Beyond Sc!ence Magazine Feature
I am excited to announce that I have been featured in Beyond Science Magazine's 60th issue, where I had the opportunity to discuss my...
ReadA Day in the Lab: Improvising with 3D-Printing for Standardised Experiments
Join me in the lab as we innovate with 3D-printing technology to design custom equipment that aids in the standardisation of cell migration assays in our experiments.
ReadA Day in the Lab: Harnessing a Nobel-Winning Technique
Join me in the lab as we use the groundbreaking technique of phase-contrast microscopy, a Nobel-prize winning method, to study living cells in depth and gain insights into cellular structure and proliferation.
ReadA Day in the Lab: Microscopic Exploration of Muscle Biopsies
Join me today in the lab as we explore muscle biopsies under the microscope. After immunostaining them, we mount these samples on slides for in-depth scrutiny, specifically examining the intricacies of neuromuscular junctions.
ReadA Day in the Lab: Deciphering pH Levels with Colour
Join me in the lab today as we delve into a colourful world of pH indicators, using phenol red to gauge pH levels in our experiment involving cultured brain cells. Let's explore the colour spectrum of pH!
ReadA Day in the Lab: Preparing Proteins for Long-Term Storage
Join me in the lab today as I prepare a stock of a protein for long-term storage, ensuring its integrity and functionality for future research.
ReadA Day in the Lab: Rapidly Amplifying Genes with Bacteria
Join me in today's lab session where I am exploiting the power of bacteria to swiftly duplicate a human gene. Genetic amplification has never been this fascinating!
ReadA Day in the Lab: Employing Viruses to Transfer Genes into Cells
Join me in today's lab session where I leverage a virus to transport a specific gene into a mammalian cell. A fascinating mix of genetics and virology!
ReadA Day in the Lab: Safely Handling Liquid Nitrogen
Let's delve into the laboratory today where I will share my experience with liquid nitrogen and how to handle it safely for long-term preservation of brain tissue.
ReadA Day in the Lab: Speeding up Pipetting
Join me in the lab today as I share tips on how to speed up biochemical assays using a multichannel micropipette, and common pipetting errors to avoid.
ReadA Day in the Lab: Dissecting a Brain
Join me in the lab today as I delve into a brain dissection, preserving cells in a special medium for future growth and experimentation.
ReadMy SciComm Feature with Applied Biological Materials
Join me in recounting my recent SciComm Feature interview with Applied Biological Materials (abm). We discuss everything from my journey to neuroscience, my experiences in grad school, my current research, and my commitment to science communication.
ReadA Day in the Lab: Determining Protein Concentrations with a Biochemical Assay
Dive into the world of biochemical assays with me, as I work on determining the concentration of a protein released by brain cells.
ReadA Day in the Lab: Determining Genotypes with PCR and Gel Electrophoresis
Join me in the lab as I perform genotyping to determine genetic mutations in specific genes from the latest litters of our lab's colonies.
ReadA Day in the Lab: Visualising DNA through Gel Electrophoresis
Join me as I conduct genotyping in the lab, utilising gel electrophoresis to identify DNA samples harboring a specific mutation.
ReadMy interview with The Association of Biomedical Research
Join me as I recount my recent interview experience with The Association of Biomedical Research. In the blog post, I delve into the discussion about my journey in neuroscience research, my aspirations, and the captivating world of scientific discovery.
ReadA Day in the Lab: Removing the Meninges from the Brain
Dive into the meticulous procedure of brain dissection, focusing on the careful removal of the meninges, a crucial step for effective glial cell culture.
ReadA Day in the Lab: Cryopreservation of Brain Cells
Explore the intricate process of cryopreserving brain cells in the lab, ensuring their viability for future experimentation.
ReadA Day in the Lab: Extracting Plasmid DNA from Bacterial Cultures
This blog post unveils the fascinating procedure of a miniprep experiment, aiming to purify plasmid DNA from bacterial cultures.
ReadA Day in the Lab: Delving into Neonatal Brain Dissection for Glial Cells
In this blog post, I delve into the intricate process of dissecting neonatal brains to extract glial cells, followed by culturing them for further scientific experiments.
ReadCRISPR/Cas9: Revolutionising gene editing in neuroscience
This blog post delves into the transformative role of the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system in neuroscience, exploring its potential in understanding neurological disorders, identifying therapeutic targets, and developing innovative gene therapies.
ReadA Day in the Lab: Investigating Isolated Microglia from Neonatal Brains
This blog post offers an inside look at the investigation of brain microglia, dissected from neonatal brains and cultured in a lab, scrutinising their morphology and culture purity using a phase-contrast microscope.
ReadA Day in the Lab: The Art and Science of Phase-contrast microscopy
This blog post takes you on a journey into the lab, showcasing how phase-contrast microscopy is employed to inspect the health and confluency of cultured cells, a critical factor before they are utilised in scientific experiments.
ReadA Day in the Lab: Bacterial transformation
This blog post presents a snapshot of a day in the lab spent conducting a bacterial transformation experiment, resulting in genetically modified bacteria cloning and expressing a specific gene of interest.
ReadA Day in the Lab: Inoculating bacterial cultures
A day in the lab, dedicated to inoculating bacterial cultures to enable self-cloning and DNA replication. Discover the process, from broth preparation to sterile conditions.
ReadThe Potential of Exosomes for Diagnosing and Treating Neurological Disorders
This blog post explores the emerging role of exosomes, tiny vesicles released by cells, in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. It delves into the potential of exosomes as disease biomarkers and therapeutic delivery systems, shedding light on this exciting new frontier in neuroscience.
ReadThe Role of Tau Protein in Neurodegenerative Diseases
This blog post delves into the role of tau protein in both the healthy brain and in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and other tauopathies. By understanding tau's dual nature, we highlight its potential as a target for therapeutic interventions.
ReadGlial Cells: More Than Just the Brain's Support System
This blog post explores the multifaceted roles of glial cells, traditionally viewed as mere support cells in the brain. By delving into their active involvement in brain function and their implications in various neurological disorders, we underscore the importance of these underappreciated cells.
ReadPrions: A Unique Class of Neurodegenerative Diseases
This blog post explores prion diseases, a unique class of neurodegenerative diseases caused by misfolded proteins. Understanding the properties and pathogenesis of prions can shed light on other disorders involving protein misfolding and aggregation.
ReadThe Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Neurotransmitter Release
This blog post delves into the intricate molecular mechanisms that underlie neurotransmitter release. Understanding these processes provides critical insights into how neurons communicate and the potential implications for neurological disorders.
ReadParkinson's Disease: A Closer Look at Alpha-Synuclein
This blog post offers a detailed look at alpha-synuclein, a protein implicated in Parkinson's disease. It explores the role of this protein in disease pathogenesis and the potential it holds as a target for future therapeutic interventions.
ReadThe Potential of Optogenetics for Restoring Lost Neuronal Function
This blog post delves into the potential of the innovative technique, optogenetics, for restoring lost neuronal function, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. Despite the existing challenges, it highlights the hope that optogenetics brings for future treatments.
ReadThe Impact of Ageing on Neurodegenerative Disease Risk and Progression
This blog post explores how the biological changes that come with ageing can increase the risk and affect the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. It underscores the importance of further research to understand these relationships and develop effective treatments.
ReadThe Molecular Mechanisms of Neurotoxicity
This blog post delves into the molecular mechanisms of neurotoxicity, describing the various ways in which neurotoxic substances can damage the brain and potential strategies for protecting against such damage.
ReadThe Potential of Gene-Environment Interactions in Neurodegenerative Diseases
This blog post explores the potential of gene-environment interactions in neurodegenerative diseases, offering insight into their role, the potential for personalised treatment, and the challenges researchers face in this complex yet promising area of study.
ReadThe Emerging Field of Connectomics in Neuroscience
This blog post introduces the emerging field of connectomics in neuroscience, exploring the techniques used, its implications for understanding neurological disorders, and the challenges faced in this promising field of research.
ReadThe Role of Protein Aggregation in Neurodegenerative Diseases
This blog post explores the role of protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases. By delving into the process of protein misfolding and its impact on neuronal health, we discuss the research efforts in understanding these molecular phenomena and potential therapeutic strategies.
ReadAstrocytes: The Unsung Heroes of the Central Nervous System
This blog post sheds light on the crucial roles of astrocytes in the central nervous system. Covering their varied functions and implications in disease, the post emphasises the importance of these often overlooked cells and the potential they hold for future research.
ReadThe Role of the Complement System in Neurodegeneration
This blog post explores the role of the complement system in neurodegeneration, highlighting its function in the immune system and its potential contribution to conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The post also discusses possible therapeutic strategies targeting the complement system.
ReadDrug Delivery Systems for Treating Neurological Disorders
This blog post explores the challenges and solutions in drug delivery systems for treating neurological disorders, including liposomes, nanoparticles, neurotrophic factors, intranasal delivery, focused ultrasound, and gene therapy.
ReadExploring the Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease
This blog post explores the genetics of Alzheimer's disease, focusing on key genes implicated in the disease, the role of genetic testing, and the future of genetic research in Alzheimer's disease.
ReadA Day in The Lab: Investigating Calcium Activity in the White Matter
Take a peek into a day at the lab, focused on exploring the calcium activity of the white matter within the corpus callosum, utilising 2-photon microscopy, intricate coding, and innovative methodologies.
ReadNeurogenesis: The Birth of New Neurons in the Adult Brain
This blog post delves into the phenomenon of neurogenesis, the formation of new neurons in the adult brain, discussing its occurrence, function, and the potential implications for neurological health and disease.
ReadThe Use of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in Neurodegenerative Disease Research
This blog post explores the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in neurodegenerative disease research, highlighting their potential to revolutionise our understanding and treatment of these challenging conditions.
ReadThe Potential of Stem Cell Therapy in Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases
This blog post delves into the potential of stem cell therapy as a promising approach to treat neurodegenerative diseases, discussing current research, challenges, and future perspectives.
ReadNeuroplasticity: The Brain's Ability to Adapt and Change
This blog post explores the concept of neuroplasticity, the brain's remarkable ability to change its structure and function in response to experience, and its implications for learning, memory, and recovery from brain injury.
ReadThe Potential of Nanotechnology in Treating Neurological Disorders
This blog post discusses the promising role of nanotechnology in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders, highlighting its applications in targeted drug delivery, neuroimaging, and regenerative medicine.
ReadOligodendrocytes and Myelin: Protecting and Supporting Neuronal Function
This blog post discusses the roles of oligodendrocytes and the myelin they produce in the central nervous system, explaining their importance in neuronal function and the implications for neurological disorders when these components are damaged.
ReadThe Gut-Brain Axis: How Gut Health Affects the Brain
This blog post delves into the fascinating concept of the gut-brain axis, exploring how the gut and its resident microbiota communicate with the brain and how gut health can significantly impact brain function and behaviour.
ReadThe Molecular Basis of Memory Formation and Storage
In this blog post, we delve into the fascinating world of the molecular processes that underpin memory formation and storage. We explore synaptic plasticity, the key molecular players involved, and the processes of memory consolidation and storage.
ReadThe Role of Autophagy in Neurodegeneration
This blog post explores the intriguing relationship between autophagy, a vital cellular process, and neurodegenerative diseases. We discuss the role of autophagy in neuronal health, its link to various neurodegenerative diseases, and the potential for targeting autophagy in therapeutic strategies.
ReadThe Role of Cytoplasmic Dynein 1 in ALS Pathology
In this blog post, we discuss the potential role of cytoplasmic dynein 1, a motor protein involved in essential cellular processes, in the pathology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and explore how targeting this protein or its associated pathways could represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the disease.
ReadUsing bioinformatics to unravel the mysteries of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
In this blog post, we discuss the importance of bioinformatics in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research and how this interdisciplinary field contributes to the identification of novel therapeutic targets, drug repurposing, and personalised medicine strategies.
ReadTDP-43 and its Involvement in the Pathology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
In this blog post, we delve into the role of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) in the pathology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), discussing its involvement in RNA metabolism and how targeting this protein or its associated pathways may offer promising therapeutic strategies for the disease.
ReadRNA-sequencing: A powerful tool for investigating gene expression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
In this blog post, we discuss the role of RNA-sequencing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research, highlighting how this powerful technology has advanced our understanding of the disease's molecular mechanisms and informed the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
ReadMicroglia-derived microRNAs: A potential player in the pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
This blog post explores the potential role of microglia-derived microRNAs in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), discussing their involvement in neuroinflammation and neuron-microglia communication, and highlighting the therapeutic implications of targeting these molecules or their associated pathways to develop novel treatments for this devastating neurodegenerative disease.
ReadThe Art of Microscopy: Exploring the Neuronal Landscape
This blog post delves into the world of microscopy in neuroscience research, highlighting its critical role in unraveling the mysteries of the neuronal landscape and showcasing the breathtaking beauty and complexity of the nervous system.
ReadMicroglia Culture: Isolating and Studying the Brain's Immune Cells
This blog post delves into the process of microglia culture, exploring how these resident immune cells of the brain are isolated and studied in vitro, and their significance in researching neurodegenerative diseases like ALS.
ReadUnderstanding the Basics of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
In this blog post, you will find an overview of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), exploring its causes, risk factors, symptoms, and current treatments, while also highlighting ongoing research efforts to develop new therapies and improve our understanding of this devastating neurodegenerative disease.
ReadThe Importance of Cell Culture Techniques in Neuroscience Research
This blog post highlights the importance of cell culture techniques in neuroscience research, exploring their applications in mechanistic studies, drug discovery, gene editing, and disease modeling, and their contributions to our understanding of the nervous system and the development of novel therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
ReadNeuroinflammation: Friend or Foe in Neurodegenerative Diseases?
This blog post explores the double-edged sword of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. We discuss its role as both a protective mechanism and a potential contributor to disease progression, and the ongoing research to balance these effects for therapeutic benefit.
ReadWestern blotting: A versatile tool in neuroscience research
This blog post explores the method and applications of Western blotting in neuroscience, shedding light on its role in protein expression studies, protein modification studies, and its significant contribution to neurodegenerative disease research.
ReadImmunofluorescence Staining in Neuroscience Research
This blog post explores the principles and applications of immunofluorescence staining in neuroscience research, highlighting its critical role in investigating the molecular and cellular processes underlying neuronal function and dysfunction, and advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases like ALS.
ReadA Day in the Lab: Analysing the Electrical Activity of Neurons using Computer Code
The blog post delves into the analytical side of neuroscience, exploring the process of examining neuronal electrical activity using Matlab software and a host of complex mathematical functions, complete with data visualisations.
ReadThe Role of Mitochondria in Neurodegenerative Diseases
This blog post explores the intriguing link between mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases. We delve into the roles of mitochondria in cells, examine the evidence connecting mitochondrial dysfunction to neurodegeneration, and consider the promising therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondria.
ReadThe Blood-Brain Barrier: Understanding Its Function and Importance
This blog post delves into the fascinating world of the blood-brain barrier. We explore its function, its importance in maintaining brain health, its involvement in various neurological conditions, and the potential future directions of research in this field.
ReadA Day in the Lab: Unravelling Neuronal Activity using Electrophysiology
Join me on a fascinating journey in the lab as I employ the sophisticated patch-clamp technique in an electrophysiology experiment to record neuronal activity.
ReadThe Impact of Oxidative Stress on Neuronal Health
In this blog post, we delve into the impact of oxidative stress on neuronal health. We cover what oxidative stress is, how it affects neurons, its role in neurodegenerative diseases, and potential strategies for targeting oxidative stress in these conditions.
ReadGenotyping: Unravelling the genetic basis of neurological disorders
This blog post explores the role of genotyping in neuroscience, highlighting its importance in understanding the genetic basis of neurological disorders, predicting disease risk, and informing personalised treatment strategies.
ReadPCR in Neuroscience: Amplifying and Analysing Gene Expression
This blog post provides an overview of the role of PCR in neuroscience, explaining how it allows for the amplification and analysis of gene expression in studying neurological function and disease.
ReadCalcium imaging: Capturing neuronal communication
This blog post sheds light on calcium imaging, a powerful technique for capturing the dynamic dialogue between neurons. We explore the fundamental role of calcium in neurons, delve into the process of calcium imaging, and consider its significant applications and future in neuroscience research.
ReadNeuronal Culture: Growing and Maintaining Healthy Neurons
This blog post explores the methods and challenges of neuronal culture, demonstrating its crucial role in studying neuronal development, function, and disease mechanisms.
ReadPatch-clamp electrophysiology: Measuring neuronal activity
This blog post delves into the world of patch-clamp electrophysiology, a technique that offers an unparalleled view into the electrical activity of neurons. We explore the different configurations of the technique, its applications in neuroscience, and its transformative role in the study of brain function.
ReadNeuroimaging Techniques: Visualising the Living Brain
This blog post explores the remarkable capabilities of neuroimaging techniques in visualising the living brain, examining both structural and functional imaging approaches, their applications in neuroscience, and their indispensable role in the study of neurodegenerative diseases.
ReadViral Vectors in Neuroscience Research
This blog post delves into the exciting world of viral vectors and their transformative role in neuroscience research. We explore their definition, types, applications, and future prospects, shedding light on how these microscopic tools are shaping our understanding of the brain.
ReadEpigenetics and Neurodegeneration: A Complex Relationship
This blog post explores the complex relationship between epigenetics and neurodegeneration. We cover what epigenetics is, how it might contribute to neurodegenerative diseases, and the potential for epigenetic therapies in these conditions.
ReadMy interview for Glasgow University's Alumni Magazine
In this blog post, I share my unique journey as a student and Living Support Assistant in the University of Glasgow's halls of residence, and my excitement about being interviewed for the university's alumni magazine, 'Avenue'.
ReadA Day in the Lab: Decoding the Histopathological Alterations in Brain Slices Post-Stroke
Join me as I delve into a day in the lab, analysing H&E stained brain slices to unravel the histopathological transformations following a stroke.
ReadOptogenetics: Illuminating neuronal function
This blog post delves into the innovative technique of optogenetics in neuroscience, discussing how it enables precise manipulation of neuronal activity, thereby aiding in the understanding of neural circuits, decoding of neuronal coding, and the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
ReadA Day in the Lab: Hematoxylin & Eosin Staining for Microscopical Analysis of the Brain
In this detailed account of a recent neuroscience experiment, I guide you through the meticulous process of staining brain slices using Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E), shedding light on the intricate steps involved in studying the effects of a novel therapeutic approach to stroke treatment.
ReadA Day in the Lab: Delving into the World of Image Analysis for Stroke Research
An engaging behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous process of analysing MRI scans to explore potential stroke treatments, offering a unique perspective on the complex world of medical research.
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