Despite the several thousand cosmetic surgery operations performed each year in the UK, research carried out by the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons suggested that 65% of former patients regretted going under the knife. In addition, only 28% admitted to being completely happy with the results, with complications and unexplained side effects among the most common complaints. Given these shocking statistics, I explore in this podcast whether cosmetic surgery really is worth the risk.

Biology is cited on the HESA website (the central source for statistics about UK higher education) as one of the most valuable courses to study at university. The aim of this podcast is to introduce just some of the fascinating career paths that a biology-related degree might lead to - whether you are studying for GCSE's or A-Levels/IB, or even if you're already enrolled in a higher education institution, this podcast will certainly provide food for thought. 

In this podcast, I describe the nature of several general defects of the eyes, including Myopia and Hypermetropia, Astigmatism, Presbyopia, Strabismus or Misaligned eyes and Amblyopia (lazy eye). I also describe numerous external conditions that affect the eyes, namely Blepharitis, Hordeolum (stye), Preseptal and Orbital Cellulitis and Conjunctivitis, along with internal conditions such as Retinal detachment, Glaucoma, Cataracts and Macular Degeneration. The podcast will finish by mentioning some systemic conditions that affect the eyes.

I'm thrilled once again to be joined by Year 13 Biology student Yasmin, who, in a very similar vein to the podcast about The Lion King, takes a fascinating look at one of her favourite Pixar films, Finding Nemo - just how accurate is the depiction of life in the big blue ocean?

In this thought-provoking podcast, Year 11 biologist Roz P explores the notion that modern society is responsible for the development of eating disorders in LGBT youth.

In this podcast, I’ll discuss the two main surgical methods of treatment for CHD; angioplasty and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG). The term ‘angioplasty’ refers to the use of a balloon to stretch open a narrowed or blocked artery. Most modern angioplasty procedures involve the use of a stent, a small, metal mesh-like device that acts as a support or scaffold, in keeping the vessel open. CABG is a surgical procedure in which arteries or veins from elsewhere are grafted to the coronary arteries to bypass atherosclerotic narrowing and improve blood supply to the myocardium.

The unique blend of Astronomy and Biology can provide an insight into how life may have started here on Earth. That knowledge would be crucial in our ongoing hunt for extraterrestrial life. In this podcast, Year 13 Biology student Yasmin O discusses the likelihood of life on other planets by comparing their environment to that of our own.

In this podcast, Year 13 Biology student Yasmin 0 explores the connections between Quantum Physics and Biology. One might not immediately appreciate the overlap between these two fields, but life would have struggled to come into existence without the mystery that is quantum mechanics.

It is estimated that there are between 12,500 and 15,000 people with Sickle Cell Disease in the UK. In this podcast, I will describe the autosomal recessive mutation that lies at the heart of the condition, the signs and symptoms that suffers experience, and the current and future treatments that are available.

The MMI, or Multiple Mini Interview is a relatively new way in which universities select entrants on to their medical and dentistry courses. In this podcast, I talk through the full MMI process, what exactly is involved in the various stations one might encounter, and what prospective applicants should be doing right now to boost their chances of success.