If You Could Re-purpose Existing Biology, What Would You Make?
Engineering biology dismantles and reassembles biological cells and processes to make novel systems that do useful things. Through my writing, I am exploring how naturally-occurring molecules can be re-purposed to create new biology, particularly in the discovery of new medicines. I’m doing all this with the eyes of an artist - looking into the nuts and bolts of making using biology, as well as examining the ethics of whether we should be tinkering with biology, and what this says about us as humans.
If you’d like to read more, start with my primer on Synthetic Biology, published by the Biochemical Society.
Peptide Origami: the Challenge of Insulin Folding
It is 100 years since the first international standard for insulin was adopted. Since then, insulin as a product has come a very long way.
Cone Snails and Disulphide Bonds
Animal venom is packed with disulphide-rich peptides, but why? Is the toxicity caused by cysteine or is it something else?
So How Do You Make a Protein?
Thinking about making protein therapeutics? Why not harvest them from the cups of carnivorous plants?
Jellyfish and the Therapeutic Potential of Collagen
Collagen from jellyfish can be used to treat arthritis and help wounds heal faster.
Please note: I’m a scientist with a PhD, not a medical doctor, and although I write about medicines, the information on this blog should not be misconstrued as medical advice. If you’re looking for medical advice, please speak to your GP or other medical care provider.