Monthly Archives: September 2012
Ethical dilemmas: pest control
Guest post from Eve Potter, a health writer with an interest in the ethical debates that modern biology produces. In advance of the panda debate she looks at an environmental issue which she finds exciting but scary: biocontrol Biological pest control essentially refers to the use of natural enemies to control pests. Various predatory mites or … Continue reading
An American crayfish in London (and beyond!)
by Zara Gladman, PhD student at the University of Glasgow and intern at the Society of Biology In my last blog I waxed lyrical on the wonders of crayfish, those large freshwater invertebrates that grace our rivers, lochs and your M&S sandwiches. Today I’d like to discuss one of the biggest threats to aquatic biodiversity: … Continue reading
Science Action Network needs you!
Tom Holder works for Understanding Animal Research and is running a campaign to encourage scientists to respond to misinformation about animal research Pop quiz: Question: An animal rights group accuses researchers of cruel practises in animal labs, further pointing out that it could all be done on computers anyway. Is this True or False? The … Continue reading
Should we save the panda?
by Rebecca Nesbit, Press Officer at the Society of Biology This week I added a poll to the Society of Biology website in honour of our upcoming debate during Biology Week: ‘should we save the panda?’. I admit I haven’t yet voted, because I don’t know what to say. If I look at the question … Continue reading
The countdown to Biology Week
Excitement is rising here in Charles Darwin House as we prepare for our first ever Biology Week. Taking place from 13th – 19th October, the week features everything from dolphin science to neuroscience, and we’re keen for as many people as possible to get involved.
Species of the week: the crayfish
by Zara Gladman, intern at the Society of Biology My name is Zara and I’m an “astacologist”, which is a fancy way of saying that I study crayfish, lobster-like freshwater crustaceans of which there are more than 640 described species. In Australia, they go by the name of “yabby” (as in “Yabby Creek” – Home … Continue reading
A Shootful of Sugar
The xylem and phloem are two very important tissues in vascular plants: together, they form the transport system. Xylem vessels consist of dead cells which are arranged into long, hollow tubes and allow the transport of water and minerals from the roots to the leaves. Phloem vessels are alive and transport nutrients such as sucrose … Continue reading
The Virtual School: calling all biologists!
Guest blog by Frédéric Kastner from The Virtual School The Virtual School’s vision is to create an innovative, free education resource that allows children from all over the world to learn about biology. To help us achieve this we’re asking for support from passionate biologists, whatever their background.