Writing tips and advice
The body needs energy to function. This energy must be obtained from food, processed and metabolised so it is ready for the cells to use. Glucose, a sugar molecule, makes up the most important energy source. The brain alone uses 20% of the glucose produced by the body. Like many other factors, blood glucose must…
Rodents for writers: squirrels. The final part of the series on common rodents, to help writers better understand them. This time we’re covering the other major class of rodents, the squirrel family of rodents. This family includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels (chipmunks and prairie dogs) and flying squirrels. The focus of this article is the…
The RAAS system and thyroid hormones play an essential role in managing metabolism, blood pressure and fluid balance. These hormones regulate electrolytes, water retention and metabolic rate. RAAS The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system involves several organs and plays an essential role in maintaining blood pressure. A drop in blood flow to the kidneys activates the RAAS to…
Rodents for writers: guinea pigs. Today we’re going to be discussing my favourite rodent species, guinea pigs. Cavia porcellus – the domestic guinea pig, sometimes known as ‘cavy’ as well. The name is misleading, they don’t come from Guinea and are not related to pigs. Guinea pigs originate from the Andes region of South America….
This endocrine system involves the gonads and sex hormones, known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis or HPG axis. The HPG axis holds high importance for the survival of the species, without it extinction would be inevitable. The HPG axis controls development, the reproduction system and aging in animals. It also regulates the immune system and has…
Biology of Mice Welcome to Rodents for Writers: Mice. The next part of my creature features series focusing on rodents for March. Mice, like rats, are in the order Rodentia and the family Muridae. Lots of different species exist in the world but the most relevant to us is the house mouse Mus musculus. They…
The ‘stress hormone’ cortisol is extremely important for managing and regulating the body’s response to stress. Cortisol regulates metabolism, the response to stress and the immune system. The adrenal glands release cortisol, regulated by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland in the brain. Adrenal Glands The paired adrenal glands live just above each kidney and…
Welcome to part one of Rodents for Writers: Rats. Rats have been very significant in human society for millennia. From beloved pets to laboratories to the Black Death, rats are everywhere. So, get comfortable while I tell you everything you need to know about rats. Biology of Rats Rats are mammals in the Order Rodentia,…
Endocrinology for writers is the new Monday blog series for March. Endocrinology is the study of the system of hormones and signals the body uses to manage its functions. It’s a complex subject and many people find it confusing. I’m here to help try to make it easier to understand. Why will this help writers?…
Snake’s Cultural Impact Let’s discuss the cultural impact of snakes. Snakes form an important part of many cultures in the world, both modern and historical. Ophidiophobia (phobia of snakes) is commonplace. Last week, we discussed the potential dangers certain snakes pose. The main risks include venomous bites and the largest constrictors. Non-venomous snakes are not…
