Animal research
Visit to an animal research facility
By Dr Laura Marshall MRCVS MRSB, science policy manager at the Royal Society of Biology Kings College London (KCL) invited RSB representatives to its Guy’s Campus recently, for a tour of their animal research facilities. This was one of a series of visits, organised through Understanding Animal Research, to help explain what happens at the … Continue reading
Starling Survey: Not just blue skies research!
By Amanda Hardy AMSB, Schools and Colleges Officer at the Society of Biology. Having lived in Kent, I am familiar with the charismatic and sociable starling. I remember seeing starlings huddled in rows on rooftops in the autumn and watching as they fly down to a garden lawn to feed. They land in small groups … Continue reading
What we can learn from our peers around the globe?
Guest blogger Charlotte Eve Davies, a PhD student at Swansea University, talks about receiving a Society of Biology Travel Grant to go to the AVC Lobster Science Centre, Canada. ‘So what do you do?’ is the question I get asked rather often. People look at me and assume, at the age of 24, I should … Continue reading
The ants came marching one by one….
By Natasha Neill, executive officer at the Society of Biology Counting animals is normally associated with colourful cartoons or primary school songs, but trying to monitor how many animals there are can often be a difficult yet critical task. Species number and distribution around the world give the best indication of how vulnerable the species … Continue reading
A student’s first experience of animals in research
James Iremonger is a second year Cell and Molecular Biology student at Heriot Watt University, with interests in nutrition and neuroscience. As a winner of the Society of Biology Animals in Research essay competition, I was given the opportunity to complete the Home Office Modular 1-4 courses, provided by Learning Curve. The course, held at … Continue reading
Are you being brainwashed in your sleep? (in a good way)
Jenni Lacey, marketing assistant as the Society Biology, shares new research which could offer a molecular basis for why we need sleep. I’m someone who confidently claims to need no more than 7 hours sleep and, when necessary, happily survive on 6 hours. I’m reassured that my claims are justified by a range of sources: … Continue reading
Animals in research – the complexity behind the stats
by Daniela Peukert, policy officer at the Society of Biology The Home Office published their annual statistics on the use of animals in scientific research this week, and it shows that 4.11 million procedures were started in Great Britain in 2012. Animal research is controversial and these statistics caused very mixed reactions. Therefore I think … Continue reading
Species of the Week: It’s not a twig, but an Archimantis Latistyla
Sara Dawkins is an active nanny as well as an active freelance writer. There are a variety of mantid subspecies currently residing on the planet Earth. While some may have a frog-like look to them, others blend into their background increasing their efficiency for hunting. Archimantis latistyla is one such mantis that is plentiful in … Continue reading
Wake up and smell the … curry?
Professor Roger Bick MMedEd MBS is a researcher in the department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Texas. Every time I walk past an Indian restaurant my nasal passages expand, my salivary glands produce more saliva and I look to see if I have enough time to scarf down some tandoori chicken. … Continue reading
Action for Brain Injury Week
By Lauren Hoskin, intern at the Society of Biology This week, 13th-19th May, a campaign is being launched to highlight the hidden aspects of brain injury and help with the correct diagnosis of these potentially terminal conditions. The campaign is part of Action for Brain Injury (ABI) week, organised by Headway. Brain injury is an … Continue reading