Have you ever heard of photosynthesis? Photosynthesis is the process plants use to turn sunlight into energy, which helps them grow. While I do not work directly with plants, I work with something found inside them. In fact, this same material exists in every living thing on the planet, including you, your pet dog, trees, bugs and even vegetables. This material is called a cell.
Plants are made up of thousands of tiny cells, and photosynthesis happens inside these cells. People are also made up of cells that are very similar in many ways. Our cells grow and divide inside our bodies, helping us create energy and do everyday activities like walking, writing, playing sports and even breathing. Because cells control so many parts of our lives, it is important to keep them healthy.
There are many ways to keep our cells healthy. For example, wearing sunscreen before going outside on a hot day can protect our cells. While our bodies use sunlight to help produce vitamins, our cells do not do well with too much direct sun. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly are also great ways to keep our cells healthy.
In the lab, I study ways to help unhealthy cells, called cancer cells, become healthier.
