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Author Archives: Rebecca Nesbit

About Rebecca Nesbit

I am an ecologist, blogger, novelist and science jewellery maker. See more at: http://rebeccanesbit.com/

Fred Sanger, double Nobel Laureate

Rebecca Nesbit celebrates the life of Fred Sanger, a scientist featured in the Biology: Changing the World top ten poll. As the only Briton to have been awarded two Nobel Prizes and the only scientist to have been awarded the prize for chemistry twice, Fred Sanger paved the way for huge advances in medical understanding … Continue reading »

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Gulls acting strangely on flying ant day?

Gulls and other birds are often seen behaving strangely during flying ant season. Rebecca Nesbit (co-ordinator of the flying ant survey) discusses whether this could have anything to do with formic acid. Following the latest article in the Telegraph on gulls getting drunk on flying ants, it seemed time to share some of my research … Continue reading »

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Flying ant day in pictures

By Rebecca Nesbit, co-ordinator of the Society of Biology’s flying ant survey Since the flying ant survey began, every year has brought surprises. In 2014 the surprise is the early appearance of the flying ants, and it will now be interesting to see whether they keep coming throughout the summer. To celebrate the ants’ arrival, … Continue reading »

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The dose makes the poison

Guest blog from Dr Lauren Tedaldi, project officer at Sense About Science. Ever seen an advert for a ‘chemical-free’ kitchen cleaner or a ‘100% natural’ shampoo? How about a detox tea? At Sense About Science we notice this sort of thing all the time and we’re sick of it. To counter chemical misconceptions such as … Continue reading »

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Species of the week: birch polypore fungus

As part of National Fungus Day the British Mycological Society is asking people to take part in fungi spotting and let them know if you see the birch polypore. If you would like to hold an event as part of UK Fungus Day on the 12th October (part of Biology Week) please contact admin@britmycolsoc.info Piptoporus … Continue reading »

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In celebration of (tasty) grasshoppers

By Rebecca Nesbit, press officer at the Society of Biology, co-ordinator of the flying ant survey and BioArtAttack competition, and keen entomophagist. There is a lot to celebrate about insects, not just the services they provide for us, but the incredible feats they accomplish. As National Insect Week draws to a close, it is a … Continue reading »

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Everyone’s a scientist – and here are some places to start

by Rebecca Nesbit, co-ordinater of the Society of Biology’s flying ant survey As flying ants take to the skies and the suntan cream is finally needed, it seems like time to share information on the many ways to get involved with citizen science projects. Collecting data about when and where different species can be found … Continue reading »

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Species of the week: fly agaric

As part of National Fungus Day the British Mycological Society is asking people to take part in fungi spotting and let them know if you see a fly agaric. If you would like to hold an event as part of UK Fungus Day on the 12th October (part of Biology Week) please contact admin@britmycolsoc.info Amanita … Continue reading »

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Zfarming and creative use of land

Today the latest edition of The Biologist has arrived with Society of Biology members. Inspired by the article Running out of Land, Rebecca Nesbit considers some options for agriculture. Less than a third of Earth’s surface is land, yet only 18% of this is suitable for agriculture. Given the size of the human population, it’s … Continue reading »

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The search for sustainable fish oil

Rebecca Nesbit, press officer at the Society of Biology, attended an open event at Rothamsted Research to learn about producing fish oils from genetically modified camelina. Strategies to protect the marine environment range from fishing quotas to using concrete blocks as artificial reefs. Now, a field in Hertfordshire is the surprising home of an experiment … Continue reading »

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