Features
AI in conservation: A modern-day solution to the biodiversity crisis?
Does the technology behind predictive texts, facial recognition, and our social media feeds offer the solution to struggling global wildlife conservation efforts? Katie Jones investigates.
Using Artificial Intelligence to create the Shazam of Ocean Sounds
In recent years, the use of underwater microphones called hydrophones has allowed scientists to listen in on the underwater world in a non-invasive way. Passive acoustic monitoring has already been used in various biological studies, such as documenting the distribution and migration of whales and characterising the responses of fish to environmental changes.
Progress, revived: can evolution change things for the better?
By Giovanni Mussini This article was originally published in The Oxford Scientist Michaelmas Term 2021 edition, Change. In one of the last and most accomplished of his works, Giacomo Leopardi, the 19th century giant of Italian poetry, turns to the natural world to ridicule le magnifiche sorti e progressive–the magnificent and progressive fates–of humanity: as…
Future COVID-19 variants: is the pandemic truly over in the UK?
With a relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, which came into effect on the 24th February 2022, the UK Government no longer requires people to self-isolate if they test positive for COVID-19. Does this mean the pandemic is over in the UK? Rosie Pitcher investigates.
Extreme weather in the UK – will it become the norm?
Will storms like Eunice and Franklin become our normal weather? Emma M Ford writes about the impact of climate change on extreme weather events in the UK.
The North-South Divide exists in paper wasps too
Sophie Berdugo explores the distinct north-south divide in paper wasps, with northerners being highly cooperative compared to southerners.
A Tainted Past – the History of HIV
When discussing HIV, the term ‘the gay community’ often crops up. The gay community ‘accepts’ or ‘rejects’ something, it becomes enraged at lack of progress or vilification, it fights for its rights. What this terminology does is reduce a necessarily diverse community into a homogenous whole.
A cure for Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Could Aducanumab end the 19-year drought on Alzheimer’s treatments?
Mary Somerville: Her Legacy for Women in Science
On the International Day for Women and Girls in Science, Mary Somerville’s legacy highlights the vital role education plays in women’s access to scientific careers.
Human genome editing: unlimited potential or ethical concern?
Genome editing holds the promise of revolutionizing the future of humanity from its very core, by altering the genetic instructions that define us. It is estimated that 10,000 disorders arise from single gene mutations. All these “monogenic” diseases could be eradicated by preventing those genes from being inherited. Nevertheless, this unlimited potential comes with safety…