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How Emanuela is applying big data to clinical research

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How Emanuela is applying big data to clinical research

Emanuela Manea is a General Pediatrician with 8 years of experience practicing medicine in the European Union. She recently completed a Fellowship in Inherited Metabolic Disorders in London, where she continues to work as Consultant in General Paediatrics.  

Ever since medical school, I have been fascinated by cellular signalling and its pathology. This was the topic of my medical graduation paper. It’s also what attracted me to the Systems Biology and Biotechnology Specialization on Coursera. One of my best friends recommended Coursera to me due to my interest in biotechnology.  

Although I was already familiar with cellular processes and technologies such as genome sequencing and mass spectrometry-based proteomics, the Systems Biology and Biotechnology Specialization was an eye-opening learning experience that changed my perspective on the ways I could help advance medicine.

Through the course, I learned how data can be used to create computational models that offer insights into how metabolic and signalling pathways work. From there, I was able to generate predictions that can be tested in the lab. I also learned how big data can be integrated and statistically analyzed to understand system-level behaviour in cancer.

As I was completing the Specialization, I came across 2 patients with a rare class of glycosylation disorder: GPI-anchor defects. To get a better understanding of these disorders, I conducted research using 3 big data platforms: Uniprot, Reactome, and Omim. The study and its conclusions were recently published in Molecular Genetics and Metabolism Reports.

After completing the Systems Biology and Biotechnology Specialization, I feel that I’ve only scratched the surface of what I can achieved with mathematical modelling. I feel drawn to research that leads the way forward, rather than applying current status-quo research techniques to clinical settings.

After receiving encouraging feedback on my published work, I want to continue my research and eventually apply for a PhD Program. Today, I’m exploring ways to create more personalized treatments by better understanding how metabolic pathways relate to each other.   

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4 Steps For Starting A Science Career

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4 Steps For Starting A Science Career

Jan 8, 2019

By Sarah K.

I’ve always been so impressed by scientists. I really enjoyed science in school. It’s just so interesting, and the things you can do with scientific knowledge are amazing. But I never pursued a science career later in life. There is really only one reason why I didn’t go for it- I never knew how. Some part of my brain just thought “no, I can’t be a scientist, that’s way too complicated!”

I was thinking about this recently. If I had known how to start a science career, would I have done it? Would that have made me really happy in my career? I think the answer is yes. More importantly, I think if more people knew how to become scientists, more people would do it. So, I decided to talk to some friends of mine who work as scientists, ask them “how did you start your career?” and then share what I learned with you. Here’s what I found:

1. Explore different science career areas

The first thing you have to do if you want to start science career is figure out which area of the science world you want to get involved in. Science is a big subject, with lots of little sub-fields that different scientists concentrate on. Start by taking a look at the fundamentals of the main three areas of science – chemistry, biology, and physics – and see what interests you the most.

2. Focus in on the science career you really like

When you have figured out what interests you, or if you already know what you’re interested in, then start concentrating on that. Within each field, there are lots of interesting things to explore. The closer you look at each field, whether it’s environmental science, health science, or astronomy, the more you will know exactly what you want to do.

3. Perfect your résumé

Once you know exactly what you want to do with your science career, an internship can really help get you started before you commit to more long-term plans. Internships are a great way of getting a feel for your industry and making connections. An added bonus is that internships are often paid within the science world. To get the perfect internship, you need to start getting your résumé in shape, so take a look at some top tips for perfecting your résumé.

4. Get a great online profile

When you’re starting your science career it’s so important to stay up-to-date with your industry. It’s also important to make as many connections with important people in your field as possible. These are the people who will show you exactly how to progress your career in your field, so it’s vital that you connect with them. The best way to do this is to build a really strong online profile, so here’s a simple guide for how to do just that. Have a look, and start working on your future career today!

Following these four steps will give you a great start to your science career, helping you to figure out where you want to go and how you can get there. These are great advantages when you are just starting out. So go on, your start to a great career in science is just around the corner.

Author: Alison Marketing

5 Really Great Ways to Find Inspiration

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5 Really Great Ways to Find Inspiration

Jan 4, 2019

By Priya P.

When’s the last time you felt really inspired? Did it happen this week? This month? Last year? Sometimes, we can go through long periods without feeling any great boost of inspiration. That’s nothing to worry about, life is just like that sometimes. But recently I realised that it had been a really long time since I had been able to find inspiration, and I thought “is there a way to change that?” It turns out, there is.

Most of the time inspiration takes you completely by surprise. But there are actually things you can do to invite a little more inspiration into your life. Discovering this was a lovely boost for me- it is just really nice when something comes along that makes you go “Wow”. What’s more, if you can find inspiration then that can be the great kick you need to start doing something really fulfilling. So, here are a few tips that you can use to find inspiration a little more often.

1. Walk with a camera

Most of us have a small walk at some point in our day. And if you don’t, try to squeeze in a walk on the weekend, it’s great for your health! When you take your walk, whether it’s through an urban centre or out in the countryside, bring a digital camera. Trying to take the perfect shot of your surroundings is a great way to bring out the beauty and spot what’s inspiring in any place.

2. Design your ideal tattoo

You don’t have to get a tattoo! But designing the tattoo you would get, can actually be a great source of inspiration. Try to design an image that really means something to you. Maybe it represents you, or is a reminder of a big event or important person in your life. Whatever it is, just thinking about it can bring a little inspiration to mind (even if you have no intention of getting the tattoo!).

3. Books books books

You only live one life, but with a pile of books you can get inspiration from the lives of thousands of others. There are so many amazing authors and texts out there full of incredible and inspiring stories. Check them out, and get a little bit of wonder into your day.

4. Discover history

Fiction can be so moving, but true stories can be even better. Learning about the real things that incredible people did during important and really interesting periods in history is a great source of inspiration. And by looking at the past, you can learn so much about your future.

5. Find art you love

A great piece of art can evoke powerful emotions when you look at it. Different people find inspiration from different art, so introduce yourself to a nice wide range of artists and discover which type of art makes you feel something strong.

With these little tips, you can invite some more inspiration into your life. That can be a really nice boost that makes life a bit more enjoyable. So give it a go, you never know what you might find!

Author: Alison Marketing

19 New Year’s Resolutions For Your 2019!

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Jan 1, 2019

By Rahul R.

Happy New Year! Well done, you got through 2018. Was it fun? Was it tough? Were there good times and bad times? I’m sure there were, every year is different and every year can bring lots of good and lots of bad. Some of this is beyond our control, and we just have to accept that life isn’t always easy. But one thing is in our control: what we decide we want to achieve.

Even if the world gets in the way and we don’t achieve it in the end, we can decide what we want to happen in our lives. This doesn’t have to be completely ridiculous (I’m not hoping to grow a tail this year) but it doesn’t have to be too serious either (I’m also not dreaming about getting to work on time every day). It’s just really nice to have some fun and possibly achievable dreams on the horison.

So, to help you choose your New Year’s Resolutions this year, here’s a list of some ideas. They are probably not all for you, but maybe there’s something just right for you in there. Have a look, and Happy New Year!

  1. Build something small out of wood
  2. Design a logo for a company that either exists or should exist
  3. Make a big picture using only three colours
  4. Visit one new country and order a drink in their language
  5. Get better at persuading people
  6. Eat something that you grew yourself
  7. Submit a picture to a photography competition
  8. Fix something in your home
  9. Learn an instrument
  10. Sign up to a marathon
  11. Find one new way to destress
  12. Teach someone something
  13. Write a short story
  14. Find out what a carbohydrate is
  15. Master three yoga poses (my favourite is The Crow)
  16. Swim more, or start swimming
  17. Submit an opinion piece to a newspaper
  18. Make your résumé look really great
  19. Every month or season, think of new great goals!

 

And don’t forget, you are so much more likely to achieve your Resolutions if you do them with somebody else. So share this list and see which of these your friends might like to do with you!

Author: Alison Marketing

Why I Decided To Start and Stick With Yoga

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Why I Decided To Start and Stick With Yoga

Dec 9, 2018

By Omar B.

There is something in my house I am scared of. It’s a totally normal item. It’s a game actually, my kids play it all the time. I used to play it, and I really liked it, especially because the kids found it so fun. But over the last few years, I’ve liked it less and less, and eventually I became literally afraid of it. I’m talking about our game of Twister.

For anyone who doesn’t know, Twister is a game where you and some friends are told to bend yourselves into ridiculous positions. If someone falls down, they are out of the game. Usually when someone falls down, everyone else falls with them, and it’s hilarious. But not for me. Recently, as I’ve lost my fitness, I’ve just become completely incapable of bending at all. The game is, quite simply, embarrassing for me.

So, I told a friend of mine that I wanted to fix this, that I wanted to get more in shape, and they recommended learning yoga. Honestly, I was a little unsure at first. I’ve done stretching exercises before, not regularly but sometimes, and they never helped me that much. But my friend told me to try yoga for a full month before giving up. So I did, and now I cannot recommend it highly enough.

One of the things that’s great about yoga is that literally anyone can start it. Trust me, I am not a fit person at the moment. There are no yoga poses that I can do completely right. Most of them, I can’t do at all. But I can try to do all of them, and that’s enough.

You see, yoga is all about stretching. You find out what’s the maximum you can do right now, and you try to go beyond that. Just trying (and trying over and over again) means that next time, you will be able to go a little further. Over time, I’ve noticed I’m becoming a little more flexible, and things that were tough are not so hard anymore.

But yoga has improved more than my flexibility. This surprised me, but yoga is actually really relaxing. Yes, exercise that’s relaxing. Sounds strange, but it’s true. Apparently, yoga gets your body rhythms into a nice order, so that internally everything feels a little bit more balanced. This has really helped my sense of calm during my day, which is really nice.

The most important thing here is sticking with it. Yoga, like any kind of self-improvement journey, gives you more benefits the longer you stick with it, and not many benefits if you only do it now and then. Because I had to do it for a full month before I could give up, I actually started to see that those benefits would slowly enter my life if I kept going. Now that I’m doing it continuously, I’m getting the rewards.

I plan on sticking with this for a long time. I know that the more I do it, the bigger the rewards will be for my physical and psychological health. As a parting thought, what is the biggest thing I’ve learned from yoga, and something I want to apply to the rest of my life? Doing something helpful sometimes doesn’t help much, but doing something helpful continuously helps more and more each day.

Author: Alison Marketing

5 Ways to Break up Your Life Routine

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5 Ways to Break up Your Life Routine

Dec 1, 2018

By Aminata O. – We all have to spend some of our time doing something that’s just a little boring. Sitting on a bus, writing data into a spreadsheet, cleaning the house: this is not what life is supposed to be about! Life routine is important. There are certain things we just have to do, and we have to do regularly. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have space for something different sometimes.

Making life a little more interesting is important. It keeps things fun, and it gives you something to look forward to during your day. When your boss is really annoying you, or your family is just driving you crazy, it’s great to be able to say to yourself “later today, I get to do x.” But what is that x? What is that little thing you can use to make life a little bit less routine? Here’s five quick ideas.

1. Start learning an instrument

Learning an instrument really makes life more interesting. That’s because once you start, you will be learning for life. There will never be a point where you can say “I’m finished, I’ve learned it all.” Instead, every day you can find a new tune, a new rhythm, a new lyric to go with your music. And even though you can learn forever, you can start pretty quickly with a few tips and a helpful course.

2. Take up photography

Photography can make everything and anything that little bit different. Even the most ordinary things can seem extraordinary when you are trying to take a cool picture of them. Lots of photography exhibitions are just of everyday items on the side of the street! So, get a camera, learn how it works, and turn your commute home from work into something interesting.

3. Find someone to learn a language with

If you’ve ever tried to learn a language, you know that speaking speaking speaking is the key to getting it right. A great way to add to your language course is to find someone who is fluent in that language and meet them once or twice a week to speak with them. It might be in person or over the internet, but that weekly meeting can actually be something really nice to look forward to, and really helpful for your language learning!

4. Learn some new recipes

Most people cook the same meals again and again and again. There is nothing wrong with that. Cooking is a necessity, and often you want it to be quick and easy. But if you spend just a little bit of time learning about nutrition and diet, you might be able to try one new recipe a week to make your food that little bit different.

5. Sign up to a marathon

Ok, maybe not a full marathon. But there are so many little exercise routines available that you can do with other people. Group activity is the key here. Meeting up sometimes with people who are all training for a marathon or a race or just doing some fitness activities together can give you something to look forward to, a new aspect to your social life, and also a sense of achievement.

These are just a few ideas, maybe you have your own. What’s important is just to give something a try, especially if you’ve never done it before. You never know where it might lead!

Author: Alison Marketing

The Top 5 Skills Computer Programmers Everywhere Need

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The Top 5 Skills Computer Programmers Everywhere Need

Jan 24, 2019

By Francisco P.

Did you know that computer programming is predicted to be the most in-demand career of the next decade? Almost every major task a company must complete, from file management and advertising to customer engagement and data analysis, now relies on computers. As companies everywhere become dependent on computer technology, they are becoming dependent on computer programmers.

This means that if you can become one of those skilled computer programmers, you will be securing a solid career. But how do you make your computer programming résumé look really impressive? It turns out, there are a few basic skills that computer programmers everywhere need. Here’s the top 5. Check them out, and start gaining the right skills for your future career!

1. Javascript

Javascript is central to every website’s functionality. Any interactive webpage requires the language, and every major web browser is enabled to execute it. If you’re looking for a boost to your computer programming skill set, you can’t go wrong with learning Javascript. Particularly for those who want to work on a company’s website in the future, this will be the key to success.

2. Python

Python is a fast growing language with some very worthwhile uses. For starters, this is a highly readable and effective language used in data analysis. Consequently, companies with large and complex data sets looking to improve their customer engagement really value computer programmers with Python. Check out Python and see if this is the next skill you need!

3. C++

Learning C++ is a must if you are just getting started with computer programming. C++ is the core operating language of several major systems, games, and browsers. Moreover, learning C++ can be the gateway towards learning several more niche and specialised languages. It’s also a highly scalable language predicted to be very important for several years to come, so it’s a great one for expanding your future career.

4. C#

From building Microsoft applications to developing profitable games, C# is a fundamental language for computer programmers worldwide. If you ever want to work on the ASP.NET framework (one of the core frameworks for the world’s largest companies) C# is going to be the tool for you. This is a slightly more complex language, so get the aid of some simple training to get it onto your résumé quickly and easily.

5. Math

That’s right, Math. Computer programmers spend large amounts of time working on algorithms, solving problems, and constructing multi-level systems. This requires logical, numerical thinking. A strong understanding of mathematical principles is therefore very helpful for computer programmers. This means that brushing up on your Math skills can give your computer programming career a real boost.

A career as a computer programmer is not just profitable and respected, it’s also exciting, fun, and opens doors worldwide. With these skills, you can get your computer programming career really moving. So why wait? Gain a new computer programming skill today.

Author: Alison Marketing

The Best Travel Destinations for Your 2019

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The Best Travel Destinations for Your 2019

Jan 20, 2019

By Philip S.

Travel: there really is nothing like it. Just around the corner, a few hours in a car or a plane, something new and exciting is waiting to be discovered. Everyone has their own reason for travelling, whether it’s experiencing a new culture, taking in some beautiful views, or just getting away from all the things you have to do in your everyday life. The question is never “should I travel?” It’s “where should I go next?”

So, to help you choose your next travel destination, I’ve put together a list of some incredible locations that are perfect for different types of holidays. I’ve tried to include something for everyone, so hopefully one or two of these locations will stand out for you. Check out the list, and start getting ready for your next holiday!

For Photos: Italy

From gorgeous landscapes of lakes and mountains, to sandy beaches and breathtaking ancient architecture, Italy is bursting with beauty. With a few basic photography skills, the perfect snap is waiting for you somewhere in the streets of Rome or out in the Tuscan countryside.

For Fitness: The French Alps

Some people don’t want to get away from it all. If you’re one of those people who see travel as a chance to conquer a new challenge, you can’t go wrong with the French Alps. Spend a few months working on your fitness, then hop on a bike and do a mini-Tour de France of your own in this spectacular landscape.

For Food: Spain

Spanish food is hard to beat. A delicious blend of European, Caribbean, and Arabic influences, there is just something unique about what you’ll find hidden away in quiet restaurants in the Spanish countryside. Just make sure you learn how to order food in Spanish before you go!

For Great Fun: Ireland

With some of the friendliest people on the planet and a truly beautiful landscape, Ireland is an excellent holiday location. Whether it’s having a few drinks in Dublin, taking in the wild Atlantic coastline, or practicing your English in good company, this is a travel destination you will never forget.

For Getting Away From Everything: Norway

If you just want to escape, to get away from all the work and little annoying things in your life, then head to Norway. On top of unbeatable mountains, beneath the Northern Lights or under the Midnight Sun, you can let your problems just fade away for a short while. There really is nothing better for stress management than a little getaway.

Author: Alison Marketing

Get Inspired With These Top 10 Most Satisfying Jobs

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Get Inspired With These Top 10 Most Satisfying Jobs

Jan 16, 2019

Some jobs have great pay, some offer immense satisfaction, and some make a huge difference in the lives of people. Satisfying jobs are a combination of all three!

We’ve rounded up a list of the Top 10 most satisfying jobs to inspire you towards career fulfillment.

1. Teacher – Changing young lives for the better

A rewarding, demanding and consistently popular career path – Teaching is not just a career, but a calling! From imparting wisdom into young minds, to influencing students in shaping their future, the role of a teacher is irreplaceable.

 

2. Nurse – The heartbeat of healthcare!

Having a career that will give you a stable financial future is crucial, but it’s also important to have a career that is personally rewarding. Being a nurse gives you the best of all worlds – personal fulfillment, job security, and flexibility.

 

3. Human Resources Manager – Leading people, leading organisations

Other than being involved in recruitment, company laws, and other hiring processes, HR Managers also handle workplace issues, conflicts, salary benefits and more. They directly help employees with their issues and work towards resolving problems, which brings great job satisfaction to this role.

 

4. Physical Therapist – Enriching the lives of people!

Physical Therapists deal with patients who are injured and journey with them on their road to becoming physically independent. They can choose a variety of work environments, like sports centres, gyms, or hospitals, making this job role not only fulfilling, but very dynamic.

 

5. Artist – Creativity begins with you!

According to a study published by the Journal of Cultural Economics, Artists have higher job satisfaction compared to any other profession! Being an Artist means you follow your passion. When your passion becomes your profession, it’s not work anymore.

 

6. Psychologist – Seeing the world differently

One of the top reasons why Psychologists find fulfillment in their careers is that they’re able to help people improve the quality of their lives. It can be challenging to understand someone’s emotional state, but truly gratifying to guide patients in their recovery from emotional distress.

 

7. Writer – Imagine. Phrase. Write. Create!

“The pen is mightier than the sword.”

Words can be powerful, both spoken and written. As a Writer, you express your thoughts through words and those words have the power to change lives! From journalism to blogging, there are many channels you can use to have your say as a Writer.

 

8. Health Service Manager – Changing lives through care management

Health Service Managers coordinate and direct various health and medical services. They handle several management functions in healthcare, including communications and supervision. With a great pay scale and consistent increase in job openings, it is no wonder this career path has made our top 10 list.

 

9. Pharmacist – Caring beyond prescriptions and medicine.

From being an excellent guide, to helping patients during an emergency, Pharmacists offer both advice and counselling. Besides helping patients tackle illness, being a Pharmacist is all about empowerment – helping others to help themselves.

 

10. Entrepreneur – Be your own boss

Starting your own business and being your own boss is a dream that millions of people share. A recent study found that 63% of millennials want to become entrepreneurs. Passion + Dedication + Innovation = A Satisfying Career Path!

Author: Alison Marketing

The Habits of Successful Self-Employed People

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The Habits of Successful Self-Employed People

Jan 14, 2019

By Alison Research & Patrick Adcock

What does it take to be self-employed? Many people dream of working for themselves, but worry that they might not have the ability to be a successful entrepreneur. After all, becoming self-employed can be a big leap into the unknown; most people spend a lot of their young lives working for someone else. When trying to decide if becoming an entrepreneur is the right move, you may find yourself asking, “Can I really do this?”

Don’t worry. It turns out, many of your preconceptions about the habits and personalities of self-employed people might be completely false. Patrick Adcock of QuickBooks Self-Employed recently surveyed around 1000 self-employed people in order to gain a better understanding of what makes them unique. He shared his data with Alison, and the findings are fascinating. Apparently, the self-employed aren’t the extroverted rule-breakers many people think they are!

Here’s a summary of some of the key findings from QuickBooks’ research. Have a read, and see if a career as an entrepreneur might be the path for you.

1. Self-Employed People Are Not Experts

One of the most common things uniting self-employed workers is that they are jacks-of-all-trades rather than masters of one. When asked about their strengths, the most emphasised answers were passion, problem-solving, and adaptability. Entrepreneurs don’t start their businesses because they are experts in a certain field, but because they are passionate about their field and want to get involved in every area of it.

2. They Care A Lot About Learning

A huge 94 percent of those surveyed consider themselves lifelong learners. More than a quarter say that they can learn enough to achieve their goals because they simply want it enough. Another 22 percent say it comes down to having enough passion. Nearly 20 percent say the only thing separating “wantrepreneurs” from entrepreneurs is one hasn’t started yet.

3. The Self-Employed Learn Outside of School

According to self-employed workers, you don’t learn how to start a business from school, books, or a business coach. The top five ways they learned how to start their businesses were using online resources, learning as they went along, learning from mistakes, learning from friends and family, and having a natural instinct or talent for it.

4. They Value Time, People, and Hard Work

About 84 percent of self-employed people see their success as a result of their hard work rather than luck. 3 out of 4 value time more than money, 73 percent value people over profits, and 77 percent say they push to do the impossible instead of giving up when they hit obstacles. It’s these values that give them the passion to continue when others would give up.

Ultimately, what all of this boils down to is: find a passion, learn all you can about it, keep learning, keep going, and don’t be put off by obstacles. These are the traits that make entrepreneurs successful and can get you started on a wonderful career path. So whether its hospitality or agriculture, manufacturing or IT, start learning today and become the captain of your own ship.

Source: Quickbooks Self-Employed survey results

Author: Alison Research