Latest research
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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