Could antigen removal reduce rejection?: Antigens are tiny protein markers that are recognised by our immune cells to distinguish between our own body cells and foreign material. It is these antigens presented on MHC molecules (surface glycoproteins that help present pathogens to immune T cells) of host cells that trigger the cascade that leads to an immune response in rejection. It would therefore make sense that if we removed these from the transplanted material, our body could not reject it. Unfortunately, however, viruses beat us to it, by adapting to evade the process of antigen presentation on MHC molecules of infected host cells. Our body countered this by immune cells (namely NK cells) recognising when a cell has this MHC missing, which would indicate that it is infected with a virus and should be destroyed by the immune system. Therefore, a transplant stripped of MHC molecules and antigen would be seen as “missing-self” and potentially virus-infected and so rejection would prevail.

Patchwork people: Is there a limit to how much of a body could be made of transplants? Some transplants are more straightforward than others. For example, the influence of genetically matching liver tissue has no effect on allograft survival, compared to bone marrow, for which it is extremely important. Most organs in the abdomen and thorax can be transplanted, as well as the cornea, bones, heart valves, and stem cells. A single individual could receive all of these transplants, but the intensity of the surgery and associated immunosuppression could be detrimental. Overall, a brain transplant is unachievable at the moment mainly due to the inability of nerve tissue to heal properly: scarred nerves cannot transmit signals well. Besides, how effectively could the brain adapt to control its new body?

Supply and demand: Until we can artificially grow human organs, there is likely to always be a waiting list for organ transplants, dependent upon human donors. Might we be able to use animal organs to meet this demand? Mechanically, animal organs may function very similarly to human counterparts, such as pig hearts. However, could this open the door for increased transmission of animal diseases? What ethical dilemmas might arise from using animal organs for human survival?

The Messy Path to the First Successful Organ Transplants (YouTube Video)

Transplant Rejection (MedlinePlus)

Transplant Immunology (British Society for Immunology)

🤖 Can AI Suffer?: As artificial intelligence grows more sophisticated, a provocative question emerges: if machines could feel pain, would we owe them moral consideration? In this Aeon essay, Conor Purcell traces the history of expanding our “moral circle” — from seal pups to enslaved people to factory-farmed animals — and asks whether the precautionary principle should now extend to AI systems whose inner lives remain uncertain. A fascinating read if you’re into Philosophy or Computer Science.

🧑‍🔬 Benzene: This Royal Institution lecture traces how Michael Faraday went from bookbinder’s apprentice to scientific legend after isolating benzene in 1825—an unassuming six-carbon ring that helped spark the dye, petroleum, plastics, and pharmaceutical industries. Along the way, we meet pioneers like August Kekule, who proposed benzene’s ring structure, and Kathleen Lonsdale, who later proved it using X-ray crystallography, revealing how one molecule reshaped both industry and theory. Good if you like Chemistry!

💧 Rain and Conflict: Ever wondered why some places are lush and green while others struggle with drought? This Crash Course Geography video explores how global precipitation patterns shape ecosystems, agriculture, settlement, and even political conflict. They zoom in on the Great Plains and the Colorado River to show how physical geography and human decisions collide. A must-watch if you’re interested in Geography or Politics!

Wednesday 25th February

Monday 2nd March