Polygenic risk scores: calculating the likelihood of complex diseases

Author: Nina Wycech // Editors: Neve Diggle and Emily Barrett Even if you are not studying science, you have likely heard about genetic predispositions. We intuitively assume that we’re more likely to experience a disease that our ancestors had. Although not always true, many conditions run through generations, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention … Continue reading Polygenic risk scores: calculating the likelihood of complex diseases

Proton Therapy: Precise Cancer Treatment at What Cost?

Author: Emily Barrett // Editors: Federica Spaggiari and Sophie Alshukri What does the word ‘radiation’ make you think of? In physics, the definition is broad: Any kind of emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or moving particles, including the light we use to see. But for many people, ‘radiation’ is synonymous with ionising radiation, with … Continue reading Proton Therapy: Precise Cancer Treatment at What Cost?

What’s Hiding in Your Cosmetics Bag? A Closer Look at Parabens as Endocrine Disruptors

Author: Dalia Aziz // Editor: Nithya Eswaran You have likely come across the term “endocrine disruptor”, particularly on social media, which got me wondering - what is an endocrine disruptor? How do they work, and are they truly as harmful as people say? According to the Endocrine Society, there are nearly 85,000 synthetic chemicals in the … Continue reading What’s Hiding in Your Cosmetics Bag? A Closer Look at Parabens as Endocrine Disruptors

Why Does a Person’s Life Expectancy Drop by 30 Years if they don’t Have a Home?

Author: Jenny Doak // Editors: Elan Shellard & Rashmi Danwaththa Liyanage What is Homelessness? For most people, the term ‘homeless’ conjures up images of a person sleeping on the streets. However, rough sleeping is only one form of homelessness. Crisis explains that other forms of homelessness include living in temporary accommodation, ‘hidden homelessness’ and statutory … Continue reading Why Does a Person’s Life Expectancy Drop by 30 Years if they don’t Have a Home?

Selling the Disease to Sell the Cure: Parasite Cleanses of Social Media

Author: Erin Pallott // Editors: Nithya Eswaran & Vicky McIntyre I enjoy browsing social media under hashtags relating to my research fields. There are so many talented and dedicated scientists making science publicly accessible. However, tags like #parasite are being bombarded with something else entirely. Millions of posts across Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are … Continue reading Selling the Disease to Sell the Cure: Parasite Cleanses of Social Media

Between Two Worlds: Understanding if discrimination and social identity causes psychosis among ethnic minorities in the UK

Author: Rashmi Danwaththa Liyanage // Editor: Erin Pallott A Mother's Journey I woke up in the gloom and I could see some black and white pigeons huddled together on a neighbour’s roof embracing the warmth and serenity, a sheer contrast to my inner disarray. Just days after the Southport tragedy, and riots occurred a few … Continue reading Between Two Worlds: Understanding if discrimination and social identity causes psychosis among ethnic minorities in the UK

Metals in Tampons:  A Health Risk or Social Media Hype?

Author: Dalia Aziz // Editor: Erin Pallott Photo by Karolina Kaboompics on Pexels.com If you’ve been on social media recently, you may have heard widespread concern about metals in tampons, based on the 2024 study by a group from the University of California, Berkeley. The detection of 16 different metals raised alarms among consumers, who are now … Continue reading Metals in Tampons:  A Health Risk or Social Media Hype?

Enhancing Alzheimer’s Care Through Early Detection Methods Developed With AI

Author: Subhajit Nath // Editor: Erin Pallott Imagine a world where cutting-edge tech meets a warm, empathetic embrace - that's the beautiful reality being created for those who are journeying through the maze of Alzheimer's. In healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI) isn't just some cold, robotic tool; it's like a guiding light, a supportive hand to … Continue reading Enhancing Alzheimer’s Care Through Early Detection Methods Developed With AI