Why do we need them and how do they work? — How do you feel about oxygen? Well, if you’re a fellow Earth-dweller, I’m assuming pretty good. Cast your mind back to high school biology: oxygen is needed for respiration, which is the process used by our cells to release energy from the food we eat. …

What do those DNA ancestry tests mean, exactly? — Fairly recently, I wrote an article about cilantro. Actually, more specifically, I wrote about the genetic basis for its divisiveness. To cut a long (but interesting) story short: some people have differences in their DNA which means coriander tastes like soap (or, for some people in my family, like tin…

Or, why you adore It, like me — Cilantro, or, as some of us call it, ‘coriander’, is the herb of the Gods. At least, it is to me. I can’t get enough of the stuff; I devour those emerald green leaves every day. ‘Why?’, you might ask. Why not? Who wouldn’t want that hit of fresh, citrusy-ness…

Hint: it’s not just so they look super cool — We finally did it. We got on a plane and flew somewhere tropical: a land of swaying palm trees, delicious tropical fruit, stunning beaches and warm smiles. My husband and I finally took our belated holiday to Mauritius — all the travel anxiety post covid was worth it — we…

No, you’re not imagining it — alcohol can make you smell bad — It’s been a while since I wrote, I know. Have I suddenly lost my love of science or cooking? Or both? No, heaven forbid. Exciting life-stuff has been distracting me, but here I am, back at my desk, mulling over science and foody-type things whilst my cat lolls in a…

We can thank our atmosphere for those beautiful colours — I had started my week well: I dragged myself out of bed pretty early, and, as is my habit, I started writing first thing (coffee in hand of course). As my favourite ‘writing playlist’ gently played, I felt a real sense of peace and inspiration, and that wasn’t just the…

Mustard spice is meant to deter hungry animals; doesn’t seem to be doing a great job with us humans, does it? — How do you like your hotdogs? Tomato sauce? Onions? Either way, one thing is universal — hot dogs need mustard. Admittedly, I’m a Brit, so what the heck do I know, right? I don’t even eat hot dogs very often. …

But, unfortunately, the moon doesn’t smell like cheese — I’m a huge space nerd. But, I’m not an astronomer, or even a physicist, only a ‘lowly’ biochemist that knows more about protein molecules than is healthy. When I wrench myself away from those proteins, I think about space. When we get a clear night, my short-sighted eyes squint through…

It’s not just sci-fi: plants do it, starfish do it and even those pesky aphids are doing it. — What would do if you could clone yourself, easily and simply, right in the comfort of your very own home, or the garden, or you know, wherever? Personally, I’d delegate. I’d have one clone to do my taxes, and at least one clone to bring me coffee and endless rounds…