Study the plethora of interactions between drug and target with these articles focusing on antibiotic resistance, analgesics, and drug treatments for diseases with presently no cure. Pharmacology Articles Study the plethora of interactions between drug and target with these articles focusing on antibiotic resistance, analgesics, and drug treatments for diseases with presently no cure. You may also like: Chemistry , Medicine Effect of heat on medicine When medication is exposed to extreme heat, what happens? Antibiotic resistance Its rising threat Exploring ibuprofen Ibuprofen is a painkiller A treatment for Parkinson's disease By using a common diabetes drug mRNA vaccines What they are, and how they are different to traditional (live, attenuated, or viral-vectored) vaccines Anthrax toxin Using bacterial toxins to treat pain 'The Molecule': an upcoming biotech thriller A book review Psilocybin mushrooms and effect on depression Can this type of mushroom be used to treat the world's most common mental health disorder? The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil (TTO) Available both as the pure, undiluted oil or as an active component in medicinal and cosmetic products, TTO’s antibacterial properties have garnered significant attention.

The natural body clock and the involvement of genetics Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The chronotypes 26/04/26, 15:33 Last updated: Published: 27/11/24, 11:47 The natural body clock and the involvement of genetics Feeling like heading to bed at 9 pm and waking up at the crack of dawn? These tendencies define your chronotype, backed up by changes within your body. A generally overlooked topic, chronotypes affect our everyday behaviour. Many people innately associate themselves with a certain chronotype, but what do we know about how these physiological differences are caused at a molecular level? The word ‘chronotype’ was first coined in the 1970s, combining the Greek words chrono (time) and type (kind or form). While the term is relatively modern, the concept emerged in the 18th century. Researchers in the 1960s and 1970s, like Jürgen Aschoff, explored how internal biological clocks influence our sleep-wake cycles, leading to the classification of people into morning or evening types based on their activity patterns. The first evidence of body clocks was found in plants rather than humans, thus leading to the invention of flower clocks, which were used to tell the time of the day. Before delving into the details, let us be introduced to the general categories of chronotypes, which describe a person’s inclination to wake up and sleep while also affecting productivity periods. We know of the following three categories: The morning type (also referred to as larks): they are inclined to wake up and go to bed early because they feel most alert and productive in the mornings. The evening type (also called the owls): they feel most alert and productive in the evenings and onwards, so they are inclined to wake up and go to bed later. The intermediate types (also referred to as the doves): they fall in the middle of this range. Let’s explore what we know about the genetics that prove that chronotypes are a natural phenomenon. Genetics of chronotypes The main determining factor in our chronotypes is the circadian period. This is the body’s 24 hour cycle of changes that manifest into feelings of productivity and energy or tiredness. The length of this is crucial in determining our chronotypes. More importantly, specific physiological changes that cause these effects are melatonin and core body temperature. One study suggested that the morning types might have circadian periods shorter than 24 hours, whereas evening chronotypes might have circadian periods longer than 24 hours. A major clock gene is PER, which includes a collection of genes known as PER1, PER2 and PER3, which are thought to regulate circadian period factors. Specifically, it has been observed that a delay in the expression of the PER1 gene in humans causes an increased circadian period. Possible causes for this delay may be rendered to a variation within the negative feedback loop that PER1 operates in, including hereditary differences, environmental causes, changes to hormonal signals and age. This process may describe the mechanism behind the evening chronotype. Molecular polymorphs in the PER3 gene are thought to cause shorter circadian rhythms and the manifestation of the morning types. Similarly, a polymorph in the PER3 gene can be caused by a plethora of causes, as described for PER1. These nuances cause differences in the periodic release and stop of hormones which control the circadian rhythm, such as melatonin and body temperature. This is important in its power to control our energy levels, windows of productivity, and sleep cycles. The consensus remains that chronotypes are attributable to genetic premeditation by 50%, however, it has also been observed that chronotypes are prone to change with advancing age. Increased age is associated with an inclination towards an earlier phase chronotype. Age-related variation has been observed to be higher in men. There also exists an association between geographical locations and phase preference; increasing latitude (travelling North or South) from the earth's equator is associated with later chronotypes. Of course, many variations and factors come into play to affect these findings, such as ethnic genetics, climate, work culture and even population density. The effect on core body temperature and melatonin Polymorphisms in the PER3 cause a much earlier peak in body temperature and melatonin in the morning than in the evening and intermediate types. These manifest as the need to sleep much earlier in the morning and a decreased feeling of productivity later in the day. In contrast, the evening types experience a later release of melatonin and a drop in core body temperature, causing a later onset of tiredness and lack of energy. It can then be inferred that the intermediate types are affected by the expression of these genes in a way that falls in the middle of this spectrum. The Morning-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) The MEQ is a self-reported questionnaire you may complete to gain more insight into your chronotype category. Clinical psychologist Micheal Breus created it and uses different animals to categorise the chronotypes further. The framework suggests that the Bear represents individuals whose energy patterns are entrained to the rising and the sun's setting and are the most common types in the general population. The Lions describe the early risers, and Wolves roughly equate to the evening types. Recently, a fourth chronotype has been proposed: the Dolphin, whose responses to the questionnaire suggest that they switch between modes. Whether you're a Bear, Lion, Wolf, or Dolphin, understanding your chronotype can be a game-changer in optimising your daily routine. So, what’s your chronotype—and how can you start working with your body’s natural rhythms to unlock your full potential? A sleep study ? The MEQ ? Maybe keeping a tracker. Conclusion Understanding differences in circadian rhythms and sleep-wake preferences offers valuable insights into human behaviour and health. Chronotypes influence various aspects of daily life, including sleep patterns and quality, cognitive performance and susceptibility to specific health conditions, including sleep-wake conditions. An extreme deviation in circadian rhythms and sleep cycles may lead to such conditions as Advanced sleep-wake phase Disorder (ASPD) and Delayed sleep-wake phase Disorder (DSPD). Recognising these variations is also helpful in optimising work schedules and aligning to jet lags, improving mental and physical health by tailoring our biological rhythms to our environments. Many individuals opt to do a sleep study at an institution to gain insights into their circadian rhythms. A healthcare professional may also prescribe this if they suspect you have a circadian disturbance such as insomnia. Written by B. Esfandyare Related articles: Circadian rhythms and nutrition / Does insomnia run in families? REFERENCES Emens JS, Yuhas K, Rough J, Kochar N, Peters D, Lewy AJ. Phase Angle of Entrainment in Morning‐ and Evening‐Types under Naturalistic Conditions. Chronobiology International. 2009 Jan;26(3):474–93. Lee, J.H., Kim, I.S., Kim, S.J., Wang, W. and Duffy, J.F. (2011). Change in Individual Chronotype Over a Lifetime: A Retrospective Study. Sleep Medicine Research , 2(2), pp.48–53. doi: https://doi.org/10.17241/smr.2011.2.2.48 . Ujma, P.P. and Kirkegaard, E.O.W. (2021). The overlapping geography of cognitive ability and chronotype. PsyCh Journal , 10(5), pp.834–846. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/pchj.477 . Shearman LP, Jin X, Lee C, Reppert SM, Weaver DR. Targeted Disruption of the mPer3 Gene: Subtle Effects on Circadian Clock Function. Molecular and Cellular Biology. 2000 Sep 1;20(17):6269–75. Viola AU, Archer SN, James Lynette M, Groeger JA, Lo JCY, Skene DJ, et al. PER3 Polymorphism Predicts Sleep Structure and Waking Performance. Current Biology. 2007 Apr;17(7):613–8. Project Gallery

The potential of MSCs to treat diseases like rheumatoid arthritis Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in regenerative medicine 23/10/25, 11:18 Last updated: Published: 28/11/24, 15:16 The potential of MSCs to treat diseases like rheumatoid arthritis This is article no. 2 in a three-part series on stem cells. Next article: Regulation and policy of stem cell research . Previous article: An introduction to stem cells . Welcome to the second article in a series of three articles about stem cells. I will explore mesenchymal stem cells and their role in regenerative medicine in this article. Additionally, I will consider the potential of mesenchymal stem cells in treating three different diseases: multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Consider reading Article 1 for more information on mesenchymal stem cells! Multiple sclerosis (MS) Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease affecting the brain and spinal cord. It can cause symptoms such as muscle stiffness and spasms, problems with balance and coordination, vision problems and more. According to the Multiple Sclerosis Society UK (MS Society UK), it is estimated that there are around 150,000 people with MS in the UK, with nearly 7,100 people being newly diagnosed every year. Scientists have found that MSCs can be used to treat some of the symptoms of MS as MSCs protect the nerves in the CNS by secreting substances called neurotrophic growth factors, which increase nerve growth and the survival of nerve cells. These neurotrophic growth factors can also repair damaged nerves, improving nerve function. However, the exact mechanisms of this are still being studied. Furthermore, MSCs can activate the brain's natural healing mechanisms by stimulating the brain's stem cells to become active and repair the damaged tissue. This results in patients having a reduction in symptoms and the severity of the symptoms, improving the quality of life for those with MS. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting the joints. The charity Versus Arthritis has said there are around 400,000 adults aged 16 and over affected by RA in the UK. Scientists have found that MSCs can reduce inflammation in the joints as they have immunomodulatory properties, so they can regulate the immune system's abnormal responses that cause RA. MSCs suppress immune cell activity, resulting in a decrease in inflammation and joint damage. In addition, MSCs can migrate (travel) to the inflamed joints and release anti-inflammatory molecules, reducing joint swelling and pain. This results in patients having a reduction in pain and joint swelling, improving the quality of life for those with RA. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term for chronic inflammatory digestive diseases, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease (CD), affecting the gastrointestinal tract. A study by the University of Nottingham estimates that 500,000 people in the UK are living with IBD. Scientists have found that MSCs can reduce inflammation and increase tissue repair in the gastrointestinal tract. This is because MSCs can migrate to sites of inflammation in the gut, where they can replace damaged tissue cells. MSCs release signalling molecules that regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation. They can even directly interact with immune cells in the gut, influencing their behaviour and decreasing the inflammatory response. Also, MSCs can transfer mitochondria to damaged cells through cell fusion, helping the damaged cells function better and reduce inflammation. This results in reduced inflammation in patients, improving the quality of life for those with IBD. Looking to the future MS, RA and IBD are just three of the multiple diseases MSCs can target, and while there are many refinements to be made for MSCs to become more viable as treatment options, current findings show promising results. With further development, including more research to understand the exact biology of MSCs, there is massive potential for this method to revolutionise the treatment of various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases and cancer. As stem cell research continues to advance, policies must also adapt to this changing landscape; watch out for the last article in the series, where I will discuss the regulation and policy of stem cell research! Written by Naoshin Haque Related articles: The biggest innovations in the biosciences / Neuromyelitis optica and MS / Crohn's disease Project Gallery

Lucy, Betsy, and Anarcha Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The Foremothers of Gynaecology 10/07/25, 11:18 Last updated: Published: 05/03/24, 12:15 Lucy, Betsy, and Anarcha In collaboration with Dr Aakila Sammy from Publett for International Women's Month We have honoured remarkable women in science across the centuries. From Marie Curie's pioneering research on radioactivity in the 1800s to Henrietta Lacks's unintentional contribution to immortalised human cell lines in the 1900s and Rosalind Franklin's crucial work on the structure of DNA. Yet, even as their achievements shine, the names of their male counterparts, like Watson and Crick, often dominate the narrative. Let's journey back a century or two. Were the experiences of Lucy, Betsy, and Anarcha, the foremothers of gynaecology, similar? In the 19th century, Dr. James Marion Sims was celebrated as a surgical hero and the father of gynaecology. His fame stemmed from pioneering the first reliable surgery to treat vesicovaginal fistula, a severe childbirth complication causing a hole between a woman's bladder and vagina, leading to continuous urinary leakage and sometimes palliative care. Sims conducted his initial attempts at a small hospital behind his home in Montgomery, Alabama, focusing on enslaved African American women whom he housed. Over several years, he performed numerous operations on these women. Historical records indicate that 12 enslaved women underwent experimentation, with only three identified by name: Lucy, Betsy, and Anarcha. While Sims did treat white women, indicating a universal need for treatment, he probably began experimenting with black women first. Unfortunately, many records were destroyed after slavery ended, obscuring our understanding of these events. Consequently, many who suffered or displayed bravery may not receive proper historical recognition. But we're about to change that here! Slave owners often viewed enslaved women as valuable assets due to their potential to increase the slave population and, thus, the owner's wealth through labour. However, when complications arose during childbirth, rendering these women unable to work, slave owners sought alternative means to cover medical expenses and maintain profitability. This often involved leasing them to physicians like Sims for medical experimentation and treatment. Additionally, enslaved women who experienced complications during childbirth were often ostracised by their communities and left with no choice but to comply with the demands of their owners. While on lease, these teenage girls aged 17 to 19 worked for the Sims family and were subjected to experimentation, naked and restrained in front of an audience of male doctors. Lucy was the first of the three women to undergo Sims's experimental operation and remained conscious throughout the entire hour-long surgery. Post-surgery, Lucy developed an infection, and even though Sims was able to cure her infection, her injuries did not heal, which rendered the operation a failure. Betsy was operated on next with the same outcome minus the infection. Anarcha, operated on last, had the same results, but this did not stop Sims. Sims persisted in his experiments, even when his male assistants quit. He eventually trained the women to assist each other during surgeries, and over time, they became proficient enough to be considered medical practitioners in their own right. The turning point came after Anarcha's 30th surgery, where success was finally achieved. However, shortly afterwards, Sims closed his hospital and relocated north. The fate of the women after this point is noted as being returned to their masters, indicating the continued exploitation and oppression they faced despite their contributions to medical science. While Sims's legacy indeed sparks ethical concerns about consent, anaesthesia, and racism, it's vital to recognise the dire circumstances faced by the women he treated and their significant contributions to his work. Despite the troubling context of slavery, characterised by ambiguous consent, potential underuse of anaesthesia, and the enduring belief that black women could endure more pain (a misconception that persists in healthcare today), these women sought relief from their suffering. Or was it their slave owners who sought to protect their investment? In addition to recognising the systemic exploitation and dehumanisation suffered by enslaved individuals, it is important to celebrate the resilience and bravery of these women, who played a crucial role in advancing gynaecological understanding and techniques. Now, just a mile from the remaining Sims statue stands another monument honouring the true mothers of gynaecology: Lucy, Betsy, and Anarcha (by the artist and activist Michelle Browder). These teenagers played a profound role in shaping the field. It's imperative that we shift the narrative to acknowledge them as our foremothers in gynaecology when recounting this history. Their names deserve a place in the textbooks as well. -- Scientia News wholeheartedly thanks Aakila Sammy , co-founder and CEO of Publett , for this interesting article on the pioneering individuals in the field of gynaecology. We hope you enjoyed reading this International Women's Month Special piece! Follow them @Dr.Publett on Instagram and @Publett Limited on Linkedin for more information. -- Our last collaboration: Micro-chimerism and George Floyd's death Related articles: Female Nobel prize winners in physics and in chemistry / African-American women in cancer research / Women leading the charge in biomedical engineering / Endometriosis and PCOS / Postpartum depression in adolescent mothers REFERENCES National Library of Medicine. "Vesicovaginal fistula was a catastrophic complication of childbirth for many enslaved women between 1845 and 1849." Accessed 28th February 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2563360/#:~:text=Vesicovaginal%20fistula%20was%20a%20catastrophic,women%20between%201845%20and%201849 . ProQuest. "Anarcha, Betsey, and Lucy: The Mothers of Modern Gynecology."Accessed 28th February 2024. https://www.proquest.com/openview/a02db7be4c84ed0066ed13e79513b6ad/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=41361 . Smithsonian Magazine. "A monument honouring enslaved women, known as the 'Mothers of Gynecology' has been erected."Accessed 28th February 2024. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mothers-of-gynecology-monument-honors-enslaved-women-180980064/ New York Historical Society. "To learn more about Anarcha, Betsey, and Lucy, visit the New York Historical Society's online exhibit, 'A Nation Divided: The Civil War Era"'.Accessed 28th February 2024. https://wams.nyhistory.org/a-nation-divided/antebellum/anarcha-betsy-lucy/ . Project Gallery

Healthy heart, healthy mind Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link How does physical health affect mental health? Last updated: 16/10/25, 11:20 Published: 30/01/25, 08:00 Healthy heart, healthy mind Introduction Over the last decade, maintaining good mental health has become an increasing global priority. More people are committing time to self-care meditation, and other cognitive practices. We have also seen a rise in people taking care of their physical health through exercise and clean eating. This is fantastic – people are making time for one of the most important aspects of life, their health! But with the fast-paced nature of modern lifestyles, it is hard to devote separate time each week to purely mental and physical wellbeing. What if there were ways we could enhance both physical and mental wellbeing at the same time? Are both forms of health completely distinct from one another, or could a change in one have an effect on the other? If you’re looking for ways to improve your self-care efficiency, this may be the article for you! Healthy heart, healthy mind Physical health is a lot easier to define, on account of it being largely visible. Mental health on the other hand lacks much of a concrete definition. What is widely agreed is that emotions and feelings play a large part in making up our mental health. Emotions are largely determined by how we feel about our current internal and external environment, meaning bad bodily signs (as part of our internal environment) will have a negative effect on our overall mood. This is why being ill puts us in such a bad mood – even a blocked nose can annoy us by affecting how we do everyday activities. Poor fitness levels are likely no different – not being the most physically capable and finding everyday physical tasks challenging will likely have an effect on your mood and your confidence. Recent studies have backed up this idea, namely that signs of bodily inflammation are associated with increased risk of depression and negative mood. The role of neurotransmitters So being physically fit is associated with having better mental health, but does that mean exercise itself is mentally health as well, or is it just the effect of exercise that makes us happy? In other words, we seem to enjoy the result, but do we enjoy the process too? Studies have found that exercise increases dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger in the brain) that signals reward and motivation, similar to when we earn something for the work we put in ( Figure 1 ). Exercise is therefore seen as rewarding to the brain. There is also a lot of evidence suggesting exercise increases serotonin levels in both rats and humans. Serotonin is also a neurotransmitter, associated with directly enhancing mood and even having anti-depressant effects. Experiments in rats even suggest that increases in serotonin can decrease anxiety levels. Now, this does not mean exercise alone can cure anxiety disorder or depression, but could it be a useful variable in a clinical setting? Clinical uses Studies in depressive patients suggest that, yes, exercise does lead to better mental and physical health in patients with depression. This pairs well with another common finding that depressed patients are very rarely willing to complete difficult tasks for reward. So even on an extreme clinical scale, mental ill-health can have very damning consequences on maintaining good physical health. On the other hand, simple activities such as light jogs or walks may be the key to reversing negative spirals and getting on the right track towards recovery ( Figure 2 ). Conclusion and what we can do So far we have pretty solid evidence that mental health can impact physical health and vice versa, both negatively and positively. Going back to the introductory question, yes! We can find activities that improve both our physical and mental health. The trick is to find exercises that we find enjoyable and rewarding. On the clinical side, this could mean that physical exercise may be as effective at remitting depressive symptoms as antidepressants, likely with a lot fewer side effects. With that said, stay active and have fun, it helps more than you think! Written by Ramim Rahman Related articles: Environmental factors in exercise / Stress and neurodegeneration / Personal training / Mental health awareness REFERENCES Nord, C. (2024) The balanced brain . Cambridge: Penguin Random House. Osimo, E.F. et al. (2020) ‘Inflammatory markers in depression: A meta-analysis of mean differences and variability in 5,166 patients and 5,083 controls’, Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 87, pp. 901–909. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2020.02.010. Basso, J.C. and Suzuki, W.A. (2017) ‘The effects of acute exercise on mood, cognition, neurophysiology, and neurochemical pathways: A Review’, Brain Plasticity , 2(2), pp. 127–152. doi:10.3233/bpl-160040. [figure 1] DiCarlo, G.E. and Wallace, M.T. (2022) ‘Modeling dopamine dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder: From invertebrates to vertebrates’, Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 133, p. 104494. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.12.017. [figure 2] Donvito, T. (2020) Cognitive behavioral therapy for arthritis: Does it work? what’s it like?, CreakyJoints. Available at: https://creakyjoints.org/living-with-arthritis/mental-health/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-for-arthritis/ (Accessed: 06 December 2024) Project Gallery

Based on the ideas of Aristippus and Aristotle Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link A perspective on well-being: hedonic VS eudaimonic well-being 08/07/25, 17:16 Last updated: Published: 02/07/24, 11:51 Based on the ideas of Aristippus and Aristotle Since ancient times well-being has been discussed in two broad domains: hedonic and eudaimonic. Hedonic well-being is based on the ideas of Aristippus, who proposed that the ultimate aim of all human endeavours and pursuits is pleasure (hedonism). Therefore, hedonic well-being (aka subjective well-being) is a shorter-term evaluation of well-being that balances between positive and negative emotions and between pleasure attainment and pain avoidance. A real-life example of behaviour that leads to hedonic happiness is spending a large amount of money on a designer item to satisfy the need to stay current with fashion trends. According to Keyes et al. (2002), the three aspects of subjective well-being are positive affect (mood), negative affect (mood) and life satisfaction. The most common tools used to measure subjective well-being are the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) by Watson, Clark & Tellegen (1988) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) by Diener et al. (1985). Subjective well-being has been associated with having a present temporal focus and higher income levels, suggesting it is grounded in physical aspects of life and not the greater goals of self-actualisation. On the other hand, eudaimonic well-being is based on the philosophy of Aristotle, who argued that humans can only achieve true happiness and flourish by finding meaning and purpose in life (eudaimonia). Thus, eudaimonic well-being (aka psychological well-being) is a longer-term evaluation of well-being that results from engagement with development and challenges in life posed during the search for meaning and self-reflection. An example of an action that leads to eudaimonic happiness is reading philosophical books and learning more about life holistically. According to Keyes et al. (2002), the six aspects of psychological well-being are autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, purpose in life, positive relations with others and self-acceptance. The Scales of Psychological Well-being by Riff (1989) are often used to measure eudaimonic well-being. Recent research shows that psychological well-being is associated with higher levels of self-compassion, mindfulness practices and exposure to natural environments. Therefore, hedonic and eudaimonic well-being represent distinct perspectives on life. Hedonic well-being is more focused on a person's present emotional state and evaluation of their current life circumstances, whereas eudaimonic well-being takes a longer-term view, considering how well a person is functioning and developing their potential over time. The two different types of well-being also are related to separate life outcomes. Higher subjective well-being is associated with better physical health, longevity and relationship quality; while greater psychological well-being is linked to resilience, continued personal growth and self-actualisation. Whilst perhaps it is impossible to determine which well-being is more beneficial, it is definite that hedonic and eudaimonic well-being are intertwined into our daily lives. Written by Aleksandra Lib Related articles: Motivating the mind / Environmental factors and exercise / Physical and mental health / Life under occupation REFERENCES Diener, E., & Chan, M. Y. (2011). Happy people live longer: Subjective well-being contributes to health and longevity. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 3 (1), 1-43. Diener, E. D., Emmons, R. A., Larsen, R. J., & Griffin, S. (1985). The satisfaction with life scale. Journal of personality assessment , 49 (1), 71-75. Howell, A. J., Passmore, H.-A., & Holder, M. D. (2023). Savoring the here and now: The role of temporal focus for well-being. Journal of Positive Psychology, 18 (2), 221-236. Keyes, C. L., Shmotkin, D., & Ryff, C. D. (2002). Optimizing well-being: the empirical encounter of two traditions. Journal of personality and social psychology , 82 (6), 1007. Koo, J., & Park, K. (2022). Does money buy happiness after all? Revisiting the income-wellbeing link. Journal of Happiness Studies, 23 (3), 1133-1154. Mair, C., Jarrett, M., Watson, M., & Jones, P. B. (2022). The impact of nature exposure on psychological well-being: A systematic review. Environmental Research, 208 , 112677. Krieger, T., Hermann, H., Zimmermann, J., & grosse Holtforth, M. (2022). The role of self-compassion in promoting psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 69 (4), 380–396. Ryff, C.D. (1989). Happiness is everything, or is it? Explorations on the meaning of psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 57 , 1069–1081. Ryff, C. D. (2014). Psychological well-being revisited: Advances in the science and practice of eudaimonia. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 83 (1), 10-28. Watson, D., Clark, L. A., & Tellegen, A. (1988). Development and validation of brief measures of positive and negative affect: the PANAS scales. Journal of personality and social psychology , 54 (6), 1063. Project Gallery

Strategies for success and mathematical mastery Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link How to excel in maths 09/07/25, 15:19 Last updated: Published: 01/10/23, 21:00 Strategies for success and mathematical mastery Mathematics is a subject that can be both daunting and rewarding. While some individuals seem to effortlessly grasp mathematical concepts, most of us need to put in extra effort to excel. This article is dedicated to the majority—the ones willing to work hard to achieve success in their A-level maths exams and beyond. By following a structured approach and embracing a growth mindset, you can unlock your mathematical potential and reach heights you may have never thought possible. Understanding the concepts Fundamentally, to be able to get anywhere in mathematics, you need to understand what you are doing with numbers and why. There is no point in knowing how to differentiate if you don’t know why you want to differentiate and why it works. Now, I am a strong believer that anyone can learn anything if they approach it with an open mind and determination to succeed. This is called having a growth mindset. However, there is a caveat with how maths is taught at school. When maths is taught, it is taught by someone who understands a concept in a particular way. We are all inherently different, and similarly, our minds all work slightly differently. So when your teacher explains how they understand something, it does not mean that you should also understand it as you both think differently. Now for some, they manage to grasp what their teacher is saying easily as they think similarly, but for others this may need an alternative approach. Some examples could be supplementary lessons with a tutor, buying a subscription to online lessons or asking for some 1-on-1 time with your teacher. But sometimes this may still not even work. If my teacher can’t help me, how can I learn? Well, for A-Levels and GCSEs, we are extremely blessed that there is a plethora of different resources that we can use, both written and in video format! Some of my favourites include, but are not limited to, TLMaths (Youtube), BBC Bitesize (GCSE only), and Khan Academy. (Also see: Extra Resources for more maths resources). YouTube really can be your best friend. There are thousands of videos explaining mathematical concepts, and they are not all as trivial as those shared by Numberphile. By simply searching for a topic that you are stuck on, you can get many different professionals to explain the same problem; with enough grit and determination, you’ll be able to find a video that you can easily understand! If, however, that does not seem to work, it may be an indicator that you need to step back and learn the fundamentals a bit better. There is little point in using the integral to calculate the area under a line graph if you don’t know what a line graph actually shows. Practice the concepts Once you’ve got the concepts down to the tee, there is only one option to go with. Practice. Practice. Practice. I foolishly made the mistake during my year 10 final exams, where instead of doing practice questions, I made notes from watching videos and thought that was enough. Not only is this not engaging, but when it comes to maths, practice is the only way to revise. Truthfully, I would never recommend taking notes in maths as it is not only quicker to look something up, but I believe the time spent making notes could be spent better elsewhere. The best way to practice for an exam is through practice papers. You may now be dashing off to find practice papers for your exam board; however, I would recommend not touching these until you are around 1 month away from your exam. If you are as crazy as I am, you could even leave it until the last week and complete 2 or 3 per day, but maybe for your sanity, I’d advise against this. Instead, use all of the resources that you are fortunate enough to have available to you thanks to the internet. Complete every question in your textbook and revision guide; complete predicted papers; do it all! This is the surefire way to get top marks and become a competent mathematician. But maybe you’re not studying for a big A-level exam just yet. By completing the questions that you may not have done in class and researching topic-specific questions (Math’s Genie and Physics and Maths Tutor are both excellent resources for this), you will, with time, start to develop your skills and put the theory into practice. By better applying these concepts, you begin to understand them and maybe even start to enjoy them. (Bonus tip: do your homework. It’s given out for a reason.) Apply the concepts to unfamiliar situations Now that you have mastered the concepts and put them to the test by answering every question you can get your hands on, comes the trickiest part of mathematical mastery: These are the questions that separate the A’s and the A*’s. The geniuses and the sedulous, but more importantly, those who can do maths, and those who understand maths. By applying the mathematical concepts that you’ve learned to unfamiliar situations, you start to develop an extremely sought-after skill. Problem solving. By using maths in an unfamiliar context, most students are hasty to give up, and this is why the last question on the test is so ‘difficult’, but in fact it's the same as the prior questions but in disguise. To conquer these questions, you have to be able to decipher what the question is asking and then apply the appropriate techniques to solve it. The only way that you will know which techniques to use is by attempting similar questions that push you, and in time, your brain's pattern recognition will kick in and you’ll start to find that you just know what to do. You can't explain it; you just want to differentiate here, factor out here, and expand these brackets here, and bam! You’ve got the answer. But the only way you can get there is by putting in the hours and attempting questions that are outside your comfort zone. At the beginning of the article, I said it would be tough, but maths does not require you to spend 4 hours every night (until you are smack in the middle of your A-level exams), but instead a mere 20 minutes, maybe only 5 days a week, but I promise you that this small amount of time after school, before bed, or during break, if uninterrupted and follows the rules that I have just suggested, will work absolute wonders on your mathematical ability. Imagine the impact of dedicating just 20 minutes a day to math starting right now. If you're in year 13, with your first math paper 38 weeks away on June 4th, time will fly. By committing to 20 minutes daily, five days a week, you'll accumulate over 63 hours of revision. Bump it up to half an hour, and you'll hit almost 100 hours. This early start saves you precious time closer to exams, allowing you to focus on other subjects. Unlike some subjects, math doesn't require rote memorisation. Building these skills gradually pays off. Yes, 20 minutes daily may seem modest, but consistency can be challenging. Skipping just one day can turn into a week, then a month. Dedication, determination, and discipline are essential for success. If you maintain this routine, you can achieve remarkable results, even surpassing natural mathematical geniuses. Now with the three steps to mathematical freedom: Understand the concepts. Practice the concepts. Apply the concepts to unfamiliar situations. Go out there and give it your best shot! I wish you all the best of luck in your journey to mathematical mastery! Written by George Chant Related articles: The game of life / Teaching maths / Topology Project Gallery

How your gut influences your mood and behaviour Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The dopamine connection 01/04/26, 12:27 Last updated: Published: 25/03/24, 12:01 How your gut influences your mood and behaviour Introduction to dopamine Dopamine is a neurotransmitter derived from an amino acid called phenylalanine, which must be obtained through the diet, through foods such as fish, meat, dairy and more. Dopamine is produced and released by dopaminergic neurons in the central nervous system and can be found in different brain regions. (About 50% of body’s dopamine is also produced in the gut). The neurotransmitter acts via two mechanisms: wiring transmission and volume transmission. In wiring transmission, dopamine is released to the synaptic cleft and acts on postsynaptic dopamine receptors. In volume transmission, extracellular dopamine arrives at neurons other than postsynaptic ones. Through methods such as diffusion, dopamine then reaches receptors in other neurons that are not in direct contact with the cell that has released the neurotransmitter. In both mechanisms, dopamine binds to the receptors, transmitting signals between neurons and affecting mood and behaviour. The link between dopamine and gut health Dopamine has been known to result in positive emotions, including pleasure, satisfaction and motivation, which can be influenced by gut health. Therefore, what you eat and other factors, including motivation, could impact your mood and behaviour. This was proven by a study (Hamamah et al., 2022), which looked at the bidirectional gut-brain connection. The study found that gut microbiota was important in maintaining the concentrations of dopamine via the gut-brain connection, also known as the gut microbiota-brain axis or vagal gut-to-brain axis. This is the communication pathway between the gut microbiota and the brain facilitated by the vagus nerve, and it is important in the neuronal reward pathway, which regulates motivational and emotional states. Activating the vagal gut-to-brain axis, which leads to dopamine release, suggests that modulating dopamine levels could be a potential treatment approach for dopamine-related disorders. Some examples of gut microbiota include Prevotella, Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Enterococcus, and Ruminococcus , and they can affect dopamine by modulating dopaminergic activity. These gut microbiota are able to produce neurotransmitters, including dopamine, and their functions and bioavailability in the central nervous system and periphery are influenced by the gut-brain axis. Gut dysbiosis is the disturbance of the healthy intestinal flora, and it can lead to dopamine-related disorders, including Parkinson's disease, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and autism. Gut microbes that produce butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, positively impact dopamine and contribute to reducing symptoms and effects seen in neurodegenerative disorders. Dopamine as a treatment It is important to understand the link between dopamine and gut health, as this could provide information about new therapeutic targets and improve current methods that have been used to prevent and restore deficiencies in dopamine function in different disorders. Most cells in the immune system contain dopamine receptors, allowing processes such as antigen presentation, T-cell activation, and inflammation to be regulated. Further research into this could open up a new possibility for dopamine to be used as a medication to treat diseases by changing the activity of dopamine receptors. Therefore, dopamine is important in various physiological processes, both in the central nervous and immune systems. For example, studies have shown that schizophrenia can be treated with antipsychotic medications which target dopamine neurotransmission. In addition, schizophrenia has also been treated by targeting the dysregulation (decreasing the amount) of dopamine transmission. Studies have shown promising results regarding dopamine being used as a form of treatment. Nevertheless, further research is needed to understand the interactions between dopamine, motivation and gut health and explore how this knowledge can be used to create medications to treat conditions. Conclusion The bidirectional gut-brain connection shows the importance of gut microbiota in controlling dopamine levels. This connection influences mood and behaviour but also has the potential to lead to new and innovative dopamine-targeted treatments being developed (for conditions including dopamine-related disorders). For example, scientists could target and manipulate dopamine receptors in the immune system to regulate the above mentioned processes: antigen presentation, T-cell activation, and inflammation. While current research has shown some promising results, further investigations are needed to better comprehend the connection between gut health and dopamine levels. Nevertheless, through consistent studies, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of this mechanism to see how changes in gut microbiota could affect dopamine regulation and influence mood and behaviour. Written by Naoshin Haque Related articles: the gut microbiome / Crohn's disease / Microbes in charge Project Gallery

Book review Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link 'The Emperor of All Maladies' by Siddhartha Mukherjee 08/01/26, 18:58 Last updated: Published: 28/11/24, 14:55 Book review Stretching nearly 4,000 years of history, Pulitzer Prize winner Siddhartha Mukherjee sets on a journey to document the biography of cancer in The Emperor of All Maladies. Drawing from a vast array of books, studies, interviews, and case studies, Mukherjee crafts a narrative that is as comprehensive as it is compelling. Driven by curiosity and a desire to understand the origins of cancer, Mukherjee sets the tone by reflecting on his experiences as an oncology trainee, drawing insightful parallels to contemporary perspectives on the fight against this relentless disease. Mukherjee also pays homage to Ancient Egyptian and Greek physicians for their early observations on cancer, from the work on Imhotep to Claudius Galen. He then introduces Sidney Farber, whose monumental contributions to modern chemotherapy are brought to life through Mukherjee's exceptional storytelling—tracing Farber's journey from his initial observations to his unprecedented success in treating children with leukaemia. As you progress through each chapter of this six-part book, your appreciation deepens for how far cancer treatments have advanced - and how much further they can go. Mukherjee’s unparalleled skill as a science communicator shines through, seamlessly weaving together groundbreaking scientific discoveries with the historical contexts in which they emerged contributing to an immersive reading experience. Siddhartha Mukherjee, The Emperor of All Maladies : In 2005, a man diagnosed with multiple myeloma asked me if he would be alive to watch his daughter graduate from high school in a few months. In 2009, bound to a wheelchair, he watched his daughter graduate from college. The wheelchair had nothing to do with his cancer. The man had fallen down while coaching his youngest son's baseball team. Mukherjee also makes an effort to highlight the critical role of raising awareness in shaping public health outcomes. ‘Jimmy’ was a cancer patient that represented children with cancer, his real name was Einar Gustafson, but his individual story was able to galvanise large-scale support. As the face of the ‘Jimmy Fund’, he was able to assist in raising $231,485.51 for the Dana-Farber Institute subsequently becoming the official charity for the Boston Red Sox. Mukherjee underscores how storytelling can serve as a catalyst for change, not just in raising money, but also in enacting larger societal and governmental shifts. In 1971, President Richard Nixon signed the National Cancer Act, the first of its kind where federal funding went directly into advancing cancer research. What struck me most was how Mukherjee connects this historical event to the broader need for advocacy, as science doesn’t just happen in the lab. It is a collective effort, driven by awareness, to push funding and influence policy. The ability to link individual stories to broader missions, as Mukherjee illustrates, continues to be one of the most effective strategies in keeping cancer research in the public eye. Mukherjee delves into the pivotal role of genetics in cancer research, tracing its evolution from the discovery of DNA's structure by Francis Crick, James Watson, and Rosalind Franklin to Robert Weinberg's ground-breaking work on how proto-oncogenes and tumour suppressors drive cancer progression. These discoveries ushered in a new era in cancer drug development. Mukherjee also emphasises the importance of collaboration and the rise of the internet, which gave birth to The Cancer Genome Atlas, a landmark program, that unites various research disciplines to diagnose, treat, and prevent cancer. In concluding the book, Mukherjee looks ahead to the future of cancer treatment, seamlessly connecting this discussion to his second book, The Gene . This book takes readers on a remarkable journey through the history of cancer, from the earliest recorded cases to groundbreaking discoveries in genetics. It weaves together compelling personal stories as well as pivotal moments in governmental policy. The storytelling is rich and immersive, drawing you in with its detail and depth. By the time you finish, you'll find yourself returning to its pages, eager to revisit the knowledge and insights it offers. Written by Saharla Wasarme Related book reviews: Intern Blues / The Molecule Project Gallery

Unlocking the mystery of spinal disorders and paving the way for targeted therapies Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Unveiling the cancer magnet: vertebral stem cells and spinal tumour metastasis Last updated: 29/05/25, 11:46 Published: 24/04/25, 08:00 Unlocking the mystery of spinal disorders and paving the way for targeted therapies Introduction Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered that the vertebral bones in the spine contain a unique type of stem cell that secretes a protein-promoting tumour metastasis. This protein, called MFGE8, plays a significant role in attracting tumours to the spine, making it more susceptible to metastasis when compared to other bones in the body. A new line of research on spinal disorders This groundbreaking study , published in the journal Nature, sheds light on the mechanisms behind the preference for solid tumours to spread to the spine. The findings open up a new line of research on spinal disorders, potentially leading to a better understanding and treatment of bone diseases involving the spine. Identifying vertebral stem cells The researchers began their study by isolating skeletal stem cells, which are responsible for bone and cartilage formation, from various bones in lab mice. Through gene activity analysis, they identified a distinct set of markers for vertebral stem cells. Further experiments in mice and lab-dish cell culture systems confirmed the functional roles of these stem cells in forming spinal bone. Unravelling the mystery of spinal tropism Previous theories attributed the spine's susceptibility to metastasis to patterns of blood flow. However, the study's findings challenged this long-standing belief. Animal models reproduced the phenomenon of spinal tropism, but the researchers discovered that blood flow was not the sole explanation. Instead, they found evidence pointing towards vertebral stem cells as the possible culprits. The role of MFGE8 The researchers discovered that spinal tropism is largely a result of the protein MFGE8, which vertebral stem cells secrete in greater quantities than other bone stem cells. Removing vertebral stem cells eliminated the difference in metastasis rates between spine bones and other long bones. Implications for cancer patients These findings have significant implications for cancer patients, particularly those at risk of spinal metastasis. The researchers are now exploring methods to block the activity of MFGE8, aiming to reduce the risk of tumour spread to the spine. By understanding the distinctive properties of vertebral stem cells, researchers hope to develop targeted treatments for spinal disorders. A new frontier in orthopaedics According to study senior author Matthew Greenblatt, the identification of these unique stem cells opens up a new subdiscipline in orthopaedics called spinal orthopaedics. Many conditions in this clinical category may be attributed to the properties of vertebral stem cells. Further research in spinal orthopaedics is needed to understand how these distinct properties of vertebral stem cells contribute to spinal disorders. The discovery of MFGE8, a protein secreted in higher amounts by vertebral stem cells, has shed light on the mechanism behind the preferential spread of tumours to the spine. By investigating methods to block MFGE8, researchers hope to reduce the risk of spinal metastasis in cancer patients. Additionally, the study findings highlight the importance of understanding the role of vertebral stem cells in bone diseases that primarily affect the spine. This new line of research may provide insights into the development of novel treatments for spinal disorders. Conclusion In conclusion, the study by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine has shown that vertebral bones, which make up the spine, contain a particular type of stem cell that secretes a protein known as MFGE8. This protein plays a significant role in promoting tumour metastases, explaining why solid tumours often spread to the spine. The findings have opened up new avenues of research in understanding spinal disorders and may lead to the development of strategies for reducing the risk of spinal metastasis in cancer patients. Overall, this study highlights the importance of vertebral stem cells in contributing to spinal disorders and emphasises the need for further investigation in this field. Written by Sara Maria Majernikova Related articles: Cancer metastasis / Brain metastasis / Stem cells REFERENCE Sun, J., Hu, L., Bok, S. et al. A vertebral skeletal stem cell lineage driving metastasis. Nature 621, 602–609 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06519-1 Project Gallery