THE BLOG
E-Numbers: The Secret Science of Food Additives
I am going to start this article with a little question: what do these 3 chemicals have in common — methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, enzymatically hydrolysed carboxy methyl cellulose and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate? As the title may suggest, these are food...
What if the Roman Empire Never Fell?
The date 1453 marked a highly significant event: the fall of the final area of land possessed by the Roman Empire (Constantinople). However, its decline had begun more than 1500 years before this drastic event happened. So it is only natural to ask the question: What...
The Conscious Cell: Can Intelligence Exist Without a Brain?
My previous article explored the question ‘What would happen if pathogens evolved intelligence?’. This article is a ‘sequel’ to that one, extending it and developing it further. This article, however, covers a deeper and more philosophical question: Can intelligence...
What if diseases evolved intelligence?
Imagine a world where viruses strategize, bacteria collaborate and fungal infections communicate. This is a world where diseases have evolved intelligence. Antibiotics start wars, both sides eager to end the other’s reign. Who will survive? Will there be...
Is Maths Real?
We use maths every day, but have you ever wondered if it’s actually real? This question has been circling inside my head for quite some time, and I thought I would take a deep dive and create an article about it. For this one, as this is not a conventional...
What If the Earth Stopped Spinning?
In this article, I delve into the question: What if the Earth stopped spinning? Most people don’t think about how important Earth’s rotation really is. However, it is vital for life in a variety of ways. So, naturally, I came up with this question. It turns out that...
The Beginner’s Guide to NERF Modding
⚠️ Disclaimer: Modding NERF blasters can be dangerous if done incorrectly. This guide is for educational purposes only. Proceed at your own risk. Imagine this: You and your friend are having an epic nerf battle outside and everything seems normal. You manage to...
What if the Sun Went Out?
Have you ever wondered what keeps the Sun burning in vacuum? Or why is it shrinking? Then this article is for you. The Sun, however many people think it is, is not a ball of burning gas. Instead, at the centre of this star, an exotic reaction takes place, causing the...
Tiny Wings, Giant Thoughts: What Fruit Flies and I Have in Common
Depending on where you are in the world, when you think of Cambridge University, you might picture vast halls, ancient libraries, mad scientists with hair that looks like it has been electrocuted, dusty chalkboards or students with long, jet black gowns billowing...
Tardigrades, Antifreeze and MOXIE: Could a Living Organism Survive on Mars?
Did you know that living organisms could survive on Mars? Or that humans might have to colonise the Red Planet? Come with me on this fantastic journey through the realms of biology, physics and chemistry as we explore this hypothetical scenario that one day could come...
What If Earth’s Gravity Doubled?
If Earth’s gravity doubled, it would have a variety of negative effects on humanity. Bridges, designed to only hold up a certain amount, would collapse and fall! Cars would no longer be able to draw fuel from their tanks and would stop in a few seconds. Breathing...