Science Writing
Molecules and music both have a place in the grand synthesis of life...
Many of us, at some point, have been admonished for spending too little time on our scientific work in favour of our other interests. But both molecules and music both have a place in the grand synthesis of life.https://t.co/gb3gB2DJSR
— Chemistry World (@ChemistryWorld) February 18, 2024
"Scientific adventures start with the support of an inspirational supervisor..." This article is dedicated to the memory of my PhD supervisor, Timothy Egan (1962–2022).
A great postgraduate supervisor develops a sixth-sense for believing in a project. You? You're going to need some snacks...https://t.co/n2Jv1er2HC
— Chemistry World (@ChemistryWorld) June 17, 2022
"Why does tonic water glow?"
Published on Medium on 9 July 2020.
Published on Medium on 9 July 2020.
A brief history of quinine, fluorescence and the likely origin of the G&T.
"Five ways in which artificial intelligence is accelerating the development of new medicines"
Published on Medium on 28 May 2020.
Published on Medium on 28 May 2020.
The process of bringing new medicines from the bench to the bedside, known as drug discovery, is expensive, difficult and sometimes inefficient. It has been estimated that the average drug discovery project takes over a decade and costs around $3 billion. Consequently, it is hoped that integrating AI methods with traditional drug discovery will improve time- and cost-efficiency, accelerating the transition of new drugs from the laboratory to the shelf.
"Could a classic antimalarial help in the fight against Covid-19?"
Published in Daily Maverick on 1 April 2020. Later that day, I was interviewed by John Maytham on CapeTalk Radio. See "The jury's still out on use of antimalarials to treat Covid-19".
Published in Daily Maverick on 1 April 2020. Later that day, I was interviewed by John Maytham on CapeTalk Radio. See "The jury's still out on use of antimalarials to treat Covid-19".
While the promise of repositioning ‘old’ drugs such as chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine is tantalising, it is critical that the hazards of using unapproved treatments are shared with the public to prevent needless fatalities and supply shortages that may further burden already strained healthcare systems.
CORONAVIRUS: Could a classic antimalarial help in the fight against Covid-19? https://t.co/vlNvSDLG0e By John Woodland
— Daily Maverick (@dailymaverick) April 1, 2020
"My Falling Walls Lab experience"
First published on the Falling Walls Blog in September 2014 but republished on Medium in June 2020. A reflective essay on my experience at the Falling Walls Lab and Conference in 2013.
First published on the Falling Walls Blog in September 2014 but republished on Medium in June 2020. A reflective essay on my experience at the Falling Walls Lab and Conference in 2013.
The traditional perception of a “lab” as an impersonal and controlled environment for scientific research could not be more different from the “Lab” hosted by Falling Walls. The latter is a vibrant and dynamic space for thought leaders to share, connect and develop new ideas. It is the prelude to the Falling Walls Conference which is billed as The International Conference on Future Breakthroughs in Science and Society. But how did a young chemistry student come to share the stage with some of our world’s foremost minds?
"Glow-in-the-dark quinine could help kill malaria parasite"
Published in the Mail & Guardian on 15 August 2014 in "Science Voices", a supplement featuring South African postgraduate science writing.
Published in the Mail & Guardian on 15 August 2014 in "Science Voices", a supplement featuring South African postgraduate science writing.
Today, quinine is not only useful as a tonic water mixer for your gin, it could also be the key to uncovering the malaria parasite’s most toxic secret.
News articles
I also write the occasional news article for the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) at UCT:
I also write the occasional news article for the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) at UCT:
- "On the cusp of a new chapter, the IDM celebrates a dynamic cohort of younger scientists and two decades of excellence in infectious disease research" (8 December 2023)
- "Second career-boosting opportunity for translational scientists" (17 October 2023)
- "Content, clarity and charisma the keys to scicomm success at the IDM FameLab" (14 June 2023)