Can we control the power of the human genome?
Max Cowan explores the possibilities created by human genome sequencing and the considerations that need to be put in place for its widespread and commercial use.
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Rosalyn Yalow: Scientist and Individualist
The scientific legacy Rosalyn Yalow is remarkable. Set against the backdrop of a hostile environment, Yalow’s path distinguishes her as one of the extraordinary scientific figures of the last century.
The Social Machines
Despite our ever more connected world, loneliness is increasing. Jake Burton discusses how robots may be able to tackle this problem.
Will 2022 bring a ‘Male Pill’ and why haven’t we got one already?
Trials of a male contraceptive pill have been successful at preventing pregnancy in mouse models. Isabella Kwiecinski discusses how this form of non-hormonal contraceptive works and the safety concerns that need to be addressed before its clinical use.
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.
Fishing Through Geological Time
By Matthew Sutton This article was originally published in The Oxford Scientist Michaelmas Term 2021 edition, Change. Earth’s oceans are an immense and foreboding place. They occupy 71% of the surface area of the planet and have a total volume exceeding 1.3 billion cubic kilometres. Occupying every corner of every part of this gargantuan biome…
The T. rex may have been three species, but geologists are not happy
A new study headed by palaeontological artist Gregory Paul proposes that the legendary Tyrannosaurus rex (T. rex) may not be just one species—rather, it may be three different ones altogether. Isabelle Goddard investigates the finding and describes its impact on her field.
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…
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.