Lifelong Learning College

Free Virtual Event Wednesday 20 December

The story of insulin on World Diabetes Day.

Before the discovery of insulin, individuals with diabetes faced limited life expectancies. This was because medical interventions were lacking, and there wasn’t much doctors could do.

By 1920, scientists had established that diabetes resulted from an insufficient production of insulin in the pancreatic islets. However, attempts to extract insulin from pancreatic cells proved unsuccessful.

However, Frederick Banting suggested a different way to isolate insulin. He met with scientist John Macleod to formulate a plan.

Banting, along with his research assistant Charles Best, initiated a series of experiments.

In 1921, they successfully isolated insulin from a dog's pancreas.

The critical next step was to apply this extract to treat diabetes and their experiments were first met with failure, but they persisted.

By November 1921, they achieved a milestone: keeping a diabetic alive on their insulin extract for 70 days. In December, they welcomed biochemist James Collip to the team, with the specific goal of refining and concentrating the insulin extract.

In January 1922, the first person received an insulin injection. Fourteen-year-old Leonard Thompson's high blood sugar levels had dropped, but he still had high levels of ketones. After Thompson's first injection, Collip worked to purify the insulin extract. Thompson received his second injection on January 23. This time, Thompson's blood sugar levels became near-normal.

In January 1923, Banting, Collip, and Best secured American patents for insulin and its production process. They chose to sell their patents to the University of Toronto for one dollar, exemplifying their commitment to the greater good. In the words of Banting himself, "Insulin does not belong to me; it belongs to the world."

Eli Lilly became the first manufacturer to mass produce insulin, and the first commercial supply of insulin was distributed in late 1923.

Banting and Macleod received the 1923 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Banting split his half of the prize money with Best, and Macleod split the other half with Collip.

Born in 1914 was actress and inventor Hedy Lamarr. As well as acting in 30 films, during the Second World War she co-developed a frequency-hopping guidance system for American torpedoes, the principles of which are used in Bluetooth and WiFi technologies today.

On this day, the discovery of x-rays

Happy birthday Marie Curie!

Happy birthday to Marie Skłodowska Curie, who was born on this day in 1867!

Marie Curie was the first person to be awarded the Nobel Prize twice, and is still the only individual to receive the prize in two different science categories.

Find out more about this extraordinary laureate: https://bit.ly/2EQeIam

Born in 1906 was Elsie Widdowson FRS. She specialised in the scientific analysis of food and along with Professor RA McCance she revolutionised the way we assess nutritional value. Read about her work on the science of nutrition on our blog: https://royalsociety.org/blog/2020/01/world-war-food/

Born on this day in 1885.

Check out this photo of physics laureate Niels Bohr in 1958.

In 1913, Bohr published his groundbreaking paper, which changed how we view the atom's structure.

Bohr proposed a hydrogen atom theory based on quantum theory that meant energy is transferred only in certain well-defined quantities. Electrons should move around the nucleus but only in prescribed orbits.

A photon is emitted when an electron jumps from one orbit to another with lower energy. Bohr's theory could explain why atoms emitted light in fixed wavelengths.

He received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922.

Look up!

The Draconids should be visible from tonight, peaking in the next few days. ☄️☄️📡☄️☄️

Draconid meteor shower begins tonight - where and when it will be visible The annual Draconid meteor shower will see shooting stars streak through the skies as the Earth travels through a cloud of debris from comet 21P/ Giacobini-Zinner. This year, the spectacle will be visible from Friday night until Tuesday, peaking on Sunday and Monday.

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov “for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.”

The 2023 Nobel Prize laureates in chemistry have all been pioneers in the discovery and development of quantum dots, nanoparticles so tiny that their size determines their properties.

Today quantum dots are now an important part of nanotechnology’s toolbox and are found in commercial products. Researchers have primarily utilised quantum dots to create coloured light. If quantum dots are illuminated with blue light, they absorb the light and emit a different colour. Modifying the size of the particles makes it possible to determine exactly what colour they should glow.

The luminous properties of quantum dots are utilised in computer and television screens based on QLED technology, where the Q stands for quantum dot. In these screens, blue light is generated using the energy-efficient diodes that were recognised with the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics. Quantum dots are used to change the colour of some of the blue light, transforming it into red or green. This makes it possible to produce the three primary colours of light needed in a television screen.

Similarly, quantum dots are used in some LED lamps to adjust the cold light of the diodes. The light can then become as energising as daylight or as calming as the warm glow from a dimmed bulb.

The light from quantum dots can also be used in biochemistry and medicine. Biochemists attach quantum dots to biomolecules to map cells and organs. Doctors have begun investigating the potential use of quantum dots to track tumour tissue in the body. Chemists instead use the catalytic properties of quantum dots to drive chemical reactions.

Quantum dots are thus bringing the greatest benefit to humankind, and we have just begun to explore their potential. Researchers believe that in the future quantum dots can contribute to flexible electronics, miniscule sensors, slimmer solar cells and perhaps encrypted quantum communication. One thing is certain – there is a lot left to learn about amazing quantum phenomena.

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov “for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.”

Learn more
Press release: https://bit.ly/3PvMYZR
Popular information: https://bit.ly/3rpwdre
Advanced information: https://bit.ly/3PQ6YYB

Some key things to include in your personal statement

📝 Crafting the perfect personal statement: 🌟 Remember, it's your chance to shine and stand out! 🚀

Make sure you save and send this post to your friends.

The first Nobel Prize for 2023 has been announced today.

BREAKING NEWS
The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet has today decided to award the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their discoveries concerning nucleoside base modifications that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.

The discoveries by the two Nobel Prize laureates were critical for developing effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 during the pandemic that began in early 2020. Through their groundbreaking findings, which have fundamentally changed our understanding of how mRNA interacts with our immune system, the laureates contributed to the unprecedented rate of vaccine development during one of the greatest threats to human health in modern times.

Learn more
Press release: https://bit.ly/3RypmGw
Advanced information: https://bit.ly/3rrshGw

in 1928, Sir Alexander Fleming FRS discovered penicillin when he recorded a bacteria-killing mold growing in his lab. Rather than throw the dish away, he decided to observe it under a microscope. Find out more about the origins of penicillin: https://artsandculture.google.com/story/2AXBQ4_E13m0Lw

International Coffee day ☕☕☕. Check out the chemistry of coffee.

International Coffee Day - October 1, 2023

Compound Interest

It's something that none of us like to think about, but the question of what happens to our organs when we die is hugely important.

This Organ Donation Week RCN Fellow Anthony Clarkson highlights the difference that organ donation can make, and gives thanks to the families making the hardest decision imaginable.

Read Anthony's blog here: https://bit.ly/3LsHQEv

The History of the atom

This perennially popular graphic charts the history of different theories of the atom, from Dalton's solid spheres to Schrödinger's quantum model: https://wp.me/p4aPLT-23Z

Today is the autumn equinox in the northern hemisphere, so here's a look at the chemical cause of the yellows, oranges and reds in the fall foliage we'll be seeing shortly! https://wp.me/p4aPLT-sn

Advice on becoming a midwife

Consideration: The first Instagram live from the us, with advice from newly qualified @lisa_rollinson_ on being a midwife!

Hope for those with macular degeneration🤞

Human cells grown in artificial eye could transform lives of people with macular degeneration Scientists have made an “exciting breakthrough” for the millions of people affected by macular degeneration after growing and keeping human cells alive in an artificial eye for 150 days. Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University in Ess*x used nanotechnology to successfully grow cells in a 3D rep...

Tips for finding the right University for you.

As the leaves start to fall, make sure you don't. 🍃🍁

During the colder months, the risk of falling increases. Make sure to wear shoes with good grip. Find out more you can do to stay steady on your feet: https://bit.ly/44YXfmW

From Twisteddoodles

Today, on World Patient Safety Day 2023, we embrace the theme “Engaging Patients for Patient Safety.”

Empowering patients and their families to actively participate in their care is crucial for a safer healthcare system. Patient safety is a shared responsibility. Together, we can make a difference 💙

(Pictured: Marities Capili – Patient Safety Support Worker)

Stay safe out there!

Let's talk about s*x: Why STIs are at a record high | RCN Magazines | Royal College of Nursing Sexual health nurse Ruth Bailey gives her perspective on why cases of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis have shot up since 2021.

Hand of a premature baby lit to find the baby’s veins. This allows drugs and fluids to be administered intravenously. Photographed at The Sofia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

On a side note, if you use a bright enough light and try this on your own hand, you’ll be able to see the veins running through your hands.

It’s Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month.

Here are the symptoms of cervical cancer, one of the 5 gynaecological cancers. It’s important to know that these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, but if you experience any, you should get them checked as soon as possible.

For more information, go to our website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-cancer/

Do you know the signs and symptoms of sepsis?

UCAS applications are open for 2024. Start your Access to HE Diploma with us now and this time next year you could be starting University!

Take the first step on your higher education journey, and submit your UCAS application today, on the UCAS Hub 👉 https://bit.ly/46c7s0H

Help shape future policy

Share your experiences in the first Women's Reproductive Health Survey for England to help shape future policy.

We want to hear your views on areas of including:

🟣 periods
🟣 contraception
🟣 fertility
🟣 pregnancy
🟣 menopause

Take part in the survey: https://online1.snapsurveys.com/interview/3e9e0d85-378d-40dd-a701-f353e02fbac1

Take care in the heat today! Make sure that you stay hydrated!

4th - 10 September is Know Your Numbers week.

https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/your-blood-pressure/how-to-lower-your-blood-pressure/monitoring-your-blood-pressure-at-home/how-to-measure-your-blood-pressure-at-home/

⚡️⚡️

An intact human nervous system dissected by 2 medical students in 1925. It took them over 1,500 hours. There are only 4 of these in the world.

Awesome! Which structures can you identify in this image? More than 10? 😉

Source: http://bit.ly/2zhc1st

Gorgeous images ☀️☀️

Incredibly detailed photograph of our Sun ☀️
📸: Arturo Buenrostro

Follow related content: Incredible Knowledge

The chemistry behind firework colours