Profile
Abdullah Iqbal
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About Me:
I’m neuroscientist, podcast host and science writer. Most of all I’m someone who is always learning and trying to help others in what way I can
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I live in Nelson, Lancashìre. I love exploring nature and trying to understand and appreciate everything around me through following a philosophy called Stoicism. I spend my time researching how cells in the spinal cord can be changed to replace the cells lost in conditions like spinal cord injury and heal the damage. Outside of the laboratory I spend time with friends and family ( a lot of that is virtual now), produce a podcast called Brain Explained all about the latest science, write science articles about topics from smell loss to stem cells and I write fiction short stories for fun. Finally, I love to read science ( obviously :)), fantasy, science fiction and philosophy.
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My Work:
I work on developing new research model for Alzheimer’s Dsiease
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Alzheimer’s disease will be the most expensive disease in 2050 and is currently affecting 50 million people. It’s symptoms are terrifying from loss of memory, to mood problems to lack of sleep. There is no cure because we still do not understand the disease. I hope by developing my research model I can help towards the journey towards a cure or more effective delaying treatments. Furthermore, it will increase our understnading.
My idea is to have cells that produce the protein that causes Alzheimer’s Disease
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My Typical Day:
Spilt between reading papers or staining and imaging slices of mice spinal cords under a microscope.
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There are two parts to my day doing laboratory work and reading papers. I typically enter laboratory around 9-10am on the days when I have lab work to do. Because of coronavirus we have to book lab space as only a set amount of people can be in space within the laboratory at one time. Currently my work involves cutting up the spines of mice using a special chopper called a vibratome. I cut 50um slices. which is about half the width of a strand of your hair.
Then comes the completed process of staining ( only joking). We stain the slices with fluroscent antibodies which just means bits of protein that attach to other proteins and glow under a microscope ( cool the things scientists have invented).
Now its time for the highlight which is looking at the slices under a microscope. So beautiful, thats if my stainings have worked. Looking at the intricate designs of the spinal cord is really cool with all the cells stained in blue, green or red. -
What I'd do with the prize money:
To pay for props to use in enganging activities such as those from Backyard Brains. I would use a heart and brain spiker box which would allow students to see their heart and brain activity.
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Education:
Macmillan Nursery
Marsden Community Primary School
Clitheroe Royal Grammar High School
Clitheroe Royal Grammar Sixth Form
University of Sheffield
University of Leeds -
Qualifications:
GCSEs – 8A’s,3B’s,2C’s
A-Level’s – 2A’s, 1B AS Level History – C
Bachleor’s – Biomedical Sciences – (2:1) same as an A
Got an A in all sciences at GSCE which showed my interest in this area. My grades allowed me to go to the Sixth Form and going to this Sixth Form helped me to get to the University that I wanted as I received the education I required to conduct the research I needed to do.
Got an A in Biology and Chemistry and a B in Physics. The grades allowed me to get into university but more importantly studying these subjects allowed me to explore topic areas that I enjoy.
My degree gave me a broad overview of how the body works from different organs at the whole body, cell and molecular level.
Gave me the opportunity to explore my interests and eventually decide to undertake a degree in Neuroscience which I am currently conducting. -
Work History:
Tutoring
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Repairing spinal cord
What did you want to be after you left school?
Scientist
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Yes (who isn't)
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Tom Day ( not a singer but great music)
What's your favourite food?
Peanut butter toast
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
End all suffering ever, everyone cares for each other, everyone acts rationally.
Tell us a joke.
What is a neurosturgeon? The best fish neurosurgeon
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