Aliens could be living with us, says an astrobiologist – MENAFN.COM

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(MENAFN - NewsBytes) A few weeks back, Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, made the bold claim that aliens exist and could be living among us - completely undetected.

The remark drew widespread attention (given that it is ALIENS we are talking about), leading many to wonder how species from other worlds could survive without getting noticed.

Now, an astrobiologist has explained how that could be possible!

In an interview with The Observer, Sharman had said that "Aliens exist" and "there's no two ways about it."

She justified the assertion by saying, "There are so many billions of stars...that there must be all sorts of different forms of life . Will they be like you and me? Maybe not. It's possible they are here right now and we simply can't see them."

Following Sharman's remarks, Samantha Rolfe, from UK's Bayfordbury Observatory, published an editorial in The Conversation explaining how invisible alien life can actually exist on Earth.

Basically, the astrobiologist claimed that there is no fixed/complete definition of life (apart from what we see on Earth), which practically opens the possible form of an alien creature to thousands of interpretations, including the invisible one.

Most of the movies depicting aliens show them as humanoids or human-like creatures, which is enough in itself to explain that humans mostly limit alien life forms "to geocentric, possibly even anthropocentric, ideas of what life looks like," Rolfe added.

Rolfe added that if aliens are here on Earth, like Sharman said, they could be living in a microscopic "shadow biosphere" - which Earthlings can not see.

"By that, I don't mean a ghost realm, but undiscovered creatures probably with a different biochemistry," Rolfe wrote, adding that "we can't study or even notice them because they are outside of our comprehension."

In the same op-ed, Rolfe also suggested that microscopic alien life with silicon-based biochemistry, which is different from our carbon-and-nitrogen-based one, could have landed on Earth via a meteorite.

"[W]e do have evidence for life-forming, carbon-based molecules having arrived on Earth on meteorites," she wrote while implying that this could have also happened for "more unfamiliar life forms."

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Aliens could be living with us, says an astrobiologist - MENAFN.COM

How Inflammation Can Lead to Depression – Psychology Today

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When we think of things like depression, the role of inflammation seems secondary to, perhaps, social circumstances that cause sadness and trauma, or even ourgenetics, which is a continuous field of study in mental health. Inflammation in brain and spinal cord tissue (also known as headaches and backaches) can usually be lessened by swallowing a Tylenol or two. But researchers in Georgia and South Carolina were recently awarded grants from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to study the biochemistry that contributes to inflammation.

"Everything has a price. The price, however, isn't always money." -Ahmed Mostafa

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Why?

It goes back to swallowing a Tylenol to make your pain dissipatein other words, your biochemistry. In order to better understand our biochemistry and why Tylenol and other drugs are effective, we have to understand something called the complement system or the complement cascade. The complement system is part of a humans immune system.

Our immune system provides checks and balances throughout the body to keep us healthy. The complement system is made up of proteins derived from the liver. If your liver isnt healthy, theres a good chance you may be unhealthy in other areas as wellincluding your mental health.

The complement system was named by Paul Ehrlich (1854-1915). Ehrlich won a Nobel Prize for his contributions in immunology; he discovered the cure for syphilis, and in so doing, coined the term chemotherapy. Chemotherapy basically means using chemistry to treat diseasethough today, people use the phrase almost exclusively for the treatment of cancer.

When a human gets an infectionwhich can include something like the common cold orfluone of the first responses by the immune system is inflammation. Inflammation is a physical barrier, meant to help contain the infection in order to help promote healing. But researchers at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University have found that chronic stress actually causes inflammation in the brainin the same way that cold germs cause inflammation in our throat and nasal passages. Inflammation of the brain essentially destroys the connections between neurons, causing depression.

Monocytes are white blood cells.Monocytes circulate throughout our bodies during periods of stress as a line of defense. But it is the microglia or the immune cells in the brainthat may be delivering excess C3, a small protein from the complement system that causes continuous inflammation in the brain, which then contributes to depression.

Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine are collaborating with Georgia researchers because their lab synthesizes something called complement inhibitors, or drugs that block C3 activation.

Though interferon-alpha is a drug used to treat cancer, its also a naturally-occurring protein produced by our bodies to stimulate the immune system in order to stop viral infections and the development of melanoma (skin cancer)a very useful aspect to our biochemistry. The problem comes in with prolonged use of the synthesized version. Patients treated with interferon-alpha for long periods of time had depression and other mental health issues.[i] Its interesting to note that when overused as a synthesized drug, the very protein our bodies create on their own works against us.

The theory is that increases in interferon-alphawhether through chronic stress or something like the treatment of canceractivatethe microglia, the immune cells in the brain. Activating the microglia ups the production of the C3 protein, which in turn not only damages communication between our neurons but outright destroys the connections between them. When our neurons cant communicate, we dont think properly. When we cant think properly, we cant act properly.

As we move into 2020, its important to remember that keeping ourselves in stressful environmentswhether at home or through a jobis not just causing situational depression (or temporary depression that goes away when the difficulty does), it mayactually be destroying brain function. The more we understand about how our bodies work, the healthier our minds will be, too.

In the new year, its of the utmost importance to remove yourself from anyrelationship that is causing chronic stress. Think of people who abuse you as not just abusers you can walk away from, but individuals who are causing you, your body, and your mind irreparable harm that can and will permanently affect both your physical and mental health.

No person or situation is worth injuring your life. Start fresh in 2020. If you have a difficult relationship, begin regular counseling sessions so you can at least have less stress as you work toward financial independence, increasing your ability to leave the toxicity behind. If your partner isnt amenable to counseling, you can always go to talk therapy sessions on your own.

Protecting your brain from the effects of chronic stress protects every aspect of your life. The year 2020 is all about living longer and stronger. That starts the moment you begin believing in yourself.

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To the stars and beyond: A hundred years of Isaac Asimov – Hindustan Times

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In a completely unscientific survey I conducted for the express purpose of writing this article, I sent a WhatsApp message to many of my (what I hoped were) sci-fi reading friends asking what they thought Asimovs greatest work (or their favourite Asimov work) was. The answers did not surprise me; there was absolutely no consensus. Everyone who had read Asimov had a different answer. Bicentennial Man and End of Eternity FTW! replied one. Some would say the Robot stories, but Foundation is more in-depth, answered another. Robot Dreams, said a third; his short stories definitelyespecially the AI ones, pinged a fourth; Nightfall. No questions there! said a fifth with complete confidenceand so on.

Of course, there was also one who said whos Asimov? Horrified, I explained that he was an acclaimed writer whose work had been made into several movies. Havent you seen I, Robot? I asked. Is that the one with Rajinikanth? came the tentative reply.

Message received. Asimov isnt everyones cup of tea.

But for those of us who revel in the scientific accuracy of fantastic worlds, in the possibility of reimagining the mundane into never-impossible futures, and found ways of thinking about the Big Questions of life through the stories of Multivac and lands where stars were only seen once in a thousand years, Isaac Asimov is a prophet (peace be upon his name).

A Russian immigrant in the USA in the 1930s, a professor of biochemistry, a war veteran, and a writer of popular science books, Isaac Asimov whose birth centenary it was on 02 January was also, possibly, the most successful science fiction writer of his generation.

His mind-bending stories of inter-stellar travel, other worlds, strange encounters, and sentient machines have never stopped fascinating readers since he first put finger to typewriter. One of the most prolific of writers, he has authored more than 500 books, edited several volumes, and all of this while also being a professor of biochemistry.

Born in a village called Petrovichi in Smolensk, Russia somewhere between October 1919 and January 1920, Isaac Asimov decided to celebrate his birthday on 02 January. He wrote in In Memory Yet Green, It could not have been later than that... There is, however, no way of finding out. My parents were always uncertain and it really doesnt matter. I celebrate January 2, 1920, so let it be.

The Asimovs emigrated to the USA in 1922, and after struggling for three years, managed to save enough money to open a small candy store in New York. It was there that a young Isaac discovered science fiction in the form of magazines lying around in the store and also discovered the incomparable joy of reading and getting lost in the pages of a good book.

Isaac Asimov discovered he was a storyteller in school, and soon even before he had turned 12 was already trying his hand at writing them. He also wrote a detailed daily journal, complete with baseball scores, and had a dedicated following as a teller of tales he had read in magazines and books. But before he ever wrote science fiction, as a teenager, he had first tried his hand at fantasy.

In Its Been a Good Life a compilation of Asimovs diary entries, personal communications, and a condensation of his earlier autobiographies he writes about the first piece of fiction he ever attempted to write on the used typewriter his father had bought him: (it was a story of) a group of men wandering on some quest through a universe in which there were elves, dwarves, and wizards, and in which magic worked.

This was in the year 1935. Asimov was 15, and JRR Tolkiens The Hobbit wasnt published till 1937 (The Lord of Rings trilogy, which pretty much set the template for fantasy fiction for the next several decades, would only be published twenty years later between July 1954 and October 1955). It was as though I had some premonition of JRR Tolkiens Lord of The Rings, writes Asimov. But for better or worse, it didnt stick.

By the mid-1930s, Asimov was an avowed sci-fi fan, writing letters to science fiction magazines and even joining fab clubs. And by 1938, as an undergraduate chemistry major at Columbia University, he had written his first complete science fiction story and went to the New York offices of the Astounding Science Fiction magazine to meet the editor and submit it for publication. The Editor John Campbell, who is credited with having found and nurtured an entire generation of science fiction writers, and went on to become Asimovs trusted friend and editor for many years to come rejected the piece, with a cordial letter that explained to the young Asimov why the story didnt work and how he could get better. It would take nine more rejections before Asimov was finally published in another magazine called Amazing Stories.

For a writer so dedicated to his craft and one who wrote as much as he did, it took Asimov another twenty years to be able to earn enough to live off writing full time. In the meanwhile, he finished his Bachelor of Science degree, spent three years as a civilian chemist in World War II in Philadelphia, returned to New York and earned his doctorate in chemistry, and got a job as professor of biochemistry in Boston.

Till then and after, he wrote some of science fictions best loved stories. Stories of 200 year old robots who wanted to be human (The Bicentennial Man); of elections in an age where computers could predict the mood of the nation with a sample size of one (Franchise); of super computers who had all the knowledge of the world, and couldnt yet answer one important question (The Last Question), and a history of a future in which a great civilisation came to an end (Foundation)

But he was more than just a teller of made up stories. He was really invested in the science he wrote about, and the great pains he took to keep the science realistic in his stories is matched only by the pleasure he took in the research of it all. The simple evidence of how deeply he cared about the science of his stories is in the number of nonfiction books he wrote. He was as proud of being a science writer as he was of being a science fiction writer. Having written on subjects as varied as nuclear physics and human biology; Asimov the polymath is the poster child of multi-disciplinarity and academia as at ease in the hard sciences as in sociology and history; as eager to learn and read when he became a full professor as he was as a teenager; and able to write in a clear and concise manner in fiction and science.

An atheist all his life, Asimov was a member of the humanist movement, and believed that human beings are responsible for the progressive advancement of society, and must step up and alleviate the ills of society themselves, instead of depending on supernatural forces. He even went so far as to sign the Humanist Manifesto in 1970. His two volume Asimovs Guide to the Bible is also written from a strictly humanist point of view.

It is a vision reflected in his stories, in his hopes for possible futures. In 1984 35 years after George Orwells grim book of that name was published Asimov was asked by the Toronto Star to predict what the world might look like 35 years from then (in 2019), and he managed to get quite a bit right. Even though we havent come to a point where we can live under the faint semblance of a world government by co-operation and we havent shifted polluting industries in a wholesale manner to space; he did foresee the human races increasing reliance on computers and predicted that mobile computerised objects would penetrate the home. He also predicted that there would have to be a vast change in the nature of education because wed have to learn to live in an increasingly high tech world.

Asimov, above all, was an optimist someone who was sure that the inherent good in enough members of the human race would outrun the evil forces and keep humans going for millennia to come. Oh the robots we would build! And the galaxies we would colonise! What adventures we would have! It is a world view that recognises the challenges of war and natural disasters and discrimination; but it is filled with hope for a better future, a fantastic future, a kinder future.

Isaac Asimov was possibly the most successful science fiction writer of his time.(Getty Images)

Little Known Facts About Isaac Asimov1. When Isaac Asimov was about two years old, 17 children in his village, including Isaac, contracted double pneumonia a disease in which both lungs become inflamed, making it near impossible to breathe. All but Isaac died. He credits his survival to his mother, who after the doctor had given up on him, held baby Isaac in her arms without ever letting go until he was better.

2. Though he wrote extensively about interstellar travel, Asimov was afraid of flying, and almost never took flights.

3. Asimov was fond of music and thought of Tchaikovsky as music that makes me feel happy and Beethoven as music that makes me feel awed.

4. He wrote more than science and science fiction! Asimovs Guide To The Bible was written in two volumes in 1968 and 1969. And in 1970, he wrote Asimovs Guide To Shakespeare. He organised the plays not as tragedies, comedies, and histories (as is usually done) but by region Greek, Roman, Italian, English. Other than writing his autobiographies, Asimovs Guide To Shakespeare was according to him the most pleasant work Ive ever done.

5. Paul McCartney, in 1974, asked Asimov if he would write a screenplay for a science fictional movie musical about a band whose members were being impersonated by aliens. Asimov wrote it, but it was never made (speculation is that it had been rejected because Asimov neglected to use the scraps of dialogue that McCartney had suggested).

6. Apart from his own (what he called legitimate) PhD, Asimov was awarded 14 honorary doctorates in his lifetime.

7. When Asimov had a triple bypass surgery in 1983, he contracted HIV from a bad blood transfusion. In 1990, Asimov and his wife Janet Jeppson Asimov found out about it but they did not go public with this information on the advice of his doctors. It was not revealed even when he died in 1992 of heart and kidney failure caused by AIDS. The truth came to light in 2002, when Janet revealed it in the epilogue to Its Been A Good Life.

8. In September 1983, Asimov met Indira Gandhi, when she was in New York City to attend the UN General Assembly. She was a gracious and intelligent woman, he wrote about the meeting.

9. A fan of Sherlock Holmes, Asimov was a member of the official fan club The Baker Street Irregulars; and even wrote a song (to be sung to the tune of Danny Boy) in praise of the detective for an annual dinner of the club. The first few lines were: Oh, Sherlock Holmes, the Baker Street Irregulars/ Are Gathered here to honour you today,/ For in their hearts you glitter like a thousand stars,/And like the stars, youll never fade away.

The Laws Of RoboticsOne of Asimovs most memorable contributions to the world are his Three Laws of Robotics. While scientists and others have written their own laws since, Asimovs were the first, most popular, and remain at the heart of all other laws of robotics. They have also formed the bedrock of much of sci-fi involving robots. Many writers have written stories, simply assuming the laws as fact.The Laws as Asimov wrote them:1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

2. A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the first law.

3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the first or second laws.

Asimov credits his friend and publisher John Campbell with having come up with them.

It was at a meeting between Asimov and Campbell where Campbell was actually rejecting one of Asimovs stories that the idea for the laws emerged. Asimov was pitching a story about a robot that had become capable of reading minds due to a minor mistake on the assembly line.

And as they talked of the complications that robot telepathy might present, Campbell said, Look, Asimov, in working this out, you have to realize that there are three rules that robots have to follow. In the first place, they cant do any harm to human beings; in the second place, they have to obey orders without doing harm; in the third, they have to protect themselves, without doing harm or proving disobedient. Well ...

The Writers Personal FavouritesIn 1968, Asimovs story Nightfall was voted the best science fiction short story ever written, by the Science Fiction Writers of America, and many think that honour still holds.

But what were Asimovs favourites from among his own work?

Helpfully, he has answered the question himself. His own three favourite short stories were, in descending order:

(1) The Last Question

(2) The Bicentennial Man

(3) The Ugly Little Boy

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To the stars and beyond: A hundred years of Isaac Asimov - Hindustan Times

Biochemistry | Smith College

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Because biochemistry builds on the fundamentals of both biology and chemistry, students who major in biochemistry begin by taking introductory courses in both of these fields. Biochemistry follows in either your second or third year, along with additional courses in cell biology, physiology, molecular biology and physical chemistry. More specialized courses can be selected according to students' individual interests.

*Exemption from BIO 132/133 may be obtained if you received advanced placement on your Smith College transcript for biology (e.g. AP, International Baccalaureate, A levels).

Note: An equivalent sequence would beCHM 118 (Advanced General Chemistry), CHM 222 (Chemistry II: Organic Chemistry) and CHM 223 (Chemistry III: Organic Chemistry)

*If you received advanced placement on your Smith College transcript for chemistry, you are strongly encouraged to start the introductory chemistry courses with CHM 118.

Choose one:

Choose one:

The S/U grading option is not allowed for courses counting toward the biochemistry major.

You are advised to complete all the following foundational courses before your junior year: BIO 132/133, 202/203, CHM 111, 222, 223, and 224 or 118, 222, and 223, BCH 252/253.

Majors are encouraged to include research in the form of a special studies (BCH 400, 400D) or honors project (BCH 430D, 432D) in their course of study.

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Biochemistry | Smith College

UNL students give their thoughts on impeachment hearings – Daily Nebraskan

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Impeachment hearings are underway on Capitol Hill as the U.S. House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence works to decide if there will be an impeachment trial for President Donald Trump. The Daily Nebraskan asked students if they have been paying attention to the hearings and if they think impeachment is likely.

Pierce Leef, sophomore biochemistry and science education double major

Pierce Leef, sophomore biochemistry and science education double major

I havent been really paying attention. Ive wanted to, but theres a lot of other stuff going on right now, and its really busy. I personally hope that there is something involved with at least the process of going through and seeing what actually has happened and what hasnt because theres been a lot of misinformation on both sides. Just figuring out the real truth would be good.

Cleopatra Babor, freshman plant biology major

Cleopatra Babor, freshman plant biology major

I have been paying attention, and I believe that impeachment is very unlikely. Just all the information [President Trump] has been hiding is probably the most shocking thing, but in my personal opinion, we kind of all already knew [he was hiding information]. Its very close to the 2020 election and thats why I think impeachment is pushing to the unlikely side. But theres still hope.

Louis Lu, junior actuarial science major

Louis Lu, junior actuarial science

I havent been paying attention. For me, I am not really sure about politics in America because I dont really care about that because Im a Chinese student. Maybe [impeachment] is possible.

Alex Bartels, junior advertising and public relations major

Alex Bartels, junior advertising and public relations major

I have not been paying attention to the impeachment hearings. I just dont really pay attention to politics and dont really follow anyone on social media that talks about politics. I dont know much about it and also just dont really know if [impeachment] is possible or not. I feel like they probably wont impeach since the election is already coming up next year.

Ali Mohamed, junior education major

Ali Mohamed, junior education major

Ive seen clips here and there, but I havent been really paying attention. [Impeachment] is probably not going to happen. Its been going on for a while, and I feel like theyre dragging it on. By that time, hes probably going to be out of the office.

news@dailynebraskan.com

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UNL students give their thoughts on impeachment hearings - Daily Nebraskan

Holiday depression: Causes and treatment options – WUTR/WFXV – CNYhomepage.com

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Holiday depression, or seasonal affective disorder, tends to occur when the season changes from summer to fall. For some people its their bodys response to the change in weather and lack of sunlight, thus altering their overall mood. Others are directly affected by the stress or lonliness during the holiday season.

Stress associated with trying to make, or meet all of those demands that are sometimes placed on us and those types of things. So clinical would be somethings actually affecting the biochemistry of the body and situational happens to be that situation thats going on. And then for some of us you know, snow, the weathers bad, getting out of the house isnt as easy, its probably easier to stay home. So we feel like were caged in and were kind of stuck. And that takes, and also has an impact on people. Jim Davis, Executive Director, Samaritan Counseling Center

Treatment options can vary depending on the patients goals and personal needs.

It could be a combination of individual counseling and family counseling, or individual counseling with couples depending on the needs of the people that were working with. Jim Davis, Executive Director, Samaritan Counseling Center

An important part of battling any type of depression is to stay connected with people and engage in activities. Whether its exercising, taking on a new hobby or surrounding yourself with loved ones. If you or someone you know is coping with depression, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

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Biochemist Peter Hinkle dies at 76 – Cornell Chronicle

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Peter C. Hinkle, Cornell professor emeritus of biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, died May 12 in Ithaca of pancreatic cancer. He was 76.

Widely acknowledged as a brilliant biochemist, Hinkle was an early adopter of a groundbreaking new approach to understanding the energy metabolism in cells. Though originally trained in classical biochemistry, Hinkle chose to do postdoctoral work in England with Peter Mitchell, who had postulated a new approach to how cells acquire the carbon and energy they need to grow, the chemiosmotic theory, for which Mitchell received the Nobel Prize in 1978.

The chemiosmotic mechanism postulated by Mitchell was not easily understood by those trained in classical biochemistry, but Peter Hinkle did understand and brought those ideas to Cornell where they took root, said Joseph Calvo, professor emeritus of molecular biology and genetics.

Hinkle received a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Harvard University in 1962 and a doctorate from New York University in 1967. His work with Mitchell at Glynn Research was supported by a National Institutes of Health fellowship. His scientific promise was also recognized early by a 1971 NIH Career Development Award.

After his work at Glynn, Hinkle came to Cornell as a postdoctoral fellow in 1969. He became an assistant professor in 1973, part of a cohort of new faculty hired to strengthen biology across the campus.

Peter was a valued member of our department for 44 years, said William Brown, professor and chair of the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics in the College of Arts and Sciences. He was at the forefront of elucidating how cells make ATP, the energy currency of life on this planet.

Hinkle and others, including Efraim Racker, Andre Jagendorf and Richard McCarty, provided convincing experimental evidence for the chemiosmotic theory.

Peter Hinkle made a number of very important contributions to the required paradigm shift, said Calvo. He was an exacting experimentalist who had a highly developed understanding of laboratory conditions that avoided artifacts. He was asked to review many research papers and invited to meetings throughout the developed world.

One of Hinkles most important contributions was to frame the chemiosmotic theory in a way that could be understood by the greater scientific community. He published, with McCarty, a seminal article in Scientific American that included state-of-the-art drawings of ATP synthesis in plant and animal cells, emphasizing the basic similarities in the two cases. Hinkles wife, Maija, played a major role in developing the drawings. Some version of those drawings is in every biochemistry text sold today, said Calvo.

Peter and his colleagues also made very important contributions toward the understanding of how molecules cross biological membranes, said McCarty, the W.D. Gill Professor Emeritus of Biology at John Hopkins University. His lab was the first to show that the membranes of animal cells contain an embedded protein that mediates the transport of glucose across the membranes.

Hinkle became a full professor at Cornell in 1983 and served as chair of what was then known as the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology from 1985 to 1988. He taught, said Brown, legions of students in his graduate courses in bioenergetics and undergraduate courses in biochemistry, as well as his course Ethical Issues and Professional Responsibilities. In 2003, he and senior lecturer Jim Blankenship received a Faculty Innovation in Teaching grant to add web-based activities that incorporated 3-D visualization of proteins as well as interactive animations to the auto-tutorial course, Biochemistry 330.

During 1988-89 Hinkle served as distinguished visiting scientist at the Roche Institute of Molecular Biology in New Jersey. He served on numerous editorial boards, most recently for the Journal of Bioenergetics and Biomembranes.

After his retirement in 2014, Hinkle pursued interests including electronic music; he incorporated bird songs into his compositions.

Hinkle is survived by his widow, three sons, four granddaughters and two brothers.

A celebration of Hinkles life will take place Saturday, May 20, at 11 a.m. in the Founders Room in Anabel Taylor Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology or to the Norwood and Cornelia Scholarship Fund at The Putney School.

Linda B. Glaser is a staff writer for the College of Arts and Sciences.

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Biochemist Peter Hinkle dies at 76 - Cornell Chronicle

Biochemistry (B.S.) | Degree Programs | Clemson University …

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One of the first courses biochemistry majors are required to take is designed to introduce you to careers, professional organizations, ethical issues and the requirements for advanced studies. In the first two years, youll take various courses in the sciences such as general, organic, quantitative and physical chemistry as well as physics and biology. Each of these courses builds a foundation for you to be successful in the upper-level course work in biochemistry, metabolism, cell biology and bioinformatics. Additionally, you can tailor your degree to your specific career goals as you choose your upper-level science classes. Pick from approved science requirements such as human anatomy and physiology, plant pathology, genetics, microbiology, pathogenic bacteriology and immunology.

Because biochemistry spills over into pharmacology, physiology, microbiology and clinical chemistry, a bachelors degree in biochemistry can offer a direct path to a career in government or industry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Institutes of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency are just a few of the government agencies that employ biochemists specializing in basic research. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries employ biochemists in research as well as in areas outside the lab such as marketing, management, science information, technical writing and editing. This degree is also a great foundation for professional programs such as medical, dental, veterinary and even law.

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Biochemistry (B.S.) | Degree Programs | Clemson University ...

Vacancies at AIIMS, Jodhpur for 48 Junior Resident and Tutor/Demonstrator (Biochemistry) Posts – Jagran Josh

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All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur Jobs Notification: All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur invited applications for the post of Junior Resident (Clinical) and Tutor/Demonstrator (Biochemistry) Posts. The eligible candidates can apply to the post through the prescribed format and walk in interview on 28 March 2017.

Junior Resident (Clinical) candidates must possess MBBS from the MCI recognized Institute. The Candidate must have compulsory rotatory internship and must produce internship completion certificate

Tutor/Demonstrator (Biochemistry) candidates must possess MBBS from the MCI recognized Institute or M.Sc. in Biochemistry. The Candidate must have compulsory rotatory internship and must produce internship completion certificate for MBBS Candidates

Eligible candidates can apply to the post through the prescribed format and walk in interview on 28 March 2017at 10:00am at Medical College of AIIMS, Jodhpur (Rajasthan).

Official Notification

Vacancy Summary

Notification details

Notification No. :Admn/Estt/01/JR/2017-AIIMS.JDH

Important Date:

Walk in interview - 28 March 2017 at 10:00

Age Limit Junior Resident (Clinical) and Tutor/Demonstrator (Biochemistry) Posts- 30 Years

Selection Procedure forJunior Resident (Clinical) and Tutor/Demonstrator (Biochemistry) PostsJob

The selection will be on the basis of the interview. The list of selected candidates will be uploaded on website. Candidates are advised to check the Institute website regularly for information

Application Fees for Junior Resident (Clinical) and Tutor/Demonstrator (Biochemistry) Posts

Gen & OBC : Rs.1000/-

SC/ST: NIL

Women Candidates: NIL

Official Website

http://www.aiimsjodhpur.edu.in

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Vacancies at AIIMS, Jodhpur for 48 Junior Resident and Tutor/Demonstrator (Biochemistry) Posts - Jagran Josh

Seniors Present Science Theses – Middlebury Campus (subscription)

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Julie Merchant 17 presents on the role of vesicle pH in neurotransmitter transport.

Julie Merchant 17 presents on the role of vesicle pH in neurotransmitter transport.

Sabina Haque, Contributing Writer May 10, 2017 Filed under Arts & Sciences

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As the 201617 academic year slowly draws to a close, McCardell Bicentennial Hall remains abuzz with activity, as senior thesis presentations are in full swing. Many soon-to-be graduates of the biology, neuroscience, chemistry & biochemistry, molecular biology & biochemistry and conservation biology departments have spent the greater part of the past year in the lab or the field, working diligently to produce independent research with various professors at the College.

While the chemistry & biochemistry department indulges its devoted students in three to four hour-long sessions on Friday afternoons (an extravaganza more fulfilling than binge-watching The Office), the biology-focused departments prefer to sprinkle their presentations across the lunch hour throughout the past week. For this issue, three particular student presentations are featured: Eric Stanton, Julie Merchant and Laura Bashor.

Eric Stanton 17, a biochemistry major working in Professor Jeff Byerss lab, presented his work entitled Synthesis of a Chromium Complexed Poly-(p-phenylene ethynylene) Polymer as a Potential Molecular Wire on Friday, May 5. Using the organic synthesis techniques characteristic of the Byers lab, he described the steps taken that enabled him to construct a complexed p-phenylene ethnylene (PPE) polymer starting from dichlorobenzene.

Stanton then moved into the results of his work. When he assayed the stability of his synthetic polymer with NMR, a common chemical laboratory technique, he was surprised to see that his complex was not as stable as expected. Stanton then performed fluorescent quenching, which involves exposing polymers to UV light and measuring the excited state charge transfer. While Stantons polymer did not display the stability that he had hoped, he found that fluorescent quenching provided a better model to understand this complex.

On Monday, May 8, Julie Merchant 17 and Laura Bashor 17 both presented during the lunch hour, representing the biology department. After a jovial and entertaining introduction from her advisor Professor Glen Ernstrom, Merchant kicked off the session with her dynamic presentation of Optogenetic acidification of synaptic vesicles in C. elegans. She explored how neurons communicate, which led naturally into a brief but thorough review of neurotransmission and a helpful analogy connecting neuronal communication to a water balloon fight.

Merchants research focuses on understanding the importance of vesicle pH in regulating the transport of neurotransmitters into synaptic vesicles. When these synaptic vesicles are only partially filled, they are less likely to fuse with target cells into which the neurotransmitters are meant to be delivered. This results in pronounced behavioral defects such as deficits in motor coordinates and balance.

Her hypothesis was that the acidification provides a molecular checkpoint that instructs vesicles to fuse properly. Through a variety of experiments, she was able to demonstrate that a proton pump-deficient C. elegans mutant has diminished vesicle fusion. Merchant was also able to restore an acidification-related defect in said C. elegans mutant by expressing a protein on the vesicle surface that acidifies the vesicle in response to light stimulus.

In a brief introduction, Allen mentioned that Bashor would soon be presenting her work to the Ecological Society of America. Bashors thesis project, Lyme disease and elevation: a dynamic ecological relationship, focused on work she had been pursuing in Professor David Allens laboratory since the summer. She opened with an array of statistics depicting the stark increase of Lyme disease cases in the United States, and particularly Vermont. In an effort to untangle the ecology of Lyme disease, Bashor addressed the fact that although the black legged tick is the most infamous of Lyme disease carriers, other small mammals could actually be implicated as the biggest contributors to human infection.

At the heart of Bashors work was the connection between elevation and Lyme disease risk, as the life cycles of the black legged tick and various small mammals are in turn determined by such environmental factors. Along an elevational gradient, Bashor collected ticks, the white footed mouse and deer mouse and tried to identify elevations effect on the distribution of Lyme disease infection rates. She found in her samples that, although the white-footed mouse is thought of as a more common vector for Lyme disease, the deer mouse actually was infected with Lyme disease at a much higher rate. In addition, she observed differences in the activity and densities of the black legged tick along an elevational gradient, implicating that the ecology of Lyme disease is tied inherently to elevation.

While these three presentations represent only a small subset of the talks that have been given over the past few weeks, they provide a brief glance at the diligent work that happens behind closed lab doors.

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Global Biochemistry Analyzers Market is Estimated to be Valued at US$ 4625.3 Million by 2024 – MilTech

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The clinical use of biochemistry analyzers in measurement solutions such as latex agglutination, ion-selective potentiometry, and colorimetric & photometric testing. In addition to this, accuracy of biochemistry analyzers in analyzing blood and urine samples has benefited pathology labs and diagnostic centers across the globe. Persistence Market Research predicts that the global demand for biochemistry analyzers will continue to soar on the grounds of such factors. A recent report published by Persistence Market Research projects that by the end of 2024, the global market for biochemistry analyzers will reach US$ 4,625.3 Mn in terms of value.

Key findings in the report cite that the use of chemistry analyzers spans from high-throughput clinical labs to point-of-care clinics, and its use for testing enzymes, electrolytes and proteins is gaining traction. The report current values the global biochemistry analyzer market at a little over US$ 3,000 Mn. During the forecast period, revenues generated through global sales of biochemistry analyzers are, thus, expected to soar at a steady CAGR of 5.5%.

Key Research Insights from the Report include:

Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Siemens AG, Beckman Coulter Inc., Abbott Diagnostics Inc., Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd., Hologic, Inc., Randox Laboratories, Ltd., Awareness Technology, Inc., Transasia Biomedicals Ltd., and Nova Biomedical Corp. are profiled in the report as key players of global biochemistry analyzer market.

A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @ http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/6451

The report further reveals that fully-automated biochemistry analyzers will remain in great demand in the years to come. In 2017 and beyond, more than 85% of global biochemistry analyzer revenues will be accounted by sales of fully-automated biochemistry analyzers. Moreover, clinical diagnostics will also remain the largest application of biochemistry analyzers throughout the forecast period. Revenues accounted by global sales of biochemistry analyzers in clinical diagnostics are anticipated to register speedy growth at 5.7% CAGR. The report further identifies diagnostic centers as largest end-users of biochemistry analyzers in the world. On the other hand, rising number of point-of-care diagnostic labs instated in hospitals will render a key end-user of biochemistry analyzers. Together, hospitals and diagnostics centers will be responsible for procure over two-third of global biochemistry analyzers revenues through 2024.

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The use of biochemistry analyzers in drug development applications is also expected to gain traction in the future. Based on modality, the report forecasts that in 2016, more than 70% of the market value was accounted by bench-top biochemistry analyzers. However, towards the end of the forecast period, the demand for bench-top modality will incur a marginal decline, while floor standing biochemistry analyzers will bring in over US$ 1,200 Mn revenues.

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Global Biochemistry Analyzers Market is Estimated to be Valued at US$ 4625.3 Million by 2024 - MilTech

Historically Speaking: Fred Snyder Blood lipid mediators and cancer research at ORAU – Oak Ridger

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As often happens when the weekly Historically Speaking is published, my phone begins to ring with people who have ideas for additional stories based on the one just released. Such was the case with Dr. Fred Snyder. His call was to suggest another scientific program at Oak Ridge Associated Universities. It was a large basic lipid research program running from 1958 to 1995.

As often happens when the weekly Historically Speaking is published, my phone begins to ring with people who have ideas for additional stories based on the one just released. Such was the case with Dr. Fred Snyder. His call was to suggest another scientific program at Oak Ridge Associated Universities. It was a large basic lipid research program running from 1958 to 1995.

My first call was to Pam Bonee of ORAU to see what information was available on such a program. She provided several press releases and other information about the program Fred had called me about.

An interesting aspect of this research is that it is not a mainstream type of research activity one would expect to find at a Department of Energy facility. Yet, the early years of such programs encouraged by the Atomic Energy Commission and later DOE in medical related research was important to basic scientific discovery and excelled in bringing new technology to bear on serious and difficult problems.

First, lets get to know Fred Snyder before he came to ORAU. He was born in New Ulm, Minn., an 1854 settlement of German immigrants. The name, New Ulm, was selected because many of the original settlers were from the Province of Wurttemberg, Germany, of which Ulm is the principal city.

How Fred got his name is a bit unusual. His uncle, also named Fred, bribed Freds parents by offering to buy them a baby crib if they named their baby after him so Fred Leonard Snyder was born.

Fred grew up in Wabasso, Minn., about an hour from New Ulm. Wabasso was a small community of some 600 people, so Freds high school graduation class had 31 students.

After graduation, Fred attended St. Cloud State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. During his senior year, a course in physiological chemistry fascinated him and persuaded him to look into graduate programs in this field.

This led him to the University of North Dakota. A discussion with Dr. W.E. Cornatzer, a professor and head of a newly formed Department of Biochemistry at the Medical School of the University of North Dakota had increased his interest in biochemistry.

Fred obtained a Master of Science degree in Biochemistry and decided to pursue the Ph.D. in Biochemistry. He already had a keen interest in lipids because that was the primary research interest of Dr. Cornatzer, who was having a significant influence on Fred at the time and continued to mentor him.

Fred focused on a singular primary path throughout his education and career lipids. Yet, he has had a broad scientific impact and has served to help many others progress in their careers.

Fred was awarded a Pre-Doctoral Fellowship from the National Heart Institute, which would have allowed him to study at the school of his choice. For several reasons, including family considerations and Dr. Cornatzers new program there, he chose to continue his studies at the University of North Dakota. This university has awarded him two additional honorary degrees over the years.

With a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of North Dakota,in 1958, right out of school and ready for his very first real job, Freds professor advisor, Dr. Cornatzer, knew Dr. Granvil Kyker who worked at ORAU and made the connection for him.

Dr. Kyker was busy doing work on rare earth metals associated with uranium. One of the results of injecting these metals into rats was that they developed fatty livers. He was looking for a Ph.D biochemist trained in the area of lipid metabolism to help understand why this was happening.

Lipids are a fatty substance in the blood that are involved in many body processes and were thought to possibly be a key to furthering this research on fatty livers. It was a perfect fit for Fred. He proudly tells about his excitement with his job at ORAU over the years and with equal pride will tell you that he worked for ORAU his entire career.

Upon his arrival at ORAUs Medical Division, Fred was impressed with the freedom he was given regarding his continuing lipid-related research. He said, This one and only job for me was like a hobby since I was able to seek funding from the National Institutes of Health and the American Cancer Society and hire the doctoral and graduate students to help successfully accomplish the goals we developed for our research pursuits.

Additionally, he was asked to serve as an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina and the University of Tennessee. This also provided the opportunity to bring graduate students to ORAU, seven of whom earned their Ph.D.s while working there. There were also 23 postdoctoral fellows who worked for Fred for one to two years coming from coming from France, Egypt, Netherlands, Japan, China, New Zealand, Poland and the United States.

Grants from the American Cancer Society and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute were typical of funding sources. The biochemistry program received approximately $29 million in grants and DOE funding over the years. Fred has the distinction of holding the longest running American Cancer Society grant at the time of his retirement.

From 1988 to retirement in 1995, Fred was an ORAU Corporate Distinguished Scientist. He served on 15 editorial boards ranging from cancer research to biochemistry and biophysics. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of North Dakota in 1983.

During those 37 years at ORAU, he and his staff created an internationally known biochemistry program that made several significant contributions in cancer research. One of the more significant ones was the discovery of the platelet-activating factor (PAF) a mediator involved in allergies and blood pressure control.

An ORAU press release stated, PAF plays a major role in inflammation, and various physiological areas such as reproduction and blood pressure control. At the time, certain drug manufacturers carried out research to test synthetic compounds for anti-inflammatory and tumor-reducing capabilities based on the structure and function of PAF.

The release continued, In the late 1960s, the discovery that ether lipids (fatty substances) are more common in cancer cells also marked a significant accomplishment of Snyder and his co-workers. They then learned how cells make these lipids, which provided important information used my numerous other groups in investigating the role of lipids and membranes in cancer.

The highly successful biochemistry program also resulted in annual international conferences being held. One of them was held in Gatlinburg, because of the prestige of the ORAU program and another was held in honor of Freds 60th birthday. The conference was titled, The Fred Snyder Conference on Structure Function, & Dynamics of Lipids.

Fred was world renowned for his expertise and was often chosen to speak at other international conferences allowing him to travel extensively to many parts of the world. The speaking engagement were so many that he says one such series of conference appointments enabled him to literally travel around the world.

During his distinguished career, he published more than 350 journal articles, served as editor on four books and presented many invited lectures at both national and international conferences.

Fred retired, after 37 years, in 1995 as vice chairman of the Medical Sciences Division of the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, as well as the director of the divisions Biochemistry Program. He was one of two ORAU Corporate Distinguished Scientists during his career. The other one was Alvin Weinberg.

There you have yet another example of an interesting and unique career in Oak Ridge. Fred reminded us of the many and varied opportunities that can come with the type of careers available here in Oak Ridge.

His travels to medical meetings and conferences all over the world, the people with whom he interacted, many of whom he continues to remain in touch through email even today, and the other workers who gained experience because of the biochemistry program at ORAU, all resulted because of one mans interest in a specialized career field of biochemistry. And dont forget the encouragement Fred received from his mentor, Dr. W.E. Cornatzer.

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Historically Speaking: Fred Snyder Blood lipid mediators and cancer research at ORAU - Oak Ridger

Research spotlights early signs of disease using infrared light: New research – Science Daily

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Research spotlights early signs of disease using infrared light: New research
Science Daily
Produced from the cell membranes of mammals, microvesicles play a role in cell communication and carry a "cargo" of RNA, DNA, proteins, lipids and other biomolecules that they use to dramatically change the biochemistry of other cells. Microvesicles ...

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Research spotlights early signs of disease using infrared light: New research - Science Daily

New Jersey Health Foundation grants advance research – Rowan Today

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Ghulam Rasool envisions an improved bionic arm and hand that is more functional and affordable than those already on the market.

Now, Rasools evolving research is getting a boost.

Rasool, an assistant professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is one of seven Rowan faculty members who recently received funding from the New Jersey Health Foundation for health-related research. Nearly 23 percent of the foundations latest grants were awarded to Rowan faculty.

The Princeton-based nonprofit supports faculty and student researchers at New Jersey-based organizations with financial resources. The grants help researchers move their projects out of the lab and into the real world, said Beena Sukumaran, vice president for research at Rowan.

Theyre taking their research and applying it to real life, she said.

Rasools project would create a prosthetic limb that combines neuroscience with practicality.

The user would be able to control the wrist joint and finger of the hand by just thinking about what theyre trying to do, Rasool said. The idea is that when someone gets an amputation, the limb may be lost. However, the neurons that connect the brain to the limb may still be there.

What we can do is tap into those neurons and get access to the electrical signals coming from the brain to muscles. We can use these electrical signals and learn about the movement the person was trying to perform or was just thinking about.

This is the second consecutive year Rasool has received a $35,000 grant from the foundation for his research.

In the first year of Rasools project, known as EnaBLe (for enhanced bionic limb), he and his student researchers built prototypes of the bionic arm. This year, they hope to discover how the bionic arm can mimic human movements in the non-amputee population. In 2021, Rasool and the students will begin working with forearm amputees to test the device.

Grant funding is vital, Rasool said.

Working with students, their stipends, equipment and lab space, all of these things require continued financial support, Rasool said.

Without these grants, awards and financial support for research, Rasool added, we wouldnt be able to make progress.

In addition to Rasool, the following faculty received grants from the foundation:

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New Jersey Health Foundation grants advance research - Rowan Today

Automated Biochemistry Analyzers Market Top key Players, Size, Share, Demand, Opportunities And Forecasts To 2025 – Surfacing Magazine

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A new research study has been presented by UpMarketResearch.com offering a comprehensive analysis on the Global Automated Biochemistry Analyzers Market where user can benefit from the complete market research report with all the required useful information about this market. This is a latest report, covering the current COVID-19 impact on the market. The pandemic of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected every aspect of life globally. This has brought along several changes in market conditions. The rapidly changing market scenario and initial and future assessment of the impact is covered in the report. The report discusses all major market aspects with expert opinion on current market status along with historic data. This market report is a detailed study on the growth, investment opportunities, market statistics, growing competition analysis, major key players, industry facts, important figures, sales, prices, revenues, gross margins, market shares, business strategies, top regions, demand, and developments.

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By Types:Stationary Biochemistry AnalyzersPortable Biochemistry Analyzers

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The report offers an in-depth assessment of the growth and other aspects of the market in key countries including the US, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, the UK, Russia, Italy, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia. The competitive landscape chapter of the global market report provides key information about market players such as company overview, total revenue (financials), market potential, global presence, Automated Biochemistry Analyzers sales and revenue generated, market share, prices, production sites and facilities, products offered, and strategies adopted. This study provides Automated Biochemistry Analyzers sales, revenue, and market share for each player covered in this report for a period between 2016 and 2020.

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Table of Contents1. Executive Summary2. Assumptions and Acronyms Used3. Research Methodology4. Market Overview5. Global Market Analysis and Forecast, by Types6. Global Market Analysis and Forecast, by Applications7. Global Market Analysis and Forecast, by Regions8. North America Market Analysis and Forecast9. Latin America Market Analysis and Forecast10. Europe Market Analysis and Forecast11. Asia Pacific Market Analysis and Forecast12. Middle East & Africa Market Analysis and Forecast13. Competition Landscape

About UpMarketResearch:Up Market Research (https://www.upmarketresearch.com) is a leading distributor of market research report with more than 800+ global clients. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well-defined we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.

Contact Info UpMarketResearchName Alex MathewsEmail Alex@UpMarketResearch.comOrganization UpMarketResearchAddress 500 East E Street, Ontario, CA 91764, United States.

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Automated Biochemistry Analyzers Market Top key Players, Size, Share, Demand, Opportunities And Forecasts To 2025 - Surfacing Magazine

Robert O’Mara Ryan returns to University as new department chair – Nevada Today

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The College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources is pleased to announce the hiring of Robert O'Mara Ryan as new University of Nevada, Reno Chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

"After a national search, which generated a large number of highly qualified candidates for the chair position, Dr. Ryan emerged as the top candidate," Chris Pritsos, director of the Nevada Agricultural Experimental Station and one of the lead recruiters for CABNR, said. "His energy and expertise in the area of human health will be a strong influence on the department and will strengthen its expertise in the area of human health and disease."

Ryan comes to the University after serving 16 years as senior scientist at the Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute. He has also spent the past 12 years as adjunct professor in the Department of Nutritional Science and Toxicology at the University of California, Berkeley.

"Dr. Ryan is a very strong teacher and researcher," David Shintani, CABNR associate dean for academic programs and associate professor, said. "Because of his diverse research background (ranging from insect to human biochemistry), he will understand and appreciate the current research emphases of the department and be able to lead targeted hires and address programmatic deficiencies."

After obtaining his bachelor's degree from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1977 he continued his education here, earning his doctorate in biochemistry in 1982. Ryan went on to become a professor and research assistant with the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Arizona from 1983 to 1988. He then accepted a position as an assistant professor, and eventually director, of the Department of Biochemistry and Lipid and Lipoprotein Research Group at the University of Alberta, Canada, from 1988 to 2000.

His other accomplishments include numerous scientific publications, honors and awards in areas such as biochemistry and lipoprotein research, and service work with committees in relation to his professional work and achievements.

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Robert O'Mara Ryan returns to University as new department chair - Nevada Today

Med Students Get Real: Everything Premeds Need to Know – Thrive Global

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The premed life is notoriously hard. Anecdotal tales about the difficulty of weed out classes like organic chemistry inextricably intertwine with research reports about significantly higher prevalence and severity of emotional exhaustion and depression in premed students compared to their non-premed counterparts.

I can discern this culture of intense pressure, severe burnout, and extreme fatigue as a premed student myself. Having said that, I have noticed that there is one very powerful force when it comes to fostering a wellness-based culture among premed students: mentorship from premed upperclassmen or current medical students.

Research illustrates the helpfulness of near-peer mentoring in medical schools, indicating improvements in communication skills, profession development, and even personal development for both mentees and mentors. One Swedish study found 81% of medical students in a 2-year mentorship program felt they received emotional support from their mentors, 91% felt they received perspective from their mentors, and 87% felt they received guidance.

Mentorship programs clearly help. Unfortunately, though, premed programs at undergraduate institution do not place the same emphasis on formal mentorship programs as medical schools. Thats why I asked a bunch of med students to tell me everything premeds ought to know.

One thing I highly recommend premeds to do in undergrad is to pursue interests outside of science and medicine, whether that be through extracurricular experiences or classes. The medical school curriculum is already chock full of a lot of biology/biochemistry/physics-heavy topics, which makes undergrad a great time to explore topics that are not explicitly covered during those four years. Its a great opportunity to learn more about the world and yourself, as well as develop into a more well-rounded individual who can capably function and interact both inside and outside of a medical context. Ultimately, we are all entering this profession for the betterment of humanity and being able to develop and preserve our own humanity is just as important.

-Julian Mak, MS1 Albany Medical College

The biggest difference between medical school and college is mainly the volume of work, not necessarily the difficulty of material. I found that I was much more successful once I figured out the best way to digest the material in chunks rather than getting overwhelmed by how much there was. Its helpful to set both daily and weekly goals for what you want to get done and also scheduling into your day normal life things like laundry, groceries, and cooking.

-Allie Mignucci, MS1 Albany Medical College

Everyone digests information differently so figure out what works best for you in terms of learning new material whether its listening to a lecture, reading a textbook, making an outline, or a little bit of everything. Medical school is fast paced so making sure you know how to study effectively and efficiently is key.

-Talitha Kumaresan, MS1 Albany Medical College

It doesnt necessarily have to be medically related but make sure you learn the basics of conducting scientific research (question, hypothesis, study design, analysis, presentation, etc.

-Talitha Kumaresan, MS1 Albany Medical College

I would also encourage students to take the time to learn more about different populations, whether they vary socioeconomically, culturally, racially, etc. Understanding the history of how disparities among different groups of people have developed over time into the present day can shed a great understanding about how we as future medical professionals can most effectively understand, empathize, and interface with patients of all different belief and value systems. At times, it can feel like medical school is a sort of bubble where we are shielded from what is going on in the world around us. However, it is important to always remember that the patient should be a medical professionals highest priority, and spending some time to learn more about these individuals and look at them as people with a story can go a long way in enriching the way in which we care for them.

-Julian Mak, MS1 Albany Medical College

The main thing I wish I knew as premed student working tirelessly to get into medical school is that your wellness, maturity, and individuality is equally as important as all of the accolades you can stack through academia. I realized going through medical school that all of my classmates are vastly different people with various experiences and that the key to us being such a cohesive class was our desire for work-life balance. Dont ever forget to be a person and enjoy time with friends and family. If it was between that extra hour studying for an exam that you have spent already too much time on versus catching up with friends over dinner or drinks, realize that the latter will keep you sane and personable. As for maturity and individuality, just realize that the student body that makes up any medical school is not often the 22-year-old superstar that was 4.0 and top of their class. Many of the students, including myself, are individuals who took time off to gain experience in life on top of strengthening our applications. I worked at Starbucks for half a year and I can tell you that I have talked to more physicians during my residency interviews about my time there compared to all of my research and medical experience combined. Not everyone needs to work a service job, but there a lessons learned in the workforce that are invaluable for every type of a job including that of a physician. Not everyone has the same track to get to medical school, but if you want it bad enough and are willing to be honest with yourself, no matter how many years you may need, you can get there.

-Mario Jaramillo, MS4 Albany Medical College

Med school can be confusing, so make sure you have some healthy self care habits. I try to take an hour a day for myself whether I exercise, read, cook or watch tv. Developing those habits and taking care of your mental health will keep you sane and happy in med school.

-Talitha Kumaresan, MS1 Albany Medical College

Take time to relax and have fun however way you do that with the time you have during undergrad. The workload in medical school definitely ramps up with the combination of classes, dissections, research, and other commitments. Burnout is already a huge problem in the medical profession, and that issue doesnt need to trickle down even further if we can manage it. Sometimes it may be tempting to look towards the next step (as I did with medical school in my senior year), but remember that the process of training to become a physician is a many years-long marathon, and the last thing you want to do in a marathon is to expend all your energy in the first portion of the race. Preserve and maintain your physical and mental health.

-Julian Mak, MS1 Albany Medical College

Dont be so focused on medical school that you forget to enjoy college and all the experiences you can have. Get involved as much as you can, make friends, enjoy your free time.

-Talitha Kumaresan, MS1 Albany Medical College

Youre a premed. Dont worry, thats not all you have to be. This is a tough field and its a tough journey to get into medical school. But that doesnt mean life needs to be on hold while you reach that next milestone in your career. While you make your way there, life will keep happening. Dont ask it to stop for you. Soon youll be in medical school and youll continue to make yourself empty promises of getting back to life before and after each of the many challenges that you will face throughout your career. So be premed, but dont let that stop you from being an artist, musician, dancer, or movie buff. Dont let it stop you from being a daughter, sister, or friend. Dont let it stop you from living life. Medicine is a part of your lifedont isolate it from the rest of what makes you you.

-Vinita Kusupati, MS4 Albany Medical College

In the difficulty of premed courses, its easy to question if this path is worth it or if the countless hours of studying organic chemistry will even matter when you actually take care of your patients. But in those moments, remind yourself of the future patients you are doing this for because they will give you the strength to persevere and keep going.

-Brian Lee, MS1 Albany Medical College

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Med Students Get Real: Everything Premeds Need to Know - Thrive Global

Science Talk – Tell me more about telomeres: how ‘basic’ science can help us treat cancer – The Institute of Cancer Research

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Image: Chromosomes and their telomeres (visualised in red). Credit: Thomas Ried, NCI Center for Cancer Research

You might not have heard of telomeres but theyre incredibly important they are the caps that protect the end of chromosomes. They work like the plastic tips that stop your shoelaces from fraying.

All cancers alter telomeres in order to survive, so by doing basic research to try to understand how telomere replication and processing works, Max and his team hope to identify possible new ways to target and treat cancer.

Having joined the Division of Cancer Biology in October 2019, Dr Max Douglasis now one of the newest Team Leaders at the ICR. I met him at our Chester Beatty Laboratories in Chelsea, where he told me more about his work.

Max studied for his PhD in biochemistry and cell biology at the University of Cambridge. He then joined Dr John Diffleys team in Londons Clare Hall Laboratories which later became part of the Francis Crick Institute where he focused on studying the early stages of DNA replication.

At the Crick, he helped establish in detail how a protein complex called the CMG replicative helicase that helps unwind DNA during replication, is assembled and activated.

Now at the ICR, Max leads his own research team studying DNA replication but in the context of telomeres and cancer.

My main project is to rebuild telomeres in the lab and then unpick how they work how they are replicated and how they are processed. This knowledge is generally useful, but we will focus on studying it in the context of cancer, explained Max.

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When a cell becomes cancerous, it divides more often and every time it divides, its telomeres become shorter and shorter. Once there is no telomere left, the DNA unravels, like a shoelace fraying, and the cell dies. This eventually happens in most healthy cells telomeres shorten over time until cell division is no longer possible, leading to cell death.

While this loss of telomere protection can cause cancer cells and healthy cells to die, it can also lead to a state of genome instability that helps cancer survive and spread.

We also know that cancer cells can escape death by making telomerase, an enzyme that prevents telomeres from getting short. Certain cells in our body, such as stem cells, are able to divide over and over again thanks to telomerase. Cancer cells take advantage of this enzyme and hijack it to maintain telomere length which enables them to continue to divide and spread.

In other words, telomeres seem to play a role in the death of cancer cells but theyre also crucial for their survival. However, the molecular steps that guide telomere replication and processing remain poorly understood.

By using genetics and replicating cellular processes in a test tube, through a technique known as reconstitution biochemistry, Max and his team hope to better understand how telomeres are processed, and how they are inherited from one generation of cells to the next.

If Max and his team can dissect how telomeres work and clarify their link to cancer, maybe well figure out new ways to treat it.

His research might seem quite distant from the clinic, but Max knows he belongs at the ICR, which has an exemplary track record in making discoveries that ultimately benefit people with cancer.

I really value the ICRs commitment to doing basic, laboratory science. Good basic science is necessary to understand cancer, and the ICR values that. Here, I can figure out how to use my findings to benefit people, and that, in turn, will also hugely benefit my work, Max said.

I feel very lucky to work at an institution with a mission, being able to do what I love while getting opportunities to make discoveries that could help people.

As a new Team Leader, Max is currently the only member of his team but a higher scientific officer will be joining this month, as well as a post-doctoral training fellow, who will be joining in March. They will also start recruiting for a PhD student. As he told me, he cant wait for the new team members to join him in January.

Im excited to supervise other people for the first time. I want to build a strong team and a good environment for them to thrive in.

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Science Talk - Tell me more about telomeres: how 'basic' science can help us treat cancer - The Institute of Cancer Research

University of Oregon research project could lead to a better cup of coffee – ABC17News.com

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EUGENE, OR (KPTV) A research project at the University of Oregon could lead to a better cup of coffee.

Scientists researched why coffee made at home often tastes different from coffee bought at cafes and examined why coffee from the same place can taste different each visit.

To make espresso, hot water is forced through ground coffee. The barista is in charge of determining how much water and what size grinds to use. After taking a look at all different kinds of variations of amounts of water and fineness of grinds, scientists found that making a delicious, consistent cup of coffee requires less water and coarser grinds.

The research team included mathematicians, chemists, scientists, and baristas. They even used a Eugene caf to help test experiments.

Its not just about creating good flavor but also the bottom line for coffee companies. Researchers claim baristas could reduce their coffee waste by up to 25 percent per espresso shot. In the U.S. market alone, they estimate that more than a billion dollars could be saved.

Either people are going to try this reproducible protocol that we presented or they are not, but if theyre not, at least weve explained to them why there might be variation between two shots of espresso that are seemingly identical, Christopher Hendon with the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said. We want to give the barista a road map to be able to present the flavors in the coffee that they want to present to the audience.

A lot of coffee lovers and caf owners are split on the study, with many people wondering who is deciding what tastes great. The next step, according to researchers, is to possibly figure out a way to use artificial intelligence or possibly a new kind of machine that will be impartial to tell them what tastes great.

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University of Oregon research project could lead to a better cup of coffee - ABC17News.com

Op-ed: Reconciling mental health and faith how the Muslim chaplaincy on campus has helped me get better – Varsity

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Several months ago, I stood in the Emmanuel College basement waiting for my 3:15 pm appointment. I watched patiently for the doors of the Muslim chaplaincy office to open for my scheduled 45-minute counselling session, my second one this month. I had visited the chaplaincy before and I was pretty sure Ustadh Amjad Tarsin the Muslim Chaplain at the time was tired of seeing me and dealing with my tantrums.

However, as soon as the clock struck 15 minutes past the hour, Amjad familiar face, graced with the same bright smile as always, popped out from behind the door and called for me to come in.

I immediately felt safer than I had just minutes ago when I was standing alone with my thoughts.

My second year had been rough, just like it is for every other life sciences kid who takes HMB265 Human Biology and BCH210 Biochemistry at the same time. But, this year, the feeling of inadequacy was particularly inescapable. Circumstances in my personal life, coupled with the crippling pressure of surviving the academic year, were taking a toll on me like never before.

It felt like there was no foreseeable light at the end of my tunnel and, for the first time in my life, I began questioning the value of my very existence.

Gone were the days when my biggest worry was finding the right hijab to match my outfit for the day. Now, I found myself lying in bed every night thinking about what would happen if I didnt wake up the next morning. It was an emotional shift I wasnt ready to acknowledge and, in an effort to minimize the amount of space I was taking up, I began to shut myself out from the people that really cared about me. I was rapidly losing touch with my friends, family, and, most importantly, my faith.

My mental health also began impacting my involvement in the Muslim Students Association (MSA), which was and still is arguably the biggest part of my life besides academics. I have been an active member, volunteer, and director for the past year and a half, but my relationship with the community had become strained as I have moved further away from a place of mental and spiritual stability. I wasnt allowing myself to be vulnerable to anyone or anything, and that included my faith.

I contacted the Muslim chaplaincy as a last-ditch effort to pull myself out of the emotional black hole that was my life. I scheduled my first ever counselling session with Amjad, who I had only met once or twice before at a few MSA events.

I had no idea what I was getting myself into, and at one point I regretted not going to the Health & Wellness Centre just like everyone else. Little did I know that the chaplaincy would soon become integral to my mental health and religious life on campus.

After countless meetings with Amjad, which usually started with me in tears and ended with me leaving a little more hopeful every time, I began to see myself turn back into the person I was before. It sounds clich, but it felt like the sun had come out after months of endless rain even though it was mid-February and the sun was actually nowhere to be seen.

Amjad and the chaplaincy had done for me what I could never have expected a regular counsellor to do, and that was taking into account my faith and religious background as factors that were conducive to my mental and spiritual health. For the first time, I felt like I was being heard and presented with solutions that I could actually use to take care of myself.

My mental health has always been deeply rooted in my faith and sense of community. I experienced some of my biggest downfalls in life when my faith was weak or when I had lost touch with those around me.

I am lucky that I get to serve my community through the work I do in the MSA, but in reality, the MSA has done a lot more for me than I have done for it.

I came across the Muslim chaplaincy through the MSA and had the opportunity to meet people like our past chaplain, Amjad, and our current chaplain, Imam Yasin Dwyer, who have both changed my life for the better.

It is essential for organizations like these to receive adequate support from the university and its constituents in order to provide their much-needed on-campus services and programming.

The MSA and Muslim chaplaincy continue to play a huge role in my life, and I am sure I speak for many when I say that they both strive to provide a safe space for students who are trying to navigate their faith and mental health in this large, secular, and often overwhelming campus.

Muntaka Ahmed is a third-year Health and Disease and Immunology student at St. Michaels College. Muntaka is the Vice-President, Finance of the Muslim Students Association.

Tags: chaplaincy, faith, Mental health, MSA, Muslim Student Association

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Op-ed: Reconciling mental health and faith how the Muslim chaplaincy on campus has helped me get better - Varsity