Winter is upon on! Although not quite snowy Christmas day I was hoping for, we certainly experienced a few stormy and windy days over the festive break. I hope your Christmas dinner went well, ours were slightly chaotic but that's just my family. I certainly enjoyed the company of my brothers and sisters, ,Mum and Dad.
As I sit writing this blog, feeling relaxed over this Xmas break, I can't help wonder what is install for me next year. Come September 2014 will be the time when I will hand in my thesis. I have already been told to start writing 2 or 3 chapters over this break. I can't help but start to feel slightly nervous by the prospect of spending most of my summer indoors writing out a 250 page thesis.
I also have a few conferences lined up next year, most notably the one over in Austin, Texa, USA in September 2014. I have one coming straight up after the new year on 14th,15th January. I will have several training and seminars dedicated specifically to final year PhD students and I am looking forward to attending those workshops.
Then off course I need a job, a moment when you can no longer live, feel or even speak like a student. A moment every PhD student has been dreaded. In most cases, its one of the reasons why some of us do a PhD, so we can avoid getting a proper job. I have started applying to places already, mainly in Intellectual Property jobs as I don't want a career in Lab research, but still want to apply my scientific knowledge. I am sure I will write more about my chosen career path in future blogs so for now I will say no more.
Enjoy the last few moments of 2013, I had a great year and thoroughly enjoyed every month of 2013 so far. I hope 2014 will be a fantastic year for me and for you!
See you soon
Saturday, 28 December 2013
Monday, 23 December 2013
Winner of Venture Out competition
Its Christmas eve. One more day to go!
This will be my last blog before Christmas and I am please to share the news that I have won the University of Manchester Venture Out competition for my idea to turn seawater into energy by desalinating and extracting precious ions.
Pictures and brief descriptions about other ideas at the event can be seen by following the link below
https://mec.portals.mbs.ac.uk/Newsandevents/tabid/111/ArticleID/108/ArtMID/481/Default.aspx
Merry Christmas everyone and I hope you enjoy the day tomorrow.
Best wishes
Science Way
This will be my last blog before Christmas and I am please to share the news that I have won the University of Manchester Venture Out competition for my idea to turn seawater into energy by desalinating and extracting precious ions.
Pictures and brief descriptions about other ideas at the event can be seen by following the link below
https://mec.portals.mbs.ac.uk/Newsandevents/tabid/111/ArticleID/108/ArtMID/481/Default.aspx
Merry Christmas everyone and I hope you enjoy the day tomorrow.
Best wishes
Science Way
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
Patent protection in research regulation
Recent
medical and biotechnological advances have enhanced innovation that has greatly
improved public healthcare. Research regulation ensures medical products have
undergone the necessary tests prior to marketing for public use. Regulation is
also vital to protect the interests of inventors and industry.
Patent
protection forms part of the research regulation system. The UK Patent Act of
1977 grants the inventor exclusivity over a new medical product for a limited
period of time. The patent holder is normally in a position to gain
financially, by setting a higher than competitive price to recover the costs of
innovation.
Policies
for patent applications have been influenced by the advancement of medical research.
The diversity of biological innovations over the past decade have seen more areas
of science now patentable e.g. within the fields of biotechnology and genetics.
Research into new biotechnology materials such as graphene, saw a total of 8416 published patent applications in the
UK by February 2013.
Increased
patent protection in medical research also has its disadvantages as patents can
harm competition within the healthcare market, making it more costly for public
services like the National Healthcare Service (NHS) to benefit from the latest
healthcare development.
This
article will explore; the reasons for patent protection and why it is
increasingly seen as a pivotal part of the innovation process, the main policy
issues of patents and an overview on the recent progress of patent policies in
research regulation.
The
importance of patent protection
Appropriate
regulation of science patents is seen by pharmaceutical companies, governments
and inventors as crucial to stimulating research, leading to new products that
can improve healthcare. The financial rewards associated with a successfully
registered patent is an incentive for researchers and companies to take the
necessary risks, through financial investments, to develop novel medicines and
implement new solutions into tackling life-threatening diseases.
Expired
patents can lead to a significant reduction in loss revenues for the patent
holder when generic competition becomes available. This was demonstrated by Eli
Lilly & Company whose 66% decline in revenues during the final quarter of
2001, was the result of an expired patent on their drug Prozac in 2001.
Patents can provide economic stability for inventors, academic institutions and
industry. Therefore, it is important for inventors, pharmaceutical companies and
institutions to protect new ideas, methods and medical products within the public domain.
Main
policy issues with patents protection
One
of the main policy issues in patent protection is the need for an inventor to
have their patent validated within each European country. Currently, there is no single universal patent application that covers
the 25 countries in the European Union. At present different requirements apply to each European country,
for example; the patent proprietor may have to pay fees to the national patent
office, comply with various requirements and provide a patent document in the
official language of the State. Specific requirements, laws and
regulations by governments are considered costly and time-consuming as the
inventor, small and large companies comply with the policies of each country.
This can impede the public release of novel products in some European countries.
The filing of patent protection by individual countries poses
further issues, namely the huge backlog of patents being processed. It
is estimated that there are 4 million patents waiting to be processed worldwide.
According to Cancer Research UK, guidelines on new medicines should be released
within six months of licensing. For new cancer medicines this regulatory
process is three times longer, delaying the availability of new drugs to NHS
patients.
Regulations
and governance for different areas of medical research in the UK e.g. research
ethics in clinical trials, is monitored by the Health Research Authority
(established in 2010). The primary role
of the HRA is to oversee research regulation and provide a single point of
contact for researchers and the public. Similarly, the EU has recently
approved two new regulations to create an organisation that will oversee a
single patent application process for all EU countries. This
will significantly reduce costs and time-consuming paperwork for the patent
proprietors wanting to do business in Europe, whilst providing a set of
consistent requirements across all EU states.
Major
scientific developments have led to a change in patent policies over the past
decades. New types of inventions in software, genetics and business models are
now deemed patentable. Patent protection is necessary as it provides the
incentive for the innovation of new medical products. Currently a simplified
patent system within the EU is under development. This will provide greater
understanding of patent policies for governments, public and industry experts
alike. In turn this ought to give inventors the initiative to continue to
develop new effective medicines.
Uybach
Monday, 25 November 2013
Breaking Barriers and
Building Bridges in Cancer Research’
Hi Everyone
For those who are in Manchester, You may be interested in the upcoming talk on cancer research organized by Oxbridge.
Registration is free. Details about guess speakers are listed below.
Best wishes
Weebz
On Wednesday 4th of December at 6pm, Michael Smith
Theatre
For those who are in Manchester, You may be interested in the upcoming talk on cancer research organized by Oxbridge.
Registration is free. Details about guess speakers are listed below.
Best wishes
Weebz
Come and find out more about how the
landscape in cancer research is rapidly changing. The
increasing cost-per-unit of new drug development, a diminishing research and
development pipeline, an ageing population, and increasing financial pressures
on the public sector are some of the major obstacles. Hear what experts have to say about the challenges they face through
collaborations between industry and academia to ensure advances in cancer
therapeutics!
Join OBR – Manchester for this heated
panel discussion were we will be covering topics from sourcing new
industry-academic partnerships, to the translation of discoveries into patient
care, we will address how the infrastructure of cancer research is changing to
create significant improvements in the collaborative efforts between these
groups and ultimately provide more opportunities for patients in the fight
against cancer.
Speakers at this event:
Dr. Graeme Smith - Global Product Director in Oncology, AstraZeneca
Dr. Alistair Greystoke
- Clinical Lecturer in Oncology, University of Manchester
Dr. Minesh
Jobanputra - Global Medical Affairs Physician,
GlaxoSmithKline
Dr. Phil L'Huillier - Director of Business Management, Cancer Research Technology
Dr. Donald Ogilvie - Head of Drug Discovery Unit,
MCRC
Prof. Catherine
West - Professor, Institute of Cancer Sciences
Register for free now at: http://www.oxbridgebiotech.com/events/breaking-barriers-building-bridges-cancer-research/
Thursday, 14 November 2013
Nanotechnology Researchers Prove Two-Step Method for Potential Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
A new biotechnology method for drug delivery that could improve the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease and is almost impossible to be detected the cancer is at an advanced stage. Treatment options for it are very limited in number and suffer low success rates.
The dual-wave nanotherapy method employed by Drs. Nel and Meng in their research uses two different kinds of microscopic particles (nanoparticles). The first injection of nanoparticles carries a substance that disrupts the cell signaling pathways and removes the vascular gates (caused by pericytes) that restricts access the pancreatic cancer cells. The second nanoparticle treatment carries the drug that kills the cancer cells.
Nanoparticles have been a popular source of drug treatment recently because it can reduce the toxicities and side effects when treating cancer.
For more information about the science and how they did it please see links below.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131113092126.htm
http://www.globalbiotechrevolution.com/
Saturday, 9 November 2013
The Hall marks of Cancer
Hi
Somebody recently ask me about cancer research in cellular biology and what are the essential signs when a cell is cancerous.
Cancer cells have defects in controlling normal mechanisms that govern how often cells divide, grow or differentiate. Cancer often occurs when these mechanisms cannot be properly regulated anymore.
There are five hallmarks of cancer and at least one of these hallmarks will bear fruit if cells become cancerous.
1. Uncontrolled cell growth in absence of growth signals
Normal cells require external growth signals (growth factors like EGFR) to grow and divide. These signals are transmitted through receptors that pass through the semi-permeable cell membrane. When the growth signals are absent, the mechanisms to stimulate cell growth is inhibited and cells stop growing.
Cancer cells can grow and divide without external growth signals. Some cancer cells can generate their own growth signals. For example sarcomas can produce their own tumor growth factor α (TGF-α).
2.Evading apoptosis
Cell apoptosis in biology means 'programmed cell death'. Natural in healthy tissues, cells function for a period of time and then enzymes are release which signals a death of a cell to allow new healthy cells to take over and carry out the intended function.
Cancer cells can avoid the signal to 'programmed cell death' and hence these faulty cells cannot be destroyed.
3. Resistance to inhibitors of cell growth
In normal cells, there are often internal or external growth factors, co-factors or kinases that often stimulate cell growth. There are also a group of co-factors and inhibitors in cells that inhibit cell growth. A healthy cell will generally have a good balance between growth and suppression.
Cancer cells become immune to inhibitors or co-factors which are meant to suppress cell growth, differentiation or induce apoptosis. These cells will grow uncontrollable.
4. Angiogenesis
Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels are formed. Cancer cells promote this process, ensuring that such cells receive a continual supply of oxygen and other nutrients, thus starving these essential nutrients to normal cells where it is most needed.
5. Invasion into other tissues and organs
Cancer cells has the ability to break away from the original site and spread into the surrounding organs, tissues and cells.
http://www.onclive.com/publications/targeted-therapies/2012/june-2012/Cancer-Research-Moves-Beyond-the-Original-Hallmarks-of-Cancer
Somebody recently ask me about cancer research in cellular biology and what are the essential signs when a cell is cancerous.
Cancer cells have defects in controlling normal mechanisms that govern how often cells divide, grow or differentiate. Cancer often occurs when these mechanisms cannot be properly regulated anymore.
There are five hallmarks of cancer and at least one of these hallmarks will bear fruit if cells become cancerous.
1. Uncontrolled cell growth in absence of growth signals
Normal cells require external growth signals (growth factors like EGFR) to grow and divide. These signals are transmitted through receptors that pass through the semi-permeable cell membrane. When the growth signals are absent, the mechanisms to stimulate cell growth is inhibited and cells stop growing.
Cancer cells can grow and divide without external growth signals. Some cancer cells can generate their own growth signals. For example sarcomas can produce their own tumor growth factor α (TGF-α).
2.Evading apoptosis
Cell apoptosis in biology means 'programmed cell death'. Natural in healthy tissues, cells function for a period of time and then enzymes are release which signals a death of a cell to allow new healthy cells to take over and carry out the intended function.
Cancer cells can avoid the signal to 'programmed cell death' and hence these faulty cells cannot be destroyed.
3. Resistance to inhibitors of cell growth
In normal cells, there are often internal or external growth factors, co-factors or kinases that often stimulate cell growth. There are also a group of co-factors and inhibitors in cells that inhibit cell growth. A healthy cell will generally have a good balance between growth and suppression.
Cancer cells become immune to inhibitors or co-factors which are meant to suppress cell growth, differentiation or induce apoptosis. These cells will grow uncontrollable.
4. Angiogenesis
Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels are formed. Cancer cells promote this process, ensuring that such cells receive a continual supply of oxygen and other nutrients, thus starving these essential nutrients to normal cells where it is most needed.
5. Invasion into other tissues and organs
Cancer cells has the ability to break away from the original site and spread into the surrounding organs, tissues and cells.
Friday, 1 November 2013
Ras - The engine of Cancer
Hi All
I decided to write a fun article about my project. Hope you like it.
7am! Start of the morning rush hour. We’ve
all been there; flight delays, train cancellations, and if you’re really lucky,
getting stuck in the infamous M6 traffic jam. Everyday as though on autopilot
we habitually follow our set route to various destinations, without noticing
the stress and strain on the transport networks that we so heavily depend on.
Our cells operate much like transport networks and these networks are used to
execute specific functions. A train signal failure can make us late home for
tea, but a fault in the cellular network can often become a deadly disease.
This disease can take away the closest things to us; friends, family and even
your life. This is CANCER.
Cancer – a disease which defies the rules of
biology by stripping away the regulatory mechanisms that dictate when our cells
are destroyed and when new cells are created. In normal cells, signalling
information is transferred down the signalling network and passes through
various checkpoints, like a train stopping at stations before it reaches its
final stop. Certain proteins control the signalling network by interacting with
its downstream partners to ensure the cell’s intended function is achieved. Cancer occurs mainly as a result of malfunctioning proteins
involved in normal cell growth, causing sporadic cell growth that becomes
harmful to the body.
Collectively
known as ‘Ras proteins’, H-Ras, K-Ras and N-Ras, were amongst the first proteins
described as having the capacity to control signalling networks that are
involved in cell growth. Ras proteins are the hub of the cellular network and act like a
switch. When the switch is ‘on’ Ras is activated, triggering a controlled
cascade of signalling information along the pathway to activate proteins to
function. The activity of Ras is partly regulated
by the binding of a protein known as Son of Sevenless (Sos).
Three decades have
passed since the initial identification of Ras tumors and despite 30% of all human tumours known to have Ras mutations,
there still remains no effective commercial therapeutic treatment for Ras
mutant tumors. Understanding the mechanism of Ras
activation via interactions with Sos remains unclear, and poses a challenge for
effective drug designs. The aim of my research is
to understand the interactions of the Ras: Sos complex using techniques such as
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. NMR spectroscopy is a technique
similar to MRI, but is mainly used to detect the structural changes of a
protein at the binding site interface of protein-protein interactions.
The
NMR spectrum of a protein gives rise to NMR signals that are then assigned to a
specific position of the protein. These NMR signals can be imagined as tube
stations of the London underground. Each station represents a unique location
in London. Similarly, each NMR signal represents a specific position in the
protein. If you need to go from the Northern line to the Piccadilly line, you
will need to identify a specific station where both lines are linked together.
Equally, the NMR signals allows me to identify specific regions of Ras where an
interaction with Sos occurs. We have observed and assigned 99% of NMR signals
from all of the functionally significant regions of K-Ras, the variant most
strongly implicated in human malignancies. This work could be a
significant step towards understanding how Ras controls many of the important
signalling networks, which have been associated with cancer.
Why does this matter? Well
the harsh reality is, that not only will cancer affect 1 in 3 of us during our
life-time, but creating new and effective drugs is becoming more
challenging and expensive. Cancer services alone cost the NHS around £5 billion annually. My
PhD project will involve using a new NMR technique to monitor the direct
binding between Ras and Sos proteins simultaneously, under the same conditions
when a drug compound is added. This new technique will aid our endeavours in
identifying potential drug compounds that disrupt the Ras:Sos interactions. I
believe the technique can be commercially applicable by providing a simple and
fast approach to filter out problematic compounds, making the pharmaceutical
industry pipeline more cost-effective in the long term.
It might take a while to
resolve a train signalling problem and like those working towards curing
cancer, we believe there is light at the end of the tunnel. Understanding how
Ras proteins are regulated is fundamental towards creating new anti-cancer
therapies. My project aims to solve this problem. If successful, my project may
influence new anti-cancer treatments to cure and improve the quality of life
for cancer sufferers and their families.
Monday, 14 October 2013
Hi
Link to my scientific paper on K-Ras, a protein that is most predominately found in pancreatic cancer when mutated.
The technique is based on using Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This technique can be used detect structural and dynamical changes at an atomic level.
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs12104-012-9413-y#page-1
Best wishes
Link to my scientific paper on K-Ras, a protein that is most predominately found in pancreatic cancer when mutated.
The technique is based on using Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This technique can be used detect structural and dynamical changes at an atomic level.
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs12104-012-9413-y#page-1
Best wishes
Saturday, 5 October 2013
THE SCIENCE PATH: GBR Gap summit 2014
THE SCIENCE PATH: GBR Gap summit 2014: Hey everyone Hope you are well and good. There is going to be a meeting for the top 100 young scientist leaders in March-april 2014. This ...
GBR Gap summit 2014
Hey everyone
Hope you are well and good. There is going to be a meeting for the top 100 young scientist leaders in March-april 2014. This is an exicting opportunity for any young scientists wanting to contribute and discuss the important issues scientists face today and in the future. The summit is designed to inspire young people and support the next generation of leaders to ensure the sustainability and growth of the global bio-economy Its a chance for young scientists to network with the leaders in science now!
The event will focus on several important topics in biotechnology including;
http://gap.globalbiotechrevolution.com/about-the-summit/
I think it might be quite good to have a small discussion here on what you think are the real problems and challenges. Just for fun!
Let me know what you think
Best wishes
Scitax
Hope you are well and good. There is going to be a meeting for the top 100 young scientist leaders in March-april 2014. This is an exicting opportunity for any young scientists wanting to contribute and discuss the important issues scientists face today and in the future. The summit is designed to inspire young people and support the next generation of leaders to ensure the sustainability and growth of the global bio-economy Its a chance for young scientists to network with the leaders in science now!
The event will focus on several important topics in biotechnology including;
- Research & Innovation Gap
- Funding Gap
- Regulatory Gap
- People Gap
- Future Health Gap
- Future Resources Gap
- Public Perception & Education Gap
http://gap.globalbiotechrevolution.com/about-the-summit/
I think it might be quite good to have a small discussion here on what you think are the real problems and challenges. Just for fun!
Let me know what you think
Best wishes
Scitax
Wednesday, 25 September 2013
Fastbleep science revision
Hey guys
I came across this website; fastbleep biology. It has short descriptive texts on biology, chemistry and physics topics for Alevel and undergraduate students. These short texts on selective topics are designed for revision notes, may be useful for you.
In addition, it also contain revision notes for medical students.
You can also write your own science topic if you feel fastbleep has not cover your topic, or you think you can improve on a science topic already on the website.
Check it out! its a useful revision tool
http://www.fastbleep.com/
I came across this website; fastbleep biology. It has short descriptive texts on biology, chemistry and physics topics for Alevel and undergraduate students. These short texts on selective topics are designed for revision notes, may be useful for you.
In addition, it also contain revision notes for medical students.
You can also write your own science topic if you feel fastbleep has not cover your topic, or you think you can improve on a science topic already on the website.
Check it out! its a useful revision tool
http://www.fastbleep.com/
Wednesday, 18 September 2013
Freshers week
Hey guys
This week has been a hectic and very busy week for Manchester. Freshers and returning undergraduate students in Manchester. The last few months have been very nice on the roads and in shopping malls, libraries and on public transport but now that the freshers back, this place is live 24/7.
Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining about freshers entering Manchester. In fact, if anyone who is a fresher, Welcome to Manchester. I am sure you will have a fab time at university as much as I enjoyed my undergraduate. However, it now takes twice as long on the bus, the roads are packed, there is an enormous queue for food at the canteen. Shopping in the local supermarket now takes twice as long and all the toilet rolls are sold out :-)
Generally speaking, the place feels more like a community now with students returning. Everyone seems to be in a cheeri mood which makes me smile in the mornings too. Just last night, I was talking to a completely random girl studying English and Spanish. Talking on the bus to strangers is normally a no no but students know no bounds and its actually quite refreshing to talk to a nice and friendly stranger.
Going out in Manchester will be more lively so I suppose the more the merrier. Local business seem to be benefitting from the student influx and I have also been picking up a few good student deals myself. Fresher's goodies are being given away at the Manchester student union.
All I can say is, welcome to those students new to Manchester and welcome back returning students. The town has been quiet without you guys!
This week has been a hectic and very busy week for Manchester. Freshers and returning undergraduate students in Manchester. The last few months have been very nice on the roads and in shopping malls, libraries and on public transport but now that the freshers back, this place is live 24/7.
Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining about freshers entering Manchester. In fact, if anyone who is a fresher, Welcome to Manchester. I am sure you will have a fab time at university as much as I enjoyed my undergraduate. However, it now takes twice as long on the bus, the roads are packed, there is an enormous queue for food at the canteen. Shopping in the local supermarket now takes twice as long and all the toilet rolls are sold out :-)
Generally speaking, the place feels more like a community now with students returning. Everyone seems to be in a cheeri mood which makes me smile in the mornings too. Just last night, I was talking to a completely random girl studying English and Spanish. Talking on the bus to strangers is normally a no no but students know no bounds and its actually quite refreshing to talk to a nice and friendly stranger.
Going out in Manchester will be more lively so I suppose the more the merrier. Local business seem to be benefitting from the student influx and I have also been picking up a few good student deals myself. Fresher's goodies are being given away at the Manchester student union.
All I can say is, welcome to those students new to Manchester and welcome back returning students. The town has been quiet without you guys!
Wednesday, 4 September 2013
Work experience/opportunities
Hey Folks
Today I received some great news that I have been accepted into a secondary job position as an editor of a charitable organization, who aim is to write articles and promote science & medical professions within schools. The level is mainly aimed at GSCE and A Levels. I am excited about this opportunity and it has got me thinking about what other secondary roles is possible during your PhD.
Obviously you don't want to do anything extra that hinders your PhD work but you wouldn't mind boosting a bit of your income.
The jobs market is increasingly competitive these days and obvious qualifications/experience may not be enough to land the job you want so badly. Below are a few suggestions from me as to where I think you can gain that bit more of an advantage over others.
Demonstrating opportunities
Most universities will have this opportunity for PhD students to spend 3 or 4 hours demonstrating for undergraduate labs. For some reason, I had this idea before I started doing it of running experiments for undergraduate students while they sit in the labs eating and drinking. The dream seems a bit horrible but in reality, they are a lovely bunch and you can easily chat with them about science (and other things) whilst taking a break from your PhD project and earning a bit of cash.
Universities jobs
Universities are always advertising for jobs, especially over the summer break. Most of them will be working at a bar or at the student union shop. The hours and times are very flexible and most of the jobs are run by former students for students. Jobs can range from working as a temp library staff to more exotic night-time life bar staff. They are generally very good with giving students opportunities so just pop down to your local student job center.
Volunteering Opportunities
For sure volunteering is always look good on your CV. Everyone’s short on time these days, it’s true, but if you are really honest, you’d find that you may be a bit free after all and all you may need is an hour or two on a weekend working on a local charity or community project. It's social but also looks great on the CV. Give it a go!
Feel free to recommend any other opportunities I have not mentioned.
Today I received some great news that I have been accepted into a secondary job position as an editor of a charitable organization, who aim is to write articles and promote science & medical professions within schools. The level is mainly aimed at GSCE and A Levels. I am excited about this opportunity and it has got me thinking about what other secondary roles is possible during your PhD.
Obviously you don't want to do anything extra that hinders your PhD work but you wouldn't mind boosting a bit of your income.
The jobs market is increasingly competitive these days and obvious qualifications/experience may not be enough to land the job you want so badly. Below are a few suggestions from me as to where I think you can gain that bit more of an advantage over others.
Demonstrating opportunities
Most universities will have this opportunity for PhD students to spend 3 or 4 hours demonstrating for undergraduate labs. For some reason, I had this idea before I started doing it of running experiments for undergraduate students while they sit in the labs eating and drinking. The dream seems a bit horrible but in reality, they are a lovely bunch and you can easily chat with them about science (and other things) whilst taking a break from your PhD project and earning a bit of cash.
Universities jobs
Universities are always advertising for jobs, especially over the summer break. Most of them will be working at a bar or at the student union shop. The hours and times are very flexible and most of the jobs are run by former students for students. Jobs can range from working as a temp library staff to more exotic night-time life bar staff. They are generally very good with giving students opportunities so just pop down to your local student job center.
Volunteering Opportunities
For sure volunteering is always look good on your CV. Everyone’s short on time these days, it’s true, but if you are really honest, you’d find that you may be a bit free after all and all you may need is an hour or two on a weekend working on a local charity or community project. It's social but also looks great on the CV. Give it a go!
Feel free to recommend any other opportunities I have not mentioned.
Saturday, 31 August 2013
the aftermath of the postgraduate society night out
Hey all
This post will be a short post because I am hoping to tell the stories from all the pictures of the night :-). Pictures will come as soon as it will be verified, but in general I just wanted to say it was such a cracking night out. The fancy dress party was awesome and my favourite dress of the night has got to be a person dressing up as a tea cup. That's it for another year from the post-graduate society night out.
Weebster
This post will be a short post because I am hoping to tell the stories from all the pictures of the night :-). Pictures will come as soon as it will be verified, but in general I just wanted to say it was such a cracking night out. The fancy dress party was awesome and my favourite dress of the night has got to be a person dressing up as a tea cup. That's it for another year from the post-graduate society night out.
Weebster
Thursday, 29 August 2013
Postgraduate society Bar crawl
Hey all
Just to prove/show that scientist do know how to relax and have a good time out. I will be attending a pub crawl organized by the post-graduate society and our team will be dressing up. The dressing up theme for tonight is cartoon characters so we decided to go as a bunch of Where's willy. If you see 50-60 funny looking cartoon characters around Manchester tonight, that will be us! I know, partying hard on a weekday when you still got experiments to do the next day seems to be the new norm at the minute. Probably because most of our supervisors are away on holiday.
Hopefully, I won't get to drunk tonight but looking forward to it. Oh, and there will be a science pub quiz tonight- so we can't entirely forget about science :-)
I update you tomorrow if I'm not too hung-over.
The Scitax.
Just to prove/show that scientist do know how to relax and have a good time out. I will be attending a pub crawl organized by the post-graduate society and our team will be dressing up. The dressing up theme for tonight is cartoon characters so we decided to go as a bunch of Where's willy. If you see 50-60 funny looking cartoon characters around Manchester tonight, that will be us! I know, partying hard on a weekday when you still got experiments to do the next day seems to be the new norm at the minute. Probably because most of our supervisors are away on holiday.
Hopefully, I won't get to drunk tonight but looking forward to it. Oh, and there will be a science pub quiz tonight- so we can't entirely forget about science :-)
I update you tomorrow if I'm not too hung-over.
The Scitax.
Monday, 26 August 2013
A bit about me
Hey everyone
Over the next few months or so, I will be blogging about my PhD studies, my life in Manchester, and the work/study/life balance that comes with studying a PhD. I hope to share my ideas and I also hope you will enjoy reading these blogs as I enjoy writing them.
Firstly, I feel that I should introduce my background and so here are a few words about me. I am 24 and have been in Manchester for almost 3 years. I came to Manchester on the back of an amazing summer placement working for a science institute (PSI) in Switzerland. Anyone thinking of going to work aboard, do it! It looks good on your CV and it will give you a fresh perspective on science in a different country. My undergraduate degree was in Biochemistry with a professional placement at the University of Birmingham.
My professional year in industry was at GSK and it was such a life-changing experience. The experiences into how science operate in big pharmaceutical company was very useful and valuable for me. I learnt how to balance several science projects and how to drive results.
When I’m not studying, reading or working, I like to relax by going to the gym and play as many sports as I can. I’m also a big fan of quizzes, even though we never win, it’s nice to take part. Living in the city centre of Manchester means I have a lot of opportunities to experience Manchester’s excellent social and nightlife scenes, which I do. I'm still looking out for a good Jazz club in Manchester city centre so any suggestions are most welcomed.
Quite a few people have asked me why I wanted to do a PhD. Taking up postgraduate study is a challenging and it is not for all. It can be long hours, weekend holidays even festive holidays, you find yourselves writing reports or reading literature. There are also a plus side to a PhD. Firstly, you get called a Doctor if you make it. Secondly, you pay no council or income tax. Last but not least, you get to control a project and take it from the start to make it your own project with your own stamp. If successful, you will get most of credit as well.
Right, that’s about enough from me for now. I’ll be posting a new blog every week or so (or more often if anything exciting happens to me!) and I’d love to field any comments or questions from those who are thinking of doing a PhD or is currently one.
Cheers
Weebster
Over the next few months or so, I will be blogging about my PhD studies, my life in Manchester, and the work/study/life balance that comes with studying a PhD. I hope to share my ideas and I also hope you will enjoy reading these blogs as I enjoy writing them.
Firstly, I feel that I should introduce my background and so here are a few words about me. I am 24 and have been in Manchester for almost 3 years. I came to Manchester on the back of an amazing summer placement working for a science institute (PSI) in Switzerland. Anyone thinking of going to work aboard, do it! It looks good on your CV and it will give you a fresh perspective on science in a different country. My undergraduate degree was in Biochemistry with a professional placement at the University of Birmingham.
My professional year in industry was at GSK and it was such a life-changing experience. The experiences into how science operate in big pharmaceutical company was very useful and valuable for me. I learnt how to balance several science projects and how to drive results.
When I’m not studying, reading or working, I like to relax by going to the gym and play as many sports as I can. I’m also a big fan of quizzes, even though we never win, it’s nice to take part. Living in the city centre of Manchester means I have a lot of opportunities to experience Manchester’s excellent social and nightlife scenes, which I do. I'm still looking out for a good Jazz club in Manchester city centre so any suggestions are most welcomed.
Quite a few people have asked me why I wanted to do a PhD. Taking up postgraduate study is a challenging and it is not for all. It can be long hours, weekend holidays even festive holidays, you find yourselves writing reports or reading literature. There are also a plus side to a PhD. Firstly, you get called a Doctor if you make it. Secondly, you pay no council or income tax. Last but not least, you get to control a project and take it from the start to make it your own project with your own stamp. If successful, you will get most of credit as well.
Right, that’s about enough from me for now. I’ll be posting a new blog every week or so (or more often if anything exciting happens to me!) and I’d love to field any comments or questions from those who are thinking of doing a PhD or is currently one.
Cheers
Weebster
Saturday, 24 August 2013
i was inspired
It was a warm sunny afternoon in 2006. I was a 16 year old boy stuck in a classroom readying myself for a 2-hour biology lesson. It is these two hours that made me fell in awe of science. Our biology teacher was merely explaining how the discovery of the DNA structure changed the world forever.
Genetics contains 4 simple codes; A,G, C and T and these four bases provided the foundations of human life. My 6th form biology teacher was talking about how Crick and Watson determined the structure of DNA. Their story into the discovery of the double-helix DNA structure was not only compelling and fascinating, but there was a sense of controversy into their life-changing proposal in 1953. Back in the early 1950's, Crick and Watson were not the only group trying to crack the structure of DNA. A talented scientist, Rosalind Franklin was also working on the structure of DNA and had in fact created a few images (from X-ray crystallography) of what DNA looked like in her lab book. With the help of Maurice Wilkins, who was the head of Franklin's lab, Crick and Watson saw the lab book without her consent or knowledge. It was widely acknowledge later in life Franklin unpublished data of the DNA structure provided a eureka moment for the two young scientists from Cambridge University. As you know, Crick, Watson and Wilkins won the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1962. Franklin was not awarded the prestigious science honor due to the fact that she had passed away, probably as a result of the x-rays she was exposed to when working on DNA. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that the structure of DNA has revolutionized modern science. Nowadays we are able to manipulate certain human genes, clone organs and even animals (remember Dolly the sheep!). We can screen those who may be prone to certain diseases as a result of their genetics and provide personalized medicines.
I was inspired after hearing the DNA story and how one single discovery can change the way we look at life. I was inspired how people are still learning about this single event as one of the most important events in the 20th century. I was inspired how a few scientists had crack one of the most important questions in life, how we are made.
Genetics contains 4 simple codes; A,G, C and T and these four bases provided the foundations of human life. My 6th form biology teacher was talking about how Crick and Watson determined the structure of DNA. Their story into the discovery of the double-helix DNA structure was not only compelling and fascinating, but there was a sense of controversy into their life-changing proposal in 1953. Back in the early 1950's, Crick and Watson were not the only group trying to crack the structure of DNA. A talented scientist, Rosalind Franklin was also working on the structure of DNA and had in fact created a few images (from X-ray crystallography) of what DNA looked like in her lab book. With the help of Maurice Wilkins, who was the head of Franklin's lab, Crick and Watson saw the lab book without her consent or knowledge. It was widely acknowledge later in life Franklin unpublished data of the DNA structure provided a eureka moment for the two young scientists from Cambridge University. As you know, Crick, Watson and Wilkins won the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1962. Franklin was not awarded the prestigious science honor due to the fact that she had passed away, probably as a result of the x-rays she was exposed to when working on DNA. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that the structure of DNA has revolutionized modern science. Nowadays we are able to manipulate certain human genes, clone organs and even animals (remember Dolly the sheep!). We can screen those who may be prone to certain diseases as a result of their genetics and provide personalized medicines.
I was inspired after hearing the DNA story and how one single discovery can change the way we look at life. I was inspired how people are still learning about this single event as one of the most important events in the 20th century. I was inspired how a few scientists had crack one of the most important questions in life, how we are made.
Friday, 23 August 2013
Hi everyone
This is my first ever blog so please forgive me if I haven't got the blogging techniques right the first time. I guess I always wanted to start up a blog but my problem has always been on what to write, whether people would take notice and be interested enough to read. This coupled with the problem that I don't actually know what subject I want to write. Well ladies and Gentlemen, I have now decided to write about my journey into science.
Science is something I have always felt very passionately about ever since I was a child. The mystery of how things work, why is it that if you put water in the freezer, it turns to ice. What is in the center of Earth? I was not only fascinated by finding solutions to science problems in school, but I was also quite obsessed and admired the history of science. Great men and women have influenced the world through their science discoveries. This was something that greatly impacted upon my decision to study sciences at Alevel and Biochemistry for my undergraduate degree. Nowadays, I am a PhD student working on understanding the important biological networks and proteins that are involved in cancer.
In the next few blogs, I will describe my journey from being a clueless 16 year old into doing a PhD in Biological Structure and Biophysics to aid the development of new anti-cancer treatments.
Thanks to those who have read my first ever blog.
More to come...
Best wishes
P.S. oh and if you were looking for an answer to what is in the center of Earth? We still don't quite know the answer to that. The best answer so far is that the inner core of earth is made mostly of Iron and it is about two-thirds the size of the Moon.
This is my first ever blog so please forgive me if I haven't got the blogging techniques right the first time. I guess I always wanted to start up a blog but my problem has always been on what to write, whether people would take notice and be interested enough to read. This coupled with the problem that I don't actually know what subject I want to write. Well ladies and Gentlemen, I have now decided to write about my journey into science.
Science is something I have always felt very passionately about ever since I was a child. The mystery of how things work, why is it that if you put water in the freezer, it turns to ice. What is in the center of Earth? I was not only fascinated by finding solutions to science problems in school, but I was also quite obsessed and admired the history of science. Great men and women have influenced the world through their science discoveries. This was something that greatly impacted upon my decision to study sciences at Alevel and Biochemistry for my undergraduate degree. Nowadays, I am a PhD student working on understanding the important biological networks and proteins that are involved in cancer.
In the next few blogs, I will describe my journey from being a clueless 16 year old into doing a PhD in Biological Structure and Biophysics to aid the development of new anti-cancer treatments.
Thanks to those who have read my first ever blog.
More to come...
Best wishes
P.S. oh and if you were looking for an answer to what is in the center of Earth? We still don't quite know the answer to that. The best answer so far is that the inner core of earth is made mostly of Iron and it is about two-thirds the size of the Moon.
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