancers are less common than adult cancers. Although it might sound as reassuring news, this difference can lead to worse management of disease in children. While causes for adult cancers are better defined, especially the impact of lifestyle choices such as smoking, causes for paediatric cancers are less well-defined. A hypothesisContinue reading “Differences between paediatric and adult cancers: more than an age gap”
