KYTOS Biology

Karyotyping is a laboratory procedure that allows your doctor to examine your set of chromosomes.  The karyotype of a living organism refers to the number and appearance of the chromosomes, and allows for both the determination of sex and identification of abnormalities and structural problems.

In this podcast, I discuss the cohesive, thermal and solvent properties of one of the most crucial biological molecules there is - water. By understanding the polarity of the molecule and the nature of hydrogen bonding, one can appreciate why this really is 'the molecule of life'.

The Pernkopf Topographic Anatomy of Man, an anatomy reference book published in 1937 by a Nazi doctor, continues to be the most widely used anatomy book by surgeons. Its' gruesome history, however, has forced people to question the ethics of using such a resource. Can something so tainted ever be viewed in a positive light? (With thanks to English teacher Felicia Isaacs for conducting the research and providing the content for this podcast)

If you're a fan of true crime stories or detective novels, you might think that gunshot residue, or a carelessly left fingerprint on a surface would be the keys to solving a big mystery. In reality, when combined with DNA analysis, it's Forensic Serology, and the detection of body fluids that often provides the indisputable piece of evidence that places a suspect at the scene of a crime - and ultimately secures a conviction!

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.