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PhD Interview Presentation Dos and Don’ts It is becoming increasingly common for master's and undergraduate students to present data they produced during their research as part of the PhD interview process. This may involve presenting to the potential lab, professor, or department interview panel responsible for evaluating candidates. The aim of this is to understand what basic skills and understanding the potential PhD candidate already has about the field or a scientific topic in general. For many this is a great opportunity to impress and may allow applicants to rise above competing applicants that may have the grades on paper but do not have the drive, …

Explore 29 essential tips for crafting a compelling and well-structured PhD thesis, blending effective writing practices with time management and academic rigor for a successful dissertation journey. Be sure to check out some of our other PhD/Post Doc related resources. Key Takeaways: Incorporate 29 effective strategies for efficient and impactful PhD thesis writing. Embrace practical tips like writing drafts, managing time, and utilizing technology for smoother writing. Understand the importance of regular breaks, setting goals, and seeking feedback for continuous improvement. Recognize the value of maintaining academic rigor and clarity throughout the thesis. 29 PhD …

Introduction Claudins are a family of proteins that play a critical role in the formation of tight junctions between cells. Tight junctions are the structures that seal the intercellular space between adjacent cells, preventing the free diffusion of molecules and ions. Claudins are responsible for the selective permeability of tight junctions, and they regulate the paracellular transport of ions and solutes. In addition, claudins have been implicated in various diseases, including cancer. In this article, we will discuss the different types of claudins, their role in disease, their poten …

Hepatic Function Assays Liver function assays are a suite of tests designed to assess the health and efficacy of our vital organ: The liver. This hardworking powerhouse is responsible for creating bile, eliminating toxins, and breaking down fats, carbohydrates and proteins – all necessary elements that keep us ticking! To evaluate the liver's health, there are various hepatic function assays that can be performed. These tests measure the organ's capacity to produce bile, metabolize toxins and drugs, as well as synthesize proteins and carbohydrates. By assessing these three factors of liver performance with an …

Extracellular Vesicles What are Extracellular Vesicles? Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny, spherical structures that are released by cells into the extracellular environment. They are usually composed of a lipid bilayer membrane and contain various biomolecules, such as proteins, lipids, and RNA. EVs play a critical role in intercellular communication, as they are capable of transferring functional molecules and information between cells. This allows cells to coordinate their activities, pro …

Enhancing Cancer Research: Syngeneic Mouse Models and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors A quick guide to Syngeneic Mouse Models Syngeneic Mouse Models Cancer research has seen remarkable advancements in recent years, largely due to the development of novel therapeutic approaches such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Among the various preclinical models used in cancer research, syngeneic mouse models have emerged as indispensable tools for studying the tumor microenvironment and evaluating immunotherapeutic strategies. In this article, we will delve into the significance of syngeneic mouse models in cancer research, particularly focusing on their role in the study o …

ILC2 - Function, Cytokines, and Role in Health and Disease A quick guide to IL2C Our immune system is composed of various types of cells that work together to protect us from harmful pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria. One type of immune cell that has recently gained attention is the innate lymphoid cell type 2 (ILC2). ILC2s are a type of white blood cell that play a critical role in protecting us against infections and allergies. In this article, we will explore what ILC2s …

Flow Cytometry Protocol The meaning is in the name: Flow = in motion, Cyto = cells, Metry = measure. What is Flow Cytometry? Flow cytometry measures the properties of cells while in a fluid stream. It enables single cell analysis of complex cellular systems (e.g. blood) very rapidly (100s of cells/second) it also allows you to look at various cellular properties such as size, granularity, fluorescence intensity per cell. Flow Cytometry can be used for cell counting, cell sorting, biomarker detection and protein engineering. Cell components are fluorescently labelled and then excited by the laser to emit light at varying wave …

What is Cell Synchronisation? Cell synchronisation is a process by which cells at different stages of the cell cycle in a culture are brought to the same phase. Cell synchronisation is used to study the progression of cells through the cell cycle. How are Cells Synchronised? Cells can be synchronised and separated in 2 different ways: Chemical Blockade Physical Fractionation 1. Chemical Blockade As the names suggests this method uses chemicals such as Thymidine to block metabolic reactions. This can be achieved through inhibition of DNA synthesis largely during the S-Phase of the cell cycle. Inhibitors such as thymidine, aminopterin …

Mycoprotein is an alternative source of protein that can be used in place of meat. It is made from a fungi called Fusarium venenatum, and is consumed by vegetarians and vegans as a meat substitute. It is also a good source of iron and B vitamins. Mycoprotein has a chewy texture and can be used in many different recipes. Mycoprotein can be found in many different stores and can be found in the refrigerated or frozen section. Mycoprotein is also available online. Mycoprotein can be used in many different recipes. It can be cooked and used as a meat substitute in burgers, tacos, stir-fries, and more. Mycoprotein can also be used as an ingredient in pasta dishes, soups, and salads. If …

Flow Cytometry · Cell SortingGuide to Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS)Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) is a specialised form of flow cytometry that physically isolates individual cells from a mixed sample based on their fluorescence and light-scattering properties. With sorting purities approaching 99.99%, it is one of the most powerful tools in modern cell biology, immunology and stem cell research.Explore flow cytometry antibodies →99.99%achievable sort purity1000sof cells sorted per second4+parameters measured at onceSinglecell resolutionKey TakeawaysFACS isolates individual cells with a purity approaching 99.99%.It sorts cells by size, granularity, surface markers and …

Kinases, key enzymes in cellular signaling, phosphorylate proteins to regulate crucial processes, and their modulation has significant implications in disease treatment. Key Takeaways: Kinases are enzymes that phosphorylate proteins, influencing cell processes. They are categorized into serine/threonine, tyrosine, and dual specificity kinases. Kinases are crucial in cell signaling, growth, metabolism, and homeostasis. Dysregulation of kinases is linked to diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Protein kinase inhibitors hold therapeutic potential in treating various diseases. What are Kinases? Understanding their Functions, Types and Structure Kinases are …

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) is a protein that stimulates cell growth and differentiation by binding to its receptor epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) which triggers ligand-induced dimerization which activates the intrinsic protein-tyrosine kinase activity of EGFR. This in turn initiates a signal transduction cascade that results in various biochemical changes within the cell being targeted by EGF. This ultimately leads to DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. Members of this protein family are all similar due to their shared structural and functional characteristics. Each member of the EGF family have at least one common structural motif, the EGF domain, which is character …

SARS-CoV-2, the causative viral agent of the novel coronavirus disease COVID-19, has sparked a global effort for creating prophylactic and therapeutic interventions. The following five companies have released information on upcoming treatments or preventative measures. 1. Gilead — Remdesivir Remdesivir (GS-5734) is a broad spectrum antiviral nucleotide analogue which has shown promising results as a therapeutic in compassionate-use cases. Currently, it is in Phase 3 clinical trials across Asia and “other countries...with high numbers of diagnosed cases”. Two Phase 3 trials are running concurrently: the firs …

What is COVID-19 COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2, first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019 has spread globally, resulting in the ongoing 2019-2020 coronavirus pandemic. This disease is spread by the release of aerosol droplets that can be transmitted via person-to-person if they are within two meters of an infected person for 15 minutes or longer. The most common symptoms of coronavirus are fever, cough, shortness and breath or breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, pneumonia or severe acute respiratory syndrome may occur and these cases require hospitalisation. …

Seroconversion Implications in SARS-CoV-2 Diagnostic Testing Key Points: COVID-19, the pandemic coronavirus disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, has been shown to follow a typical seroconversion and immunoglobulin class (isotype) switching time course, according to preliminary data. A strong positive correlation between clinical severity and antibody titer two weeks after symptom onset was reported. COVID-19 Background: SARS-CoV-2 Structure & Infiltration SARS-CoV-2, the causative viral agent of the disease COVID-19, is a coronavirus …

COVID-19 Antibody Testing Antibody Production in COVID-19 COVID-19, the novel coronavirus disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, can be detected in patients using serological testing. COVID-19 has been shown to follow a standard seroconversion curve. This means that IgM antibodies are produced approximately 12 days after symptom onset by B cell derived plasma cells. These IgM antibodies are later outnumbered by the more robust IgG type antibodies, which mark the generation of a maturing or secondary immune response. The process of switching from primarily IgM to primarily IgG antibodies in the serum …

Workplace Testing for COVID-19 Corporate Testing for COVID-19 The impact of COVID-19 on the economy has been staggering. Current projections imply that the effects of the viral outbreak will be felt for some time. Low cost, high throughput testing has the potential to help institutions and individuals make the best choices for themselves and others.   Simple, point of care assays are the best option for workplace testing. Lateral flow immunoassays are a particularly good choice because they require minimal laboratory equipment and can yield results in as little as 15 minutes. In additi …

Nod-like receptors Nod like receptors (NLRs) are a versatile family of relatively recently discovered intracellular receptors which have a broad range of functions in humans, ranging from the regulation of antigen presentation and modulation of inflammation to embryonic development and sensing cellular metabolic changes (Motta et al 2015). Evolutionarily, NLRs are well conserved and orthologs are found across much of the animal kingdom (Lange et al 2011). The NLR family in humans is relatively diverse, comprising of 22 members with specific functions dependent on ligand specificity and effector functions, each determined by individu …

Before I even started my PhD I was already thinking about carrying out PostDoc in a foreign country and had my sights set on going to the US. I had previously carried out a degree in Genetics at Trinity College Dublin and now I was starting a PhD just across the city at University College Dublin. Like most scientists I loved to travel, I had already been to the US to carry out undergraduate research at the University of California, Davis so I decided looking for a postdoc position in the US would be the goal.However, like everything in life nothing is certain and when I saw an advertisement come up for a postdoc position at the department of genetics in the University of Cambridge f …

Writer’s block can be a big stumbling block when trying to write your PhD thesis, grant or a paper you are trying to get publish. During the early stages of writing my PhD thesis I suffered a lot from writer’s block; however, as soon as I got into a rhythm of writing, writer’s block was a thing of the past as I zoomed through page upon page of my introduction. Looking back on it now I realize what elements resulted in me having writer’s block and how I overcame it. Therefore I thought I would write this article to talk about some of the elements that stopped me putting pen to paper and provide tips for writer’s block. Not knowing …

Spindle assembly checkpoint The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), or mitotic checkpoint, is the main cell cycle control mechanism that governs mitosis. Incorrect spindle attachment causes the spindle assembly checkpoint to generate a wait anaphase signal that prevents the activation of the anaphase promoting complex (APC), an ubiquitin E3 ligase essential for progression of the cell cycle. Conserved components of the mammalian SAC include Bub1 (Cahill et al., 1998), BubR1 [Chan et al., 1998], Bub3 [Taylor et al.,ÿ1998], Mad1[Jin et al., 1998], Mad2 [Li and Benezra, 1996] and CENP-E [Weaver etÿal., 2003]. The checkpoint becomes activated as a …

What is a vaccine? A vaccine is a pharmacological product that gives the recieving patient's immune system a chance to learn how to fight infection with decreased risk of illness. Vaccination involves administering antigenic material (the vaccine), resulting in immunity to the disease. Vaccine dosing and the need for boosters Certain vaccines require boosters at appropriate intervals to maintain effective immunity. Boosters simulate pathogen re-infection, providing antibody-producing cells with another chance to build up immunity. For example, the 6 in 1 (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib, Hep B) vaccine needs to be given at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months. This is …

T Cell Types, Activation, Polarization & Function A comprehensive guide to T cells! window.SHOGUN_IMAGE_ELEMENTS = window.SHOGUN_IMAGE_ELEMENTS || new Array(); window.SHOGUN_IMAGE_ELEMENTS.push({ uuid: 's-97bbabca-f192-454c-a1c7-98716f6875bf' }) Introduction T-cells, vital components of the immune system, encompass various functions and types, including cytotoxic T cells, helper T cells, and regulatory T cells. Their activation and polarization play critical roles in immune responses. Understanding T-cell biology is essential for effective immune defense and therapeutic applications. Key Takeaways T-cells have d …