The Oxford Scientist

The same but different—why I’m not my twin sister

The Oxford ScientistMarch 31, 2022September 7, 202206 mins

Grace Kirman explores how her choices and the environment alter her epigenetics to make her different from her twin sister.

The T. rex may have been three species, but geologists are not happy

The Oxford ScientistMarch 28, 2022December 13, 2022011 mins

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?

The Oxford ScientistMarch 24, 2022January 9, 2023011 mins

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…

AI in conservation: A modern-day solution to the biodiversity crisis?

The Oxford ScientistMarch 21, 2022August 7, 2023013 mins

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

The Oxford ScientistMarch 18, 2022April 6, 202207 mins

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?

The Oxford ScientistMarch 16, 2022April 4, 2022013 mins

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?

The Oxford ScientistMarch 14, 2022January 9, 2023014 mins

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

The Oxford ScientistMarch 11, 2022March 28, 202207 mins

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.

Extreme weather in the UK – will it become the norm?

Emma M FordMarch 9, 2022September 7, 2022016 mins

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.