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Royal Society of Biology

The Society of Biology is a single unified voice for biology: advising Government and influencing policy; advancing education and professional development; supporting our members, and engaging and encouraging public interest in the life sciences.

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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The benefits of an internship

Anna Tiley, a previous communications and policy intern at the Society of Biology, provides an insight into the highlights from her three month placement. The opportunity to do a professional internship for PhD students (PIPS) placement at the Society of Biology has been, without a doubt, one of the best parts of my BBSRC-funded PhD … Continue reading »

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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 »

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Photography competition: Home, habitats and shelter

Elspeth Holuding, marketing assistant at the Society of Biology, discusses the Society’s annual photography competition, open to absolutely anyone. This year, the photography competition theme ‘Home, habitats and shelter’, could inspire you to capture a species in its natural or rare habitat, taking shelter from the elements or could focus on the more molecular level … Continue reading »

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Celebrating our Honorary Fellow Sir David Attenborough

To celebrate the place of Sir David Attenborough in the top ten biologists who’ve changed the world, Amy Whetstone, qualifications and skills officer at the Society of Biology, writes about the achievements of the man considered the face and voice of natural history programmes. There are very few people who are not familiar with the … 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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