• Question: Is it just cells dying that fascinates you?

    Asked by tjphotos to Dr D on 17 Jun 2013. This question was also asked by dangermousethecool.
    • Photo: Andrew Devitt

      Andrew Devitt answered on 17 Jun 2013:

      Not at all! I love infections…… there’s something fascinating (and gruesome) about how bacteria and viruses can cause us problems. They are tiny organisms with very few genes (compared to us) but they can survive so well. AND cause some pretty ugly problems on the way. Have you ever seen an abcess?………. when it has popped and is literally pouring with pus?….. gruesome but difficult not to marvel at how our body fights infection and how we can recover.

      But the more you think about the world, the more you think about science. I’d love to know how we can live for longer whilst staying fit and healthy. What factors allow for healthy ageing?

      Why can some animals run so fast? What is it about their muscles that mean they are so amazing at running? Can we understand this and help humans to maintain their muscles as they age?….. loss of muscle is a problem as we age.

      I think we need to study all the world and organisms around us to see how different adaptations might explain and benefit the human situation

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