Skip to content
Home » Sophie Hoetzel

Sophie Hoetzel

I am currently a MSc Science Communication and Public Engagement student at the University of Edinburgh and have a background in Food and Nutrition. I love learning about anything science-related and am trying to get more into digital drawings and graphics. In my free time I dance, draw with watercolours and want to be around nature.

Insects for dinner? A promising alternative for animal feed

Insects are revolutionizing the future of animal feed, offering a sustainable, nutrient-packed alternative that slashes resource use and eases environmental strain. Unlike traditional feed sources, insects like black soldier flies, mealworms, and crickets require minimal land, emit fewer greenhouse gases, and reduce the need for antibiotics – all while providing high quality nutrition for livestock. Thanks to cutting-edge farming techniques and bioengineering, production is scaling up fast. Of course, hurdles remain, from regulatory roadblocks to cost challenges and ethical debates. But with governments, researchers, and industry leaders joining forces, insects could play a crucial role in feeding our growing world – efficiently and sustainably.

Mind the Plastic: Exploring Microplastics’ Effects on Health

Wherever you are, without turning around or changing your field of vision, count how many plastic objects you see. In my small 50 m2 apartment, I count 46. This little exercise gives you a glimpse of how plastics have contributed to advancing modern technology and society, thanks to their affordability, durability, and versatility.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Sides of Oestrogen

Legal and pharmaceutical developments have hugely enhanced women’s reproductive freedom, but concerns persist about the health risks and limitations of typical oestrogen-based contraceptives. From blood clotting to persistent STD transmission, read on to discover what aspects of birth control still need improvement.

The Invisible Patient: Women’s Health in Medicine & Research

Medical research and practice have historically focused on male physiology, leading to significant gaps in understanding the female body and the potential sex-specific differences in disease presentation and response to treatments. It is important to address and rectify the resulting biases in disease diagnostics and management, and “sex-sensitive medicine” provides a pioneering framework to do so.