KYTOS Biology

Circadian rhythms are one of three biological rhythms that tell the body when to eat, sleep, wake up - the biological and psychological processes that oscillate in predictable patterns each day. This internal clock is influenced by external cues, like sunlight and temperature, which help determine whether one feels energised or exhausted at different times of the day.

In the realm of human appearance, few features carry as much symbolic weight as the beard. It's more than just a cluster of facial hair; it's a statement, a symbol of masculinity, wisdom, and even status in many cultures throughout history. But what lies beneath this seemingly simple facial adornment? Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the biology of beards reveals a complex interplay of genetics, hormones, and evolutionary history.

Medical ethics is essential for maintaining the integrity of healthcare practice, promoting patient well-being, and upholding the trust and confidence of both patients and the broader community in the medical profession. In this podcast, I'll explore the key ethical principles in relation to several controversial topics; genetic testing, genetic screening and preimplantation genetic diagnosis, vaccination and vaccine research and the use of monoclonal antibodies.

There is no doubt that some individuals are much more risk averse than others, but how do we explain individual differences in risk-taking behaviour? Perhaps the answers lie in our biological differences; these can include differences in brain structure or function, as well as those caused by the process of evolution. Understanding the biological basis of these risk-taking behaviours is crucial in being able to identify who may be more prone to poor outcomes. (With thanks to our sponsor 'Curriculum Press' for providing content for this podcast)

Endometriosis is a disorder that affects a staggering 190 million women worldwide, often associated with severe pelvic pain, period cramps and even infertility. In this podcast, Sixth Form Biology student Amelie D explores the potential causes of the condition, one that is both misunderstood and all too often misdiagnosed in the medical community, and the current treatment options available.

Cosmetic dentistry has gained unprecedented popularity. Whether your teeth exhibit chips, stains, wear, breakage, gaps, or misalignment, a variety of dental procedures are available to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your teeth, providing a significant confidence boost to your smile. In this podcast, Sixth Form Biology student Yasmin J explores the options available, assessing both the benefits they bring and the risks they pose.

Consumption, or pulmonary tuberculosis, killed around 25% of the adult population in the 19th century. So why was this deadly disease seen as fundamentally romantic, intellectual and aesthetic? In this podcast, Year 13 biologist Felicity P will explore causes of the romanticisation of consumption, from Victorian fashion and styles, to its role as an emotional response to grief. 

In this podcast, I reveal the shameful practices taking place in the greyhound racing industry, and the devastating truth as to why most rescues are classed as 'unrehomable' and so are euthanised. The story of my own rescue greyhound, Luca, is explored to provide some real life context.

The glymphatic system works as a waste-carrying drainage system which removes unwanted materials from the brain. It was identified as a system in 2013 by Danish neuroscientist Maiken Nedergaard. He used the term glymphatic because the system works in a similar way to the lymphatic system but it is managed by the glial cells of the brain. There are still many unanswered questions about the role of the glymphatic system and how it may be harnessed to alleviate diseases like Parkinsons and Alzheimer’s. New drugs could be developed to increase the rate of CSF flow during sleep, which would help flush out harmful proteins. This is certainly an area for further research and may have the potential to reduce the actual number of dementia patients. (With thanks to our sponsor 'Curriculum Press' for providing content for this podcast)