Featured Member – Ghows Azzam
Ghows Azzam is a DPhil student in Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics in the University of Oxford. He previously did his Masters in Developmental Cell Biology (with Distinction) at the University of Sussex, United Kingdom, where he published a paper in Development. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). 
Ghows’ current research work is on microRNAs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ~22-nucleotide long endogenous short non-coding ribonucleic acids that can regulate gene expression in animals and plants by degrading or repressing the target messenger RNA (mRNA). Recent advances in genetic and genomic studies have indicated that miRNAs play important roles in many aspects of the cell and animal development especially in gene regulation. Cellular activities such as proliferation, morphogenesis, apoptosis and differentiation are regulated by miRNAs.
He uses the classic model organism, Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) in his research. Drosophila melanogaster is one of the most studied organisms and has been used for over a century for research particularly in genetics, cellular and developmental biology. The aim of his study is to understand the function of the proteins that is required for miRNA biogenesis in the development of Drosophila melanogaster, focusing on the female germline.
Ghows feels that the idea Scientific Malaysian is great because it provides an opportunity for Malaysian scientists across the world from different disciplines to come together and discuss various topics. Although this project is still at its early stages, its future prospect is bright. This portal could be use for brain storming, discussing experiments, findings or even to start new collaborations.
Find out more about Ghows by visiting his ScientificMalaysian profile at:
http://www.scientificmalaysian.com/members/mohdghows/profile/