The Cell Theory

Robert Hooke (1635-1703) 

The cell theory is the scientific theory that describes the properties of cells. Cells are the basic unit of structure in all organisms - they're also the basic unit of reproduction. Over the last few centuries, there's been continual improvements made to microscopes all the time. This has allowed us to look deep into the structure of the cell. Much of this is attributed to Robert Hooke who began the study of cells (cell biology). There's been many debates over the years about cells but now they're considered the fundamental unit of life. This discussion and research led to the Cell Theory being eventually formulated in 1838, which was credited to Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann. But many other scientists like Rudolf Virchow contributed too. 

The Cell Theory is widely accepted to be the foundation of biology and explains the function of the cells. 

The main principles of the cell theory are described as:

- All living organisms are composed of at least one cell

- The cell is the most basic form of life

- All cells come from pre-existing cells

What is scoliosis? - UPDATED

3 years ago today (26th September 2014)  I had an operation to straighten my spine. Before the operation it measured around 65 degrees. With the addition of 2 rods and twenty something screws - it's gone down to a staggering 13 degrees!

But what is scoliosis? How do you get it? The answer to that is that most of the time no-one knows, this called idiopathic scoliosis. Most often, scoliosis is found either really early on in your childhood or mid-way through your adolescence - mostly after a growth spurt. If the curve is under 20 degrees then you'll probably be monitored. Although if your curve increases beyond 20 degrees then a brace may well be recommended. But a curve beyond 40 degrees an operation might be recommended.
Now my spine has been fused almost all the way down - I can't feel the metal at all, it's just airport security that poses a bit of a problem!! :) All in  all, it was one of the best things I've ever done and I'd recommend it to anyone considering having it done!

For more information check out the Scoliosis Association UK for more information and Patient Leaflets - www.sauk.org.uk

Update 27th October 2014 - today I had my last ever appointment at Addenbrookes at 11:30, where I was discharged forever! We then went into Cambridge to celebrate! Below are the X-rays from today!! 

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Science Bites

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USB Post-It Notes

It sounds far fetched but it's just been discovered that some sticky notes could contain around 32GB of data storage. It seems loosing your most important files could be a thing of the past with this new office must-have. The concept has been put forward by the company "dataSTICKIES" - they say that each strip will be able to store up to 32GB of data. It works by attaching the strip to the ODTS (Optical Dater Transfer Surface) around the computer screen where it is then read by the computer. They're made far more resilient with an injection of the super material, graphene to form a one atom thick protective layer. What's even better is you can write on the notes to distinguish between them!





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The Solar-Powered Personal Plane

You'd probably love a personal jet, but what about a solar-powered personal plane? This could be the future of transport - Fly Citycopter. At a maximum speed of 193 kilometres (120mph) per hour you could go from London to Paris in under two hours. The designer,  Eduardo Galvani thinks it will help ease pressures on public transport and general inner-city congestion. Although it's only just a design concept currently, the hope is the plans will inspire major players in the transport industry and maybe become the face of inter-city travel.

An update...

Sorry for the delay in posting, through major scheduling problems, we've got there! Since I last posted a lot has happened, with the Young Scientists Journal a lot of very exciting new things are coming very soon (in the next couple of months). I've also just started Sixth Form, doing Biology, Chemistry, Maths and GPR, so keep an eye out!