New Video Posted: Understanding Microscopy: Debunking Misconceptions in Cellular Biology

This was a fun video to make!

In this video, I use bagels to explain how some common misconceptions about the function and shape of organelles came about. I also explore, using images of horses, how we have not fully appreciated the dynamic structure of the cell and vesicle trafficking.

If you would like to say thanks for the fact sheet, then please feel free to buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drnickm

Blog Bonus: Free information sheet summarising the video and defining the key terms - download.

New Video Posted: Understanding Intermediate Filaments: Structure, Function, and Dynamics

In this video, I continue to look at the cytoskeleton by examining the structure and function of the Intermediate Filaments.

Intermediate filaments are made of various proteins (lamins, vimentin, desmin, keratin, and neurofilaments), and their composition can change depending on the cell's state. The filaments provide mechanical strength, line the nuclear membrane, and can form higher-order structures with or without accessory proteins.

If you would like to say thanks for the fact sheet, then please feel free to buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drnickm

Blog Bonus: Free information sheet summarising the video and defining the key terms - download.

Science Book Catalogue

I have a growing collection of science eBooks available on the Google Play Bookstore.

Book

Title and Contents

Go to Download

Maths and Chemistry Refresher for Life and Biomedical Scientists The book is a refresher for life, biomedical sciences and chemistry students who may be a little unsure of some of the key maths and chemistry skills they need and covers: Elements, atoms, ions, molecules, and compounds; Atomic weight, isotopes and molecular weight; Amounts, volumes, and concentrations; The SI units and the SI unit prefixes (m, µ, n, p etc.); Scientific Notation; Dealing with unit prefixes (m, µ, n, p etc.) in calculations; Order of operations (BODMAS and PEMDAS) in maths; How to get the best out of your calculator; Maths 'tricks' — Logs; and, graphs

Coming soon....

The big bumper book of Biomedical Sciences Terms and Definitions.

The book will contain the definitions of over 2,000 terms used in the biomedical and life sciences, along with commonly used abbreviations, molecular structures and links through to over 40 relevant videos that place the terms in context.

New Video Posted: Understanding Microtubules: Structure, Function, and Dynamics.

I have posted the third in my series of four videos on the cytoskeleton - Understanding Microtubules: Structure, Function, and Dynamics.

In the video, I take a quick look at microtubules, one of the essential filaments that form the cytoskeleton of cells. I explore their structure, function, and dynamic nature. 

If you would like to support my blogging efforts, then please feel free to buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drnickm

Blog Bonus: Free information sheet summarising the video and defining the key terms - download.

New Video Posted: Understanding Actin Filaments: Structure, Function, and Dynamics

This is the second in a series of four videos on the cytoskeleton - Understanding Actin Filaments: Structure, Function, and Dynamics.

In this video, I look at actin filaments, an essential component of the cell's cytoskeleton. 

I examine their structure, the process of filament formation, and their diverse functions in various cellular processes. I also discuss different types of actin filament structures, including contractile bundles (loose packing with myosin-II), gel-like networks (e.g., filamin), dendritic networks of branched actin molecules, and tight parallel bundles (e.g., fimbrin).

If you would like to support my blogging efforts, then please feel free to buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drnickm

Blog Bonus: Free information sheet summarising the video and defining the key terms - download.

New Video Posted: What is the Cytoskeleton? | Cell Biology Explained

This is the first in a series of four videos on the cytoskeleton - What is the Cytoskeleton? | Cell Biology Explained.

In this video, I introduce the cytoskeleton, a complex network of protein fibres and accessory proteins that provides essential support and strength to the cell. The cytoskeleton absorbs mechanical stress, controls cell shape and movement, enables muscle contraction, and aids in chromosome separation during mitosis and meiosis. Additionally, it helps the cell divide and provides trackways for moving molecules and vesicles.

If you would like to support my blogging efforts, then please feel free to buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drnickm

Blog Bonus: Free information sheet summarising the video and defining the key terms - download.

Cell Membranes - role, function and problems

I have just finished posting a series of four videos on the cell membrane:

• Cellular Membranes: Protection, Structure, and Function
• Cellular Membranes: The role of proteins in the membranes
• Cellular Membranes: Moving material and information across the membranes - membrane transport
• Cellular Membranes: Moving information across the membrane - the receptors

The videos are an introduction to membranes and cover:

• Why do cells and organelles have membranes?
• The function of membranes in the cell
• The structure and components of the membrane
• The problems solved by having membranes
• The problems caused by having membranes
• The role of proteins in the membrane
• How cells move material actively and passively across membranes
• How cells move information across the membranes - the receptors

Each video comes with a free information sheet that summarises the key points in the video and defines the key terms used.

If you would like to support my blogging efforts, then please feel free to buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drnickm