Kelly Barnett

It has been briefly considered in modules such as MB/BS1005 the importance of sequencing genomes and techniques for doing so. This article reports the sequnecing of around 38 malignant tumour types allowing new insight into the causes of cancer on a molecular level. - Kelly Barnett from Bookmarklet

This article discusses the loss of function of a Na ion channel thought to be responsible for anosmia. It has also been found the mutation in the single gene encoding the faulty channel is responsible for a persons inability to sense pain. This is linked to both #MB1005 and a recent talk in #MB1031 discussing the importance of an organisms ability to smell. - Kelly Barnett from Bookmarklet

This week has been slightly less frantic especially having tuesday off to read over lecture notes and work on the MB1031 report. I have just completed the final BS1011 assignment and am relatively pleased with the result. Looking forward to this afternoon and my last BS1006 practical, have really enjoyed this module and am completely torn between whether to choose genetics or physiology and pharmacology modules for next year! - Kelly Barnett

Previously structures for the activated rhodopsin GPCR had been determined, however containing the opsin form that doesn't contain the trans-retinal form, the form of rhodopsin which promotes a response. Recently scientists have determined structures thought to represent the activated trans-retinal GPCR. - Kelly Barnett from Bookmarklet

I have been working hard over the last few days writing the microbiology essay, which is going seemingly well although I am struggling to decide what to include and what to cut out as there is so much material it is possible to write about. We had our last microbiology practical today and although I’ve enjoyed them I am really looking forward to finding out a little more about physiology so I can decide if I would like to pursue it further next year. - Kelly Barnett

Had a very productive day so far, finished the MB1031 report, finally started my BS1009 essay and have had a quick look through some information for the essay plan for MB1031. I was quite pleased when I heard the question as I am enjoying the genetics module, and feel that I am already reasonably well informed on the subject area. I can’t believe BS1009 and MB1005 practicals are nearly over as I have really enjoyed them but I am looking forward to seeing what physiology has to offer in the coming weeks. - Kelly Barnett

Don't forget the module tags - # - Dr Alan Cann

This article discusses head-on encounters and co-directional encounters which occur as a consequence of bacterial replication, transcription and translation occurring concurrently. Previous to this study it was widely believed that co-directional encounters were essentially benign, whilst head-on encounters proved much more damaging and that in both cases replication resumed without the need for restart proteins in vitro. This study provides evidence that not only do such encounters occur in vivo but that replication restart machinery is involved in resolving potentially damaging encounters due to both head-on and co-directional. I thought this article relevant to both #BS1009 and #BS1005 in which we have briefly discussed bacterial replication. - Kelly Barnett from Bookmarklet

This article discusses recent findings explaining the formation of skin tumours where the skin has been damaged by physical injury. Scientists have suggested that mutations in stem cells may be responsible. Following injury (which may be something as tiny as a papercut) these mutated stem cells migrate towards the skin in order to repair the damage, however whilst in the lower layers of skin, the stem cells disrupt a biochemical signalling pathway which has been linked to basal cell carcinoma development. I thought this article revlevant to Dr Meacock's lectures in #MB1005 and #BS1005, whereby he discussed how mutations in cells can lead to the development of cancer. - Kelly Barnett from Bookmarklet

Have had a relatively good week, relieved to have passed my exams and happy with the results although there is still much room for improvement! Really enjoyed the genetics lecture this morning, and looking forward to the practical session tomorrow, have found this module really interesting so far...definitely thinking about taking genetics modules next year! This week has been challening in terms of BS1011 found this weeks assessment much more difficult than any previously especially as I have next to no experience using excel! However after attending the work session I have submitted so fingers crossed my result comes back ok! Now back to work... - Kelly Barnett

#UoLfeedback - Dr Alan Cann

We dont get ours until next week which is a shame! - Mohamed

The ability of scientists to predict the precise position of a beneficial gene following insertion into an individual's DNA could potentially greatly improve current gene therapy by helping to minimiuse side effects caused by unfavourable insertions. This is relevant to some of the #MB1030 presentations based on gene therapy. - Kelly Barnett

Genetically modified mosquitoes help to combat dengue (a disease killing around 25,000 people a year), via the incorporation of a lethal tTA gene into males. - Kelly Barnett

This article illustrates applications of GM; incorporation of genes, covered in #BS1015 - Kelly Barnett

i think it should be, well i have anyway so hope its okay! - Alice Stephens

Thanks for the help :) - Kelly Barnett

i found this to be an issue as well so i just left the date bit out because i can hardly go and make one up! It would be great if someone can clarify what should be done - Maryam

Firstly n.d. is where the date normally goes according to Harvard referencing if you can't find the date of an internet arcticle, but you have to add an access date (i.e. the date you found the information to cite), because websites change and are updated. More on this can be found at http://libweb.anglia.ac.uk/referen... - Nathan

Investigation; identification of 153 proteins neccessary for ribosome synthesis. The investigation also identified a possible export route for the 60S ribosomal sub-unit in higher eukaryotes. This is specifically relevant to Prof. E. Cundliffe's recent #BS1015 lectures. I don't recommend you read the entire article as it does get very complex, but definitely worth a flick through. - Kelly Barnett

This article is a really interesting read discussing advances in the understanding of cerebral malaria and why the Plasmodium Falciparum parasite causes the capillaries in the brain to become 'blocked', specifically the role of PF4, platelet factor 4. Although this is beyond anything required for the #MB1030 malaria assessment I recommend people take a look :) - Kelly Barnett

This article details recent findings surrounding the regulation of alternative splicing, something Professor E Cundliffe discussed in #BS1015, specifically it predicts the role of TIA proteins and RNA interactions. The article makes an interesting read for anyone wanting to explore alternative splicing in more detail. - Kelly Barnett

I also really enjoyed learning all about DNA and everything associated with it at A-Level, so today's lecture was great, but it makes me wonder if I should be doing M. Genetics... Maybe I'll just take genetics modules next year. - Thomas Webber

I bought it off Amazon quite cheaply, if you buy it on the marketplace, even including shipping, it was under £10! - Pardina Samson-Fessale

Thanks for the offer, already ordered one before I saw your post tho :( think I'll see how I get on with it, the price wasn't too bad and I can always sell it on if I find that I don't use it :) - Kelly Barnett

Yeah i enjoyed it to but I thought the unit conversions were a bit tricky - Shubnum Razak

Yes it's going to take some practice to get my head around new units after plural years of mol dm^-3 - Ria Patel

Don't forget to use module tags, for example: #BS1010 You can click on that link and see all posts relating to that module! And well done on doing the assessment :) - Joshua Bower

Thanks for the tip :) - Kelly Barnett