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A chemist's palette Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The story of pigments and dyes 14/07/25, 15:05 Last updated: Published: 20/11/23, 11:05 A chemist's palette Pigments and dyes are vital in producing vibrancy and changing colours in our surroundings. Their vast use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, inks and textiles makes them important in playing a crucial role in creating the colourful world we see around us. But how do they come into existence? It all started from the extraction of colours from the world around us, such as green chlorophyll found in leaves and reds from berries. They were used to decorate caves and clothes in early civilization. However, when synthetic dyes came into play in the 19th century, things took an advance. Mauveine was accidentally discovered by William Henry Perkin; its vivid purple colour proved that we could make complicated organic substances from simpler ones, challenging the idea that organic compounds could only come from living things or nature. How does chemistry relate to the colours produced? Well, the way molecules are built fundamentally decides what colours are visible. In summary, the colours we see are a result of electrons in atoms and molecules absorbing and then releasing energy in the form of light. The specific colours are determined by the amount of energy released and the unique arrangement of electrons in each substance. In chemistry, pigments and dyes are used in various applications such as indicators in chemical reactions, chromatography, photovoltaic cells and most commonly in titration. They enable researchers to explore chemical processes and analyse substances. However, there are many environmental concerns regarding synthetic dyes, with pollution and water contamination. Synthetic dyes may also contain chemicals and additives that are toxic to aquatic life, posing risks to the environment. To address these issues, regulations, research into eco-friendly alternatives, sustainable practices, and educating people on this is important. In essence, we are constantly reminded of the evolving relationship between colours and chemistry. In the future, as more materials change colours and new uses are discovered, chemists will continue to be fascinated by the endless possibilities. Written by Anam Ahmed Project Gallery

Book review Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link 'Intern Blues' by Robert Marion, M.D. 08/07/25, 14:33 Last updated: Published: 01/09/24, 12:30 Book review The public's glimpse of a doctor’s life varies depending on the doctor. Popular TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy , New Amsterdam , and Private Practice allow keen viewers to follow the romanticised lives of doctors, from their heroic moments to the romances and tragedies that take place in their hospital shifts. Similarly, social media platforms have been filled with doctors and medical students glamourising their experience with hashtags and filters, focusing on the positive but hardly ever commenting on their negative experiences. Additionally, flashy news articles celebrate a doctor’s innovative and ground-breaking methods and attempts to save a lucky patient’s life. In particular, doctors were placed in the spotlight during the COVID-19 pandemic, being seen as the real-life superheroes of the pandemic. On the other hand, in 2023, the televised NHS doctors’ protests presented the struggles and hardships endured by the professionals. Furthermore, a report by the General Medical Council in 2022 found that 50% of doctors were unhappy in their workplace. Simply put, the public’s perspective towards medicine and a doctor’s life will differ depending on their source and possibly their personal experiences. Therefore, how can one understand the world through the eyes of a doctor without studying and working within the profession? This question may never have a perfect answer, but the book Intern Blues by Robert Marion could be considered a step in the right direction. This book explores the life of three first-year interns (Amy, Adam, and Mark) in New York paediatric hospitals during the mid-1980s. After meeting his new interns and learning about the fear and outsider syndrome they felt toward the coming year, Dr. Robert Marion encouraged them to document their experiences during their year as interns to reflect and possibly learn through their achievements and struggles. Unknowingly, Dr Marion’s advice created the concept behind this inspiring book. The book explains treatment methods, their reasoning, and the medical abbreviations, making any reader feel like a doctor. This is emphasised by the vividly descriptive writing and the constant log of emotions, allowing anyone to experience the vibrant rush of a hospital from the comfort of their home. One of the best things about this book is each intern’s contrasting perspectives on such supposedly similar experiences. The first intern, Andy Baron, explored his struggles of living far from his family and girlfriend due to his awkward working hours and his feelings that his loved ones do not understand what he is going through. On the other hand, Amy Horowitz has an intriguing perspective of being a mother of a young child, presenting to the reader the struggles with viewing her own child in her patients' eyes and how she surpassed this challenge to succeed in her work. In contrast, Mark Greenberg has an interesting and almost humoristic negative perspective towards his experience – one should note that, at times, some of his entries are quite shocking with their abruptness and pessimistic view. On the other hand, one of the few limitations to note in this book would be the timing. Having taken place in the 1980s, the reader should note that some elements have changed and evolved over the years. However, one could argue that this difference in 40 years gives a uniqueness to the book as it allows for a comparison and reflection on how medicine has changed. For instance, there is a brief exploration of the struggle that Amy faced as a doctor: struggles that in some way stem from how being a woman made others view her differently from her male colleagues. Although these same struggles may not apply to female doctors in the present, the Amys of 2024 encounter their own challenges. Moreover, the book provides an interesting reflection on how the HIV pandemic changed medicine and forced the medical community to adapt – which, for many readers, can resonate with the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Intern Blues is an entertaining read that will make its readers want to hug their siblings and appreciate their lives differently. This book will elicit laughs, tears, and moments of profound contemplation - a rollercoaster of emotions filled to the brim with intriguing medical cases. Presenting the hardships these three doctors faced, one has the opportunity to reflect and decide for themselves: does the good outweigh the bad? What causes the balance to tip? Is a doctor’s life made for them? Nevertheless, one conclusion is constant: the newfound admiration for the healthcare community. Check out this book on Amazon Written by Inês Couto André Related article and book review: Healthcare serial killers / The Emperor of All Maladies REFERENCES Marion R. The Intern Blues: The Timeless Classic about the Making of a Doctor. Reprint edition. William Marrow & Company; 2001. General Medical Council. The State of Medical Education and Practice in the UK, Workplace Experiences 2023 [Internet]. General Medical Council. 2023 June. Available from: gmc-uk.org/stateofmed . Project Gallery

...In the nerve fibre world Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Squids are size champions 11/07/25, 09:53 Last updated: Published: 29/06/23, 09:33 ...In the nerve fibre world A cephalopod adventure When you think of squids, you probably imagine them swimming through the ocean and using tentacles to catch their prey. Scientists might not! These slimy sea creatures have helped us to study and understand how our own nervous system works. That’s right, squids are more than just tasty seafood. Squids have a giant axon, which is a single nerve fiber that is much larger than the axons found in other animals, including humans. This giant axon can be up to one millimeter in diameter , which is big enough to be seen with the naked eye. If you’re thinking that 1 millimeter is still pretty small, consider that human axons are measured in micrometers (µm) , so the squid’s giant axons are almost one thousand times larger in diameter than ours . In case you’re wondering what an axon is, it’s the long projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body. The electrical impulses generated during an action potential travel down the axon and make their way to the synapse. So the axon is a vital component of the nervous system that helps facilitate communication between neurons and other cells. In 1963, the English scientists Hodgkin and Huxley were awarded the Nobel Prize for their groundbreaking experiments on squid giant axons. Through their work, they provided a detailed understanding of the electrical properties of axon membranes and the role of ion channels in generating and propagating nerve impulses. They also discovered that the giant axon is surrounded by a thick layer of insulation called myelin , which speeds up the transmission of nerve impulses. Their research has been fundamental to the development of modern neurophysiology. So, the next time you enjoy a plate of calamari, remember that the squid on your plate might have contributed to our understanding of the nervous system. Written by Viviana Greco Related article: Frog nerves Project Gallery

Lung cancer can be defined as the uncontrollable growth of abnormal epithelial cells that make up the lung. Smoking is known to be a main risk factor of lung cancer being responsible for at least 70% of lung cancer cases. Go back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Smoking cessation interventions Last updated: 18/11/24 Published: 10/03/23 Lung cancer can be defined as the uncontrollable growth of abnormal epithelial cells that make up the lung. Smoking is known to be a main risk factor of lung cancer being responsible for at least 70% of lung cancer cases. Burning cigarettes release multiple mutagens and carcinogens which are absorbed and metabolised by the body to cause cancer. The incidence of lung cancer is increasingly becoming worrying due to its high preventability rate of 79% according to the National Cancer Research Institute. This highlights the importance of reducing the incidence of lung cancer and consequently the deaths caused by it and the burden on the NHS and economy. There recently has been a surge in the use of E-cigarettes in comparison to cessation clinics as a cessation tool to prevent lung cancer. Clearly, there is a need to determine the effectiveness of E-cigarettes being used as a smoking cessation tool. Over the years researchers have investigated different cessation techniques such as specialist clinics, therapy, and patches. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool to prevent cancer in primary care. The research suggests that E-cigarettes are more commonly and successfully being used as an effective smoking cessation tool in primary care. The research also suggests that the implementation of smoking cessation clinics has helped to reduce the prevalence of smoking. Both E-cigarettes and smoking cessation clinics are useful in reducing the prevalence of smoking and therefore the incidence of lung cancer. However, it is important to acknowledge some of the carcinogens that E-cigarettes possess such as nicotine which can adversely promote cancer growth. This begs the question of the efficacy of E-cigarettes in reducing lung cancer incidence. Predominantly not smoking at all remains the safest option to reduce the chances of lung cancer. Nonetheless, the reduction in funding for Smoking Cessation clinics in primary care should be reviewed given that it was an effective enough strategy in reducing lung cancer incidence. More research (particularly longitudinal studies) is also required into the efficacy of E-cigarettes in reducing lung cancer incidence and the potential long-term effects they could have. Written by Latilda Ajani Related article: Genetics of excessive smoking and drinking

AI in developing space technologies Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Artificial intelligence in space 09/07/25, 10:56 Last updated: Published: 19/11/23, 17:31 AI in developing space technologies Artificial intelligence or AI has become an important force or a tool that drives the evolution of technologies that improve human life and helps unlock the secrets of the universe beyond the influence of our planet. In simple words, AI is something that enables a computer/ robot to mimic human intelligence and it is revolutionizing the way we explore and utilize space, enhancing everything from spacecraft navigation and autonomous decision-making to data analysis and mission planning. This article explores the profound impact of AI in the development of space related technologies. Mission planning and design Space mission planning and payload, instrument designs rely on the gathered previous mission data. However, access to all the historic mission data is only provided to individuals with a higher authority access at the space agency which requires a lot of paper works and approvals. But recently NASA came up with a solution and they named it as the “Data Acquisition Processing and Handling Network Environment” (DAPHNE) system. Daphne is an AI assistant which can access millions of previous mission data including the most restricted ones and provide the scientists an insight about their mission without the need of a higher authority access or security clearance. It can also compute and analyze countless input variables to determine the most efficient routes and schedules for missions, which is crucial for long-duration missions or missions with multiple objectives. Manufacturing Manufacturing processes usually involves complex tasks that requires high precision and attention to detail when it comes to space related applications. The use of AI in spacecraft manufacturing not only accelerates production but also increases precision and reliability. Ai assistants like collaborative bots (cobots) interacts with the engineers and help them to make the right decisions, reduce the overall assembly process time and also provide insights about the final product which ensures that the spacecrafts are built to the highest standards. Data processing Space missions generate vast amounts of data, from images and telemetry to instrument readings. AI algorithms are capable in sifting through this data, identifying patterns, and extracting meaningful insights. An example is the estimation of planetary wind speed which requires a combination of the satellite imagery and meteorological data. AI tools can rapidly analyze these large datasets and help scientists in understanding these planetary phenomena and easily uncover its secrets. This capability is also valuable in missions to study distant galaxies, black holes, and exoplanets. Navigation & guidance systems One of the critical applications of AI in space technology is autonomous navigation. Spacecraft traveling vast distances through the cosmos must constantly adjust their trajectories to avoid collisions with celestial bodies and maximize their fuel efficiency. Advanced AI systems can process data in real-time and autonomously adjust a spacecraft's course. This not only reduces the need for constant human intervention from the ground station but also allows for more precise and efficient missions. Astronaut health monitoring Astronauts in space face a range of health issues like bone density loss, cardiovascular issues etc. The AI systems can continuously monitor physiological data and provide an insight into the astronaut’s health condition including sleep patterns. This allows early detection of health issues and timely intervention which reduces the need for immediate communication with ground mission control, ultimately safeguard the safety of the astronauts on long-duration missions. In summary, AI is a tool that represents a transformative shift in how we explore and understand our cosmos and its secrets. One day AI will play an even more significant role in the future that pushes the boundaries of space and bring us closer to answering some of humanity’s most profound questions. Written by Arun Sreeraj Related articles: Astronauts in space / AI in drug discovery / Evolution of AI / Chemistry in space exploration Project Gallery

Their applications and usefulness Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The Importance of Emojis in Healthcare 11/07/25, 10:00 Last updated: Published: 23/06/24, 09:54 Their applications and usefulness The evolution of emojis Emojis are widely used visual symbols representing people, animals, objects and more. They can convey a writer’s tones and emotions, which can help clarify the meaning of messages. This allows the writer to build a connection with the person who has received the message. Emojis originated from smileys, which evolved into emoticons and, finally, emojis. Japanese originator Shigetaka Kurita released the first set of emojis in 1999, with the word “Emoji” being a transliteration of a Japanese word, with “e” meaning “picture”, “mo” meaning “write” and “ji” meaning “character”. Emojis in healthcare Emojis can play a significant role in healthcare by improving the communication of complex health concepts effectively, offering patients greater access to healthcare. Patients with limited health literacy would benefit from health reports containing emojis, which would help them understand and interpret information better. This was proven by a study by Stonbraker, Porras and Schnall (2019), which found that 94% of patients preferred reports with emojis as it aided their understanding. For example, emojis can be helpful in the field of dermatology, where they can be used to complement information regarding things such as lesions, colours, and symptoms, allowing doctors to communicate additional information to patients alongside primary concerns. In addition, emojis can be used in public health, such as to convey information about hand hygiene and infection prevention and control. By using emojis that are related to these fields, health professionals can communicate information and remind the public (especially patients with low levels of health literacy) to protect themselves against infections and the spread of diseases. Some existing emojis can be used to illustrate certain aspects of hand hygiene, such as touching (🤝), patient (🤒), clean (✨), procedure (💉), body fluid (🗣 💦), and exposure risk (❗). Using emojis in healthcare systems, especially infection prevention and control, can improve communication among healthcare providers and receivers, therefore improving health. The future of emojis in healthcare One of the limitations of incorporating emojis into healthcare is that they are unclear. In a healthcare context, this could lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Therefore, healthcare professionals must be cautious when using emojis in patient communication. Nevertheless, with clear guidelines and communication, if emojis are leveraged even more, they will play a very important role in healthcare communication, particularly in improving health literacy and access to healthcare for vulnerable patients. Due to new and evolving technology and communication, healthcare professionals also need to adapt, and using emojis could be a way this can happen. Emojis have been rapidly evolving, with new diverse and inclusive emojis continuously being introduced, such as anatomical emojis and skin tone customisations. With roughly 30 emojis being relevant to medicine — excluding generic body parts, such as the ear (👂), hand (🖐), leg (🦵), and foot (🦶) — there is potential to create more emojis related to medicine and healthcare. Researchers Debbie Lai and Shuhan He have already proposed an additional 15 medical emojis: intestines, leg cast, stomach, spine, liver, kidney, pill pack, blood bag, IV bag, CT scan, weight scale, pill box, ECG, crutches, and a white blood cell. Despite this, there is still a need for more diverse health-related emojis. This gap can be filled by the upcoming generation of students who study health sciences, as they can use their medical and digital knowledge to create emojis to communicate aspects of health care not currently represented, such as CPR, drawing blood, and more. It is important to acknowledge the limitations and potential barriers to using emojis in healthcare. For example, they could be ambiguous, leading to misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Therefore, healthcare professionals should be careful while using them in patient communication and follow any guidelines to minimise this. Conclusion Overall, emojis can have significant benefits, as they have proven to be a powerful tool in healthcare by enhancing health literacy and improving the communication of complicated health concepts to patients. Therefore, it is important to have clear guidelines on how and when to use emojis in a healthcare setting to increase their effectiveness. Health science students can contribute meaningfully to this field by proposing and creating new emojis. Written by Naoshin Haque Related article: Virtual reality in healthcare Project Gallery

Is bacteria the key to unlocking this treatment? Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link A breakthrough in endometriosis treatment 27/03/25, 12:05 Last updated: Published: 29/06/23, 09:16 Is bacteria the key to unlocking this treatment? In a giant leap forward, scientists have linked a specific bacterial infection to endometriosis for the very first time. Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrium (lining of the uterus wall) grows outside of the uterus. For many women, the condition is characterised by debilitating pain, fatigue and infertility. The average time span for an accurate diagnosis is 7.5 years, with some women opting for a complete hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) to curb the pain. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis (the process by which a disease develops) of endometriosis is still relatively unknown. With previous scientific theories including retrograde menstruation, immune dysregulation, hormonal imbalance, stem cells and benign metastasis- this is the first time a bacterial theory has been forwarded. Dr Muraoka and his team theorised a link between bacterial localisation within the female reproductive tract and endometriosis- following promising research carried out on mice models. The Japanese study discovered a bacterium known as Fusobacterium to be present in the uteruses of 65% of women suffering from endometriosis, compared to less than 7% of women without the disease. Fusobacterium is a bacterium which is mostly found within the microbe of the mouth, gut and vagina. This bacterium has been linked to other inflammatory diseases such as gum disease. Follow-up studies- undertaken on mice- discovered that those treated with antibiotics saw a significant reduction in both size and frequency of lesions associated with the disease. Clinical trials are now forging ahead to investigate the effects of antimicrobials as a viable treatment option for endometriosis patients. This revolutionary study is the first of its kind and could see patient disease management progress away from medieval invasive procedures and decades of pain. For more information on Dr Muraoka and his team's work check out his study . Written by Kellie Leonard Related articles: Underreporting of endometriosis / Are PCOS and endometriosis sisters? / Gynaecology Project Gallery

Comparative oncology Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link What can our canine friends tell us about cancer? 14/07/25, 15:12 Last updated: Published: 02/07/24, 10:04 Comparative oncology Comparative oncology is a field of study within cancer that has been adopted to study cancer and develop new therapies. It involves studying cancer in animals to uncover similarities between human and animal cancers. By combining scientific findings across a range of species, including companion animals such as dogs and horses or non-human primates such as monkeys, comparative oncology will advance cancer research and help develop effective novel therapies. This approach not only explores cancers in both animals and humans but also aims to bridge the gap between human and veterinary medicine. By examining similarities and differences in cancer biology, progression and treatment responses across species, comparative oncology provides valuable insights that can benefit both fields. Understanding how cancer behaves in animals can offer new perspectives and potential therapies for human patients. Conversely, while findings in human oncology can inform veterinary medicine, leading to improved diagnostics and treatments for animals. ( Figure 1 summarises the aims of comparative oncology). This article aims to explore this field of oncology further by discussing what it entails, the methodologies utilised, some recent advancements, and finally, things to look out for in the future. Comparative oncology has been developed and expanded into two areas of study. This includes spontaneous oncology and experimental oncology. Spontaneous oncology focuses on naturally occurring tumours in animals by investigating aspects of carcinogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. It provides unique insights by drawing comparisons with human oncology research. These results can then be extrapolated to human oncology to gain a better understanding of cancer. This is because the similarities and differences observed in naturally occurring tumours across species provide valuable insights into underlying mechanisms within tumours and treatment responses. Experimental oncology serves as a distinct discipline where there are specialisations such as studying viral, chemical, and radiation oncogenesis alongside studying environmental factors such as pollution residues and food additives. This area involves studying both spontaneous tumours in animals and lab settings, where controlled conditions are used to explore different parts of cancer biology and treatment strategies. Additionally, the primary methodology utilised in comparative oncology involves studying spontaneous tumours in animals. Unlike artificially induced tumours in lab animals, these spontaneous tumours in pets closely mimic the complexity and heterogeneity of human cancers. For example, canines will live in similar living environments and experience similar external stimuli to their owner, such as pollution. The nature of these external stimuli means that they develop cancer in similar ways caused by epigenetic alterations, metabolic, and immune changes. (Figure 2 illustrates this process). Furthermore, comparative oncology uses advanced imaging techniques, genetic analysis, and immunological studies to predict pathways that may be shared among animals and humans which, could drive cancer development. Overall, these methods will allow the identification of promising therapies which directly target cancer and expand on current treatment choices such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy. One of the recent advancements in comparative oncology relates to osteosarcomas. This refers to cancer cells which begin to grow in the bones. For this specific form of cancer, molecular signatures were identified to predict clinical outcomes for both humans and canines, which can help improve treatment outcomes. Led by Amy K. LeBlanc, scientists have identified gene activity patterns in osteosarcoma tumours in nearly 200 dogs, revealing distinct groups with varying prognoses. These findings help us understand the biology behind osteosarcomas further and can potentially help us develop targeted therapies that take advantage of the immune system to treat the disease in both species. This potentially includes a range of therapies including PD-L1 inhibitors and cancer vaccines targeting the immune system. Moreover, breakthroughs in immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy are effective in treating haematological malignancies in both humans and canines. Furthermore, studies in canine melanoma reveal similar gene expression changes to human melanoma, such as in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways, even when the driver mutations are different. (Figure 3 shows how the pathway contributes to cancer). Useful data was provided in trials using companion animals with spontaneous tumours, providing an insight into safety, dosage, and efficacy, which have paved the way to develop treatments for both species. To conclude, it is clear with comparative oncology, researchers will be able to identify new molecular targets, assess novel drugs, and identify patient populations which will benefit the most from these therapies. It holds great promise in helping streamline cancer diagnosis further and even plays a role in preventing cancer. While the field shows great potential, more studies still need to be conducted to understand the similarities and differences in cancers between animals and humans. Additionally, more collaboration is needed amongst oncologists, veterinarians, and researchers across these disciplines to harness collective expertise to address questions relating to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Ultimately, this field will help us identify new avenues of treating and diagnosing cancer whilst improving healthcare outcomes for humans and animals alike. Written by Harene Elayathamby Related articles: Why blue whales don't get cancer / Rare zoonotic diseases REFERENCES Schiffman, J.D. and Breen, M. (2015) ‘Comparative oncology: What dogs and other species can teach us about humans with cancer’, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences , 370(1673), p. 20140231. doi:10.1098/rstb.2014.0231. Oh, J.H. and Cho, J.-Y. (2023) ‘Comparative oncology: Overcoming human cancer through companion animal studies’, Experimental & Molecular Medicine , 55(4), pp. 725–734. doi:10.1038/s12276-023-00977-3. Al, B. and C., C. (2007) ‘Chapter 1 COMPARATIVE ONCOLOGY ’, in Comparative oncology . Bucharest (RO): The Publishing House of the Romanian Academy, p. 1. Vail, D.M., LeBlanc, A.K. and Jeraj, R. (2020) ‘Advanced cancer imaging applied in the comparative setting’, Frontiers in Oncology , 10. doi:10.3389/fonc.2020.00084. New findings highlight shared features of human and canine osteosarcoma (2023) Center for Cancer Research . Available at: https://ccr.cancer.gov/news/article/new-findings-highlight-shared-features-of-human-and-canine-osteosarcoma (Accessed: 02 March 2024). Mochel, J.P. et al. (2018) Car T-cell immunotherapy in human and veterinary oncology: Changing the odds against hematological malignancies [Preprint]. doi:10.20944/preprints201811.0525.v1. LeBlanc AK, Mazcko CN, Khanna C. (2016) ‘Defining the Value of a Comparative Approach to Cancer Drug Development’, Clinical cancer research : an official journal of the American Association for Cancer Research , 22(9). p. 2133-2138. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-15-2347 FIGURE REFERENCES Boddy, A.M., Harrison, T.M. and Abegglen, L.M. (2020) ‘Comparative oncology: New insights into an ancient disease’, iScience , 23(8), p. 101373. doi:10.1016/j.isci.2020.101373. Oh, J.H. and Cho, J.-Y. (2023) ‘Comparative oncology: Overcoming human cancer through companion animal studies’, Experimental & Molecular Medicine , 55(4), pp. 725–734. doi:10.1038/s12276-023-00977-3. Rascio, F. et al. (2021) ‘The pathogenic role of PI3K/Akt pathway in cancer onset and drug resistance: An updated review’, Cancers , 13(16), p. 3949. doi:10.3390/cancers13163949. Project Gallery

Contributions include artificial radioactive atoms, atomic structure, ribosome research Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Female Nobel Prize Winners in Chemistry 02/05/25, 11:30 Last updated: Published: 03/06/23, 17:37 Contributions include artificial radioactive atoms, atomic structure, ribosome research Women contributing their innovative ideas has strengthened the knowledge held in the scientific world. It is important to realise that women in STEM need to be celebrated all year round – they need to be given the recognition they deserve. A total of 60 women have been awarded the Nobel Prize between 1901 and 2022. Specifically looking at the Female Nobel Prize winners in Chemistry – all of whom have changed the way society views women but also puts a spotlight on the progress that can still be made if we have more women in the field of STEM. There have been eight women to receive this prestigious award: Carolyn R. Bertozzi, Emmanuelle Charpentier, Jennifer A. Doudna, Frances H. Arnold, Ada E., Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin, Yonath, Irène Joliot-Curie and Marie Curie. This article celebrates their ground-breaking discoveries and contributions to the world of science and is a way to serve as an inspiration to young girls and women in the hope to raise a generation where more women are studying STEM subjects and acquiring high-ranked roles to reduce the gender gap. Nobel Prizes won in- 2022: Carolyn R. Bertozzi was awarded for her development of biorthogonal reactions which has allowed scientists to explore and track biological processes without disrupting the chemistry of the original cells. 2020: Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna were awarded for their development of a method for high-precision genome editing: CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors. They used the immune system of a bacterium, which disables viruses by cutting their DNA up with a type of genetic scissors. The CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors has led to many exciting discoveries and new ways to fight against cancer and genetic diseases. 2018: Frances Arnold was awarded because of her work on directed evolution of enzymes. In 1993, Arnold conducted the first directed evolution of enzymes, which are proteins that catalyse chemical reactions. This has led to the manufacturing of environmentally friendly chemical substances such as pharmaceuticals, and the production of renewable fuels. 2009: Ada Yonath was awarded the Nobel Prize for her studies on the structure and functions of the ribosome. In the 1970s, Ada began a project that concluded in her successful mapping of the structure of ribosomes, which consisted of thousands of atoms, using x-ray crystallography. This has been important in the production of antibiotics. 1964: Dorothy Hodgkin was awarded the 1964 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for solving the atomic structure of molecules such as penicillin and insulin, using X-ray crystallography. 1935: Irène Joliot-Curie was awarded for her discovery that radioactive atoms could be created artificially. Written by Khushleen Kaur Related articles: Female Nobel prize winners in physics / African-American women in cancer research Project Gallery

At Scientia News, we provide free help with personal statements for students applying to UK universities. From proofreading and checking to detailed feedback reports, there is a lot of support. We check UCAS personal statements for free! What are UCAS personal statements? For UK-based universities UCAS personal statements are a chance for students to show a UK university why they should be offered a place to study a particular subject there. Academics or more? Whilst academics are important to talk about, it is just as necessary to talk about who you are beyond your grades, too. This is the third mandatory question of the statement. Page and character limited It is critical to note that the statements must not be longer than 1 page: anything beyond this will not be read. The character limit is 4000, with a minimum of 350 characters per question. You can v isit UCAS for more information... Deadline! All statements must be submitted through UCAS by 14th January 2026 at 18:00 (UK time). However, the earlier the better as universities accept students on a rolling deadline. The process of submitting a personal statement: 1. Research university courses interested in 2. Pick a course & answer the 3 statement questions 3. Check and edit statement for approval 4. Submit to your top 5 university choices Note for those that are considering medicine or dentistry: You (normally) will have to choose 1 university out of the 5 where you will do a back up course i.e. something that is not medicine or dentistry. What we offer to you: Proofreading To catch any remaining errors or inconsistencies in draft statements Expert advisors Graduates or current university students will provide personalised advice to highlight your unique qualities, and align your statement with your chosen field of study Goals We'll assist in articulating your passion and long-term goals effectively Feedback Get detailed feedback reports with specific improvement suggestions Guidance Giving example guideline questions for you to answer and include in your statement. This will help to create flow and making adjustments easier. Structure Advice on approaching your introduction, main body paragraphs and ending Examples of universities where some of our volunteers currently attend, or have graduated from: Queen Mary University of London, Imperial College London, Kings College London, University of Liverpool and so on. Fill the form out below and we will contact you* * Alternatively, you can email us at scientianewsorg@gmail.com . Please keep the subject as 'Personal Statement'. * Disclaimer: there must be no plagiarism or use of AI in all statements submitted - we will assume there has been no copying. Scientia News will not be responsible for any plagiarism or AI detection by UCAS, as we only give advice. Email Subject Your message Send Thanks for submitting!