Simply Science 101

Sickle Cell Anaemia: myths and facts In my first blog post on Blood: A mode of transport for the body, I identified the important role played by red blood cells in transporting oxygen from the lungs to the cells in the body. They can perform this role because they contain a protein called haemoglobin. Red blood cells are disc-like shaped and this helps them to move easily through blood vessels. An abnormality of haemoglobin in the red blood cells can occur, which results in the red blood cells becoming rigid and sickle-like in shape making it difficult and painful to [...]

Introduction to Gaming Science One of the traditions in most families during Christmas is playing games – board games, video games, quizzes etc. Although, the guidance issued for the current restrictions due the COVID-19 pandemic, advises against playing games indoors during this coming Christmas holidays; a single bubble family can play games and there is the option of virtual quizzes to keep families engaged and entertained during the festive season. Beyond the Christmas season, playing games has been a form of entertainment, socialisation, education, and entertainment. The advent of the internet and smartphones has expanded greatly the different types of [...]

Introduction to Vertical Farming Urban agriculture refers to the production of food including crops, livestock, horticulture, and other agricultural products in urban areas including towns and cities. In the United Kingdom, urban agriculture will include allotments, community farming, school farm projects, rooftop farming, greenhouses, and vertical farming. Vertical farming as the name implies involves the use of buildings, where containers, crates and even purpose-built towers can be arranged vertically to grow fresh food including vegetables, herbs and fruits using hydroponic technology. The interest in vertical farming grew following the publication in 2010 of The Vertical Farm: Feeding the World in the [...]

Obesity: tackling a national crisis In a recent consultation, the government is considering a ban on junk food – products high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) – advertisement on TV and online focused on children. This forms part of ongoing efforts by the government to address the issue of obesity in the United Kingdom. Although, some companies are mounting opposition against this strategy, the crisis of obesity can be left unaddressed. Obesity is measured using the body mass index (BMI). This is a function of your height and weight to determine if your weight is healthy. The BMI calculation divides an adult’s weight in [...]

Blood: A mode of transport for the body I love travelling; I enjoy driving and I currently work in the private care hire industry, after a period of working for a year as a milkman. Transport is a major service and infrastructural requirement for the socio-economic development of a community. In the United Kingdom, villages, towns, cities, regions, countryside, coastal and urban areas are connected through a network of roads. To be able to drive on these roads, you need to read a copy of The Highway Code, which forms part of the theoretical test to pass in order to [...]