Hepatitis B virions with Dane particles | Microbe World
This digitally-colorized transmission electron micrograph (TEM) revealed the presence of hepatitis B virions. The large round virions are known as Dane particles.
Just Another Stethoscopic Life
I'm an international medical student studying in the UK, with a special interest in molecular oncology and research. In this blog, I will post science, thoughts and what not that I experience and come in contact with day to day. Good browsing (hunting) and enjoy! :)
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16Plasma Loop or Corona Rainstorms - NASA footage
Apparently released on 23/02, but filmed last year’s July showing a loop of plasma shooting out of the sun and cooling back down. Path taken by the plasma loop as it descends shows the line of the magnetic field on the sun.
Courtesy to NASA’s Solar Dynamic Laboratory Spacecraft.
Read more at: NASA releases video of hellish plasma ‘rain storm’ on surface of the sun
Colored SEM image of influenza A | DrSarahJensen
Colored scanning electron micrograph (SEM) image of influenza A virus particles. The most virulent of the three influenza types, the Influenza A virus particle consists of a core of RNA surrounded by a protein capsid and lipid envelope.
The beauty of orthomyxovirus ingredient to a pandemic. Just elegant.
3D-Printing of Rocket Parts (NASA)
3D printing is old news, but making an SLS from it must be quite a feat. The parts look amazing. Mass production may become cheaper if this technology is commercialised and cheaper to acquire.
Games of Thrones: Season 3 Trailer
The trailer is a bit crap. Nevertheless, can’t wait for season 3.. I’ve been waiting long enough!
F-35: A Pilot’s Perspective
What a beast from Lockheed Martin. Some really nice scenic shots with the plane in it. I actually do remember following the development of X-35 when it just came out as a prototype. Reminds me much of Battlefield 3 gameplay haha.
TEM of a capillary lined with pericytes (in turquoise), specialized contractile cells embedded within a shared basal lamina that are responsible for regulating blood flow, particularly in the brain
credit: Rob Young
(via md-admissions)
Quadrocopters Throwing + Catching Inverted Pendulum
Amazing stuff here as a postgraduate project… performing calculations at 50 times per second to predict pendulum dropping position and force. Self-learning algorithms are seriously impressive but also formidable.
(Source: robohub.org)
IBM Watson Demo in Healthcare
Makes you wonder if there is a need for doctors if medical examination can also be completed by artificlal intelligence through advanced robotics.
Happy New Year everyone! (from the UK)
Zeltgeist 2012: Year in Review
A Hobbit's Life
So one of my friends and previous flatmate has started blogging about his life. Despite not having done anything significant, he has posted his mind into words, including ideas thought up in a shower to things while watching ‘Suits’. Not very interesting so far, but potential to get better.
Re: Panorama - Mind Reader
I didn’t expect this when I blogged about the BBC documentary, but I got a message through tumblr!
“I am Alex’s mum - ‘are you happy?’ is the only thing I want to know!”
I know there is not much we can really do or say that can alleviate what you’re going through mentally and physically, but I wish Alex all the best in recovering and that you find your answer to the question soon!!
Aberdeen, happiest city in Scotland ranked by economy and QoL (Taken from Guardian Article)
When the taxi driver got asked by the article’s journalist what he thinks of the ranking of Aberdeen. He replied.
“It’s a’ a loada shite,” he said. And, with some prescience, added: “It’ll a’ be tae dae wi’ the oil money an’ a’ they big-piyin’ joabs. But this city is a lot mair than a’ that pish.”
Haha, made my day, what a legend. Perhaps I should really consider FYs in Scotland.
Click above link to read the online article.
The Mind Reader - Unlocking My Voice - Panorama
BBC documentary follows patients in vegetative state post-traumatic brain injury, using fMRI to assess if they have consciousness, i.e a certain degree of awareness to their surroundings. It’s touching, solemn and hits you emotionally in all angles. It’s not suitable to watch before bed or when you’re not having the greatest of days.
Maybe the most important question for the carers, the patient and anyone is….are you happy? Imagine if you cannot convey that or you are not able to know the answer to someone you care.
LINK: BBC full vid (Need to be in UK to watch it)
Patient’s last words, a squeeze in the heart
I started this week being thrilled to have another chance to experience oncology in the teaching hospital I am based in, which forms part of my 4th year medical curriculum. Oncology is a specialty and topic of research that I am interested in and definitely want get more exposure to. In the end, I am pleased to say that I enjoyed the week very much and gained a further insight into what this specialty is all about.
I had the privilege to follow a very pleasant gentleman’s case. He had recently been diagnosed with late stage non-small cell lung cancer and presented with atypical symptoms on admission this time. As usual, I did a history and examination and looked at his notes to get a better idea of him. I read the reports of investigations he had undergone as the week passed by. In general terms, his 5 year survival rate is 15% or less.
I managed to find time to visit him on the ward everyday, to catch up on progress made in managing him medically, have a chat with him about his ideas and concerns, and popped a few jokes along the way. He remembered my name after the first time we met, and used it quite often when addressing me and answering questions. He was polite and honest, but hid a degree of his tiredness to all the unlucky things that has happened to him recently. He had a glow in his eyes when talking about his family and his work before he retired. After all, he once served the country and was a skilled engineer, for 20 years or more in both occupation… something I would also be proud of if I were him.
I found conversing with him quite easy; everything seemed to flow, which is probably as a result of his openness. The last time I saw him was yesterday and everything happened as usual, just like the previous check ups I did throughout this week. At the end of our conversation I told him my week attached to the department is coming to an end, and jokingly said he was unfortunate enough to have me bother him every single day. To which he responded with a handshake and replied with a smile.
“Well.. I don’t suppose I’ll see you again, but best of luck to your career.”
I would normally respond saying “I hope so too.” The rationale is that a patient you don’t meet again in hospital is generally a good sign, as a patient who is not sick enough will not get admitted. In his case, it was likely the last time I will meet him…after all he is terminal. I got caught off guard. It was a squeeze in the heart, a sinking feeling… I really got to know him quite well.
In the end, I only managed to slowly blurt out, “thank you! I remember everyone I meet. It was really a pleasure meeting and talking to you. Thank you very much…”
I didn’t say it on passing…. I meant every word I said.
