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It's produced by European honeybees Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Medicinal Manuka 10/07/25, 10:21 Last updated: Published: 11/05/24, 10:57 It's produced by European honeybees Manuka honey has received considerable attention recently due to its impressive antimicrobial ability and potential for future clinical use. Manuka honey is produced by European honeybees ( Apis mellifera ) that visit the Manuka tree ( Leptospermum scoparium ) in New Zealand. It is most commonly distributed as monofloral honey (produced by bees that have visited predominantly one plant species—in this case, the Manuka bush); however, it can also be sold as multifloral. The Manuka tree, which the European honeybees visit, has a long history of use for its medicinal properties. The Māori (the indigenous Polynesian people of mainland New Zealand) valued it for its wide variety of uses, referring to the plant as ‘taonga’ (‘treasure’). The leaves from the tree were used to make infusions that could reduce fevers, and the gum produced from the tree was used to moisturise burns and soothe coughs. In the 18th century, European settlers contacted the Māori and became aware of this tree and its healing properties; they used the leaves as a medicinal tea to treat scurvy. In 1839, an English beekeeper, Mary Bumby, introduced bees to New Zealand, and by 1860, the bee population had grown extensively, and colonies were present throughout forests. The Māori learnt to harvest the honey produced by these bees and promoted the production of Manuka honey. The honey was used by the Māori for the same benefits they used the Manuka tree. In the 1980s, the biochemist Peter Molan launched the first scientific research on the antimicrobial properties of Manuka honey, evaluating its ability to kill microbes. Research has demonstrated that Manuka honey is an effective bactericidal (killer of microbes). Dr Jonathon Cox and his colleagues at Aston University showed that administering Manuka honey can be effective against Mycobacterium abscessus , which is fatal without treatment. Using a model of an artificial lung, Dr Cox found that the addition of Manuka honey reduced the dosage of the highly potent amikacin by 8-fold, which is an extremely significant difference to the quality of life of patients as a common consequence of the 13-month amikacin treatment is permanent hearing loss. Alternative remedies for bacterial infections are required to combat the growing concern of antibiotic resistance. Many molecules of Manuka honey are responsible for their antimicrobial activity, including methylglyoxal (MGO) content. MGO can interfere with the lipid bilayer structure of the bacterial membrane, leading to leakage of its cellular contents and cell death. MGO can also impair the function of enzymes involved in energy production and macromolecule synthesis within bacteria. Additionally, Manuka honey can also produce hydrogen peroxide, which generates highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) within bacterial cells. These ROS, such as hydroxyl radicals, can cause oxidative damage to biomolecules, including proteins, lipids, and DNA, leading to bacterial cellular death. Altogether, these mechanisms enable Manuka honey to disrupt bacterial growth and proliferation. Manuka honey is currently used as a medical product for professional wound care in European hospitals. The main advantage of Manuka honey is that the mechanisms behind its antibacterial activity are diverse, making it effective against resistant strains of bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) . A systematic review written by Jonathon Cox states that certain commercially available varieties of Manuka honey are effective against organisms that have a high degree of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, this leads to the promising preliminary conclusion that Manuka honey could be the answer to the investigation of finding an effective antimicrobial, an alternative to antibiotics. Written by Harvey Wilkes Related article: Natural substances as treatment to infection REFERENCES Nolan, V.C., Harrison, J. and Cox, J.A., 2022. In vitro synergy between manuka honey and amikacin against Mycobacterium abscessus complex shows potential for nebulisation therapy. Microbiology, 168(9), p.001237. Nolan, V.C., Harrison, J., Wright, J.E. and Cox, J.A., 2020. Clinical significance of manuka and medical-grade honey for antibiotic-resistant infections: a systematic review. Antibiotics , 9 (11), p.766. Project Gallery

The endowment effect Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Behavioural Economics II 31/10/25, 12:46 Last updated: Published: 22/03/24, 19:51 The endowment effect This is article no. 2 in a series on behavioural economics. Next article: Loss aversion . Previous article: The role of honesty . In microeconomics, we say preferences are reversible. If you would pay £2 for a bar of chocolate, then you would be happy to sell a bar of chocolate for £2, especially if I gave it to you for free. Sounds reasonable? Well, in fact, this is not the case. Once again, consumers, just like you and me, are irrational, and thanks to what’s known as the endowment effect, classical economics falls flat once again. The endowment effect In an experiment conducted by Knetsch, participants were randomly allocated into three different categories. The first were given a coffee mug, the second were given some candy, and the third were given nothing. We say that the first two groups were endowed; they were given an item for free at no cost to them. Then the participants in the first two groups were given the option to either swap their item for either the mug or the candy or keep the item they were endowed with. The third group, treated as a control, was given the option to choose between the two and keep which they preferred the most. In the control group, we saw that about half of the participants chose the mug and half chose the candy. But in the endowed groups, an overwhelming majority decided to keep the item they were given rather than swapping! Therefore, as we can clearly see, when someone is endowed with an item, their perception of its utility (or benefit) seems to increase, so when given the opportunity to switch items, they often decline. Clearly, from an economic perspective, when endowed with an item, your utility curve for that item differs from when given the opportunity to choose. But why might that be the case? When you are endowed with an item, you own that item and, in a sense, hold responsibility over it. You become possessive, and this sense of ownership seems to have its own psychological value; therefore, the act of giving it up for something of equal worth is no longer treated as a fair trade-off. Whereas when not endowed, you have no sentiment value attached to the items, and for the most part, people are indifferent between them! A good example of this could be an old, run-down car. Buyers of this car see it for what it is—something that is barely functional. But owners of the car who have driven it for 20 years see it as more than that. There is an emotional attachment to the car that makes it more valuable in their eyes. Is the endowment effect always true? List conducted a similar experiment. A survey was undertaken by both unexperienced and experienced 'traders', and then after the survey, they were given trading cards as a reward. They were then given the opportunity to trade their cards if they wanted to. Non-experienced traders were subject to the endowment effect, so they kept the cards they worked hard for, but experienced traders knew that some cards may be more valuable, even if only slightly, which meant that they were able to overcome this effect. Additionally, what was found was that when participants were aware and went into the experiment knowing that there would be a trade, they had the intention to trade, which also managed to remove the endowment effect. In essence, the endowment effect serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in human psychology and decision-making. There are many limitations in traditional economic models, which emphasises the need for behavioural economics and the inclusion of multidisciplinary thinking. To discover more about behavioural economics and in particular how honesty plays a big role in restructuring economic thinking, click here to read my prior article, and be sure to look out for more articles to come in the future! Written by George Chant Related articles: Explaining altruism / Mathematical models in cognitive decision-making References: Knetsch, Jack L. “The Endowment Effect and Evidence of Nonreversible Indifference Curves.” The American Economic Review 79, no. 5 (1989): 1277–84. John A. List, Does Market Experience Eliminate Market Anomalies?, The Quarterly Journal of Economics , Volume 118, Issue 1, February 2003, Pages 41–71,33 Project Gallery

How it's used Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link AI in medicinal chemistry 08/07/25, 16:18 Last updated: Published: 07/07/23, 20:47 How it's used We are always surrounded by medicine, whether this be through, for example, the cabinet in your house containing prescription drugs or walking by a pharmacy during the day. It is no secret that medical drugs are essential - they both mitigate the symptoms of disease and even prevent further future illness. However, whilst ingesting a tablet is easy for most, it seems to be that we can sometimes forget the vigorous amount of scientific research that goes into successfully synthesising a new drug, i.e. the core of medicinal chemistry. This process typically takes up to an astounding 10 years or more, but with new artificial intelligence (AI) emerging it is thought to be that this number will lower. What exactly is artificial intelligence? It can broadly be defined as the ability to produce human intelligence through the use of machinery such as computers or software. Based on this, one may question why AI is needed if we can just simply communicate ideas through writing, speaking and so on. The answer is increased efficiency – one example of man made neurones is discussed on the website Interesting Engineering, which are able to produce impulses up to one billion times per second. Fascinatingly, this is quicker than humans, so it could also be argued that AI is actually better than us! There are many phases of the drug development process, from early pre-clinical research to post-market surveillance. When a drug is administered, the body uses enzymes such as mainly those from the CYP family to break the compound down into smaller structures, through a process known as metabolism. Drug metabolism can create toxic molecules that are able to covalently bind to proteins in the body causing serious illness, but also molecules that can be harmlessly excreted through faeces or urine. Of course, chemists can look for sites of metabolism by studying the angles and positions of atoms, however AI is able to do this much quicker and with higher accuracy. SuperCYPsPred is an example of a free online web application that can predict if a drug may be a CYP enzyme inhibitor in pre-clinical drug discovery, as the software is able to identify five of such inhibitors. Through this, we can understand how a drug’s metabolic pathway may differ and investigate further early on, allowing scientists to make structural changes before proceeding onto the next phase of development. Through this, millions of pounds can be saved from marketing an unsuccessful drug as well as decrease the chances of causing injury to the public. AI is also able to use machine learning (ML) to carry out tasks. ML is when machinery processes a large data set and identifies complex patterns to problem solve. From this then comes deep learning (DL), which allows this ML to be applied in different fields. For example, DeepCE is a “novel deep learning computer model” that helps predict changes in gene expression with certain drugs. It is able to do this by using the following two sources: DrugBank which contains data for 11,000 safely approved drugs and the L1000 dataset that has information on over 1 million perturbed organ tissue gene expressions. From this, researchers were able to obtain 10 drug candidates for the treatment of COVID-19 infection, in which 2 have been successfully marketed. Based on the above, it is clear that AI holds a lot of power in speeding up the drug discovery and development process. With the technology sector advancing in general as well, we are looking at a future where AI will become even more dominant in the pharmaceutical research industry. Whilst AI can predict several drug properties, it is also important to remember that we physically cannot predict every single thing out there – we can only try our best, which AI is aiding. Written by Harsimran Kaur Related articles: AI in drug discovery / A breakthrough procedure in efficient drug discovery / Role of chemistry in medicine Project Gallery

Pioneering progress in biomaterials, imaging and cancer therapeutics, and cancer-cell surfaces Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Women Leading the Charge in Biomedical Engineering 14/07/25, 15:19 Last updated: Published: 22/03/24, 18:21 Pioneering progress in biomaterials, imaging and cancer therapeutics, and cancer-cell surfaces In collaboration with Kameron's Lab for International Women's Month I was launched into the world of biomedical engineering by following my dreams. I met Dr. Ayanna Howard, an American roboticist and entrepreneur, and after hearing about my aspirations to become a surgeon but also loving robotics, she suggested the subject to me. Biomedical engineering is like a new dawn, seamlessly blending medicine, technology and engineering. It is a dawn that is illuminated by the brilliant dedication of the women who lead and innovate in the field. In a male-dominated industry like engineering, it is refreshing to see that the discipline of biomedical engineering constitutes of 40% women. This article celebrates the women who are redefining the boundaries of this interdisciplinary field. Changing lives with their discoveries, contributions and innovations. By sharing their stories, I aim to not only highlight the importance of diversity and representation in STEM but also to encourage more women to pursue their passions. Women leading biomedical innovation Speaking of women who are pioneering progress in biomedical engineering, this section highlights three of those women. Professor Elizabeth Tanner, Dr. Nimmi Ramanujam and Dr. Carcia Carson. Of course, this list is nowhere near exhaustive of the amazing contributions women have made to this field. I highly encourage you to learn more about the others who are forging a path for us all.... Professor Elizabeth Tanner, OBE, FREng, FRSE, PhD (Hon Caus), MA, DPhil, FIMMM, FIMechE, FIPEM, CEng, CSci Meeting Professor Tanner was like meeting a force to be reckoned with. In fact, I heard her name and about her contributions long before having the chance to meet her as a SEMS student ambassador. Professor Tanner is renowned for her work in biomaterials for bone and joint replacement. She is the Bonfield Professor of Biomedical Materials, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Engineering and the Director of the Institute of Bioengineering at Queen Mary University of London. Her significant contribution to developing HAPEX (hydroxyapatite polyethylene), the first of the bioactive composites used in patients, illustrates her commitment to blending scientific rigor with practical healthcare solutions. She left Queen Mary in 2007 to join the University of Glasgow where she started their Biomedical Engineering degree. This was the first in Scotland and she continued her research on bioactive composite materials there. Returning to Queen Mary in 2018, she has influenced countless students, including myself as my professor. She imparts not only knowledge in her lessons but also her passion. If you ever study biomedical engineering at Queen Mary, you can look forward to her engaging lecture on gait. Dr. Nimmi Ramanujam As a distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering and the Director of the Centre for Global Women’s Health Technologies, Dr. Ramanujam’s work represents meaningful innovation. Her work focuses on developing imaging and therapeutic tools for cancer, especially in women’s help. It is truly transforming the approach to cancer care and goes beyond the lab. She has made several global initiatives that aim to make a long lasting impact on health and education. One of the most well known is the Women Inspired Strategies for Health (WISH). Carcia Carson, PhD Dr. Carcia Carson is an inspiration for young black women in engineering. She hold the historic achievement of the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt University. Her success and journey exemplify the steps being made towards diversity and representation in STEM fields. She was introduced to medical physics through her studies at Fisk University. After her Ph.D, her professional research will center around developing translational research in cancer vaccines and personalised immunotherapy. Her research focuses on engineering cancer-cell surfaces with surface-conjugated nanomaterial drug carries to enhance immunogenicity of whole cell-based cancer vaccines. To break it down a bit, cell-surface conjugation permits co-localised delivery of both tumor antigens and immune-stimulatory adjuvants. She notes that while studying she ‘didn’t see anybody that looked like’ her. With this being the experience for many woman of colour in STEM, the need for representation and diversity remains imperative. The importance of representation With biomedical engineering progressing every day, the significance of representation cannot be overstated. Diversity in the field is not just about fairness and equity, it is about ensuring that the innovation includes people from a wide range of backgrounds. This way, problems are being solved for a multitude of cultures and needs, not just a cookie cutter solution. The 40% of women in biomedical engineering are more than a statistic, they are a testament to the rich and varied perspectives in this critical field. It is wonderful to see. Representation is profoundly important for several reasons, especially in healthcare. For example, the speculum has remained the same for over 150 years. This cold, uncomfortable device is used for the screening of cervical cancer. Until recently, it has remained untouched and led to women being put off the test entirely. In the UK, nearly 98% of cases are classed as preventable. Women bring valuable insights into women’s health issues through advocation, and creating inclusive healthcare solutions. A diverse workforce challenges the status quo and leads to novel approaches and thinking. Furthermore, the presence of women in leadership roles within biomedical engineering catalyses change and creates opportunities for the next generation. Young girls are more likely to pursue careers ins STEM if they see other women succeeding in them. This representation builds a pipeline of talent that is crucial for the sustained growth and evolution of biomedical engineering. The power of mentorship Outside of representation, the transformative power of mentorship is so important. Having a mentor is like the difference between navigating in the dark and having someone hold your hand with a comforting light. This mentorship can take a variety of forms: formal mentorship programs (sometimes provided by a university), organic relationships with friends and family and even virtually. A pivotal moment in my career was meeting my mentor, Dr. Carika Weldon. She was the first black Bermudian woman I met who was doing genetic research. But not only doing it, she was coming back home to share her success and giving back to the community. Conclusion Women’s invaluable contributions to biomedical engineering have made it clear that their involvement has been nothing short of transformative. Professor Elizabeth Tanner, Dr. Nimmi Ramanujam and Dr. Carcia Carson have had inspiring journeys of not only professional success but also in moving the field towards more diversity and inclusion. From launching the first biomedical engineering course in Scotland, to being the first black woman to hold a Ph.D in the field. These inspiring women serve as role models to us all. It is inspiring stories like theirs that we need as students with a passion for STEM. But many students find themselves unable to find mentors or someone in the STEM community to speak with. To learn from and to be inspired by. This is the reason that I launched my podcast, Kameron’s Lab| Dive In. I hope that it will be a platform for students to learn from the experts in the fields they aspire to be a part of. I remember only meeting a successful black woman in genetics when I was 16 years old. Students deserve to see people like them who are successful in the fields they love. My podcast aims to introduce them early by creating a library of professionals. Or as I like to call them, the Jedi Masters of STEM. Going back to the amazing women in biomedical engineering, their increasing presence is a sign of progress. But of course, more work needs to be done. We need to make sure that women not only enter this field, and other engineering fields, but also thrive and ascend to leadership positions. Only in these roles can they make the most significant change and shape the future of healthcare and technology. This narrative serves as not only a celebration of achievements, but also a call to action. To all aspiring female engineers, and scientists, it’s a showcase of possibilities and encouragement. To educators and industry leaders, it’s a reminder of the importance and benefits of a diverse workforce. As we continue to celebrate and support the achievements of women in this field, we are also moving closer to a future where the potential of every individual can be nurtured and realized for the benefit of all. Written by Kameron Young -- Scientia News wholeheartedly thanks Kameron Young , Founder of Kameron's Lab, for this interesting article on the pioneering individuals in the field of biomedical engineering. We hope you enjoyed reading this International Women's Month Special piece! Follow @Kamerons_Lab on Instagram and @Kameron Young on Linkedin for more information. -- Check out the amazing work Kameron does and follow her social pages for latest content! -- Read more about the inspiring women mentioned in the article: Professor Elizabeth Dr. Nimmi Dr. Carcia -- Related articles: Female Nobel prize winners in physics and in chemistry / African-American women in cancer research / The foremothers in gynaecology / Sisterhood in STEM REFERENCES Khan M. The success of women in Biomedical Engineering [Internet]. MedTech Foundation. 2023. Available from: https://www.medtechfoundation.org/post/the- success-of-women-in-biomedical-engineering Prof Elizabeth Tanner [Internet]. QMUL School of Engineering and Materials Science. Available from: https://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/staff/k.e.tanner Young Lady bags PhD in Biomedical Engineering, sets record as the first-ever black person to achieve it in US university | Scholarship Region [Internet]. 2023. Available from: https://www.scholarshipregion.com/young-lady-bags-phd-in-biomedical-engineering-sets-record-as-the-first-ever-black-person-to-achieve-it-in-us-university/ Carcia Carson [Internet]. Fisk-Vanderbilt Master’s-to-PhD Bridge Program. Available from: https://www.fisk-vanderbilt-bridge.org/carcia-carson How enduring use of 150-year-old speculum puts women off smear tests [Internet]. The Independent. 2022. Available from: https://www.independent.co.uk/life- style/women/speculum-use-smear-tests-pain-sexism-b2105111.html Project Gallery

Celebrating trailblazers in skin cancer, chemotherapy and cervical cancer cells Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link African-American women in cancer research 08/07/25, 16:23 Last updated: Published: 20/04/24, 11:05 Celebrating trailblazers in skin cancer, chemotherapy and cervical cancer cells We are going to be spotlighting the incredible contributions of three African-American women who have carved paths for future scientists while significantly advancing our knowledge in the relentless global battle against cancer. Jewel Plummer Cobb (1924-2017) As a distinguished cancer researcher, Jewel is known for her extensive work on melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. Alongside her frequent collaborator, Jane Cooke Wright, Jewel evidenced the anticancer effects of the drug methotrexate in addressing skin and lung cancer, as well as childhood leukaemia. She is also recognised for her distinctive research examining the varying responses to chemotherapy drugs among cells from different racial and ethnic groups. This research led to the pivotal finding that melanin, a skin pigment, could serve as a protective shield against the damaging effects of sunlight associated with skin cancer. Her 1979 article titled Filters for Women in Science recognised the low percentage of women working in scientific research and engineering, including the barriers that female scientists face in their professional journey. As a result, throughout her career, she often wrote about the experiences of black women in higher education. She also passionately championed for the advancement of black people and women working in the fields of science and medicine. In an interview, she stated that she would like to be remembered as “a black woman scientist who cared very much about what happens to young folks, particularly women, going into science”. Jane Cooke Wright (1919-2013) As the daughter of Harvard Medical School graduate, Louis Tompkins Wright, one of the first African American surgeons in the United States, Jane followed in her father’s footsteps and became a physician. Working together, they explored and compared the activity of possible anticancer compounds in both tissue cultures and in patients. This was revolutionary at the time, considering that chemotherapy guidelines were barely established. In collaboration with her father and six male doctors, the team established the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) to address the clinical needs of cancer patients. Later on, Jane led ASCO at just 33 years old, following her father’s death. Throughout her career, she conducted research in chemotherapy, publishing over 100 articles on the topic, aiming to fine-tune and tailor chemotherapeutic treatments for patients to ensure better survival outcomes. Like Jewel, she also played a key role in investigating and demonstrating how different racial and ethnic backgrounds respond to drugs used in chemotherapy. This has now become a field of its own, pharmacoethnicity, which studies the anticancer drug responses across people of different ethnicities and is advancing our knowledge on personalised chemotherapy treatment for patients. During an interview, her daughter, Alison Jones, described Jane as: A very ambitious person... she never let anything stand in the way of doing what she wanted to do. Henrietta Lacks (1920-1951) Although not a scientist herself, Henrietta has made a significant contribution to cancer research and medicine through her cervical cancer cells. Although, tragically, she did not know it. Henrietta was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1951 and sadly passed away the same year. The cervical cancer cells obtained from her biopsy were found to have a unique ability to continuously grow and divide in vitro. Therefore, they could be grown into cell cultures and used in further research. As a result of this trait, researchers have investigated their behaviour, including mutation, division, and carcinogenesis, allowing them to study the effects of drugs and other treatments on these cells. The “immortal” cell line, termed HeLa, has played a pivotal role in the creation of the polio vaccine in the 1950s and medicines for conditions such as leukaemia, influenza, and Parkinson's disease. The HeLa cells also identified the Human papillomavirus (HPV), which later led to the finding that the virus can cause different types of cervical cancer, leading to the significant development of the HPV vaccine used today. It is estimated that over 110,000 research publications have used HeLa cells, emphasising their demand in research. Were it not for Henrietta Lacks, the HeLa cell line would not have been discovered, which has revolutionised our understanding of cancer and medical advancements. In conclusion, the remarkable journey of these pioneering African American women in cancer research serves not only as an inspiration but also a testament to their perseverance, courage, and dedication. They have championed diversity within science, pushed boundaries, and shaped the field of cancer research, allowing for the progress of scientific research in curing cancer and beyond. Written by Meera Solanki Related articles: Women leading the charge in biomedical engineering / The foremothers of gynaecology / Sisterhood in STEM REFERENCES American Society of Clinical Oncology (2016). Society History. [online] ASCO. Available at: https://old-prod.asco.org/about-asco/overview/society-history . Blood Cancer UK (2023). Blood Cancer UK | The story of Dr Jane C Wright, pioneer of blood cancer research. [online] Blood Cancer UK. Available at: https://bloodcancer.org.uk/news/the-story-of-jane-c-wright-pioneer-of-blood-cancer- research/. Boshart, M., Gissmann, L., Ikenberg, H., Kleinheinz, A., Scheurlen, W. and zur Hausen, H. (1984). A new type of papillomavirus DNA, its presence in genital cancer biopsies and in cell lines derived from cervical cancer. The EMBO Journal, 3(5), pp.1151–1157. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1460-2075.1984.tb01944.x . Cobb, J.P. (1956). Effect of in Vitro X Irradiation on Pigmented and Pale Slices of Cloudman S91 Mouse Melanoma as Measured by Subsequent Proliferation in Vivo234. JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, [online] 17(5). doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/17.5.657 . Cobb, J.P. (1979). Filters for Women in Science. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 323(1 Expanding the), pp.236–248. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749- 6632.1979.tb16857.x. Ferry, G. (2022). Jane Cooke Wright: innovative oncologist and leader in medicine. The Lancet, [online] 400(10360). doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01940-7 . Hyeraci, M., Papanikolau, E.S., Grimaldi, M., Ricci, F., Pallotta, S., Monetta, R., Minafò, Y.A., Di Lella, G., Galdo, G., Abeni, D., Fania, L. and Dellambra, E. (2023). Systemic Photoprotection in Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer. Biomolecules, [online] 13(7), p.1067. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13071067 . King, T., Fukishima, L., Donlon, T., Hieber, D. and Shimabukuro, K. (2000). Correlation between growth control, neoplastic potential and endogenous connexin43 expression in HeLa cell lines: implications for tumor progression. Carcinogenesis, [online] 21(2), pp.311–315. doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/carcin/21.2.311 . National Institutes of Health (2022). Significant Research Advances Enabled by HeLa Cells - Office of Science Policy. [online] Office of Science Policy. Available at: https://osp.od.nih.gov/hela-cells/significant-research-advances-enabled-by-hela- cells/. Pathak, S., Zajac, K.K., Manjusha Annaji, Manoj Govindarajulu, Nadar, R.M., Bowen, D., R. Jayachandra Babu and Muralikrishnan Dhanasekaran (2023). Clinical outcomes of chemotherapy in cancer patients with different ethnicities. Cancer Reports, 6(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/cnr2.1830 . Project Gallery

A basic outline Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link An introduction to stem cells and their transformative potential 09/07/25, 10:48 Last updated: Published: 06/09/24, 11:28 A basic outline This is Article 1 in a three-part series on stem cells. Next article: The role of mesenchymal stem cells . Welcome to the first article in a series of three articles about stem cells, where I will introduce stem cells and how they differentiate. Stem cells are a remarkable type of cells that can become other types. They are divided into two main categories: adult stem cells (ASCs) and pluripotent stem cells. ASCs can differentiate into cells of specific tissues and organs. Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into all cells in the human body and can further be split into embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). ASCs are also known as non-embryonic or somatic stem cells, referring to cells that come from non-reproductive cells, not egg or sperm cells. Some examples of ASCs include mesenchymal cells, epithelial cells and skin cells. These cells are mainly used to replace and repair dead or damaged tissues and organs damaged by disease, injury or ageing. They may stay non-dividing (quiescent) but promptly differentiate in different cell types when needed. ESCs do not come from fertilised eggs but rather from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst. A blastocyst is a group of dividing cells originating from a fertilised egg 3-5 days after fertilisation. After scientists have received informed consent, the cells are fertilised in vitro, outside a living organism, such as in a laboratory. iPSCs are created in a laboratory by mixing ASCs and ESCs. Scientists generate them by transcription-factor transduction, a type of nuclear reprogramming. Nuclear reprogramming and stem cell differentiation Nuclear reprogramming is when the nucleus of a cell is introduced into the cytoplasm of a new cell. The transfer results in changes in gene expression. In 2010, scientists Shinya Yamanaka and Helen M. Blau published a review of three alternative approaches in nuclear reprogramming to restore a cell's pluripotent state: nuclear transfer, cell fusion and transcription-factor transduction. Nuclear transfer involves moving the nucleus from a specialised cell into an egg cell with no nucleus. This can be done with oocytes or fertilised eggs during specific cell cycle phases. The reprogramming factors in the egg cell activate genes in the transferred nucleus, causing the nucleus to express genes typical of embryonic stem cells. Through this process, a specialised cell can adopt the characteristics of embryonic stem cells and potentially develop into any cell type in the body. Cell fusion is when two different cells merge to form a single hybrid cell. During cell fusion, the membranes of the two cells join, allowing their contents to mix. This merging of cells can lead to combining genetic material and cellular components from both cells. Transcription-factor transduction involves introducing specific genes called transcription factors ( Oct4 , Sox2 , Klf4 and c- Myc ) into adult cells to reprogram them into iPSCs. Conclusion Stem cells have a huge potential in medicine and research due to the different types having different functions. While the process of nuclear reprogramming does pose some challenges, such as the difficulty in ensuring that reprogrammed cells are safe and don't develop into tumours, ultimately, a better understanding of the mechanisms behind this process will allow scientists to leverage the potential of these cells, allowing them to be used in regenerative medicine. Watch out for the next article in the series, where I will discuss the role of stem cells in regenerative medicine! Written by Naoshin Haque Related articles: Vertebral stem cells and tumour metastasis / iPSCs and organoids Project Gallery

How metal compounds can be used as anti-cancer agents Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Anticancer Metal Compounds 28/01/25, 15:02 Last updated: Published: 23/05/23, 08:17 How metal compounds can be used as anti-cancer agents Metal compounds such as platinum, cobalt and ruthenium are used as anticancer agents. Anticancer metal compound research is important as chemotherapy is not selective, being very toxic to patients damaging normal DNA cells. Such metal compounds act as anti-cancer agents with the metals being able to vary in oxidation states. Selectivity of metal compounds to target only cancer cells arises from the metals properties of varying oxidation states for redox reactions. As cancer exists in hypoxic environments, the oxidation state of the metal is able to vary releasing the cancer drug only in the cancer environment. For example prodrugs are relatively inert metal complexes with relatively high oxidation states. PtIV, and CoIII are selective carriers undergoing reduction by varying the metals oxidation state in cancerous hypoxic environments releasing anticancer drugs. CoIII reduced to CoII, PtIV reduced to PtII in hypoxic environments. CoIII two oxidation states: Cobalt (III) is kinetically inert with low-spin 3d6 configuration, CoII is labile (high-spin 3d7). When CoIII is reduced to CoII in hypoxic environments, the active molecule is released then restored to its active form killing cancer cells. Cobalt can also bind to ligands like nitrogen mustards and curcumin ligands, exhibiting redox reactivity for cancer therapy. Nitrogen mustards are highly toxic due to their DNA alkylation and cross-linking activity. In vivo they are not selective for tumour tissue however can be deactivated by coordination to CoIII, released on reduction to CoII in hypoxic tumour tissue. This reduces systemic toxicity concluding an efficient anticancer drug. Platinum anticancer metal compounds treat ovarian, cervical and neck cancer. Platinum ( Pt IV) (cisplatin) exhibits redox-mediated anticancer activity, highly effective towards tumours. Platinum causes severe side-effects for patients so PtIV prodrug is used selectively reducing tumour sites. Ruthenium is used for cancer therapy as a less toxic metal over platinum. Ruthenium targeted therapy selectively disrupts specific cellular pathways where cancer cells rely for growth and metastasis. Reduction of Ru (III) to Ru(II) selectively occurs in hypoxic reducing environments where tumours over express transferrin receptors, ruthenium binding to. Overall metal compounds for cancer treatment attracted high interest due to redox activity properties. Metal compounds are selective to cancer cells, limiting patients' side effects. Such therapy shows how inorganic chemistry is important to medicine. Written by Alice Davey Related article: MOFs in cancer drug delivery Project Gallery

Explaining and predicting the behaviour of serial killers Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The new age of forensic neurology 14/07/25, 14:58 Last updated: Published: 23/08/23, 16:16 Explaining and predicting the behaviour of serial killers Background Nobody can argue that true crime has taken the media by storm in recent years. In 2021, the search to find Gabby Petito inflamed social media, with the r/gabbypetito subreddit having 120,000 members at its peak. Tiktok ‘psychics’ would amass millions of views by attempting to predict how the case would progress, with predictably terrible results. A small solace remains, however; the fact that increased media presence of murder cases increases the rate at which research into murderers is published. The increase in both research and media attention toward true crime continued through 2022, invigorated by the release of Monster: the Dahmer Story on Netflix, which was viewed on Netflix for over 1 billion hours by its user base. It could be argued that the popularity of this show and others depicting serial killers also increased the publication of research on the neurology of serial killers. The neurological basis of the serial killer refractory period Dilly (2021) encompasses some very interesting correlational research into the neurological factors at play in the evocation of the serial killer refractory period. Following analysis of the refractory periods of ten American serial killers, a metaanalysis of prior research was performed to establish which prior theory most thoroughly explained the patterns derived. The American serial killers utilised in this investigation were: The Golden State Killer, Joseph James DeAngelo. Jeffrey Dahmer. Ted Bundy. John Wayne Gacy. The Night Stalker, Richard Ramirez. The BTK Killer, Dennis Rader. The I-5 Killer, Randall Woodfield. Son of Sam, David Berkowitz. The Green River Killer, Gary Ridgway. The Co-Ed Killer, Edmund Kemper III. Theory no. 1 While this research is purely speculative due to the lack of real-time neurological imaging of the killers both during refractory periods and their murderous rampages, this research was demonstrated to lend credence to a prior theory proposed by Simkin and Roychowdhury (2014). This research, titled Stochastic Modelling of a Serial Killer , theorised based on their own collated data that the refractory period of serial killers functions identically to that of the refractory period of neurons. This theory is based upon the idea that murder precipitates the release of a powerful barrage of neurotransmitters, culminating in widespread neurological activation. In line with neurological refractory periods, it is believed that this extreme change in state of activation is followed by a period of time wherein another global activation event cannot occur. Theory no. 2 Hamdi et al. (2022) delineates the extent to which the subject’s murderous impulses were derived from Fregoli syndrome, rather than his comorbid schizophrenia. This research elucidated how schizophrenic symptoms can synergise with symptoms of delusional identification syndromes (DIS) to create distinct behaviours and thought patterns that catalyse sufferers to engage in homicidal impulses. DIS include a range of disorders wherein sufferers experience issues identifying objects, people, places or events; Fregoli Syndrome is a DIS characterised by the delusional belief that people around the sufferer are familiar figures in disguise. The subject’s Fregoli Syndrome caused the degeneration of his trust of those around him, which quickly led to an increase in aggressive behaviours. The killer attacked each member of his family multiple times before undertaking his first homicide- excluding his father, whom reportedly ‘scared him very much’. Unsurprisingly then, his victim cohort of choice for murder were older men. The neurobiological explanation of Fregoli Syndrome asserts that the impairment of facial identification, wherein cerebrocortical hyperactivity catalyses delusional identification of unfamiliar faces as familiar ones. Conclusion Forensic neurology has been a key element in expanding the understanding of serial killers, with the research of Raine et al. (1997) popularising the use of neurology to answer the many questions posed by the existence of serial killers. Since Raine, Buchsbaum and LaCasse of the 1997 study first used brain scanning techniques to study and understand serial killers, the use of brain scanning techniques to study this population has become a near-perfect art, becoming ever more of a valid option for use both in understanding and predicting serial killer behaviour. In all likelihood, future innovations in forensic neurology research will continue to bring about positive change, reducing homicidal crime with the invention and use of different methods and systems to predict and stop the crimes before they happen. Summarised from a full investigation. Written by Aimee Wilson Related articles: Serial killers in healthcare / Brain of a bully Project Gallery

Recent prospects for carbon monoxide indicate so Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Can carbon monoxide unlock new pathways in inflammation therapy? 20/03/25, 12:03 Last updated: Published: 01/09/24, 10:31 Recent prospects for carbon monoxide indicate so Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas which is a major product of the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing compounds. The toxic identity CO stems from its strong affinity for the haemoglobin in our blood which is around 300 times as strong as the affinity of oxygen. As a result, once the gas is inhaled, CO binds to the haemoglobin instead and reduces the amount of oxygen our blood can transport, which can cause hypoxia (low levels of oxygen in tissue) and dizziness, eventually leading to death. However, an intriguing fact is that CO is also endogenously produced in our body, due to the degradation of haem in the blood. Moreover, recent prospects for CO indicate that it may even be developed as an anti-inflammatory drug. How CO is produced in the body See Figure 1 Haem is a prosthetic (non-peptide) group in haemoglobin, where the oxygen binds to the iron in the molecule. When red blood cells reach the end of their lifespan of around 120 days, they are broken down in a reaction called haemolysis. This occurs in the bone marrow by macrophages that engulf the cells, which contain the necessary haem-oxygenase enzyme. Haem-oxygenase converts haem into CO, along with Fe2+ and biliverdin, the latter being converted to bilirubin for excretion. The breakdown of haem is crucial because the molecule is pro-oxidant. Therefore, free haem in the blood can lead to oxidative stress in cells, potentially resulting in cancers. Haem degradation also contributes to the recycling of iron for the synthesis of new haem molecules or proteins like myoglobin. This is crucial for maintaining iron homeostasis in the body. The flow map illustrates haemolysis and the products produced, which either protect cells from further stress or result in cell injury. CO can go on to induce anti-inflammatory effects- see Figure 2 . Protein kinases and CO Understanding protein kinases is crucial before exploring carbon monoxide (CO) reactions. Protein kinases phosphorylate (add a phosphate group to) proteins using ATP. Protein kinases are necessary to signal the release of a hormone or regulating cell growth. Each kinase has two regulatory (R) subunits and two catalytic (C) subunits. ATP as a reactant is usually sufficient for protein kinases. However, some kinases require additional mitogens – specific activating molecules like cytokines (proteins regulating immune cell growth), that are involved in regulating cell division and growth. Without the activating molecules, the R subunits bind tightly to the C subunits, preventing phosphorylation. Research on obese mice showed that CO binding to a Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) called p38 inhibits inflammatory responses. This kinase pathway enhances insulin sensitivity, reducing obesity effects. The studies used gene therapy, modifying haem-oxygenase levels in mice. Mice with reduced haem-oxygenase levels had more adipocytes (fat-storing cells) and increased insulin resistance, suggesting CO treatment potential for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which causes persistent lung inflammation and results in 3 million deaths annually. Carbon-monoxide-releasing molecules As a result of these advancements, specific CO-releasing molecules (CORMs) have been developed to release carbon monoxide at specific doses. Researchers are particularly interested in the ability of CORMs to regulate oxidative stress and improve outcomes in conditions during organ transplantation, and cardiovascular diseases. Advances in the design of CORMs have focused on improving their stability, and targeted release to specific tissues or cellular environments. For instance, CORMs based on transition metals like ruthenium, manganese, and iron have been developed to enhance their efficacy and minimize side effects. This is achieved through carbon monoxide forming a stable ‘ligand’ structure with metals to travel in the bloodstream. Under an exposure to light or a chemical, or even by natural breakdown, these structures can slowly distribute CO molecules. Although the current research did not find any notable side effects within mouse cells, this does not reflect the mechanisms in human organ systems, therefore there is still a major risk of incompatibility due to water insolubility and toxicity issues. These problems could lead to potentially lead to disruption in the cell cycle, which may promote neurodegenerative diseases. Conclusion: the future of carbon monoxide Carbon monoxide has transitioned from being a notorious toxin to a valuable therapeutic agent. Advances in CO-releasing molecules have enabled its safe and controlled use, elevating its anti-inflammatory and protective properties to treat various inflammatory conditions effectively. This shift underpins the potential of CO to revolutionise inflammation therapy. It is important to remember that while carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CORMs) have potential in controlled therapeutic settings, carbon monoxide gas itself remains highly toxic and should be handled with extreme caution to avoid serious health risks. Written by Baraytuk Aydin Related articles: Schizophrenia, inflammation and ageing / Kawasaki disease REFERENCES Different Faces of the Heme-Heme Oxygenase System in Inflammation - Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-colorimetric-actions-of-the-heme-HO-system-heme-oxygenase-mediated-heme-degradation_fig3_6531826 (accessed 11 Jul, 2024). Nath, K.A. (2006) Heme oxygenase-1: A provenance for cytoprotective pathways in the kidney and other tissues, Kidney International. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0085253815519595 (Accessed: 12 July 2024). Gáll, T. et al. (2020) ‘Therapeutic potential of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in hemolytic and hemorrhagic vascular disorders—interaction between the heme oxygenase and H2S-producing systems’, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(1), p. 47. doi:10.3390/ijms22010047. Venkat, A. (2024) Protein kinase, Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protein_kinase (Accessed: 12 July 2024). Goebel, U. and Wollborn, J. (2020) Carbon monoxide in intensive care medicine-time to start the therapeutic application?! - intensive care medicine experimental, SpringerOpen. Available at: https://icm-experimental.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40635-020-0292-8 (Accessed: 07 July 2024). Bansal, S. et al. (2024) ‘Carbon monoxide as a potential therapeutic agent: A molecular analysis of its safety profiles’, Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67(12), pp. 9789–9815. doi:10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00823. DeSimone, C.A., Naqvi, S.L. and Tasker, S.Z. (2022) ‘Thiocormates: Tunable and cost‐effective carbon monoxide‐releasing molecules’, Chemistry – A European Journal, 28(41). doi:10.1002/chem.202201326. Project Gallery

Lesser-known illnesses Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Rare zoonotic diseases 10/07/25, 10:33 Last updated: Published: 08/07/23, 13:34 Lesser-known illnesses This is article no. 1 in a series on rare diseases. Next article: Breast cancer in males . Introduction From COVID-19 possibly coming from livestock in Wuhan market to HIV resulting from numerous transmissions between African primates, it seems that zoonotic diseases are difficult to control. They occur when pathogenic microorganisms are spread from animals to humans or vice-versa. Their impact on human civilization is alarming because they are responsible for 2.5 billion cases of illness and 2.7 million deaths in humans annually around the world. Although there is a lot of information regarding more familiar zoonotic diseases such as rabies and malaria, this article focuses on those that may be less discussed as they could become more problematic in the future. Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (virus) To begin, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral disease, which spreads when humans are bitten by ticks carrying the virus along with farmers killing infected livestock. It is endemic in more than 30 European, African and Asian countries with the exact factors contributing to the increased cases of CCHF being a mystery. Diagnosing the disease involves detecting the virus through Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) along with detecting IgM and IgG antibodies using ELISA. As for the treatment options for CCHF, they are finite as there are no available vaccines and the only antiviral drug used against the virus is ribavirin, which prevents replication of various DNA and RNA viruses in-vitro. Given all this information, it is evident that extensive research is necessary to better understand the disease holistically and design drugs that can stop more fatalities associated with CCHF. Trichinellosis (parasite) The next zoonotic disease to address is trichinellosis or trichinosis , which is caused by Trichinella spiralis and so it is a parasitic infection. It can spread by eating poorly prepared meat such as pork and mammals like horses and wild carnivores are typically the reservoirs of infection. Its epidemiology in humans seems to be limited because it has 10,000 cases and 0.2% death rate annually. Moreover, an important factor that can contribute to the spread of trichinellosis is culture because certain communities have dishes containing raw meat. For example, a review referenced more than 600 outbreaks, 38,797 infections and 336 deaths in humans between 1964 and 2011 in China. As for diagnosing trichinellosis, it is challenging because it has general signs. With this in mind, the common method to spot the disease is detecting IgG antigens that work against Trichinella spiralis . On the other hand, its major drawback is getting a false negative in early trichinellosis infection. Like CCHF, trichinellosis is not as prevalent compared to other zoonotic diseases but it can have devastating impacts on specific countries, so increasing the supply of antiparasitic drugs like albendazole and/or mebendazole would be beneficial to stop the spread of Trichinella spiralis. Brucellosis (bacteria) The next zoonotic disease which is caused by a bacterial pathogen is brucellosis and is common worldwide, though certain places have higher prevalence of the disease compared to others. The pathogen can be transmitted through various ways such as direct contact with infected animal tissue on broken skin and consuming contaminated meat or dairy. Interestingly, it has been linked to childhood pulmonary infections as 18 out of 98 brucellosis patients have experienced such symptoms, but this is rare. The graph above indicates that when brucellosis occurs in animals, it has a high likelihood of being passed onto humans. For example, the years 2004-2007 could be when brucellosis cases were most frequent. This could have been alleviated through specific antibiotics used to treat brucellosis that include rifampin, doxycycline and streptomycin. Similar to trichinellosis, brucellosis diagnosis can be difficult because the symptoms can vary and are not exclusive to one disease, suggesting that different laboratory techniques are needed to find brucellosis in patients. Conclusion It looks like there is a recurring pattern of the zoonotic diseases outlined in this article occurring in developing countries as opposed to developed countries. As such, there have to be more effective interventions to prevent their ramifications on populations living in these countries. For this to occur, there has to be sufficient information, awareness, and education of these rarer zoonotic diseases to begin with. Furthermore, the current treatments for CCHF, trichinellosis and brucellosis may be unsuccessful due to the threat of antimicrobial resistance, hence finding alternative treatments for the aforementioned zoonotic diseases is vital in the future. Written by Sam Jarada Related articles: Rabies / Canines and cancer / Vaccine for malaria Project Gallery