Author Archives: hollyleslie

Reversing the genetic flow: how scientists diagnose COVID-19

Biologists often refer to DNA as the almighty code of life. However, this is not true for all organisms on Earth. Disease-causing organisms, or pathogens, such as viruses contain a slightly different code known as RNA which stores the virus’ genetic information. Therefore, scientists can detect the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, through the presence of viralContinue reading “Reversing the genetic flow: how scientists diagnose COVID-19”

A purple ribbon for Pancreatic Awareness Month

Every two minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer. In 2016, 784 new cases of pancreatic cancer were diagnosed in Scotland alone, according to Pancreatic Cancer UK (PCUK). Furthermore, the majority of cases (~80%) are diagnosed at late stage disease and unfortunately 44% of cases are diagnosed following emergency admission to hospital (PCUK). ThroughoutContinue reading “A purple ribbon for Pancreatic Awareness Month”

Success and why we (often) overlook it

It’s a Friday. It is 18:01 and I have just made myself a cup of tea, in my favourite mug, after coming home from work. Usually, I’d hope I was grabbing a cheeky pint with work colleagues and/or friends, but tonight, I think a glass of white wine, dinner for one and a hot bathContinue reading “Success and why we (often) overlook it”

Consumerism and why it hinders sustainable business

Let’s get one thing straight. Humans will continue to be the most widespread mammal on this earth. We will continue to require food, transport, energy and consumables. We will also continue to generate waste. There is nothing fundamentally wrong with using earth’s resources and advancing technologies to make daily tasks simpler, but we need toContinue reading “Consumerism and why it hinders sustainable business”

Cervical cancer and the importance of attending a (dreaded) smear test

If you were to have asked me how I was felt prior to my first cervical smear test, I would have certainly told you I was dreading it. The concerning fact is that 1 in 4 women don’t attend regular smear tests due ideas of the procedure being “painful” and/or “embarrassing”. However, the ugly realityContinue reading “Cervical cancer and the importance of attending a (dreaded) smear test”