Writings of Micaela

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!