Cell, gene therapy and the Pharmaceuticals Industry - Matt Reynolds
Today, we speak with our guest lecturer in English for Science - Matt Reynolds. With a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry from Lancaster University, Matt has pursued a career in science. He has worked across the Academic, Biotech and Pharma industries and has a particular interest in Molecular Biology and Cell Culture.
In our interview, Matt talked to us about the latest developments in science, along with his advice for English learners.
What is your favourite area of science?
Cell and gene therapy! It is a new area in our industry. Everything that has been researched in the academic space, is now being translated into what we can do next. We have to understand how cells work and how they interact with each other. For example, when you fall over and your body looks after itself, how does that happen? We’ve used that information to find new therapies, including growing a new liver. It is now possible to take a sample from a patient, put that into stem cells, and from that, turn it into cells of interest. This can then be transplanted into the liver for patients who need a new liver.
I’m currently working on a project in Belgium, where many people are unable to get a new liver due to shortage of donors. People who have a damaged liver can now go to biotech companies, give them a sample, and regenerate liver cells. This is currently expensive, but the science around it is very exciting.
This is an ever-growing field. There is a lot of neuro-regenerative medicine being explored, and research being done to regenerate neurons in the brain and to explore how we target conditions like Alzheimer’s.
Eye regeneration is probably one of the first things to enter the market, as if it goes wrong, it is very hard to go past the eyes, because you have the ‘blood brain barrier’ which stops them from going past the eye. However, other regenerative medicine is currently being stalled as we don’t yet know what is happening with the cells that are going back in to the body. It could go back into the body and cause problems.
It is a very exciting field to be in. There are two types:
Cell therapy (take cells, put them in to cells, use those stem cells to regenerate something).
Another therapy involving targeting illnesses that are caused by DNA. With this, you can take someone’s DNA and then alter it with a virus. This is further down the road, but is very exciting and being explored by many companies. Let’s watch this space!
For anyone interested in this field, I’d suggest looking at cell/gene therapy, look at something that is close to your heart and follow the latest research developments.
Have you travelled with your work? Have there ever been any communication challenges?
I was Sales Manager for Europe for my company. There have been challenges when getting around other countries. In Science however, English is the dominant language. English is used for research papers and international communication. The majority of my meetings internationally have been conducted in English. It has been an important language to communicate in when working globally.
Do you have experience as a language learner?
I did spend 5 years spending French, this helped me to get around when travelling in France.
As a language learner, what are your key tips for people learning English for Science?
Get fully immersed from the beginning! I found it useful getting myself out of my comfort zone. I spent a month in France, where I had to attempt to speak French everyday! So get immersed. Read, listen to podcasts, go to lessons, events and workshops, and anything else you can do to keep improving your English. I would challenge you to listen to a podcast… and see how many words you can understand in 5 minutes! The more you listen, the more you will understand. You will start to understand the words, the context… and before you know it, you’ll start being able to understand the whole podcast!
My best tip would be that people need to stop worrying about mistakes or being embarrassed to practise. If someone doesn’t understand you at first, keep trying! Don’t be embarrassed!
Consistency is also key, keep up your learning. Practise everyday, regular lessons, keep going!
What is the research you’re currently working on?
There is a lot of research happening, we are currently using cell and gene therapy to find cures for a range of diseases. I’m hoping that we’re creating cures for those that need, and at the very least are prolonging lives.