Category: physiology

Microbes secrete antimicrobial compounds at stationary phase to better compete for scarce nutrients

April 4, 2024

Stationary phase refers to the growth phase there is an equilibrium between cell death and cell division. Thus, cell numbers are approximately constant during stationary phase. In many microbial species, many natural products such as antibiotics and antimicrobials are secreted during stationary phase. Given the energy intensive nature in which such natural products are synthesized, … More Microbes secrete antimicrobial compounds at stationary phase to better compete for scarce nutrients

Gene expression pattern analysis illuminates diverse aspects of biological function

February 14, 2024

It is common knowledge that the genetic repertoire of an organisms lends unique functions to the species. But, it is less well known that differential gene expression pattern can lead to different morphotypes and phenotypic traits in the same species. At the heart of differential gene expression pattern analysis is that not all genes are … More Gene expression pattern analysis illuminates diverse aspects of biological function

Hard to find RNA-seq raw dataset for human diseased cells and tissues

December 10, 2023

Understanding the gene expression pattern of diseased human cells and tissues will provide needed guidance for developing suitable treatment plans for patients. It is with this notion in mind that I set out to search for RNA-seq raw dataset for diseased human cells and tissues on public databases. But, the search is futile as many … More Hard to find RNA-seq raw dataset for human diseased cells and tissues

Biomolecular informational content of biomedical engineering and bioengineering

December 7, 2023

To the student, it may be difficult to choose between a programme in biomedical engineering or bioengineering. So, at the biomolecular level, what are the differences between these two allied disciplines? Firstly, biomedical engineering focuses its analysis at the tissue and organ levels, and use this as an analytical platform to build up to the … More Biomolecular informational content of biomedical engineering and bioengineering

My journey in virology research

November 7, 2023

My research interest is mainly in environmental microbiology, and through the years, I am increasingly acquainted with the important role played by bacteriophages in regulating bacterial populations number. Hence, I ventured into phage research in late 2020 and through now to gain a deeper understanding of the genomics of phages, and the relative abundance of … More My journey in virology research

My experience with lab rotations, and how it broadens my research outlook

November 6, 2023

In 2015, I had the opportunity to undertake a couple of lab rotations with the different departments of NUS Medicine. First stop was in the lab of Prof. Chester Drum where I was exposed to work seeking to repurpose ferritin nanocages for drug delivery applications. Next, I went to the lab of Prof. Chen Ee-sin … More My experience with lab rotations, and how it broadens my research outlook

Use of RNA-seq to identify expressed genes in a newly sequenced genome

November 5, 2023

RNA-seq is commonly used to decipher the gene expression pattern of different species in an organism or for profiling different cancer subtypes in a cancer model system. However, the approach can also be used to identify expressed genes in a newly sequenced genome. For example, in biological sciences, there are ample opportunities to work with … More Use of RNA-seq to identify expressed genes in a newly sequenced genome

Neanderthal likely have a different diet from humans based on mitochondrial DNA phylogeny and single nucleotide polymorphism pattern

November 2, 2023

Mitochondria in humans comprise a genome with genes important to metabolism and maintaining redox balance. Thus, evolution of these genes is responsive to nutritional and environmental factors, and the evolution rate may be rapid depending on the strength of the selective force. If there is a significant difference in nutrition, there will be a strong … More Neanderthal likely have a different diet from humans based on mitochondrial DNA phylogeny and single nucleotide polymorphism pattern

Choice of growth medium depends on the mammalian cell type and stage of cancer

September 15, 2023

In general, students in the life sciences and biomedical research would think the DMEM medium is appropriate for most cell types. Indeed, that is true for most general applications. However, if you are asking more nuanced questions that require recapitulation of certain cellular phenotype or physiology, then modifications to DMEM or using some exquisite growth … More Choice of growth medium depends on the mammalian cell type and stage of cancer