[ The Lab ]

Writing.

Long-form articles on CRISPR, enzymology, AI, data science, neuroscience, and the science behind modern biotechnology — written by Mohamed Izad.

Scientist pouring green liquid sample in biofuel research laboratory
Enzymology · Biofuel · Sustainability

Aug 1, 2024  ·  3 min read

Cellulases: The Unsung Heroes of Biofuel Production

Cellulases convert lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars — the cornerstone of bioethanol and the renewable energy revolution. A deep dive into the enzymology driving sustainable second-generation biofuels.

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Dried flowers resting on yellowed pages of an old book
Poetry · Creative Writing

Jan 23, 2024  ·  2 min read

Trauma

A poem exploring the hidden pain of trauma — processing emotional suffering through dark verse and the courage to confess through ink.

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Abstract 3D visualisation of a DNA double helix structure with particle effects
CRISPR-Cas9 · Molecular Biology

Oct 21, 2023  ·  5 min read

The Mystery of CRISPR-Cas9: How Cas9 Enzymes Cut DNA

How does a molecular machine find and cut a single target among billions of base pairs? An exploration of the Cas9 mechanism and its precision.

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Abstract illustration of artificial intelligence concept with silhouette and glowing eyes
Artificial Intelligence · NLP

Jun 7, 2023  ·  4 min read

What is the Better NLP Model? Bard or ChatGPT?

A comparative analysis of Google Bard and ChatGPT — examining their architectures, strengths, and practical performance after Google I/O 2023.

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Close-up of laptop screen displaying cybersecurity and digital privacy text
Data Ethics · Technology

Mar 14, 2023  ·  4 min read

Data Collection Ethics and Privacy in the Digital Age

How personal data collection has permeated modern life — examining ethical challenges, UN human rights implications, and digital privacy practices.

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Close-up of abstract AI-generated molecular shapes representing genetics data
AI · Genomics · Biotechnology

Mar 9, 2023  ·  5 min read

Artificial Intelligence and Genetics: Using ML to Identify Disease Risk Factors

How machine learning is being applied to large-scale genetic datasets to identify disease risk factors and accelerate drug target discovery.

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Human brain anatomical model viewed from above placed on blue background
Neuroscience · Psychology

Mar 4, 2023  ·  5 min read

The Neuroscience of Empathy: How It Works and Why It Matters

Mirror neurons, shared neural pathways, and why the ability to feel what others feel is fundamental to human connection and social wellbeing.

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Scientist setting up a chemistry experiment in a genetics research laboratory
CRISPR · Gene Therapy

Feb 27, 2023  ·  6 min read

The Use of CRISPR Gene Editing in Treating Genetic Diseases

CRISPR's ability to target and correct genetic mutations is transforming how we approach inherited diseases — from sickle cell anaemia to cystic fibrosis.

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Cosmetic cream bottle beside scientific laboratory glassware on pink background
Bioanalytical Science · Skincare

Feb 28, 2023  ·  6 min read

Incorporating Bioanalytical Skincare: Tips for a Sustainable Routine

How natural ingredients, nanotechnology, and microbiome science create personalised, sustainable skincare routines free from harsh chemicals.

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High-resolution image of colourful programming code highlighted on a computer screen
Python · Data Science

Dec 24, 2022  ·  6 min read

Python: A Powerful Tool for Data Analysis

A practical overview of Python's data analysis ecosystem — pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, and scikit-learn workflows for analysts and scientists.

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