By Atalie Scrivener When we think of the placenta (afterbirth), it is easy to imagine a simple connection. A one-way transport system of nutrients from mother to baby. Our focus is often drawn to the developing baby, but lately there has been growing interest in the placenta and the cells that orchestrate its function. After all, … Continue reading Development of the placenta and influence on long-term health
By Malini Dey Background to my project Our bodies are made up of very small live units called cells. Cells are like cities, that are constantly evolving and regenerating, and full of buildings which are represented by DNA (the chemical 'letters' that make up the genetic code in the cells). These cells undergo cell division … Continue reading Aptamer biosensors to measure PAR dynamics in living cells
By Matina Shafti @MatinaPsy Self-harm and aggression are harmful behaviours that can have severe consequences for both the individual and those around them. These behaviours are prevalent across the world, making it a global health issue. On the surface, it might seem that self-harm and aggression are two completely different behaviours. After all, one is … Continue reading Self-harm and aggression: two sides of the same coin?
By Jo Sharpe Fruit flies: it’s hard to find a soft spot for these irritating insects, but stick them in a lab and they take on a new importance. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is more often associated with an overflowing kitchen bin than a lab, but in fact it's a great model for understanding … Continue reading Understanding Dementia on the Fly
By Charlotte Criscuolo The MRC DTP have recently hosted an online viewing of the film, Picture a Scientist. This film followed the lives of Prof Nancy Hopkins, Prof Jane Willenbring, and Dr Raychelle Burks, and their personal journeys of sexism in academia. From exclusion, gendered insults to sexual harassment. These struggles, small and large are faced … Continue reading Picture a Scientist
By Marina Gardasevic@MarinaGNeuro I’m sitting in a theatre, my coat squashed under me, staring up at powerpoint slides. I’m standing in a hot, humid conference room, paper plate in hand, staring at a poster. The person presenting this data is clearly very smart; their work sure looks complicated. They’re talking about Figure 4 now, should … Continue reading Figuring out your Presentation Figures
By Dr Chris Hoyle The human brain is the most complicated computer on the planet. Its hardware consists of an intricate concoction of cells that convert countless electrical and chemical signals every second into each thought, decision or action that we make. Our brains are the reason we have sent rockets to the moon and … Continue reading Finding new ways to investigate inflammation in the brain
Dr Krumholz (2013) described post-hospital syndrome as "an acquired, transient condition of generalised risk" affecting some patients who are discharged from hospital1. Hospitalised patients may not only be suffering from an acute illness, but they may also be under emotional stress due to new information, new circumstances and worrying about their health and social status. Thus, … Continue reading Risk associated with medications following discharge from hospital – a new systemic review
Originally posted on PLOS ECR by Jessica Brown What kind of mental image springs to mind upon reading the word ‘schizophrenia’? Many envisage an individual locked in a dark institution, constantly plagued by non-existent voices and vivid hallucinations. Even as a final year BSc Biology student with a neuroscience research placement under my belt, I … Continue reading Cognition in schizophrenia: a missing piece of the therapeutic puzzle
J.L. Sharpe* and J.A. Beswick, 2020 (*corresponding author) Hot cross buns are sweet, spiced buns studded with raisins and currants, traditionally eaten on Good Friday to mark the end of lent. The distinctive cross is said to signify the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and the spices inside represent the spices used to embalm the body… … Continue reading Raisins to be Cheerful: A Hot Cross Bun Report
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