The Brain’s Secret to Overcoming Fear Can we change the way our brain responds to fear? While fear can be essential for survival, it can also become excessive, resulting in disorders such as anxiety and phobias that impair daily life. Recent research from the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre at UCL questions what we know about the brain UCL Science Magazine • Biology
Could 3D Cell Cultures and Organoids Replace Animals in Research? Animals have long been involved in the scientific research process, testing treatments and drugs to ensure they are safe for humans. This role animals play has been highly criticised due to ethical and welfare concerns. New research methods, such as 3D cell culture and organoid engineering have been explored as UCL Science Magazine • Biology
Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis: The Simplicity of a Blood Test Longer life expectancy and ageing populations will lead to an increase in the prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease across the globe. However, symptoms can be vague and non-specific, hindering diagnosis. The most effective treatments should be administered early in the progression of the disease. How can clinicians ascertain a UCL Science Magazine • Biology
Unveiling the Genetic Blueprint of Human Brain Evolution How has the human brain evolved over time? There are several key players in the origin of human intelligence, both biological and anthropological. In this introduction, we explore some of the genetic drivers of human brain evolution and their pivotal role in shaping our higher cognitive abilities. By Madeleine Hjelt UCL Science Magazine • Biology
Bioluminescence: How Fireflies Are Trailblazing Modern Cancer Treatment Bioluminescence - the emission of light by an organism - is amongst nature’s most charming phenomena. A new phototherapy, which uses light emission from fireflies, aims at stimulating the self-destruction of remote tumours. Could this illuminate the path to a cancer-free future? By Calista Chan Presenting itself in larvae, UCL Science Magazine • Biology
Could Our Favourite Pineapple-Inhabiting Friend Help Treat Alzheimer’s? Though less lively than their cartoon counterpart, deep-ocean sponges are helping researchers alleviate symptoms of Down syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Research spearheaded by the Perha Pharmaceuticals lab in Roscoff, France, has produced a promising drug candidate, Leucettinib-21. I had the opportunity to meet the lead researcher, Dr Laurent UCL Science Magazine • Biology
