Bethan Ritchie, Author at The Early Career Researcher Blog

Science Writing Competition 2022 – 1st Place

7 June 2022

by Thea Mainprize, PhD Student, Department of Life Sciences

The Trial of the Red Gazelle

The thylacine, aurochs and countless more, What is another knocking at Heaven’s door? One more quietly met their maker, The red gazelle (Eudorcas rufina). Bright rufous pelts – such beauty, such grace! But all we know about are skin and face, No genetic studies, no records in the wild, Only two specimens worldwide on file.

Three, there once were, shot 19th century, Allegedly Algerian – though this is speculatory, Upon inspection, an imposter! Begone! One red-fronted gazelle (Eudorcas rufifrons). With the IUCN denouncing its legitimacy1, The red gazelle faded into obscurity, A true species, or all imposters?

Science Writing Competition 2021 – 1st Place

Bethan Ritchie

30 June 2021

by Anjali Wijnhoven, MSc Student, School of Public Health

The Dangers of Superspreading – A Conversation with a 5-Year Old

There I am, babysitting 5-year old Thomas, when suddenly the ever-dreaded question comes up: “What do you do at work?” I would have expected this from relatives, friends even, but not from this little boy who I am trying to get to sleep. I guess it’s his way to stay up a little longer. Ah well, since this is the most interest anyone has shown in my work for a while, I decide to go for it.

Me: “Remember that virus that everyone has been talking about?

Science Writing Competition 2021 – 2nd Place

Bethan Ritchie

30 June 2021

by Federica Raguseo, PhD Student, Department of Chemistry

Tears and raindrops make the same sound when they hit the ground

“Tears and raindrops make the same sound when they hit the ground” I once told my grandma when I was no older than seven.

She had smiled and told my entire family I was going to become a poet. But truth being told, I wasn’t trying to be foretelling or poetic. There was no second layer, no hidden meaning, no metaphor in my words. I was simply making an observation.

And so, I became a … scientist.

My fascination with water started early and did not falter through the years.

Science Writing Competition 2021 – 3rd Place

Bethan Ritchie

30 June 2021

by Alice Brown, PhD Student, Institute of Clinical Sciences

Parasitic Worms: Master Manipulators in Disguise

Science Writing Competition 2021 – People’s Choice Award

Bethan Ritchie

30 June 2021

by Kanya Alifia, MSc Student, Department of Chemical Engineering

Insect Cell Versus mRNA: Which Vaccine is Better?

The roads of London are alive once again after months of lockdown. Museums, galleries, pubs, and restaurants attract large crowds to enjoy the lifted restrictions. Cautious hugs are exchanged, elbow bumps replaced handshakes, and groups of six expanded into thirty when gathering outdoors. The transition from lockdown period to this joyful normalcy is thanks to the successful vaccination program in the United Kingdom. By 9 June 2021, 77% of adult population has been given the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines and 54% are already fully vaccinated [1].