Talks from the Bio lab desk

  Nature’s Medicine Makers Let’s take a moment to appreciate the quiet workhorses of the natural world.  Fungi, bacteria and viruses. Out in the wild, they break down dead matter, cycle nutrients, and form symbiotic relationships with plants. They're the original recyclers, chemists, and healers, all rolled into one. Below is a video by Peekaboo Kids, that helps explain what microbes are and their function in a fun way. https://youtu.be/JZjzQhFG6Ec?si=wUWAB1j5ZC_-BTT3 What makes fungi (and other microbes) special is their ability to produce powerful compounds. Some of which just happen to help humans, too. The most famous example includes the discovery of penicillin which pioneered the rise of antibiotics. Below is a video by Ted-ED which helps explain it. https://youtu.be/CNbnLgetqHs?si=q6nyFWC87iqML2cu Ancient cultures may not have known exactly what these tiny organisms were doing, but through trial and error, they definitely knew something in the soil, mold, or ferment...

The Promise of Stem Cells Imagine if doctors could repair damaged organs or tissues, or even reverse the effects of certain diseases, using just a patient’s own cells. It might sound like something out of a science fiction novel where your alien hero shapeshifts into various forms, but stem cells are making this possible in real life.  These remarkable cells have the ability to develop into any type of cell in the body, offering hope for treating everything from heart disease to neurodegenerative conditions and even spinal cord injuries . But before we get into all the dazzling science fiction scripts that this marvel, can cook, we first have to understand what it stem cells are and what their purpose is. What Are Stem Cells? Firstly, lets take it back to how cells tend to form tissues and then organs. This is a process known as cell differentiation . A process in which cells get assigned their different functions as they grow to form the entire body from fertilization. Thi...

Achoo! Achoo! "Are you catching a cold?" A very common scenario, whenever we show symptoms of a cough, sneezing or a blocked nose.  Sometimes we are quick to gather ourselves towards the pharmacy or chemist for a quick fix and as the saying goes, "if symptoms persist, always look for a doctor". Other times, people seem to easily recover with a few tricks here and there. Why does this occur? Let us have a better perspective to how all this happens, or rather, how the body often defends itself from those niggles of sneezing and coughing. What is Immunity? Imagine your body is a fortress, and each day it faces waves of microscopic invaders, which include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, each trying to breach your defenses.  But don't worry, your body isn’t caught off guard.  To the rescue! It has a highly skilled defense system designed to keep you safe. This system is called the immune system , and it’s made up of various cells, tissues, and organs that ...

  The Power and Peril of Stress Stress. Just by the mention of the word, your pulse rate can shift a little higher. It's something we all experience at different points in our lives. Whether it’s a looming deadline, a tough relationship, or financial worries, stress often feels like a constant companion.   Given it's regular appearance, what exactly is stress, and how does it affect our body? Let's get into it. What Is Stress? Stress is the body's natural reaction to a perceived threat or challenge. It’s a physiological and psychological response that prepares us to fight or flee . A response rooted in our evolutionary biology . When we encounter stress, our brain triggers a series of chemical signals that prepare the body to either confront the threat or escape from it. Basically, stress is like your alarm to make you either battle/combat ready or sprint faster than Olympic sprinters. The systems responsible for this, include, the nervous system and endocrine ...

The Power of the Brain and Nervous System The human brain is often considered the most complex organ in the body, controlling everything from involuntary actions like breathing to our most complex behaviors and emotions.  At the heart of this complexity lies the nervous system, a vast network of neurons (nerve cells) that communicate through electrical and chemical signals. This communication is vital not just for basic survival, but also for learning, memory, mood regulation, and decision-making. At its core, the nervous system can be broken down into two main parts, which include, the central nervous system (CNS) , which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) , made up of nerves that extend throughout the rest of the body. How Neurons Communicate: The Role of Neurotransmitters and the Synaptic Cleft Neurons communicate with each other through specialized connections known as synapses . When a neuron receives an electrical signal, it se...