Writings of Micaela

----------------------------------------------------- Written as an assignment for HSCI 900: Core Concepts and Practice for Public Health I to identify and summarise a public health issue of our choice in the form of a newsletter with an advocacy lens.

Stem Cells & The Heart of Cancer The quest for the cure for cancer is like that of a hero on his journey to vanquish an age-old curse plaguing his beloved land, as the knight in shining armour rides into battle to finally bring peace one and for all. However, while he may be cutting down his foes left and right, what happens if he discovers that the true enemy he is fighting is not unlike himself? The discovery of stem cells and their unique characteristics of self-renewal and the ability to become any and every human cell depending on their potency, has been revolutionary, initiating the foray into the field of regenerative medicine. In the context of cancer treatment, generating brand new functional cells, tissues, and organs in the laboratory can replace those damaged by radiation, chemotherapy, or trauma from surgery. It could also theoretically regenerate the damaged tissue or organs in the body itself, allowing cancer survivors a new lease on life. Until that is a rea

Wrote a little interactive fiction piece in Twine as a creative assignment for LSM 4215 Extreme Physiology, where we were instructed to incorporate what we learned during lectures and field trips to the Singapore aeromedical centre/naval diving unit. So, I decided to write a little historical piece about a fighter pilot, as they experience hypoxia at high altitudes, G-forces, and the Coriolis effect. You can play it here: Fighter Pilot LS-4215 I realised that I could've added in a separate story where you could be a naval diver instead, or beefed up the body's response to trauma, but I'm happy with how it is for now. If there's interest maybe, I'll look into it!

Coral Reefs: Once Bleached Twice Shy; Thrice Bleached Too Late It Died The Great Barrier Reef's "obituary" at the end of 2016 caused an uproar among social media users and ocean scientists. Even though it was later proven that the reef was not actually dead, it certainly is on its last few breaths. Is Asia's coral reefs in danger too? Written By: Micaela Leong Somewhere Across the Sea What comes to mind when the word "ocean" is mentioned? Do you have childhood memories of cool waters gently lapping at your feet, or the crash of waves breaking against the shore? Have you seen water so clear, that you could see schools of fishes on the pearly white seabed? Do you remember jumping into the salty water with reckless abandon, swimming in the sparkling, shimmering, dark blue sea? Whatever you think of, it is agreed that the sea is a thing of beauty - but do you think the ocean is the still the same? Near the end of 2016, news spread like wildfire across s

Live Long and Prosper: Can Exercise Make You Immortal? Italian scientists have discovered that exercise could lengthen our lifespan - but not in the way most people expect. Research on diabetic patients has uncovered that exercise can reduce oxidative stress and lengthen a chromosome's telomeres. As researchers continue to study genomic stability, DNA repair, and longevity, is immortality a possibility? Written By: Micaela Leong It is common knowledge that exercise brings great benefits to our lives and overall well-being. Aerobic exercise improves your stamina and metabolism, strengthens muscles, and prevents weight-related diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. With a healthy body and lifestyle, it is possible to live life for as long as possible. However, researchers from Italy studying diabetics patients discovered that it can change your genome as well. Experiments were conducted on diabetic patients and healthy subjects, to see whethe

The Nano-Infiltrator at Cancer’s Doorstep Scientists at Universiti Putra Malaysia have designed a new nanoparticle that delivers a chemotherapy drug straight to cancer cells. It tricks the cell into accepting the drug, and like a Trojan Horse, sabotages it from within. This new method is potentially more lethal to cancer cells than conventional intravenous delivery. With this, scientists are one step closer to treating cancer efficiently, minimising damage to the body. Written By: Micaela Leong The war rages on. The attacks are indiscriminate: children, elderly, the young and healthy. As they struggle to fight for their lives, many succumb to death, and few live to tell the tale. Meanwhile, scientists in laboratories all over the world are hunched over their microscopes and petri dishes, striving to create a solution that could put all this senseless killing to rest. Welcome to the battlefield of cancer. The Nano-Infiltrator Scientists at Universiti Putra Malaysia h