By Nishka Mahajan G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprise the most extensive class of cell-surface receptors within eukaryotes, with over 820 encoded by the human genome. They are primarily responsible for mediating multiple cell-signalling pathways (physiological processes), making them ideal targets for more than one-third of pharmaceutical applications and therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, their characteristic features ofContinue reading “What makes G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) highly desirable drug targets?“
Category Archives: Editors’ Picks
Managing an evolving relationship between trawling and marine life
By Alice de Bernardy Overfishing and ocean pollution are only a portion of the results of today’s fishing activity. Although fishing can be a great and sustainable source of food and income under appropriate scales, the reality remains that a quarter of global fishing comes from trawling activity, in which immense nets are dragged throughContinue reading “Managing an evolving relationship between trawling and marine life “
A review of erythropoietin and its use in doping
By Anaya Sirothia Upon hearing the term ‘doping’ in sports, many recall the drug scandal involving Lance Armstrong in 2012, or perhaps the disqualification of Festina from 1998’s Tour de France.1 As the news coverage focused primarily on the athletes themselves and the implications of the doping on their respective sports, the science behind theseContinue reading “A review of erythropoietin and its use in doping”
An introduction into NK cell cancer immunotherapy – Pharmaceuticals
By Easha Vigneswaran Cancer, one of the most difficult diseases to treat, is at the forefront of the pharmaceutical world for the development of treatments. From drugs to monoclonal antibodies, all forms of therapy are being tested with many having vast amounts of success. However, inevitably, there are also many cancers that are becoming increasinglyContinue reading “An introduction into NK cell cancer immunotherapy – Pharmaceuticals”
Will smoking really reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease?
By Themis Halka Alzheimer’s disease is a preoccupying neurodegenerative disease, and the leading cause of dementia. Treatment of Alzheimer’s disease can only relieve symptoms and slow down neuronal death – there is no cure available to restore the loss of neural tissue. Therefore, acting on the risk factors and finding new neuroprotective agents that couldContinue reading “Will smoking really reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease? “
Bacteriophage therapy: potential solution for antibiotic resistance?
By Nishka Mahajan The technique of bacteriophage or phage therapy, involving the usage of viruses as a remedy for bacterial infections, has existed for about a century now. It was developed based on how phages work: they recognise, bind to, and replicate within bacterial host cells, finally causing cell lysis. However, phage therapy remained aContinue reading “Bacteriophage therapy: potential solution for antibiotic resistance?“
An introduction to HIV treatments
By Allis Lai Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality across the globe. The retrovirus attacks the immune system, leading to loss of functional T cells and causing an increased risk of infections, bone disease, kidney and liver dysfunction, and other complications. The virus is transmitted viaContinue reading “An introduction to HIV treatments“
Tackling climate change through ruminal methanogenesis
By Andres Hernandez Maduro Of the many industrial processes that contribute to anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, none produces as much methane and nitrous oxide as agriculture. Around half of all methane and three-quarters of all nitrous oxide emissions originate from agricultural activity,1 with livestock farms being the most significant contributors. Since approximately 81% ofContinue reading “Tackling climate change through ruminal methanogenesis“
The story of Henrietta Lacks and her cells that changed science
By Lisa Ding Since their establishment in 1953, the HeLa cell line has become the most commonly used human cell line in the world. Over 110,000 publications involved the use of these cells, which can divide indefinitely in culture, making them valuable for scientific research.1 The HeLa cell line, the oldest cell line, are derivedContinue reading “The story of Henrietta Lacks and her cells that changed science“
The Salem Witch Trials: the Devil’s Work or a Fungal Infection?
By George Young Few things carry the satisfaction of a historical mystery being put to rest by modern science. For well over three hundred years, the Salem Witch Trials have accumulated morbid fascination that extends far beyond the reaches of the Massachusetts city in which they took place.1 While the witchfinders were undeniably cruel sadistsContinue reading “The Salem Witch Trials: the Devil’s Work or a Fungal Infection? “
Imperial Bioscience Review 