Seabird study reveals the danger of microplastics as vector for pathogens
A new study suggests microplastics affects seabirds’ microbiomes—and may act as a vector for zoonotic pathogens, reports Paris Jaggers.
Biology
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Lymphatic vessels shown to exist within bone
Sarya Fidan describes new research from Oxford that reveals the presence of lymphatic vessels in bone, and their role in bone repair.
Photosynthesis: How this vital process is maintained by the UPS system
Lola Bell reports on new research finding evidence that the ubiquitin-proteasome system contributes to the upkeep of photosynthetic machinery.
For Queen and Colony: How ants stop disease outbreaks
Sophie Berdugo discusses how, much like the self-isolation we have become accustomed to during the COVID-19 pandemic, ants also adopt self-isolation techniques to stop the spread of fungal infections.
Vaccine drink entering trials in Oxford
By Karen Heathcote We’ve seen and heard plenty about vaccines over the last couple of years, with news outlets all over the world proudly showing images of people receiving their COVID-19 vaccination jabs. However, a new vaccine that is about to enter its next phase of trials in Oxford won’t be administered as an injection…
Is Ageing Reversible? Middle-aged mice have their biological clocks reversed
Gene therapy has been used to safely reverse the biological clock in middle-aged mice. Ines Momodu-Herrero investigates this new finding and its implications for aging control in people.
The same but different—why I’m not my twin sister
Grace Kirman explores how her choices and the environment alter her epigenetics to make her different from her twin sister.
A new age of structural biology?
By Rhian Gruar This article was originally published in The Oxford Scientist Michaelmas Term 2021 edition, Change. On the 26 June 2000, President Bill Clinton announced the completion of the first draft of the Human Genome Project (HGP) to the world, ushering in a new age of scientific understanding. The HGP was a decade-long endeavour…
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…
Biotech in design: Does the relationship between science & creativity need to change?
By Emilia Schmid Creative design is the foundation of science. To be a successful scientist, visionary ideas, innovative experimental designs and imaginative alternative hypotheses are all essentials: Creativity is required in order to make scientific breakthroughs. Hindering creativity through cultural norms will have a strong impact on technological and scientific progress, thereby hindering the progress…