Society for Natural Sciences Student Journal

Editorial

2025-11-03T11:09:01+00:00

Low Galaxy Radii Dark Matter Predictions

2025-05-16T16:49:55+01:00

The discrepancy between observed galaxy rotation curves and calculations via Newtonian
dynamics has long evidenced the presence of dark matter. Classically represented dark
matter halo models, such as the Navarro-Frenk-White (NFW), Einasto, and DC14 profiles,
are frequently used to infer the distribution of this unseen mass. Whilst effective at large
galaxy radii, these models often fail to accurately represent the shape of rotation curves
at central regions of a galaxy. This failure arises from fixed parametric forms within the
models that cannot account for the complex interplay between baryonic physics and dark
matter.
This literature review explores the embedding of transformer-based machine learning
(ML) models within classical models to improve the representation of dark matter inferences.
Specifically, transformers trained on galaxy feature datasets learn to predict the parameters
retained within these analytic profiles; optimising their fit via learnable weights. By
introducing self-attention mechanisms, transformer models identify contextual inter
dependencies between observational inputs—such as HI linewidths, stellar densities, and
scale radii—and output refined parameter estimates that resolve low-radius modeling
errors

Beyond Penicillin: Metal Complexes as the Next Generation Antimicrobial Agents

2025-08-16T20:53:24+01:00

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents one of the foremost global health challenges of the twenty-first century, with multi-drug-resistant pathogens increasingly undermining the efficacy of conventional antibiotics. This article critically evaluates the potential of metal complexes as alternative antimicrobial agents, drawing on their unique physicochemical properties and multifaceted mechanisms of action. Unlike traditional antibiotics, which often target a single bacterial pathway, metal complexes can simultaneously disrupt multiple cellular processes, including ligand exchange with biomolecules, generation of reactive oxygen species, membrane destabilisation, and interference with metal ion homeostasis. These broad-spectrum activities reduce the likelihood of rapid resistance development. Particular attention is given to antimony, manganese, and gallium complexes, each offering distinct therapeutic advantages: organoantimony compounds exhibit potent membrane-disrupting activity; manganese(I) tricarbonyl complexes function as carbon monoxide-releasing molecules, impairing bacterial respiration; and gallium(III) exploits iron mimicry in a “Trojan horse” strategy, effectively starving bacteria of essential nutrients. Evidence of synergistic interactions between metal complexes and established antibiotics further underscores their translational potential. Nonetheless, significant challenges persist, including host cytotoxicity, poor solubility, in vivo instability, and the environmental consequences of metal use. The article highlights the promise of combinatorial chemistry, computational screening, and synergistic drug design in overcoming these limitations. Ultimately, metal-based antimicrobials constitute a promising frontier in the fight against AMR, with the capacity to complement or supplant existing antibiotics and extend the lifespan of current therapies.

A reservoir for pathogens: modifying nasogastric tube surface topography to produce anti-adherence properties

2025-10-19T18:42:51+01:00

Nasogastric tubes (NGTs) are essential medical devices widely employed in both acute and chronic care settings. Yet, their prolonged use is frequently associated with microbial colonisation and infection, contributing to patient mortality and increasing healthcare costs. This study explored novel surface modification of NGTs as a means to mitigate infection, improving patient outcomes. The investigation evaluated the anti-adherence potential of zwitterionic compounds—dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) and glycine betaine—as well as the antimicrobial properties of copper sulphate (CuSO₄). Fabricated NGT‐mimicking samples were coated with these zwitterions and compared to copper sulphate (CuSO₄)–treated discs as an antimicrobial reference. While neither zwitterion produced measurable anti-adhesive effects under current experimental conditions, copper discs yielded clear antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis. Future research should focus on optimising zwitterion formulation, concentration, and coating technique, and evaluating dual-action approaches integrating anti-adhesive zwitterions with selective antimicrobial agents such as endolysins. From both clinical and economic perspectives, this interdisciplinary innovation may yield far-reaching impacts by improving patient care whilst alleviating the burden of infection-related complications.