Author Archives: Natasha Little
Improving life with cystic fibrosis
By Grace Paget, science writer Before I started volunteering for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust I had some knowledge of the genetic disorder from learning about it in biology lessons, but I had very little understanding of just how much of an impact it has on the people who have it and their families. Cystic fibrosis … Continue reading
Genetic testing – how much would you want to know?
By Emma Kelson AMSB, training officer at the Society of Biology Given the choice, would you want to know whether you are likely to suffer from a deadly disease in the future? For those who are curious, you can now get some insights by using the genetic testing kit ’23andme’, which has recently launched in … Continue reading
Easy Guide to Fossil Hunting
By Grace Paget, science writer and interim communications officer for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Fossil hunting is a hobby that can be engaged in by all, expert or enthusiast you just need to know where to go and what to look out for! If you fancy a day at the beach the Jurassic Coast is … Continue reading
Securing the future of our natural capital: a 25 year strategy
Written by Ben Connor, policy officer at the British Ecological Society. This piece was originally posted on the BES blog. A comprehensive 25-year strategy to protect and enhance England’s natural capital is required if the Government is to meet its commitment for this generation to be the first to leave the natural environment in a … Continue reading
What does a scientist look like?
By Dr Catherine Ball, science policy advisor at the Society of Biology and Biochemical Society If I asked you to think of a ‘typical scientist’ what would you imagine? It is a sad truth that, although we have come a long way, stereotypes can still dominate. As a policy advisor, part of my work focuses … Continue reading
Prioritising dementia in an ageing population
By Ariana Gatt, a Neuroscience PhD student at King’s College London The world is ageing, and at a pretty fast rate. On a global scale the human race is living longer. We have better health care, for example we have eradicated smallpox, and are close to getting rid of other deadly diseases such as Polio … Continue reading
Conspiracy theories and the rise of anti-science
By Tom Ireland, managing editor at the Society of Biology and freelance journalist When I was a teenager I loved a good conspiracy theory. I was obsessed with the X-Files and watched dodgy American documentaries about Roswell and Watergate and Kennedy’s assassination. I even had the famous ‘I want to believe’ poster on my wall. … Continue reading
Science and Innovation strategy: proceed with care
By Dr Laura Bellingan FSB, Director of Science Policy at the Society of Biology Research in the UK attracts public and private investment because it is seen, and a high proportion of it can be measured, as excellent. This is a judgement that takes time to develop and is acceptable as robust because it is … Continue reading
Policy Lates: Dodging a Biological Bullet
The Society’s latest Policy Lates event ‘Dodging a Biological Bullet: What can we learn from the US and Europe about Biosecurity?’ saw international experts come together to discuss what should be done about dual-use research, which has the potential to be misused for harmful purposes. For an introduction to dual-use and biosecurity read ‘Dual-use for … Continue reading
Birute Galdikas: Born to be wild
By Gabriele Butkute, Student Enterprise & Marketing Intern at London Metropolitan University People who live in the western countries rarely think about rainforests, orangutans, or the fact that they are going extinct, it just feels too far away. Well, unless they are sitting in comfortable IMAX cinema chairs munching popcorn and watching a documentary. Renowned … Continue reading