Boost for research into Parkinson's Disease

Biomed Lecturer Charlie Affourtit is one of the team lead by Kim Tieu (in our Medical School) that has just been awarded a £500,000 grant from the Medical Research Council. Dr Affourtit will be investigating the role of mitochondrial dynamics (the continual fusing and splitting of these organelles) in such neurodegenerative diseases. You can read more about this award in the Press Release below.

Lecturer shows origin of E.coli strain

Dr Mat Upton, one of the lecturers in the School, has just published a study tracking the spread of a virulent drug-resistent clone of E.coli. You can read the article in PNAS, and it is covered in the local newspaper. He has also just started a biotech. company that will develop diagnostic tests for this and other bacteria (see press release below).

Physiology and Dr Snot

.. the names of the School's booths at a recent Outreach event in Truro! Read more below.

Science in the News

At Plymouth Museum, some of our research students have just given a series of public talks on the following subjects that have recently been in the news.

·         Ever wondered how they determine what is horse meat and what is beef?

·         Climate change, what is causing it and how will it affect you?

·         Are pesticides killing all of our bees?

Keep a lookout for future events. There was a lively discussion about the science behind the most recent headlines. Plus free tea and cake!

All Too Sweet

You might have just heard our Lecturer in Human Nutrition, Gail Rees, on Radio Devon talking about the concerns over obesity and sugar consumption. You can read some of her comments on the BBC website and in the Western Morning News.

Here is the Press Release.

 

Summer Research Studentships

The School's summer research studentship scheme for 2014 has just been announced with the application forms (which have full details) being emailed today to students. The scheme is intended to involve students in the research currently going on in the School. As well as giving valuable experience, the scheme can help students to chose good topics for their final year project. At the end of the project, the student writes a report and presents a poster on the work done. There will be 5 studentships for first year undergraduate students and up to 20 for second year undergraduate students. Successful applications will provide a stipend of £500 for the student and £250 for consumables for projects lasting up to 8 weeks over the summer period. The School Research Committee will judge applications and award merit on the performance and commitment of the student and the suitability of the project for an undergraduate summer research scholarship. Students interested in applying should contact a potential supervisor in their area of interest to discuss possible projects. Both student and supervisor will then work together on a proposal. The number of studentships is limited, so you need to come up with a good project plan, and that is itself good training. The student will write the brief project proposal after discussion with the supervisor and will fill in the relevant parts of the application form.

Spotlight on Respiratory and Sleep Physiology