News
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.
Why genetic research is too white
Ever since the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003, genetic research has developed in leaps and bounds. However, despite genomics being at the forefront of the scientific field, it faces one major flaw; genetic research is too white.
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?
Changing forms of Unreason
The changes in public perception of mental health topics have been very clear in recent years where once a never-to-be-discussed topic has now become widely reported, discussed and recognised. The number of widely shared and heard discussions about anxiety and depression has been further increased by the coronavirus pandemic. This change can be witnessed everywhere…
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…
Big trouble for little plankton: New studies report on the oceanic effects of climate change
By Natalie Stevenson A recent study highlights the vulnerability of ocean ecosystems to the effects of climate change. Over the past few years, the impact that humans have had on the planet has been at the forefront of public attention—we have seen record-breaking wildfires, droughts, flooding, and storms globally—and we are very much aware that…
A Conversation with Professor Rob Fender
Catch our first ever CHALK TALK happening 6th of May at 8pm ! Our first speaker, Professor Rob Fender, who is currently the head of the Astrophysics sub-department, will deliver an exciting discussion regarding his research interests as well as other relevant topics The Teams link to access this talk can be found in our…
COVID-19 vaccination causes robust immune response, according to new report
Tom Leslie A joint university study backs up the idea of giving single vaccine doses to those who are most at risk. The University of Oxford, in partnership with the universities of Liverpool, Sheffield, Cambridge, Newcastle, and Birmingham, has conducted a study, referred to as PITCH (Protective Immunity from T-cells in Healthcare Workers), on a…
New insights from monkeys into how the brain makes decisions
The ability to make informed decisions in unfamiliar environments is a necessary human skill, without which we wouldn’t be able to make appropriate choices when navigating the world. We make these kinds of decisions every day, whether that be what to choose from a menu, or where to book our next holiday. In these situations,…