Telomeres and why we age.

What are telomeres? Telomeres are caps at the end of our chromosomes that protect our DNA from damage. They are made up of the same short DNA sequence repeated over and over again, with the same sequence of bases. They are important for a cells because without them chromosomes would stick together and would not … Continue reading Telomeres and why we age.

Vaccination delivery through a pill.

Vaccinations have become incredibly important due to COVID-19 and the vaccine rollout needs to be faster and more efficient in order to achieve global herd immunity. Vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccine being an example, are usually injections that contain dead or weakened versions of the pathogen. However, there a numerous disadvantages to these traditional vaccines: They … Continue reading Vaccination delivery through a pill.

The Three Types of Radiation

There are three types of radiation: alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ) radiation, which all have different properties due to their structure. Radiation is emitted from radioactive isotopes (isotopes are different versions of the same element with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons, so they have the same atomic … Continue reading The Three Types of Radiation

How do cancer cells evade the immune system?

Cancer cells manage to hide from our immune system (IS) and understanding how they evade the IS helps scientists to create treatments for cancer. It can even help scientists figure out how to hide donor organs in a patient. If you would like to learn more about transplant immunology, click here: https://glamsci.blog/2021/04/13/transplant-immunology/ Usually the IS … Continue reading How do cancer cells evade the immune system?

The History of The Atomic Model

Atoms, derived from the Greek word ‘Atomos’, meaning indivisible, make up everything in the world. They are the smallest part of elements that can exist, but what exactly is the structure of an atom like on the inside? Protons, neutrons and electrons, which are subatomic particles, make up atoms. Each proton has a relative charge … Continue reading The History of The Atomic Model

What causes allergies and food intolerances?

It is estimated the 2 million people in the UK have a food allergy and many more have food intolerances. What actually happens to someone who has an allergic reaction and what are the solutions? The difference between an allergy and intolerance An allergy is a reaction of your immune system that triggers symptoms like … Continue reading What causes allergies and food intolerances?

Transplant Immunology

Transplant immunology is the study of the immune response to organ transplants in surgery. There can be many complications that arise from transplants but a major factor is the immune system’s response to a foreign organ.  Why does the immune system reject an organ? Every person has a specific set of Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) … Continue reading Transplant Immunology

Using Board Games to Teach Science: Carbon City Zero

Next up, in this board game series about how board games can be used to teach science (to children’s adults and families alike), is the environmentally conscious deck builder, Carbon City Zero. If you’ve not seen the series before, then you can find out more about it here, and if you missed the last one … Continue reading Using Board Games to Teach Science: Carbon City Zero

Why do we shiver when we’re cold?

Imagine that it’s a freezing day, with snow piled up high and still falling and you wanted to go for a walk outside. So, you put on your extra fluffy pair of socks and very comfortable shoes and you step outside, without wearing one of the most important items of clothing, a coat. To say … Continue reading Why do we shiver when we’re cold?

The Women of STEM: 5 Women Who Shaped The World of Science and Research

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, it’s only fitting that we remember the work of the women who have contributed to the field of STEM throughout the years. Here are 5 women who have been invaluable in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics and paved their way through a male-dominated system to become some of the greatest names in STEM history.   Yvonne … Continue reading The Women of STEM: 5 Women Who Shaped The World of Science and Research