KYTOS Biology

Animal testing, also known as vivisection, normally elicits strong responses from people, both for and against the procedures. The role of animal experimentation in medical research is controversial, but the British Medical Association is adamant that animal experimentation is necessary to develop a better understanding of diseases and how to treat them. In this podcast, I will explore the reasons why animals are used (in comparison with 'in vitro' studies and computer modelling), how Home Office regulations prevent the abuse of animals, and will describe some of the medical advances made using animal research. (With thanks to our sponsor 'Curriculum Press' for providing content for this podcast)

We all understand the importance of a healthy balanced diet, but how many of us truly appreciate the role that dietary fibre plays. It has been clinically proven to aid normal functioning of the digestive system, but this 'superfood' has also been shown to prevent a number of debilitating chronic conditions. In this podcast, I will explain the essential role of fibre in our diet, identify useful sources of fibre and evaluate the scientific evidence linking a deficiency of this vital nutrient to several life-threatening diseases. (With thanks to our sponsor 'Curriculum Press' for providing content for this podcast)

In this podcast,  I give my 'Top 10 Tips and Tricks' for when it comes to revising for exams. Everyone has their own learning style and method of working, and the way we revise and consolidate material depends very much on individual needs and personalities. There are, however, simple core concepts, ideas and techniques that anyone can employ, and in my own teaching career, I've seen them used incredibly effectively!

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the development of a blood clot in a major deep vein in the leg, thigh, pelvis, or abdomen. They may be asymptomatic; however, there may be asymmetrical leg swelling, unilateral leg pain, dilation or distension of superficial veins, and red or discoloured skin. If part of the clot breaks off it can lead to significant complications, including a pulmonary embolism. In this podcast, I'll describe the causes, various risk factors and treatment for these so called 'bad clots'. (With thanks to our sponsor 'Curriculum Press' for providing content for this podcast)

Politician and first President of Israel, Chaim Wiezmann is less well known for his work on the acetone-butanol fermentation process, but this in fact, is one of the earliest examples of what came to be known as 'Biotechnology' - technology based on Biology, involving the exploitation of living organsisms and biological processes. The aim of Biotechnology is to improve agriculture, animal husbandry, food science, medicine and industry, and in this podcast, I'll be discussing 4 key examples and highlighting the roles that microorganisms play.  

In this high tech world of DNA fingerprinting, computerised bloodstain spatter analysis, and video imaging, one might say that it seems a little mundane to discuss something as simple as shoe print analysis. Interestingly, footprints are the third most common type of evidence found at a crime scene.  It is imperative, therefore, that the detection and recovery of footwear evidence, subsequent process of enhancement, production of known impressions via casting and comparison with crime scene impressions are carried out with the utmost level of care. 

According to Age UK, more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone, and more than a million older people say they go for over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member. In this extended podcast, I discuss how inter-generational learning programmes have been able to bridge the age divide between the elderly and the very young. Moreover, it will serve to highlight the significant benefits they have provided in respect to physical and mental well-being in this vulnerable population. (With thanks to Isobel C for conducting the research and providing the content for this podcast)

Forensic Scientist Georg Popp is credited with being the first to use soil evidence to solve a crime; the 1904 murder of Eva Disch. Since then, forensic analyses of soil samples have been able to identify victims of mass killings, the location of grave sites and place perpetrators at scenes of crime.