browser icon
You are using an insecure version of your web browser. Please update your browser!
Using an outdated browser makes your computer unsafe. For a safer, faster, more enjoyable user experience, please update your browser today or try a newer browser.

Latest research

Years of surprises from flying ants

By Dr Rebecca Nesbit and Professor Adam Hart who ran the Royal Society of Biology’s Flying Ant Survey. Five years ago, we embarked on the Flying Ant Survey to ask what we thought was a simple question: when does ‘flying ant day’ occur each year? The data, which has just been published in the journal Ecography, … Continue reading »

Categories: Latest research, Nature | Tags: , | Comments Off on Years of surprises from flying ants

Lead: What do people know?

By Natalie Lamb, PhD Student at The University of Sheffield and Anglian Water, and chair of the Royal Society of Biology East Anglia branch Most people in the UK are aware that lead is a problem. The presence of lead can have an adverse impact on mental development and may be a factor in behavioural problems. When … Continue reading »

Categories: Branches, Latest research, Policy | Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Lead: What do people know?

How can we adapt to climate change?

By Barney Slater AMRSB, BBSRC PhD student at University of Cambridge and policy intern at the Royal Society of Biology. Global climate change is an increasing threat for the UK. Research shows an average temperature increase of almost 1⁰C over the last 50 years in the UK, and climate projections predict that this could climb … Continue reading »

Categories: Conservation, Latest research, Natural Capital Initiative, Nature, Policy | Tags: , , , , , , | Comments Off on How can we adapt to climate change?

Seven surprising sunfish facts

By Natasha Phillips, PhD student at Queen’s University Belfast studying the diet & behaviour of ocean sunfish. Last summer Natasha spent two months studying ocean sunfish in Camogli, Italy, with the support of a Travel Grant from the Royal Society of Biology. Grants applications for 2017 are currently open. Over the last two years I have seen hundreds … Continue reading »

Categories: Careers, Conservation, Latest research, Nature | Tags: , , , , , , | Comments Off on Seven surprising sunfish facts

Survey finds fewer than 300 Scottish wildcats remain in Highlands

By Vicky Burns, Scottish Wildcat Action Vicky previously blogged about Securing the future of Scottish Wildcats, here she updates us on SWA’s monitoring and protection work. Scottish wildcats are our only remaining native cat species, and they perform an important function in a healthy ecosystem. They are also part of our cultural heritage in Scotland, with some clan … Continue reading »

Categories: Conservation, Latest research, Nature, Photography, UK mammal poll | Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Survey finds fewer than 300 Scottish wildcats remain in Highlands

The Physics of Freezing Frogs

By Ellie Welch, science media researcher at STFC’s ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Water is the most ubiquitous substance on the planet, not only covering 70% of the Earth’s surface but also being the most abundant substance found in living things. However, our understanding of water on the molecular level is still limited. Researchers are … Continue reading »

Categories: Latest research, Nature | Tags: , , , , , , | Comments Off on The Physics of Freezing Frogs

Plant Health Studentships: opportunities for undergrads and providers

Dr Celia Knight FRSB, plant science education and employability consultant, shares her thoughts on undergraduate opportunities. What does a summer studentship mean to an undergraduate? When considering whether to undertake a summer research studentship, placement, internship or work experience, undergraduates might wonder: Does applying for a research studentship mean you have to know you want … Continue reading »

Categories: Careers, Latest research, Plant Science, Training, UK Plant Sciences Federation | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Plant Health Studentships: opportunities for undergrads and providers

Can humans smell sex pheromones?

Dr Alfredo Sansone MRSB, research associate at University College London, introduces us to sex pheromones and scientists’ 40 year quest to discover if humans can smell them. You might have heard about pheromones in the news or in some advertisements claiming that a perfume will make you irresistible, however, many people don’t know what pheromone … Continue reading »

Categories: Latest research | Tags: , , , , , , | Comments Off on Can humans smell sex pheromones?

Something in the air

By Dr Jonathan Carruthers, science policy officer at the Royal Society of Biology We are all exposed to air pollution to some degree. Oxides of nitrogen and particles emitted by road vehicles, trains and ships affect not just the frail, but all of us throughout our lives. These pollutants seriously harm health: they are linked … Continue reading »

Categories: Events, Latest research, Policy | Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Something in the air

Using smartphones to detect Parkinson’s Disease before symptoms arise

By Reham Badawy, PhD student at Aston University, in collaboration with Dr. Max Little, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Smartphones and healthcare Smartphones have become a pivotal tool in all aspects of our lives, impacting the way we communicate with one another and revolutionising the way in which we shop and bank. But what could be … Continue reading »

Categories: Latest research | Tags: , , , , , | Comments Off on Using smartphones to detect Parkinson’s Disease before symptoms arise