Latest research
What are we pausing?
Michael J Imperiale is professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Michigan Gain-of-function studies, as the name implies, are experiments in which a new biological behaviour is conferred upon an existing virus e.g. the ability to be transmitted between mammals in the case of the bird flu virus, H5N1. Earlier this month, the … Continue reading
Dual-use for Dummies
Dr Supatra Marsh, BBSRC Policy Fellow at the Society of Biology, is organising Policy Lates: Dodging a biological bullet – what can we learn from the US and Europe about Biosecurity? During my BBSRC science policy fellowship at the Society of Biology I have been organising the next Policy Lates event focussing on dual-use research. … Continue reading
Sir David Hopwood – ‘designer’ of antibiotics
Gabriele Butkute, events and administrative assistant at the Society of Biology, writes about Sir David Hopwood, a scientist featured in the Biology: Changing the World top ten poll. Professor Sir David Hopwood, a British geneticist and microbiologist, carried out fundamental research into the genetics of the soil bacteria Streptomyces, an organism which gives rise to … Continue reading
I need a new set of teeth! Here are my stem cells
By Rahmat Ali, work experience student at the Society of Biology I had the privilege of working and studying in various departments from Orthodontic to Maxillofacial in Kings College Hospital. It was a year of hearing lectures on how to brush my teeth two or sometimes even three times a day! I’ve learnt as a … Continue reading
Are robot animals the future?
Michelle Reeve from the Royal Veterinary College is trying to make an eight-legged robot as part of her PhD As a child, did you dream of a future world where robots were part of our everyday life? With robots such as Johnny 5, Terminator’s T-800, and of course R2-D2 and C-3PO as major characters in … Continue reading
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
Wake up to Make up!
Guest blogger Chloe Warren investigates the fascinating history and evolution of make up, leading to the popularity of cosmetics in modern society. Applying make up can be part of a daily routine for many of us. What you may not be aware of is the history and science behind staples like eyeliner, mascara and lipstick.
Is it time for a sugar tax?
In advance of Voice of the Future 2014, Rebecca Nesbit considers a question she would like to ask MPs The health effects of too much added sugar have been in the news recently, raising questions about whether we should introduce a sugar tax. Recently, Mexico started to tax sugar-sweetened beverages. Recent research suggests that people … Continue reading
Video: 3D cell culture set for space
Growing cells in culture in the lab is fundamental for many areas of research and drug discovery. Cells grown in a petri-dish, however, don’t resemble the tissues found in living organisms. 3D scaffolds have been developed to overcome this and enhance the growth, differentiation and function of cultured cells. This video gives an insight into … Continue reading
Pollen protects honeybees against pathogens
Rebecca Nesbit, press officer at the Society of Biology, reports on Professor May Berenbaum’s talk at the Impact of Pesticides on Bee Health conference organised by the Biochemical Society, the British Ecological Society and the Society for Experimental Biology. In 2006, American beekeepers were alarmed by sudden losses of hives to colony collapse disorder, where … Continue reading