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Posts by Pavel
Carcinisation – what’s so special about crabs?
Convergent evolution is a process whereby over time, similar features evolve in different and unrelated species. It’s been observed in many species of animals and plants − for example, there are remarkable structural similarities in the eyes of humans and octopuses − but one form of convergent evolution has attracted popular attention in recent years. ‘True’ crabs are decapod crustaceans […]
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Pathbreaking method leads to optimised mRNA production
The COVID-19 pandemic placed mRNA at the centre of biopharmaceutical research, as mRNA is now being developed for cancer therapy, protein replacement therapy, and infectious diseases. That is why, worldwide, the need to produce mRNA on a large scale has increased dramatically. The currently used method is quite costly, limiting the scale-up of mRNA production. Dr Rok Sekirnik and colleagues […]
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Transgressing gender and genre: Isabella Whitney’s appropriation of London
The poet Isabella Whitney is considered the first professional female writer in England to have had secular poetry published under her own name. Dr Stefani Brusberg-Kiermeier, professor of English literature at Hildesheim University, Germany, explores how Whitney presents herself as a respectable female poet in a male-dominated era by ‘appropriating’ the city of London, irrevocably weaving herself into its history […]
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Defining the rule of law in terms of liberty and equality
The relationship between liberty, the individual freedom from social oppression and restrictions, and equality, which entails providing equal rights and opportunities to all segments of the population, is intricate and often disputed. Isabel Trujillo, professor in legal philosophy at the University of Palermo, Italy, explores this relationship in the context of the rule of law – the notion that all […]
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Neuromodulation – the future of diabetes treatments
The treatments for type 2 diabetes are limited in breadth and effectiveness. Medications have side effects, and many patients forget to take their medications regularly. An alternative treatment option that does not require daily compliance could provide better outcomes and is more likely to be used by patients. Dr Jonathan Waataja of ReShape Lifesciences in California, USA and colleagues have […]
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Rethinking a tenet of cancer risk assessment for low radiation doses
Science isn’t perfect, but it does theoretically correct itself, and in the process even overturns keystones to fields of knowledge. However, such shifts don’t occur without pushback, especially from individuals and organisations with something to protect. The Health Physics Society, which is dedicated to radiation safety, produced a documentary that exposes a history of scientific errors, profound bias, professional self-interest, […]
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How we experience pain may unlock the mystery of consciousness
In a recent publication, Professor Richard Ambron of Columbia University in New York, USA, addresses the fascinating topic of consciousness. He reasons that if we can understand the consciousness of pain, we might better understand consciousness in general. He outlines the neurological systems involved in pain and theorises that the consciousness of pain arises through non-physical ‘waves’ known as local […]
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Why do women experience more chronic pain than men?
Chronic pain is poorly managed by current healthcare systems, with limited treatments. However, little is known about chronic pain, especially in autoimmune diseases. Dr Gurmit Singh and colleagues at McMaster University, Canada, have investigated whether chronic pain should be considered an autoimmune disease and why chronic pain is more common in women. They have identified various explanations as to why women […]
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The origin of hair: The evolution of the trichocyte
Hair is a defining feature of mammals and was essential for their adaptation to a range of ecological niches. To shine a light on the evolution of hair, Professor Thomas Litman of the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and Professor Wilfred D Stein of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, investigate the ancient origins of the proteins which interact structurally with […]
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#MeToo: A political issue in India’s digital presence
#MeToo and #MeTooIndia, which exploded on social media in 2017 and 2018 respectively, drove an increase in online activism related to sexual violence, harassment, assault, and rape. Despite this and the significant numbers of women voters and political candidates, violence against women still fails to feature as a political campaign issue in India. Dr. Pallavi Guha, a researcher and author […]
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