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Healthcare
How do unborn babies and mothers communicate via the placenta?
The placenta is a fascinating organ, which allows communication between mother and foetus through the release of bubble-like vesicles. Could the messages within these vesicles provide an early warning of diseases such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia? Scientists at the University of Oxford are finding out.
Tess Johnson
As a DPhil candidate in Philosophy, I am based at the Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics. During my undergraduate studies in biology and anthropology at the Australian National University, I took an amazing class in bioethics, and discovered a love for asking the big “should” questions about scientific developments—from new reproductive...
Understanding COVID-19 transmission, informing control
Tackling a previously unseen pathogen - like the one that causes COVID-19 - is like piecing together a puzzle. There are many different parameters to investigate before the pathogen can be fully understood, and before effective control measures can be put in place. So how do scientists go about solving the puzzle, and why is modelling so...
Watch a video about Oxford research into good germs and bad germs
Invisible to the naked eye, yet a constant presence, microbes live in, on and around us. Good germs; bad germs highlights an innovative Public Engagement with Research project that is taking place at the University of Oxford. The researchers collaborate with members of the public to experiment on the microbial...
Bryony Sheaves
Bryony is a clinical researcher who investigates the experience of hearing voices. One of the most fascinating aspects of voices for Bryony is the variety of forms that they can take. Some people for example hear voices that say helpful, interesting or even inspiring things, whilst other voices can be threatening or critical to the hearer and...
Lockdown Walks - Walk Your Worries Away!
It's no surprise that walking is good for us physically, but did you know that walking can actually make us worry less? Taking a stroll has a positive effect on our mental wellbeing - particularly if you can get out into nature. Join Dr Jen Wild for this episode of Lockdown Walks, where she discusses some of the psychological benefits of...
Min Chen
I was born in Shanghai, China. The majority of my school education took place during the infamous Cultural Revolution. There was no encouragement of academic achievement. Fortunately, the Cultural Revolution ended in 1976, when I was 16, and it became normal again for teenagers to study and apply for university places.
Neva Kandzija
I am a full time DPhil student at Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health. My current research examines the pathophysiological mechanisms that cause Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Despite being the most common metabolic gestational complication, affecting 10% of pregnancies, few women have heard of it before they’re told they...
Alberto Giubilini
I am a philosopher at the University of Oxford, based at the Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics. I studied in Italy, at the University of Milan, and I worked for a few years in Australia before coming back to this side of the world. I work mostly in bioethics, which is why most philosophers would not consider me one of them. But I do...
Should we edit genes to make nicer people?
Is it possible to edit someone's genes before they are born to make them a nicer, kinder, more moral person? Not only that - but, importantly, should we do this? When it comes to gene editing for moral enhancement, there are many ethical points to consider. Join us as we chat to Tess Johnson, a Philosophy PhD student at the Oxford Uehiro Centre...
