KYTOS Biology

The concept of androgyny, it has been suggested, offers a means of transcending the duality of gender differences imposed by culture. Once gender polarities are reduced, traditional sex and gender differences can be broken down. In this podcast, I explore the concepts of sex, gender and androgyny, and aim to provide psychological evidence to support those concepts. (With thanks to our sponsor 'Curriculum Press' for providing content for this podcast)

For a long time, biologists believed that our DNA resided only in the nucleus, the large organelle acting as the control centre in our cells. It wasn't until 1963, when scientists Margrit and Sylvan Nass at Stockholm University discovered DNA fibres in mitochondria using electron microscopy. Our mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) accounts for a small portion of our total DNA. In fact, it contains just 40 of the 20,000 to 25,000 protein-coding genes in our body, however, it is notably distinct from nuclear DNA. Unlike nuclear DNA, which comes from both parents, mitochondrial DNA comes only from the mother. In this podcast, I explain the significance of this key biological difference, and explore what other roles this fascinating molecule plays in our bodies. (With thanks to our sponsor 'Curriculum Press' for providing content for this podcast)

A human liver is estimated to carry out over 500 different functions, including metabolism, detoxification and the synthesis of key proteins and other biological molecules. If the liver is damaged, it can regrow parts given its' regenerative capabilities, however, if the damage is too extensive, the cells will not regenerate and this can have a major impact on one's health. (With thanks to our sponsor 'Curriculum Press' for providing content for this podcast)

Statins are designed to lower cholesterol levels in those deemed at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In this podcast, I'll discuss how statins work and the biological importance of 'good' cholesterol in our bloodstream. Moreover, I'll explain why the use of these so-called 'miracle drugs' has proven controversial, with some clinicians citing the poor correlation between statin intake and reduction in CVD risk in certain individuals. (With thanks to our sponsor 'Curriculum Press' for providing content for this podcast)

Rickets is a condition characterised by a curvature of the spine, bowed legs, thickened ankles, knees and wrists - such skeletal deformities arise because the bones become softer and therefore more brittle. Rickets was just about eliminated after WW2, but recently doctors have warned that its incidence is increasing rapidly. In this podcast, I discuss the possible reasons why. (With thanks to our sponsor 'Curriculum Press' for providing content for this podcast)

The human body is made up of about 30–40 trillion cells. Each cell is specialised to carry out a particular job. Cells work together to form co-ordinated units called tissues, organised into organs. This complicated organisation of cells that makes up a human being all originated from a single fertilised cell – the zygote. Embryology is the study of the development of the zygote in the first trimester - this podcast is deigned to be a short introduction to this fascinating area of Biology. (With thanks to our sponsor 'Curriculum Press' for providing content for this podcast)

Scientists use the concept of homology to identify evolutionary relationships among organisms. Homologies are characters shared between different species that were also present in their common ancestor. Homologies can be structural, biochemical, developmental, physiological or behavioural. In this podcast, I focus on homologous structures and, in particular, the pentadactyl limb. This bony arrangement is thought to provide irrefutable evidence for evolution. (With thanks to our sponsor 'Curriculum Press' for providing content for this podcast)

Zika virus was first identified in 1947, having originated in rhesus monkeys in the Zika forest in Uganda. In this podcast, I examine how the virus spread, the effects of its outbreak, and assess the evidence implicating Zika as a cause of microcephaly. I'll also describe the measures used to attempt to control transmission of the disease. (With thanks to our sponsor 'Curriculum Press' for providing content for this podcast)