About Laurel Fish
Laurel Fish is an aspiring researcher currently working as a research assistant at the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck University of London. Having completed an Msc in developmental neurobiology at King’s College London, Laurel has a passion for research investigating early brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders. When not in the lab, you can find Laurel practicing yoga, editing her photography or globe-trotting to lands near and far.

The Epigenetics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

August 27, 2019 Laurel Fish

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises of a range of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by social/communication deficits as well as repetitive/restrictive interests or behaviours. Currently, the exact causes of ASD symptomology is far from being understood. This is, in part, due to the complex and multifactorial nature of the disorder. Despite such complexities significant progress to understanding the disorder has been made over the past few decades. Currently, it is speculated that a combination of genetic susceptibility (such as possessing rare or [more…]

A New Epigenetic Barrier to Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

August 1, 2017 Laurel Fish

By adding the right concoction of ingredients, scientists can reprogram your everyday somatic cell into an induced pluripotent stem cell (IPSC) – that is, a cultured cell that has the ability to differentiate into almost any other cell type in response to specific environmental factors, similar to an embryonic stem cell.1 This innovative technology allows the study of the molecular mechanisms of early development and disease, without the ethical restrictions associated with embryonic stem cells. Not surprisingly, the possibility of utilizing induced pluripotent stem cells in the field of regenerative medicine is of important focus to many scientists. In a recent post, we touched on the potential ability of vitamins A [more…]

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