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In particular the novel zeolitic 2-methylimidazole framework (ZIF-8) MOF has received attention for drug delivery. ZIF-8 is composed of Zn2+ ions and 2-methylimidazole ligands, making a highly crystalline structure. ZIF-8 MOFs are able to deliver  cancer drugs like doxorubicin to tumorous environments as it possesses a pH-sensitive degradation property. ZIF-8’s framework will only degrade in pH 5.0-5.5 which is a cancerous pH environment, and will not degrade in normal human body pH 7.4 Go back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link How metal organic frameworks are used to deliver cancer drugs in the body Last updated: 01/03/26 Published: 20/04/23 In late 2025, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar M. Yaghi for their pioneering work in developing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Metal ions and organic ligands are able to connect to form metallic organic frameworks on a nanoscale (Nano-MOFs) for cancer drug delivery. Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are promising nanocarriers for the encapsulation of cancer drugs for drug delivery in the body. Cancer affects people globally with chemotherapy remaining the most frequent treatment approach. However, chemotherapy is non-specific, being cytotoxic to patients’ normal DNA cells causing severe side effects. Nanoscale Metal Organic Frameworks (Nano-MOFs) are highly effective for encapsulating cancer drugs for controlled drug delivery, acting as capsules that deliver cancer drugs to only tumorous environments. MOFs are composed of metal ions linked by organic ligands creating a permanent porous network. MOFs are able to form one-, two-, or three-dimensional structures building a coordination network with cross-links. When synthesized MOFs are crystalline compound and can sometimes be observed as a cubic structure when observed on a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image. In particular the novel zeolitic 2-methylimidazole framework (ZIF-8) MOF has received attention for drug delivery. ZIF-8 is composed of Zn2+ ions and 2-methylimidazole ligands, making a highly crystalline structure. ZIF-8 MOFs are able to deliver cancer drugs like doxorubicin to tumorous environments as it possesses a pH-sensitive degradation property. ZIF-8’s framework will only degrade in pH 5.0-5.5 which is a cancerous pH environment, and will not degrade in normal human body pH 7.4 conditions. This increases therapeutic efficacy for the patients having less systemic side effects, an aspect that nanomedicine has been extensively researching. As chemotherapy will damage health DNA cells as well as cancer cells, MOFs will only target cancer cells. Additionally the ZIF-8 MOF has a high porosity property due to the MOFs structures that is able to uptake doxorubicin successfully. Zn2+ is used in the medical field having a low toxicity and good biocompatibility. Overall MOFs and metal-organic molecules are important for the advancement of nanotechnology and nanomedicine. MOFs are highly beneficial for cancer research being a less toxic treatment method for patients. ZIF-8 MOFs are a way forward for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies that research treatments that are more tolerable for patients. Such research shows the diversity of chemistry as the uses of metals and organic molecules are able to expand to medicine. Written by Alice Davey Related article: Anti-cancer metal compounds

Manufacturing doubt is another strategy where facts are intentionally changed to promote an agenda. It is used in the tobacco industry and against the climate crisis. Meaning articles can maintain the façade of using scientific methods by referencing sources that are difficult to interpret whilst research supported by sound evidence is labelled and downplayed. Go back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link How fake science websites hijack our trust in experts to misinform and confuse Last updated: 13/06/26 Published: 29/12/22 In science, all research is peer-reviewed by experts. Now, fake science websites are mimicking these disciplines. These websites capitalise on our trust in experts. In some cases, these websites are paid to publish fake science. This is becoming more common. In a recent global survey, almost 50% of respondents said they see false or misleading information online daily. By understanding the methods these sites use, we can prevent their influence. In the age of AI, low-quality and 'spammy' content are being generated automatically. This is a much faster process than writing content manually, and it is not easy to spot textual AI content. The content is low-quality due to heavy misinformation (incorrect factual data), and hallucinations (un-grounded, unverified facts or claims). It is important to differentiate between factual and misleading information, as science often involves a lot of high-risk data e.g. in medicine, health. Hyperlinking is a technique used to convince website users. They reassure the user that the content is credible, but most people don’t have experience in analytical techniques and so these links aren’t questioned. Repetition is used to increase the visibility of fake science content but also saturate search engines. This content can be repeated and spread across different sites. Users of “lateral reading” get multiple websites that corroborate the fake science from the initial source. Many of these sites only choose articles that agree with their perspective and depend on the audience not taking time to follow up. Manufacturing doubt is another strategy where facts are intentionally changed to promote an agenda. It is used in the tobacco industry and against the climate crisis. Meaning articles can maintain the façade of using scientific methods by referencing sources that are difficult to interpret whilst research supported by sound evidence is labelled and downplayed. On fake science websites first, check the hyperlinked articles. These websites will use sites with repeated content from disreputable sites. Next, look at the number of reposts a website has. Legitimate science posts are on credible websites. Some websites investigate websites that feature fake science. Cross-checking and re-verifying the information produced on these websites will also aid in spotting 'fake' content. Ultimately, these websites thrive on users not having the time or skills to look deeper into the evidence, so doing so will help expose the fake websites. Written by Antonio Rodrigues Related articles: Digital disinformation / COVID-19 misconceptions

Lyra is a prominent constellation, largely due to Vega which forms one of its corners, and is one of the brightest stars in the sky. Interestingly, Vega is defined as the zero point of the magnitude scale - a logarithmic system used to measure the brightness of celestial objects. Technically, the brightness of all stars and galaxies are measured relative to Vega! Go back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The Lyrids meteor shower Last updated: 01/03/26 Published: 10/06/23 The Lyrids bring an end to the meteor shower drought that exists during the first few months of the year. On April 22nd, the shower is predicted to reach its peak, offering skygazers an opportunity to witness up to 20 bright, fast-moving meteors per hour which leave long, fiery trails across the sky, without any specialist equipment. The name Lyrids comes from the constellation Lyra - the lyre, or harp - which is the radiant point of this shower, i.e. the position on the sky from which the paths of the meteors appear to originate. In the Northern Hemisphere Lyra rises above the horizon in the northeast and reaches the zenith (directly overhead) shortly before dawn, making this the optimal time to observe the shower. Lyra is a prominent constellation, largely due to Vega which forms one of its corners, and is one of the brightest stars in the sky. Interestingly, Vega is defined as the zero point of the magnitude scale - a logarithmic system used to measure the brightness of celestial objects. Technically, the brightness of all stars and galaxies are measured relative to Vega! Have you ever wondered why meteor showers occur exactly one year apart and why they always radiate from the same defined point in the sky? The answer lies in the Earth's orbit around the Sun, which takes 365 days. During this time, Earth may encounter streams of debris left by a comet, composed of gas and dust particles that are released when an icy comet approaches the Sun and vaporizes. As the debris particles enter Earth’s atmosphere, they burn up due to friction, creating a streak of light known as a meteor. Meteorites are fragments that make it through the atmosphere to the ground. The reason that the Lyrids meteor shower peaks in mid-late April each year is that the Earth encounters the same debris stream at the point on its orbit corresponding to mid-late April. Comets and their debris trails have very eccentric, but predictable orbits, and the Earth passes through the trail of Comet Thatcher in mid-late April every year. Additionally, Earth’s orbit intersects the trail at approximately the same angle every year, and from the perspective of an observer on Earth, the constellation Lyra most accurately matches up with the radiant point of the meteors when they are mapped onto the canvas of background stars in the night sky. The Lyrids meteor shower peaks in mid-late April each year. Image/ EarthSky.org This year, there is a fortunate alignment of celestial events. New Moon occurs on April 20th, meaning that by the time the Lyrids reach their maximum intensity, the Moon is only 6% illuminated, resulting in darker skies and an increased chance to see this dazzling display. Written by Joseph Brennan Related article: L onar Lake

Have you perform the wrong exercises – You must keep revising your exercises and keep upgrading your knowledge about the proper use of equipment, and everything else related to fitness so that you don’t make any mistake in giving your clients the wrong exercises Go back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Examples of negligence in personal training on the impact of physiology Last updated: 25/02/26 Published: 26/01/23 Negligence in personal training is a failure to look after clients to avoid them getting injured while training. There are many ways this can happen, below are some examples of negligence in personal training. Making use of equipment that is defective – Using a defective equipment can easily lead to injury or at least poor exercising form. Trainers should be able to differentiate between effective and defective equipment if they want to avoid negligence in training their clients. In that scenario, the best thing a personal trainer can do is to repair the equipment or replace it with new ones instead of putting a ‘defect’ or ‘out of order’ sign on it. An example is the case Stewart v. Fitness First (2024). Telling you to lift too much weight – You can’t just tell your clients to lift too much weight without even knowing their capacity, their way of eating and experience from past training. This is irrational and unprofessional, thus neglecting your clients directly which can lead to causing them injuries like muscle tears, muscle strains and even worse, a wrong death. Have you perform the wrong exercises – You must keep revising your exercises and keep upgrading your knowledge about the proper use of equipment, and everything else related to fitness so that you don’t make any mistake in giving your clients the wrong exercises to do that can lead to stopping them from achieving their desired physiques, and fitness goals. Muscle imbalances will occur as well if not done properly. Make you exercise for too long – Exercising for too long can cause excess fatigue and can lead to muscle strains and sprains. Coaches must not let their clients push themselves too far. It may sound cool but it is not really healthy. Everything we do must be done in an appropriate manner to avoid consequences that will harm us. Written by Kushwant Nathoo Related articles: A perspective on well-being / Gentrification in the context of health

Many commercial activities are negative, particularly the production and marketing of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which have contributed to a global obesity crisis. Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Dessert deception: how junk food advertising affects public health Last updated: 29/05/26, 17:22 Published: 04/06/26, 07:00 Many commercial activities are negative, particularly the production and marketing of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which have contributed to a global obesity crisis. Introduction Chocolate. Crisps. Popcorn. If you're living in the UK, these are things you will no longer see on TV before 9 pm and in paid-for online advertising. This is because the UK has recently implemented a landmark ban on junk food advertisements, with the aim of making unhealthy food less desirable and therefore less consumed by the public. However, research from the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests that marketing restrictions are only one small part of a strategy to combat the global rise in obesity. Unfortunately, eating habits are no longer just a matter of individual choice: they are increasingly being affected by commercial determinants of health. Researchers have defined them as "strategies and approaches used by the private sector to promote products and choices that are detrimental to health". While some commercial activities can be positive, many are negative, particularly the production and marketing of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which have contributed to an obesity crisis globally. Frontier Economics calculated the cost of obesity to be approximately £74 billion a year for the UK in an analysis for the Tony Blair Institute, of which the cost to the NHS is more than £11 billion. The science of "engineered" cravings A review from Harvard, Michigan, and Duke University suggests that many UPFs share more characteristics with tobacco cigarettes than with natural foods like fruit or vegetables. The research identified some key strategies used by both the food and tobacco industries to drive addiction and compulsive consumption. They are "dose optimisation", "speed of delivery", "hedonic engineering" and "deceptive reformulation", seen in Table 1 . Table 1 - A comparison of key strategies used by both the food and tobacco industries to drive addiction and compulsive consumption. Source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1468-0009.70066 Strategy UPFs (ultra-processed foods) Cigarettes Dose optimisation UPFs are calibrated to hit a "hedonic sweet spot" of refined carbohydrates and added fats that maximise reward without causing aversion. Nicotine dose is standardised in cigarettes that maximise reward without causing aversion. Speed of delivery Processing techniques break down the food matrix, stripping away fibre and protein so that carbohydrates, sugar and added fats are instantly absorbed into the bloodstream. Additives are used to further increase the absorption speed and efficiency. This rapid delivery triggers a sharper dopamine surge in the brain's reward pathways, increasing the potential for addiction. Industrial processing breaks down the tobacco plant matrix, making it easy to rapidly absorb nicotine through inhalation, with additives added to increase nicotine's speed of delivery. Hedonic engineering Companies add artificial flavours, sweeteners, colourants and more to create "flavour bursts" that fade quickly, intentionally added to encourage repeated intake and amplify appeal. Cigarettes contain flavourings, menthol, and sweeteners for the same reason. Deceptive reformulation UPFs are marketed using "health-washing" claims and terms like "lighter", "low-fat", "sugar-free" and "vitamin-enhanced" to deflect regulation while maintaining addictive properties. Companies market "light" cigarettes and filters as being safer, even though they are still addictive. The UK's landmark 2026 junk food advertising ban On 5 January 2026, the UK implemented a nationwide ban on television and online advertisements for products high in fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS). This ban prohibits junk food ads on TV before the 9 pm watershed and imposes a total ban on paid-for online advertising. The legislation targets the most vulnerable demographic: children, whose developing dietary habits are easily manipulated by high-energy and colourful branding. The UK government expects this action to remove up to 7.2 billion calories from UK children's diets every year, reduce the number of children living with obesity by 20,000 and deliver approximately £2 billion in health benefits over time. The ban is supported by evidence from the National Child Measurement Programme's annual report for the academic year 2024/2025 , which shows that at the start of primary school, approximately 10% of children in England are already living with obesity. This figure rises to more than 22% by the time children leave primary school, as seen in Figure 1 . However, while public health experts have said that the ban is "long overdue", they warn that industry loopholes are undermining its effectiveness. In the UK, while specific products like pizzas or burgers are banned, the "brand-only" exemption allows companies to advertise their brand (e.g., the McDonald's "Golden Arches") as long as specific HFSS products aren't shown. This has led to a shift in marketing strategy: research from the Food Foundation shows that food companies increased their outdoor advertising spend, including billboards and public transport, by 28% between 2021 and 2024. Examples can be seen in Figure 2a and Figure 2b . McDonald's alone has spent £86 million on outdoor ads in 2024, up 71% since 2021, according to the Health Foundation . The WHO's perspective on why pricing matters While the UK focuses on advertising, the WHO warns that harmful products are becoming cheaper globally. Recent WHO reports reveal that weak tax systems are failing to keep pace with inflation and income growth, making sugary drinks and alcohol more affordable than they were years ago. Due to this, the WHO advocates for health taxes as one of the strongest tools for promoting well-being. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, explains that "health taxes are one of the strongest tools we have for promoting health and preventing disease". In the UK, the 2018 Soft Drinks Industry Levy is cited as a major success; it generated £338 million in revenue in 2024 and has been associated with lower obesity rates in girls, particularly in deprived areas. However, the WHO notes that globally, sugary drink taxes often account for only 2% of the retail price, which is far too low to be effective compared to the 50-60% tax rates seen on tobacco. To address this, the WHO launched the "3 by 35" initiative , aiming to significantly increase the real prices of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035 through tax increases. The economic win Contrary to industry arguments that these restrictions harm the economy, new research from the Sheffield Addictions Research Group suggests that reducing consumption of unhealthy products is actually a net economic gain for the UK. Because money spent on local services stays in the UK and money spent on global junk food brands often goes to the companies, reallocating just 10% of spending from confectionery to other domestic sectors could boost the UK economy by £389 million and create nearly 7,000 new jobs. Conclusion The UK's 2026 ban on junk food adverts is a significant step towards holding the food industry accountable. However, this must be seen as the first of many steps, rather than a final solution. While the ban restricts TV and online ads, industry giants are already exploiting loopholes to maintain their influence over people's food preferences, especially children's. To achieve its ambition of raising the healthiest generation of children ever, the UK must acknowledge that many UPFs are not just poor dietary choices but industrially engineered substances designed to influence human biology and drive compulsive consumption, much like tobacco. A truly effective strategy requires a whole systems approach that moves beyond individual responsibility to food industry accountability. This includes closing loopholes in outdoor advertising and sports sponsorship, and implementing health taxes aligned with the WHO's "3 by 35" initiative that rise with inflation to ensure harmful products do not become more affordable over time. Instead of harming finances, this shift is actually a significant economic win. This means transitioning from a model of "treating sickness" to one of active prevention is not just a public health imperative; it is also a strategic investment in the country's long-term economic and social prosperity. Written by Naoshin Haque Related articles: Rising food prices / Food at the molecular level / Childhood obesity Project Gallery

The properties and nature of matter, and energy. Read up on insights on astro-archaelogy, uncover the concept of building physics, and look at transformers. Physics Articles The properties and nature of matter, and energy. Read up on insights on astro-archaelogy, uncover the concept of building physics, and look at transformers. You may also like: Maths, Technology , Engineering Chaco Canyon, New Mexico Cities designed to track the heavens. Article #1 in a series on astro-archaelogy The Anthropic Principle Science or God? This theory is explained by physics Building Physics The field of study of how buildings interact with the environment to design comfortable and energy-efficient structures The pyramids of Giza, Egypt The astronomical symbolism of these great structures. Article #2 in a series on astro-archaelogy Lonar Lake The astro-geography of this structure in India Basics of transformers An overview on conventional transformers, and Ampere's Law and Faraday's Law The celestial blueprint of time The astronomical important of the structures at Stonehenge, UK. Article #3 in a series on astro-archaelogy Light How is light one of the biggest mysteries in physics? Looking at the Observer Effect and more Creatio ex Nihilo The intersection of physics and religion Previous

Investigating the outbreak in Devon, UK in May 2024 Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Cryptosporidium: bridging local outbreaks to global health disparities 20/03/25, 12:06 Last updated: Published: 01/09/24, 12:50 Investigating the outbreak in Devon, UK in May 2024 In early May, news emerged of numerous Devon (UK) residents experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea. Majorly affecting the Brixham region, over 40 people were diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis, and over 16,000 homes were advised to boil water before consuming it to kill potential pathogens ( Figure 1 ). Despite a controversial handling of the situation from South West Water (SWW) (from initial denial of the ‘crisis’, to major profit increases for the company), the outbreak was eventually linked to a broken pipe from where animal faeces could have entered, contaminating the water supply, a SWW representative suggested. In this article, we will investigate the disease and its relevance worldwide. So, what is Cryptosporidiosis? Cryptosporidiosis is commonly associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhoea and severe abdominal cramps. It is caused by cryptosporidium, from the Apicocomplexa family. This microorganism is an intra-cellular gut parasite which invades the microvilli in the gut and depletes host nutrients. The parasite is spread via faecal-oral transmission, and it is commonly found in contaminated water, food and animals. Its life cycle starts with oocyst (egg) ingestion, leading to attachment to host gut epithelia, and asexual reproduction. This allows sexual reproduction to ensue, and oocyst formation. Eventually, the oocysts are released via faeces, for the cycle of infection to continue. Cryptosporidium species are often identified by the immune system via Toll-Like Receptors, specifically TLR-4, in the gut epithelia; Cryptosporidium-derived molecules are treated as TLR-4 ligands, since the microbe does not produce LPS molecules. Adaptive immune signalling pathways, such as NF-kB, are triggered, encouraging IL-8, CXCL1 and other chemokine secretion from the gut ( Figure 2 ). Consequently, gut inflammation is increased, as well as levels of Intracellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1), to aid immunocyte recruitment and improve pathogenic clearance. Other mechanisms the epithelial barrier uses to eliminate cryptosporidium infection include NO secretion and mucin production, to kill the pathogen, and prevent further infection by blocking extracellular oocyst binding, respectively. In some individuals, cryptosporidium can evade immune response due to its intracellular nature. Most immunocompetent patients suffer mild symptoms and so are offered symptomatic treatment, but some immunocompromised patients (those with HIV, for example) can develop chronic diarrhoea as a result of cryptosporidium infection. In this instance, managing fluid loss and rest is often insufficient; these patients are prescribed nitazoxanide, a broad-spectrum antiparasitic, to manage their diarrhoea. Cryptosporidiosis on a global scale Although controversial, the management of the cryptosporidium ‘crisis’ in Devon was resolved relatively quickly compared to outbreaks in other countries ( Figure 3 ). There are clear links between socio-economic dynamics and water-borne illness prevalence. In some developing regions, such as areas in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), cryptosporidiosis is considered endemic, due to poor quality water-sanitation centres, rapid population growth and inadequate potable water supply. Globally, 3.4 million people die each year from water-borne illnesses - and poor sanitation ranks higher in causes of human morbidity than war and terrorism. Additionally, in 2015, cryptosporidium was the fourth leading cause of death amongst children under 5, clearly highlighting the danger this parasite can cause. For children in developing countries, who are already predisposed to starvation, cryptosporidiosis can kick-start a malnutrition cycle. Here, cryptosporidium exacerbates host malnutrition due to its parasitic nature, potentially causing cognitive impairment and growth stunting. Cryptosporidiosis, although typically mild, can be devastating for some people (the immunocompromised and young children). Particularly, those who are malnourished can suffer severe effects. The water contamination in Devon (UK), handled by SWW, was unfortunate and many in the region experienced severe illness. Globally, cryptosporidiosis is a major problem and in some regions, it is considered endemic. Thus, it is important we spread awareness of the devastating effects of this disease, continue efforts to prevent transmission and strive for eradication. Written by Eloise Nelson REFERENCES Abuseir, S. (2023) ‘A systematic review of frequency and geographic distribution of water-borne parasites in the Middle East and North Africa’, Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal , 29(2), pp. 151–161. doi:10.26719/emhj.23.016. Chalmers, R.M., Davies, A.P. and Tyler, K. (2019) ‘Cryptosporidium’, Microbiology , 165(5), pp. 500–502. doi:10.1099/mic.0.000764. Hassan, E.M. et al. (2020) ‘A review of cryptosporidium spp. and their detection in water’, Water Science and Technology , 83(1), pp. 1–25. doi:10.2166/wst.2020.515. News, S. (2024) ‘Brixham: More than 50 people in Devon ill from contaminated water - as South West Water’s owner posts £166m profit’, Sky News , 21 May. Available at: https://news.sky.com/story/brixham-more-than-50-people-in-devon-ill-from-contaminated-water-as-south-west-waters-owner-posts-166m-profit-13140820#:~:text=More%20than%2050%20cases%20of,water%2C%20health%20bosses%20have%20said . Sparks, H. et al. (2015) ‘Treatment of cryptosporidium: What we know, gaps, and the way forward’, Current Tropical Medicine Reports , 2(3), pp. 181–187. doi:10.1007/s40475-015-0056-9. Caccio SM. Cryptosporidium : parasite and disease, Immunology of Cryptosporidiosis. Springer Verlag Gmbh; 2016. Project Gallery

Impact of war and geopolitics on health in Palestine Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Life under occupation: the health and well-being of Palestinians Last updated: 08/01/26, 18:56 Published: 13/03/25, 08:00 Impact of war and geopolitics on health in Palestine This is article no. 1 in a series about global health injustices. Next article: Civil war in Sudan . Introduction Welcome to the Global Health Injustices Series, which will focus on critically examining the health inequalities and inequities faced by vulnerable populations within different countries and regions worldwide and even put forward actionable steps to improve their health and wellbeing. This series will begin with Palestine, as it has been an enduring crisis that should be addressed to include long-lasting benefits and outcomes for the Palestinians. Palestine: from a rich history to current occupation Palestine is a country in the Middle East (West Asia) mainly bordered by Israel. Palestine is unique in its various cultures and knowledge, moulded by multifaceted events and geopolitical shifts over centuries. The multidimensional cultural landscape of Palestine illustrates the impact of civilisations, such as the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, who each had their religions, languages, and cultures, which still exist in various forms today. The resilience of the Palestinians is evident through their distinct traditions, art, food and environment, which are essential to their identity. With these testaments in mind, Palestinians are facing consistent strife because they are under constant occupation, blockade and cutting off of needed supplies carried out by Israel, as noted by several humanitarian and human rights non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like Amnesty International and Save the Children. These actions are facilitated by nations, notably the United States and the United Kingdom, through arms and weapons trade. Hence, the struggle for the Palestinians to have autonomy and freedom, among other human rights within their own homeland, is a consistent fight that requires ongoing international cooperation and solidarity. Geopolitics: its detrimental impacts on the Palestinians Given the currently divisive geopolitical landscape, it is essential to bring attention to the health outcomes of the Palestinian population, especially since at least half of them are children. A report from the Global Nutrition Cluster called “Nutrition Vulnerability and Situation Analysis / Gaza” had several key findings and tables (see Tables 1 and 2 ). Firstly, more than 90% of children less than a year old, along with pregnant and breastfeeding women, encounter high under-nutrition due to poverty. Another finding was that approximately 90% of children under five are impacted by at least one infectious disease, and 81% of households in Gaza lack clean and safe water. However, the authors noted limitations in their analysis, such as limited data sources because collecting it is difficult within the context of Gaza, and this was true for screening. Another report from the organisation Medical Aid For Palestinians (MAP), titled “Health Under Occupation” from 2017, discussed healthcare access and outcomes more broadly. For example, they noted that in 2016, up to one-third of patients’ permits to exit Gaza for healthcare access were either denied or delayed. Moreover, they stated that 40% of people in Gaza live below the poverty line. Given the recent geopolitical shifts in power, these findings from both reports will likely be higher now. This brings forthcoming uncertainty about whether the health outcomes of Palestinians will improve. In a recent qualitative study involving the views of Palestinian physicians in the West Bank, they shared their experiences of violence, threats of violence, issues with healthcare access for themselves and patients, financial difficulties to support their families, struggle to help their patients and limited access to education due to harsher life under occupation. Thinking more largely about emergency care in Palestine, one scoping review reported the depletion of healthcare resources such as medical equipment and medications. The authors even related how human rights violations and the destruction of the Palestinian healthcare system, including emergencies, have exacerbated outcomes; the most notable were stroke, myocardial infarction and traumatic injury, among other non-infectious diseases. Although the authors included this information from a human rights standpoint, they called for additional interventions and research to fill in and learn gaps within emergency care to enhance health outcomes for Palestinians. This review was published in 2022, and again, many geopolitical shifts in power have taken place within a few years. Therefore, it can be deduced that emergency care is drastically needed for the Palestinians; this is primarily compelled by the blockade in Gaza and occupation in the West Bank. Focusing on the mental health outcomes among Palestinians, they have become worse. In another scoping review, researchers focused on trauma among young Palestinian people in Gaza; the authors noted that events, such as exposure to devastation and violence, as well as the death or loss of friends and family, have contributed to mental health outcomes ranging from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to depression. Nevertheless, the authors stated that further qualitative research is vital to addressing gaps in knowledge and enhancing mental health outcomes among the Palestinian youth and the wider population. Connecting back to how the modern geopolitical landscape is very dynamic, the poorer mental health outcomes among Palestinians have conceivably increased. Urgent calls to action: recommendations from NGOs to upholding human rights Given all of these detrimental impacts on the health and wellbeing of Palestinians, there are recommendations from organisations, notably the United Nations (UN), for ways forward towards upholding the human rights of Palestinians: Immediately end all practices of collective punishment, including lifting its blockade and closures – and the “complete siege”- of Gaza, and urgently ensure immediate access to humanitarian and commercial goods throughout Gaza, commensurate with the immense humanitarian needs. Ensure that all Palestinians forcibly displaced from Gaza are allowed to return to their homes creating safe conditions and fulfil its responsibilities as an occupying Power in this regard. End the 56-year occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem as part of a broader process towards achieving equality, justice, democracy, non-discrimination, and the fulfilment of all human rights for all Palestinians. These recommendations, among others mentioned in the report from the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, were divulged in 2024; the year had been a challenging time, particularly in Gaza, due to the complete blockade of food, water and essentials like medical supplies; in addition to this, many explosives were dropped on Gaza, killing thousands of men, women and children. Finally, buildings, such as hospitals and homes, were destroyed. Conclusion: moving forward towards a equitable and equal future for Palestinians Reflecting on everything discussed in this article, the numerous injustices happening to Palestinians must not go on; they have been suppressed for nearly 75 years by governments and the mainstream media before receiving closer attention, examination and debate within Western society recently. Therefore, we need to take actionable steps by initiating more open discussions of justice and advocacy involving the voices of Palestinians, such as myself and others. Furthermore, it is crucial always to nudge those in positions of power worldwide to fulfil their responsibilities as civil servants and defend human rights for everyone. Both of these actions uphold the health and wellbeing of Palestinians living in Gaza and the West Bank, especially as enabling the recommendations from the UN and other NGOs. As for the wider international community, we must continue upholding human rights to maintain our health and wellbeing. In my next article, I will discuss Sudan because this population has also encountered many injustices, primarily the civil war that has been occurring since 2023. This has impacted the health and wellbeing of the Sudanese population, which requires thorough attention and discussion. Written by Sam Jarada Related articles: Gentrification and well-being / Health Inequalities / Impacts of global warming on NTDs / Global health injustices- Bangladesh , Sri Lankan Tamils REFERENCES Human rights in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Amnesty International. 2022. Available from: https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/middle-east-and-north-africa/middle-east/israel-and-the-occupied-palestinian-territory/report-israel-and-the-occupied-palestinian-territory/ Occupied Palestinian Territory. Save the Children International. 2024. Available from: https://www.savethechildren.net/occupied-palestinian-territory Nutrition Vulnerability and Situation Analysis / Gaza. 2024. Available from: https://www.nutritioncluster.net/sites/nutritioncluster.com/files/2024-02/GAZA-Nutrition-vulnerability-and-SitAn-v7.pdf HEALTH UNDER OCCUPATION. Medical Aid For Palestinians. 2017. Available from: https://www.map.org.uk/downloads/health-under-occupation---map-report-2017.pdf Husam Dweik, Hadwan AA, Beesan Maraqa, Taher A, Zink T. Perspectives of Palestinian physicians on the impact of the Gaza War in the West Bank. SSM - Qualitative Research in Health. 2024 Nov 14;6:100504–4. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667321524001136 Rosenbloom R, Leff R. Emergency Care in the Occupied Palestinian Territory: A Scoping Review. Health and Human Rights. 2022 Dec;24(2):255. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9790939/ Abdallah Abudayya, Fugleberg T, Nyhus HB, Radwan Aburukba, Tofthagen R. Consequences of war-related traumatic stress among Palestinian young people in the Gaza Strip: A scoping review. Mental Health & Prevention. 2023 Nov 25;32:200305–5. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212657023000478 M.I. Human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice - Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights - Advance unedited version (A/HRC/55/28) - Question of Palestine. United Nations. Available from: https://www.un.org/unispal/document/human-rights-situation-in-opt-unohchr-23feb-2024/ Project Gallery

CRISPR, regenerative medicine, vaccine development and recombinant DNA tech Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Medical Biotechnology 10/07/25, 10:21 Last updated: Published: 03/06/23, 13:57 CRISPR, regenerative medicine, vaccine development and recombinant DNA tech Introduction Throughout the course of human history, the foundation of medicine has predominantly relied upon biochemistry. Whereby, scientists utilise naturally occurring and artificially synthesised chemical compounds to elicit therapeutic responses within the body. However, during the 21st century, the field of medicine witnessed a paradigm shift towards medical biotechnology- driving major breakthroughs in healthcare. What is medical biotechnology? Medical biotechnology can be defined as the use of living organisms or their products to investigate, understand and target biological systems in order to improve healthcare outcomes. By integrating the principles of genetic engineering and biological processes, scientists are able to develop novel pharmaceuticals and create diagnostic tools for disease management. Major advancements in medical biotechnology A groundbreaking technology within this field is the CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) — Cas9 system. Which utilises CRISPR-associated protein Cas9 and guide RNA (gRNA) as a molecular tool to precisely modify genetic material. By harnessing this gene editing system, scientists can manipulate specific DNA sequences and modulate gene expression, making it an invaluable tool towards precision medicine. Its ability to correct genetic defects has shown promise in the future development of targeted therapies for genetic diseases. Regenerative medicine, another frontier in medical biotechnology aims to regenerate damaged or diseased tissues and organs. This interdisciplinary field integrates principles from tissue engineering and stem cell biology to enable tissue repair and regeneration. Stem cells possess a remarkable capacity to self-renew and differentiate into various specialised cell types. Through research biotechnologists seek to engineer functional tissues and organs for transplantation or stimulate the body's innate regenerative abilities. The development of vaccines is yet another critical aspect of medical biotechnology. Vaccines are designed to stimulate the immune system and confer immunity against specific pathogens, thereby preventing infectious diseases. Modern biotechnology techniques, such as genetic engineering and cell culture, enable cost-effective vaccine development. Recombinant DNA technology enables antigen production in non-pathogenic host cells, eliminating the need for pathogen harvesting. Ongoing advancements include RNA/DNA vaccines, allowing antigen production within recipients' bodies. Conclusion Medical biotechnology continues to play a pivotal role in advancing scientific knowledge and enhancing disease diagnostics and treatment. It holds immense promise for the future of healthcare, particularly in the field of precision medicine. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that this technology also carries inherent risks. Misuse can lead to negative consequences, such as bioterrorism and other destructive outcomes. Written by Komal Nasir Related article: Biggest innovations in the biosciences currently Project Gallery

iPSCs are one of the most powerful tools of biosciences Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The endless possibilities of iPSCs and organoids 11/07/25, 10:02 Last updated: Published: 20/01/24, 11:50 iPSCs are one of the most powerful tools of biosciences On the 8th of October 2012, the Nobel Prize in Physiology was given to Shinya Yamanaka and John B. Gurdon for a groundbreaking discovery; induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs). The two scientists discovered that mature, specialised cells can be reprogrammed to their initial state and consequently transformed into any cell type. These cells can be used to study disease, examine genetic variations and test new treatments. The science behind iPSCs The creation of iPSCs is based on the procedure of cell potency during mammalian development. While the organism is still in the embryonic stage, the first cell developed is a totipotent stem cell, which has the unique ability to differentiate into any cell type in the human body. “Totipotent” refers to the cell’s potential to give rise to all cell types and tissues needed to develop an entire organism. As the totipotent cell grows, it develops into the pluripotent cell, which can differentiate into the three types of germ layers; the endoderm line, the mesoderm line and the ectoderm line. The cells of each line then develop into multipotent cells, which are derived into all types of human somatic cells, such as neuronal cells, blood cells, muscle cells, skin cells, etc. Creation of iPSCs and organoids iPSCs are produced through a process called cellular reprogramming, which involves the reprogramming of differentiated cells to revert to a pluripotent state, similar to that of embryonic stem cells. The process begins with selecting any type of somatic cell from the individual (in most cases, the individual is a patient). Four transcription factors, Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc, are introduced into the selected cells. These transcription factors are important for the maintenance of pluripotency. They are able to activate the silenced pluripotency genes of the adult somatic cells and turn off the genes associated with differentiation. The somatic cells are now transformed into iPSCs, which can differentiate into any somatic cell type if provided with the right transcription factor. Although iPSCs themselves have endless applications in biosciences, they can also be transformed into organoids, miniature three-dimensional organ models. To create organoids, iPSCs are exposed to a specific combination of signalling molecules and growth factors that mimic the development of the desired organ. Current applications of iPSCs As mentioned earlier, iPSCs can be used to study disease mechanisms, develop personalised therapies and test the action of drugs in human-derived tissues. iPSCs have already been used to model cardiomyocytes, neuronal cells, keratinocytes, melanocytes and many other types of cells. Moreover, kidney, liver, lung, stomach, intestine, and brain organoids have already been produced. In the meantime, diseases such as cardiomyopathy, Alzheimer’s disease, cystic fibrosis and blood disorders have been successfully modelled and studied with the use of iPSCs. Most importantly, the use of iPSCs in all parts of scientific research reduces or replaces the use of animal models, promising a more ethical future in biosciences. Conclusion iPSCs are one of the most powerful tools of biosciences at the moment. In combination with gene editing techniques, iPSCs give accessibility to a wide range of tissues and human disorders and open the doors for precise, personalised and innovative therapies. iPSCs not only promise accurate scientific research but also ethical studies that minimise the use of animal models and embryonic cells. Written by Matina Laskou Related articles: Organoids in drug discovery / Introduction to stem cells Project Gallery