The socieTy of biology magazine ■ issn 0006-3347Biologist ■ socieTyofbiology.org Vol 60 no 2 ■ aPr/may 2013

INTERVIEW DIGGING DEEP TV's alice roberts talks anatomy and archaeology

GENETICS BIoPHYSICS RESEARCH CRACKING THE CoDE QUANTUM BIoLoGY BUILDER BIRDS A decade on from the Cutting-edge physics for Factors affecting human genome project biological problems nest sizes New from Garland Science Second Edition Human Evolutionary Genetics Jobling • Hollox • Kivisild • Tyler-Smith • Hurles Now in full-color, the Second Edition of Human Evolutionary Genetics has been completely revised to cover the rapid advances in the field since publication of the highly regarded First Edition. Written for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students, it is the only textbook to integrate genetic, archaeological, and linguistic perspectives on human evolution, and to offer a genomic perspective, reflecting the shift from studies of specific regions of the genome towards comprehensive genome-wide analyses of human genetic diversity. Human Evolutionary Genetics is suitable for courses in Genetics, Evolution, and Anthropology.

June 2013 • 650pp • 357 illus • Pb: 978-0-8153-4148-2 • £49.00

TABLE OF CONTENTS: 1. Introduction to Evolutionary Genetics Section I: How Do We Study Genetic Variation?2. Structure, Function, and Diversity of the Genome 3. The Diversity of the Human Genome 4. Discovering and Assaying Genome Diversity Section II: How Do We Interpret Genetic Variation? 5. Processes Shaping Diversity 6. Making Inferences from Diversity Section III: Where and When Did Humans Originate? 7. Humans as Apes 8. Genetic Changes That Have Made Us Human 9. Origins of Modern Humans Section IV:How Did Humans Colonize the World? 10. The Distribution of Diversity 11. Colonization of the Old World and Australia 12. Agricultural Expansions 13. Into New Found Lands 14. What Happens When Populations MeetSection V: How Is An Evolutionary Perspective Helpful? 15. Understanding the Past and Future of Phenotypic Variation16. Evolutionary Insights into Simple Genetic Diseases 17. Evolutionary Insights into Complex Diseases 18. Identity and Identification TheBiologist the SOCIetY OF BIOLOGY MAGAZINe

Volume 60 No 2 April/May 2013

Contents 26 18

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■ ■ ■ News ThThe socieTy of biology magazinee issn 0006-3347Biologist socieTyofbiology.org Vol 60 no 2 aPr/may 2013

IN THIS ISSUE INTERVIEW DIGGING DEEP 4 society news TV's alice roberts 8 Beating bioweapons 22 Happy birthday DNA talks anatomy and archaeology UN bioweapons expert Dr Piers Tom Ireland examines advances 42 member news Millett says more can be done in genetics 10 years on from the 46 branch events to keep scientific materials in human genome project. 48 branch news safe hands.

GENETICS BIoPHYSICS RESEARCH CRACKING THE CoDE QUANTUM BIoLoGY BUILDER BIRDS A decade on from the Cutting-edge physics for Factors aff ecting 26 Feathering the nest human genome project biological problems nest sizes Regulars 12 Making the quantum leap Ornithologist Dr Charles Cover photo: Alice Roberts, Physicist Professor Johnjoe Deeming examines what courtesy of University of 3 nelson’s column Birmingham McFadden explains how quantum influences the size of bird nests. 10 Policy update physics could answer some of the 36 spotlight enduring mysteries in biology. 32 Alice Roberts 38 reviews The paleopathologist and TV 52 biofeedback 18 Pest control presenter talks about what Protecting UK crops by rapidly we can learn from populations 54 museum piece identifying seemingly identical of skeletons and ancient 55 crossword subspecies of whitefly. human remains. 56 final word

Vol 60 No 2 / the BIOLOGISt / 1 the BIOLOGISt Vol 60 No 2 April/May 2013 Contacts

EDIToRIAL STAFF Allan Jamieson BSc PhD CBiol FSB Society of Biology Director of Membership, Marketing Catherine Jopling BSc PhD MSB Charles Darwin House, and Communications 12 Roger Street, Susan Omar BSc PGCe CBiol CSci MSB MRSPh FRGS Jon Kudlick London WC1N 2JU Editor Leslie Rose BSc CBiol FSB FICR MAPM tel: 020 7685 2550 Sue Nelson Fax: 020 3514 3204 Managing Editor [email protected] tom Ireland MSB ADVISoRY PANEL www.societyofbiology.org [email protected] Ian Clarke, horticulture Research International, UK Communications Assistant Clive Cornford, Unitec, Auckland, New Zealand Views expressed in this magazine are Karen Patel AMSB Sharon Grimster, BioPark, UK not necessarily those of the editorial [email protected] Board or the Society of Biology. Marios Kyriazis, For membership enquiries call 0844 858 9316 Biogerontologist and anti-ageing physician, UK © 2013 Society of Biology [email protected] Alan Lansdown, Imperial College London, UK (Registered charity no. 277981) For subscription enquiries call 020 7685 2556 Walter Leal Filho, [email protected] hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany The Society permits single copying Don McManus, Bancroft Centre, Australia of individual articles for private study or research, irrespective of where EDIToRIAL BoARD Peter Moore, King’s College London, UK J Ian Blenkharn MSB FRSPh the copying is done. Multiple copying Brian Osborne, Australia of individual articles for teaching Phil Collier MSc PhD CBiol FSB FLS Fhe John Scott, University of Leicester, UK purposes is also permitted without Cameron S Crook BSc MPhil CBiol MSB MIeeM FLS Robert Spooner-hart, University of specific permission. For copying or Rajith Dissanayake MSc PhD FZS AMSB Western Sydney, Australia reproduction or any other purpose, Catherine Duigan BSc PhD FSB FLS written permission must be sought from Kathleen Weathers, Institute of the Society. exceptions to the above are John heritage BA DPhil CBiol FSB ecosystem Studies, USA those institutions and non-publishing

Sue howarth BSc PhD CBiol FSB Steve Wilson, Pfizer Animal health organisations that have an agreement or licence with the UK Copyright Licensing Agency or the US Copyright Clearance Centre. Access to the magazine is available online; please see the Society’s

BIOGRAPhY A German wood WILLIAM ALFORD LLOYD engraving from 1872 of the main website for further details. saloon of Lloyd’s Crystal Palace Marine Aquarium. TheBiologist HO WAS… W WILLIAM ALFORD LLOYD? The Biologist is produced on behalf of the Society of Biology by A WINDoW Think Publishing Ltd. 124-128 Barlby Road oN THE LIFE London W10 6BL Ray Ingle profiles the little-known Victorian www.thinkpublishing.co.uk entrepreneur who introduced public aquariums to the UK and helped improve awareness of aquatic diversity 020 8962 3020 Merionethshire, North Wales, where he 18th of November was a at fi ve years old he was taken to live public holiday in 1852, so that with his father’s relatives to improve T the British public could watch his health. He returned to London the funeral procession of the Duke of aged 11 but could only communicate SCIENCES Wellington. William Alford Lloyd, a with his Welsh-speaking father bookshop employee with an interest and struggled to relearn English, in natural history, chose to visit the an effort that may have caused a Zoological GardenseXPeRIeNCe (now London lifelong stammer. After becoming Zoo) instead. HePOAChING had barely enough IN MOZAMBIQUe an apprentice to a bookbinder at 14, money for the admission fee and Lloyd developed a passion for deeply Design walked there and back – no vehicles instructive reading on a wide range of were allowed on the streets that day. subjects, including natural history. He was drawn to a ‘Fish House’ On Christmas Day 1848, Lloyd under construction, due to open married Amelia Alford. Following the the following spring. It was seeing birth of his daughter in 1851, Lloyd FOUNDATION PALACE CRYSTAL THE Alistair McGown The Biologist si a bi-monthly magazine a living pike in one of the tanks that worked at a second-hand bookshop apparently set his mind on a career as that enabled him to earn enough / 25 AN UNHAPPY o 1 / the BIOLOGISt an aquarist. Years later he wrote that money for the family to rent upstairs zebras have Vol 60 N COURTESY OF NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, LONDON MUSEUM, HISTORY NATURAL OF COURTESY his decision on that day “turned the rooms in Clerkenwell. not been seen current of all my remaining life”. Lloyd worked a 12-hour day for in north-east mozambique for Born in 1824, Lloyd’s interest in six days a week at the bookshop and 06/03/2013 16:18 Production editor more than

WA LLOYD, 1871. LLOYD, WA HUNTING GRoUND (published six times per year) that carries natural history probably began in a decade.

Peter /Coals Vol 60 No 1 24 / the BIOLOGISt describes BIOGRAPhY Nothing. Did they want big solutions his experience as to the big problem engulfi ng the catch antelope – hauling them into the region’s wildlife? They would be air and breaking their long, fragile Clare harris a wildlife security and future. If it is destroyed they will the full richness and diversity of biology. IA.indd 24-25 waiting a long time if they did. legs, leaving them to thrash out their have nothing. lives in agony in the ever tightening consultant in north- I was contracted to lead the ranger Erosion of life grip of the wire – to the menace of unit; providing a credible deterrent to east mozambique This is precisely the problem: a armed gangs killing elephants for the ever-present threat. I removed reluctance to consider the small scale. their ivory tusks. snares, confi scated bush meat, There are no ‘big busts’, and scant Sub editor Peter coals amsb Bamboo thickets are cleared to Science is brought to life with stimulating and n African ground pangolin machetes and logging tools, and chased pickings for glory hunters. This work is provide building materials for local is a conservation away the armed elephant poachers. is curled up in a large wicker biologist and a grind. Every day poachers and houses. Vast forest giants like star- Confusion reigns and loyalty is A basket on the back seat of my wildlife security traders kill a few more animals, chestnuts and pod-mahogany are Land Rover. It was confi scated from negotiable – you just have to work consultant. he is wearing away at the resilience of felled both by local teams and an illegal wildlife trader following my an associate out the price and currency. It is not strained populations. It is the wholesale mechanised outsider operations undercover operation. As the illegal member of the surprising – as the private reserve Sian Campbell erosion of life. Corruption, inactivity providing timber planks to feed authoritative features, while topical pieces society and is management back in Europe did not trader left the police station in the city also a fellow of the and lack of expertise and knowledge in growing demand in the city. of Pemba scot-free, the Portuguese- provide enough money to pay the royal geographical law enforcement procedures and This destruction is not for speaking Ministry of Agriculture offi cer rangers for weeks on end. society. wildlife conservation are signifi cant subsistence. Local communities do shook his head. “We can do no more,” The communities only see the barriers to the prevention of wildlife not lack food and are not hunting he said. “It always happens like this.” nature of the reserve as resources that crime at all levels. sustainably. It seems that every Publisher North-east Mozambique is a hidden could be turned into money, and it’s discuss science policy, new developments Overexploitation is individual both inside the reserve and tropical world of mangrove islands and hard to blame them when it’s so frequently cited as a expanses of white coral sand fringing out is cashing in on natural diffi cult to make a living. Community principal factor in the ocean. It sounds like paradise, but resources on every scale, benefi ts provided by the reserve are global biodiversity its forests are falling silent. The trade motivated by greed, a lack few and there are not enough tourists loss. Part of this in pangolins is dominated by south- of understanding and to provide a sustainable living. As hunting and takes the form of John Innes poaching have or controversial issues. Aimed at biologists east Asian buyers as their body parts education, and poaching continues, and animal illegal wildlife use led to a decline are used in Asian traditional medicine. the growing numbers fall, the incentives for and poaching. Hunting in numbers of A surge in industry and business in inequalities tourists to visit declines, locking the many african and poaching have led to the the city has attracted companies and between regional area into a downward spiral. mammals such as demise of many large mammals, mozambiQUe workers, many from China. Though communities. Every life ended in a snare, on a the black rhino. such as the black rhino, from much pangolins are used locally as food spear, or ripped through with bullets [email protected] of their ranges across Africa. Before everywhere, its straightforward style also Exploitation is another step closer to the forest and in African traditional medicine, 1960 they numbered 70,000 this trader was looking to make more The effects of falling silent forever. Humans will individuals. Today there are fewer money from expatriates than he could unsustainable endure. In unprotected areas, where than 5,000. by selling to locals. exploitation of fl ora and the farmable topsoil has been washed Black rhino, zebra, wildebeest and After meeting in the depths of the fauna, and what will happen away by summer rains, people sell eland were last seen in the region in the if widespread poaching in city, the wildlife trader believed that rocks dug out of the ground for a makes it ideal for educators and students at mid-1990s, long before I fi rst came. protected areas continues, are clear to I would return bringing money. ■ feb/mar 2013 pittance to make a living. The remaining elephants, buffalo, see. Outside the Volpark 60all wildlifeno 1 has Instead I brought offi cers from the ■ socieTyofbiology.orgsable antelope, lion, spotted hyena and been killed and large trees felled. The police, national park and■ issn Ministry 0006-3347 of Paradise lost painted dog that roamed through the scrubland has been raked by massive The socieTy of biologyAgriculture magazine to confi scate the pangolin It is a world away from a past of verdant The fronts of fi re that sped across the reserve and wider national park are and arrest the trader. At the police forests with abundant game shaded by in decline. The exact nature of the fall landscape leaving great scars of Non-member rates: £116.00 all levels, as well as the interested amateur. station I learned that he would not tall trees. But every time animals or in numbers cannot be measured in swirling ash and blackened dirt in face further legal action and would not plants are removed from protected many remote areas, as they lack the their wake. have to pay the fi ne that should have areas without repercussions, the expertise and capacity for quantitative What little offi cial law enforcement been imposed. The police didn’t seem message is sent that it isn’t important. monitoring. The reserve had next to no that exists is dampened by a social to mind; what few laws protect wildlife Corruption, This battle is not going to be lost with 'People have cast reliable data on population numbers, and political climate that protects are seldom enforced. inactivity a bang, but through inactivity, greed the poachers and ostracises the and lack of and neither did the wider national and corruption. Little by little, it will Despite regularly providing park. It was just scant information rangers on the ground. The evidence of wildlife crime to the park expertise slowly slip through our fi ngers. me as a sort of gleaned from my talks with the few community rangers’ familiarity Peter rescued offi ce, many offi cials are relatively are barriers There is no quick solution, and village elders who still remembered the with the area is also their undoing. this pangolin, unconcerned by, and dismissive of, to preventing there are no easy decisions. But by times before the war of independence They are torn between duty and which had this activity. What is one local wildlife wildlife crime reforming law and tackling been hunted and the civil war. social obligations. They have to work for use in ISSN 0006-3347 snarlingtrader, poacher or logger attack anyway? dog. corruption, improving education, against their friends, family and The variety of poaching threats providing training and genuine traditional acquaintances from the villages. asian ranges from snares set by locals to alternative sustainable employment, Yet this area is their life, income medicine. 22 / the BIOLOGISt somewhere in the middle perhaps we Submissions of interesting and timely Which i'm / Vol 60 Nnot'o 1 can regain paradise.

22_BIO_60_1_AFRICAN_POACHING.indd 22-23

PETER COALS

articles, short opinion pieces and Vol 60 No 1 / the BIOLOGISt / 23 Advertising in The Biologist represents letters are welcome. Articles should be an unparalleled opportunity to reach

The socieTy of biology magazine ■ The issn 0006-3347 ■ Biologist socieTyofbiology.org aimed at a non-specialist audience and Vol 59 no 5 ■ December 2012 a large community of professional convey your enthusiasm and expertise. biologists. Instructions for authors are available LooKING FoR LIFE oN on the Society of Biology website or on an eXclUsiVe inTerVieW WiTh For advertising information contact request from the editorial office. MARS tom tiffin, [email protected] RICHARD New horizons in astrobiology Contact [email protected] DAWKINS Ian Carter, [email protected] BIoGRAPHY oPINIoN REPoRTAGE WILLIAM ALFoRD LLoYD 020 7183 1815 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE e man who brought PARADISE LoST Should there be more aquariums to Britain Protecting wildlife scientist MPs? in Mozambique

05/02/2013 12:54

00_BIO_60_1_COVER.indd 1

2 / the BIOLOGISt / Vol 60 No 2 Nelson’s Column

hoosing a cover or image Unusually, The Biologist’s 2013 such a hot subject at the moment. for any publication is a covers have featured people – both Our other feature, on nests (page 26), science in itself. Years subjects of our main interview. In offered opportunities but colourful ago, newspapers realised February/March it was Richard birds are so much more colourful that any photo of Princess Dawkins who also, as with all our than the nests themselves. DianaC on the front page would interview guests, appeared in Theoretically, a twin-tailed lizard automatically boost sales. Today, photographs illustrating the piece could also have been in with a I suspect Kate Middleton has a itself. When Professor Anne Glover chance. After all, it’s the first subject similar effect. was the subject of the interview in our new series called Museum There are also regional tastes. Dust feature in the December 2012 issue, Piece (page 54) to highlight biological jackets for books in the US are not she appeared in four images across exhibits around the world. necessarily replicated in the UK, and four pages. Dawkins appeared in five But does a mutant twin-tailed vice versa. Even when some magazines images across five pages. In other lizard say The Biologist? And why try to broaden their appeal and spread words: equal proportions – although didn’t Anne Glover become the of readers by issuing a double cover, it no one deemed the inclusion of any of first ever woman on the cover? can backfire. Studies have shown that Anne’s photos as “sycophantic” (see There’s no conspiracy. I simply circulation doesn’t always increase, Biofeedback on page 52). preferred a stunning picture of possibly due to confusion about This edition’s cover features the the sun rising over the horizon whether they are separate issues. paleopathologist and TV presenter of Mars to illustrate a feature on Biology lends itself to some Professor Alice Roberts who, I was astrobiology instead. beautiful images, but not every surprised to learn, is the first ever Editing The Biologist is exacting, article or subject can make a cover woman to appear on the front of enlightening and inspiring. Deciding Selecting picture. Pictures of surgery, or even The Biologist. Considering Alice has on the cover – the magazine’s shop the cover something as natural as childbirth, become a role model for women window – is not easy. The final choice is both can be a huge turnoff for squeamish scientists, it is coincidentally apt. is both personal and nothing personal readers (myself included). Spiders The sweetpotato whitefly, while personal. But if the Queen had will enthral some yet terrify the being the subject of an in-depth dropped into The Biologist’s office at and nothing arachnophobe, and not everyone will article (page 18) on how to protect UK Charles Darwin House, for instance, personal appreciate the inner beauty of a crops, did not make the cut. And it the Alice Roberts cover would have polychaete worm – perhaps just wasn’t easy to illustrate quantum been history. Even in the Society of those who study them. biology (page 12), despite it being Biology, that’s show business.

sue nelson, editor

Vol 60 No 2 / the BIOLOGISt / 3 oBITUARY Dr Paul Jarvis FSB 1935-2013 r Paul Jarvis, an academic Society news Dgiant in the field of forestry research, died suddenly at his home in February, aged 77. For more than four decades Jarvis was regarded as one of the world’s most prominent plant ecophysiologists. In 2001 he retired as professor of forestry and Society’s natural resources at the University Science of Edinburgh after 26 years. He specialised in the exchange of communication water and carbon dioxide between forest trees and the atmosphere as prize open this topic emerged as a major focus of research due to its important to entries role in global climate change. Born in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, pplications are now open Jarvis attended Sir Anthony for the Society’s science Brown’s School in Essex and went communication awards, PHOTO on to study botany at Oriel College, A COMPETITION which honour outstanding Feeding frenzy Oxford. In 1953 he married fellow outreach work carried out by 2013 botany graduate Margaret and young scientists and established he theme of the Society’s from just under 500 entries, many they moved to Sheffield to continue researchers to inform, enthuse amateur photography from around the world, including Chi with postgraduate studies. and engage the public. Tcompetition this year is Keung Wong’s winning entry (above). aboVe: chi Keung Jarvis decided his wife’s line of Judges include Dr ‘Feeding Life’. Judges will select the The prize for Photographer Wong’s ‘farming work was more interesting and Steve Cross, head of best images that reflect this broad of the Year is £1,000 and Young the sea’ scooped they teamed up, which led him public engagement topic, from the nutrient cycle and Photographer of the Year £500. The first prize in the into the field that would become 2012 photography at University food webs, to global food security closing date for entries is July 31st. awards. his speciality. His interest in College London, and agriculture. To enter the competition applying the exact methods of the and Dr Daniel Last year’s competition, ‘How visit www.societyofbiology.org/ physical sciences to the problems Glaser, director of Biology Can Save The World’, photocomp or contact of botanical ecology became a International boost science engagement attracted some stunning images [email protected] feature of his work, combining at the King’s Cultural laboratory and field research. Institute, King’s Dr steve Jarvis moved to Edinburgh in College London. cross, Ucl, 1975 to become the University’s for plant science is among The competition professor of forestry and natural the judges. he second Fascination of Plants and companies, opened their doors is open to bioscience Biology book awards resources, and he and his wife Day, on Saturday 18th May, to showcase plants and plant science researchers from UK began to renovate a large stone T looks set to be the most global to the public and the media. Plants universities and institutes. The house in a project that would last yet with events in up to 50 countries. “Plants are fundamental to our provide New Researcher Award (£750) almost as long as his professorship. The goal of the day is to get as existence, providing us with food, is open to researchers currently he Society has launched Week 2013 (12th–18th October) Author, editor and coordinator many people as possible fascinated fuels, medicines, building materials, us with reading for a master’s or PhD, or its first book awards to alongside the Society’s science of many research projects, Jarvis by plants and enthused by the fibres and paper,” said UKPSF food, fuels, in the first year of a post-doctoral Trecognise the year’s communication and photography was elected a Fellow of the Royal importance of plant science in our executive officer, Dr Mimi Tanimoto. medicines, position, while the Established best biology, biosciences competition awards. Society in 1997. On retirement lives. The Society’s special interest “They deliver services such as fibres and Researcher Award (£1,500) is and life sciences books. The judging panel includes Jarvis and his group, the UK Plant Sciences flood control, and enhance our paper open to researchers who are The awards will celebrate The Biologist editor, Sue Nelson, wife bought Federation (UKPSF) is coordinating recreational space, physical beyond the first stages of their general biology books former BBC science producer a small activities in the UK and is inviting and mental health and cultural research career. as well as outstanding and award-winning science farm near people or organisations to join in or practices. We want to share the The deadline for applications is textbooks aimed at writer Martin Redfern, and the Aberfeldy, organise their own Fascination of amazing world of plants with Friday 31st May and the awards undergraduates and chair of the Association of British and he Plants Day events. a wider audience, and engage will be presented at an event postgraduates. Science Writers, Connie St Louis. continued to in discussions about how plant in London on Thursday 17th The prize for each Deadline for entries is 30th April. play an active Showcasing plants sciences are helping to address October during Biology Week. category is £500 For more information role in forest Last year, 580 organisations from 39 global challenges – from food For how to apply see www. and the winners on the awards see www. conservation countries ran events, including 80 security to protecting biodiversity.” societyofbiology.org/scicomm will be societyofbiology. and carbon in the UK. Plant science institutions, For more information see or contact karenpatel@ announced at a org/bookawards or research. universities, botanical gardens, www.plantday12.eu or email societyofbiology.org special ceremony contact karenpatel@ museums, together with farmers [email protected] during Biology societyofbiology.org

4 / the BIOLOGISt / Vol 60 No 2 www.societyofbiology.org/newsandevents www.societyofbiology.org/newsandevents Vol 60 No 2 / the BIOLOGISt / 5 SOCIetY NeWS DR ChRIStOPheR SMIth/WOMAN’S hOUR POWeR LISt/eSSAY COMPetItION/ASh DIeBACK/SOCIetY AGM

Professor Dame charles oBITUARY nancy rothwell Ash dieback site goes live Darwin was listed house Dr Christopher UM among the top Smith CBiol FSB 20 of the UK’s he UK Plant Sciences “Speaking to scientists who most influential Federation (UKPSF) has wanted to do something to help 1930-2013 women. Tlaunched a website 3 combat ash dieback, I found a r Christopher Smith, a council collating the latest recurring problem that they Dmember of the Institute of information on ash were unsure of what else Biology and former chair of the dieback, including was happening,” said Society’s West Midlands branch, research findings, UKPSF executive has passed away aged 83. funding opportunities, officer Mimi Smith published several meetings and Tanimoto. “It was neuroscience textbooks and policy news. clear that by joining was a senior lecturer at Aston Since ash dieback up the various University, where he became was first detected projects we could dean of the Faculty of Life and in the UK, many better tackle Health Sciences from 1990-94. On excellent research the disease.” Society AGM leaving he became an Honorary projects have The website will his year’s AGM will be held on Visiting Fellow in the Department started and various be updated regularly TThursday 2nd May at Charles of Vision Sciences at Aston and organisations have with news, and Darwin house, 12 Roger Street, an Honorary Research Fellow prepared policy briefing members can sign up to London, WC1N 2JU. All members at the Centre for the History of documents. But many of the the site to receive updates and two representatives from Medicine, Birmingham University. activities have been disconnected via email. Anyone who has news each Member Organisation Smith read zoology at and people have found it difficult that they would like added to the may attend. The new website Birmingham University, graduating to access information about collates news site can contactmimitanimoto@ Summary accounts have in 1954. Further studies included a the latest developments and on the spread of societyofbiology.org or visit been included with your issue of BSc in maths and physics (London relevant meetings. ash dieback. treehealth.plantsci.org.uk The Biologist. Full accounts are University, 1959) and available online, or by contacting a postgraduate [email protected] Diploma in biophysics Society Fellows make Attendance and voting (Edinburgh The honorary treasurer, honorary University, 1963). secretary and the new trustees of In 1961 he married Woman’s Hour Power List the Society will be confirmed at the Rosemary Edmonds, who died in AGM. Members will also be asked to 1994. Smith retired in 1996 and in he Society of Biology’s that biologists play in advising approve the accounts and appoint 1997 was awarded a PhD for his President Professor Dame Professor anne government.” auditors. Should you be unable publications on neuroscience. Nancy Rothwell has been glover also Quoted on the Woman’s Hour to attend, proxy voting forms are T featured on the He co-edited three historical recognised in the website, Professor Glover said: available at www.societyofbiology. Woman’s Hour Power list. books, and has an extensive list of 2013 Power List, alongside Society “Science isn’t bothered about org/agm or through contacting book chapters and peer-reviewed Fellow Professor Anne Glover, chief your sex, your accent, your the Society. Please note, only journal articles across the spectrum scientific adviser to the European social position; all science is members at grade MSB and above, of neurobiology, history and Commission. Both women were interested in is ‘do you have an and one full Member Organisation philosophy. Smith was an advocate in the top 20 of the list, which inquiring mind?’” representative are entitled to vote. for better public understanding ranked the 100 most powerful and Other influential scientists Please register your attendance of science and enthusiastically influential women in the UK. honoured in the list included via mySociety (https://myaccount. supported the British Science “It is rewarding to see this Professor Dame Sally Davies, societyofbiology.org). Alternatively Association, serving on the recognition of two women who the chief medical officer for you can write to Natasha Neill at the Midlands committee. have been hugely influential in England, and Professor Dame above address. Smith was also a founder science and society,” said Dr Mark Carol Black, the Department member and president of the Downs FSB, chief executive of Health’s expert adviser. Agenda International Society for the of the Society. “Nancy “Both men and women with ■ Welcome and minutes History of the Neurosciences has provided inspiring a scientific background Animal essay competition ■ CeO report (1998-99) and received their leadership since the are making a key ■ Receive and approve council’s lifetime achievement award in founding of the contribution to he Society is launching a Undergraduates topics such as the ethics of animal and committees’ reports 2005. He was also a Fellow of Society of Biology public life and we are competition to support can win a course in research, handling and restraint, ■ Confirmation of honorary the Royal Society of Arts and the in 2009, and has delighted to see this Tstudent members who wish animal science. anaesthesia and analgesia and more. treasurer and honorary secretary Royal Society of Medicine. made valuable recognised by the to develop careers in animal science The deadline for applications is ■ Receive and consider the annual As well as an intellectual contributions to presence of scientists and technology. 15th June 2013. Winners will be report and accounts genius, Smith was a modest, science, education on the Power List,” First and second year booked on to a course due to run ■ Appoint auditors and authorise caring and fun loving person who and government said Mark. “I hope undergraduate student members in the autumn term. council to fix their remuneration took delight in his work and life. policy. that these women can enter by writing a 1,500 word For details contact joanneneedham ■ AOB (notified in writing at least He will be greatly missed by all “Likewise, Anne will inspire a new essay on one of three topics. The @societyofbiology.org or see 48 hours in advance to the chief who knew him and read his works. has demonstrated generation of female prize is a Home Office Modular www.societyofbiology.org/ executive)

the essential role scientists.” BeRRUeZO tXetXU training 1–4 course, covering animalessay

6 / the BIOLOGISt / Vol 60 No 2 www.societyofbiology.org/newsandevents www.societyofbiology.org/newsandevents Vol 60 No 2/ the BIOLOGISt / 7 OPINION BIOWeAPONS/CItIZeN SCIeNCe

REFERENCES pharmaceutical scientist from experts, especially those with 1 Dando, M. The impact the University of California, was specific knowledge working outside of the development of modern biology charged last year with numerous of government, to participate Letting citizen and medicine on the arson offences, and wrote emails as guests of the meeting. Non- evolution of offensive biological warfare threatening to kill over 200 governmental bodies, such as programs in the students and staff at his son’s the Society of Biology, can also twentieth century. school. Our work places are getting register, enabling them to address Defense Analysis 15(1), 5 science take flight 43-62 (1999). increasingly violent – how long delegations, hold events and lobby 2 United Nations, will it be before a biologist with diplomats and policymakers. General Assembly malicious intent decides it is easier We need new ideas when it comes to funding big science (2012). http://www. un.org/News/Press/ to pick up a bug than a gun? Maximising our impact projects, says entomologist Dr Rebecca Nesbit docs/2012/ga11266. The door is open for our doc.htm UN policy contribution and, to have the 3 BWC, Report of the In December 2011, global greatest impact, we must be ews that the Royal on volunteers for the RIS. Meeting of States Parties, Biological policymakers gathered at the properly organised. We should Institution’s (RI) building Also, the data from this Weapons Convention, United Nations in Geneva, reinvigorate our efforts within our was up for sale earlier this long-term survey is now BWC/MSP/2012/5, N United Nations, Geneva Switzerland for the Seventh own professional organisations, year was met with outcry – Nobel supported by the National Switzerland (2013). Review Conference of the Biological sending clear messages to science laureates and TV personalities Moth Recording Scheme, http://www.unog. ch/bwc Weapons Convention (BWC). These policy centres that we want our rallied for the Government to buy the which allows a lot 4 The Global terrorism five yearly summits set policy and voices to be heard on this. That building and guarantee its future. of citizen scientists Database run by the determine how to prevent the might mean we have to think what Others raised the valid point that to contribute. University of Maryland weaponisation of disease. messages we wish to see delivered ‘because it’s old’ isn’t a reason to Inevitably, volunteers http://www.start.umd. edu/gtd/ Countries made a series and what technical support we spend £60m of taxpayers’ money. will increase the number 5 eU-OShA. of binding commitments on might be able to provide (for The immediate financial concern has of records collected, but Workplace Violence strengthening national measures to example, which of our members now been solved by a donor, but the can’t always stick to the and harassment: a european Picture. prohibit and prevent the acquisition could be put forward as potential question still being asked is if the RI is rigorous methods of full- european Agency for and use of biological weapons. They guests of future BWC meetings?) struggling to attract visitors, wouldn’t time scientists. Safety and health at set up an international process to Finally, not only must we do making its activities relevant to A few years ago certain Work, Bilbao, Spain (2011). https://osha. review relevant development in the more as biologists – and passing today’s audience perhaps be better long-term recording schemes were europa.eu/en/ sciences, to strengthen ties with this article on for someone else to than an appeal for funding? more endangered than the species publications/reports/ violence-harassment- practising scientists in public and read is an excellent first step – but With the launch of Butterfly they were monitoring, but the tide teRO09010eNC/view private institutions, and created we must be seen to be doing it. Conservation’s report The State of may have turned. Snobbery around 6 BIS, Public Attitudes a forum to explore appropriate Members of the public have begun Britain’s Larger Moths, I was struck the use of volunteers seems to be Biology to Science: 2011, IPSOS national laws, regulations and to express concerns on issues at the by the similarities between the RI’s turning into ideas on how to ensure MORI Social Research Institute (2011). oversight tools. States are already cutting edge of our science.6 We will situation and another of science’s accuracy and participation. http://www.ipsos- a full year into that process and need to work hard over the coming historical success stories: the long- mori.com/Assets/ Docs/Polls/sri-pas- have reached a number of common years to shore up public trust. We term data set. Adapting to the 21st century gone bad 2011-main-report.pdf understandings of direct relevance must get better at highlighting One of the longest-running and The RIS has secured funding for to biologists. the role we play as stewards for most extensive data sets on insect the next five years and many schemes UN bioweapons expert Dr Piers Millett says The BWC work programme our science and its impact on our populations in the world comes from are adapting to the 21st century and the countries working with it communities. A larger profile in the Rothamsted Insect Survey (RIS). needs of science and volunteers. To biologists must do more to prevent research need more input from biologists. preventing deliberate disease could The light-trap network that informed survive, long-term data schemes being used for harmful or criminal acts Annual chairs regularly invite be an important first step. the moth report has been collecting need to show their relevance to data since 1968, generating over 10 science, but also to the volunteers million moth records. Individual who contribute to them, balancing oncerns are resurfacing that states have, and could use, light traps on the Rothamsted Estate scientific rigour with convenience. over the potential for biology these weapons.2 Last December have been running since the 1930s, Volunteers offer their time for a Cto be used to deliberately 166 countries agreed that recent, interrupted only by WWII blackouts. variety of reasons – for pleasure, for instigate disease. As yet we have current and future developments Again, because ‘it’s old’ or new skills or for their CV – and these no sure-fire way to maximise in biology could enable future ‘impressive’ isn’t an argument to must be recognised and supported. In the benefits of biology while weapons programmes.3 There are Dr Piers millett secure science funding. We should an age when students graduate into a minimising any risks. But you also repeated and regular incidents cbiol msb is deputy fund schemes that are the best way of tough job market short on taxonomy are going to hear a great deal involving non-state organisations head of the making the observations needed to and field ID skills, volunteer 4 implementation more about ‘dual use research of and individuals. Last year, support Unit for tackle environmental challenges. opportunities can be vital. Training concern’ (DURC) over the next few for example, the hacker group the biological The Butterfly Conservation’s report increases the cost of a monitoring years. The 2012 debates over the Anonymous hacked and remotely Weapons certainly demonstrates the value scheme, but can also increase its publication of influenza research manipulated the environmental convention, at of the RIS in discovering long-term accuracy and value. are just the start. control system of a South American the Un office of trends in moth abundance as well as Dr rebecca nesbit The Society’s flying ant survey Disarmament msb is a blogger Biological weapons have a crime laboratory. affairs in geneva, annual variation. Likewise, since 1909 and press officer (to be repeated this year) allowed well documented history. Every Biologists do occasionally kill, switzerland. he the British Trust for Ornithology’s for the society. us to collect data no scientist could major power of the 20th century or threaten mass murder. In 1986 trained as a ringing scheme has proved its worth for her PhD she compile and we had great feedback developed them, with state neurobiology professor Amy microbiologist and with fascinating information about studied the from participants. The next thing I’d bioweapons programmes taking Bishop shot and killed three of has a doctorate bird migration and ecology. migration like to see is a replacement for the from the University patterns of the advantage of every peaceful her colleagues at the University of bradford on However, long-term monitoring painted lady at term ‘citizen science’. 1 advance available at the time. of Alabama when denied tenure. anti-animal The geneva headquarters of the Un. programmes have to evolve. Funding rothamsted Any suggestions? Please email There continue to be allegations Rainer Klaus Reinsheid, a biological warfare. cuts have led to an increased reliance research. [email protected]

8 / the BIOLOGISt / Vol 60 No 2 Vol 60 No 2 / the BIOLOGISt / 9 within their field of expertise, and professional scientists is a vital asset 78% work outside London. to Government and this must be Keeping These figures come preserved and nurtured. Extending from a new report, and supporting contact with a wider it civil Making the most network of experts is crucial, as is of scientists and developing internal networks such More can be done to engineers in the as GSE and senior groupings such as Policy update civil service, which Heads of Science and Engineering connect and support draws upon survey Profession (HoSEP) across civil responses from service organisations. the skilled scientists over 2,000 civil Skills and their deployment are, in public service servants and a similar of course, central and the sense that number from the wider the civil service provides a rewarding arly in his term as the science and engineering and varied career path that draws specifically skilled scientists. The Government’s chief scientific community. It finds GSE in scientists and engineers must sir John Government has been listening to E adviser, Professor Sir John members are only the tip of the beddington, be maintained and extended. The these pleas, but the issue is complex. Beddington established a group of iceberg, with an estimated 12,000 chief scientific existing perception, that there are Similarly higher education reforms, scientists within the civil service specialist science or engineering adviser. few senior positions, may grow in meaning universities can charge called Government Science & posts across the entire civil service. the ‘flatter’ service envisaged in civil up to £9,000 in annual fees (and Engineering (GSE). It now has Clearly, the development and service reform plans. associated student loans), have 3,500 members, representing over growth of GSE is to be welcomed. The report concludes that made waves beyond campuses and 100 different areas of expertise, But the report highlights that “it is hard to find a problem in their prospective students. There with 34% having doctorates and more needs to be done to achieve Government that could not benefit is concern that UK students may 58% being members of professional a civil service science profession from the application of science or be dissuaded from continuing into bodies. The majority describe at the heart of excellence in engineering advice”. Ensuring that postgraduate study as they will be themselves as involved in the Government decision-making. this is widely recognised and acted carrying a larger debt burden than operational delivery of science and Codes of professional integrity upon remains a key challenge. in previous years, regardless of the engineering advice and services and the analytical perspective of Dr laura bellingan fsb repayment arrangements. This is exacerbated by the decline in financial support for taught master’s programme students. Planet Immigration rules Early conversations also reveal foreign undergraduates and talented master’s students fear that the UK plants is unlikely to allow them to continue to study or work here due to new immigration rules, which would The Society’s have an impact on universities special interest and associated revenues. This issue requires a careful and well- group is taking UK communicated message abroad. plant science global New proposals from the Migration Advisory Committee – Reform hits that occupations deemed to be in he UK Plant Sciences short supply in the UK (currently Federation (UKPSF) including many science skills) T is the Society’s special should be automatically removed interest group for plant biology from the controls list after two organisations and research groups. student body years – prompted a letter from It has been around for just over a in the UK, which is scheduled for The inaugural UK Finally, the UKPSF has also taken the Campaign for Science and year, but much has been done to release later this year. Plant sciences on the role of national coordinator Engineering, signed by a wide range inform policy and communicate the Plant and crop science are often federation of international Fascination of The supply of skilled scientists in the UK conference at of experts. importance of plant science globally. neglected as a field despite their the John innes Plants Day. On 18th May, botanic will suffer if wider effects of education and The capacity of the UK to fill It has provided input to 10 increasing importance in pressing centre, norwich. gardens, research labs, schools, these gaps with UK-born scientists consultations on subjects ranging global issues such as food security, museums and farms will open their immigration policies are not worked through will only increase if there is careful from the Government’s UK agri-tech biofuel production, climate change doors with plant-related events attention to the training pipeline, strategy to the Higher Education and biodiversity loss. and activities for all ages. The last he ramifications of policy to scan the horizon for impending including at postgraduate level. Commission’s inquiry into Aiming to reinforce the significance Fascination of Plants Day had over often extend well beyond its or potential problems. Hopefully policy integration and postgraduate education. In 2012, of plant science to Government, 580 participating organisations in T intended area, and occasionally Recently the issue of immigration harmony can be achieved before the the UKPSF became a member of the industry and society, the UKPSF 39 countries and the initiative has the influence of very disparate policy control has been a topic of cohort of graduates under the new Global Plant Council, establishing a is part of a project led by Sense grown to include events in at least Dr laura lines converge. This is not unusual in concern. As controls tighten, we bellingan fsb, fee scheme are facing the decision policy presence at an international About Science to improve how plant 47 countries this year. If you think the international and highly skilled must facilitate the international head of of whether or not to continue their level. This year it is preparing a scientists and the public engage over plants are as important as we do, we world of science and so it’s important movement of talented and science policy skills development. report on the status of plant sciences issues like the environment and GM. hope to see you at an event soon.

10 / the BIOLOGISt / Vol 60 No 2 www.societyofbiology.org/policy/policy-news www.societyofbiology.org/policy/policy-news Vol 60 No 2 / the BIOLOGISt / 11 BIOPhYSICS QUANtUM BIOLOGY MAKING THE QUANTUM LEAP

Professor Johnjoe McFadden reveals how quantum physics could help explain some of biology’s most mysterious phenomena

ore than 60 years ago famed for the Nowhere is this more apparent the classical laws break down Erwin Schrödinger, one ‘schrödinger’s than in heredity, where the colour completely, corresponding to our of the founding fathers of cat’ thought of a person’s eyes, their propensity intuition that stochastic fluctuations, M experiment, which quantum mechanics, insisted that demonstrates the to disease, perhaps even their rather than classical laws, govern certain aspects of biology were problems of intelligence or personality, depends the dynamics of objects composed of inexplicable by classical laws. subatomic on the dynamics of just a single small numbers of particles. In his book What is Life?, quantum physics, inherited molecule of DNA. Nothing Although the physical nature published in 1944, Schrödinger erwin schrödinger in the inanimate world approaches of heredity had not yet been (below right) was considered the question of why the an early this extreme sensitivity to quantum established in 1944, it was known macroscopic world obeys classical proponent of the level events. Yet all living cells that genes were very small and laws (thermodynamics, Newtonian use of quantum manipulate atoms and molecules thereby, Schrödinger argued, mechanics, etc) despite the fact that physics in biology. according to quantum laws. One of composed of insufficient numbers macroscopic objects are composed the biggest questions of 21st century of particles to be subject to the of fundamental particles obeying a biology is the extent to which this classical laws. The stability of very different set of rules: quantum matters. How much of biology heredity, Schrödinger mechanics. Schrödinger pointed depends on non-trivial insisted, could not be out that the large objects behave quantum laws? founded on the classically because their dynamics are statistical laws. governed by the dynamics of trillions When laws break down Schrödinger proposed of randomly moving particles whose Classical laws are that genes were some quantum properties are averaged out limited by the ‘1/√ N kind of organic crystal, to zero; from the averaging of all that rule’: fluctuations scale but a “more complicated random motion emerges the classical according to the reciprocal of organic molecule in which laws: order from disorder. the square root of the number of every atom, and every group of Schrödinger’s revolutionary particles involved. For example, gas atoms, plays an individual role...” insight was that living organisms laws accurately predict the volume Or, order from order. He called might be different because some of of a balloon (at fixed temperature these novel structures aperiodic their macroscopic properties are and pressure) filled with, say, 1020 crystals and proposed that they driven by small numbers of particles particles of air, because fluctuations obeyed quantum laws. He further in highly structured configurations from the laws will be of magnitude suggested that gene mutations that might preserve aspects of 1/1010 (1/√1020) of the predicted were caused by quantum jumps their quantum character; what he volume, which is clearly negligible. within the crystals; and went on termed order from order. Life’s However, if the balloon contains only to speculate that biology was sensitivity to the dynamics of small 100 particles then fluctuations will governed by new laws, rooted in numbers may allow quantum be of magnitude 1/√100, one 10th the quantum world (Fig. 1). mechanical features to loom large of expected values – and no longer Was he right? A decade after

ILLUStRAtION: JONAthAN eDWARDS JONAthAN ILLUStRAtION: in the biological world. negligible. With even fewer particles, What is Life? Watson and Crick

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unveiled the double helix. Genes Classically, electrons were thought BIOGRAPhY ‘Quantum tunnelling’ turned out to be made from a to hop from one enzyme site to of electrons or protons QUANTUM single molecule, DNA, whose another – but quantum tunnelling may help explain how enzymes catalyse TUNNELLING informational structure is a regular of electrons between sites has chemical reactions. linear sequence of non-repeating been described for many enzyme n quantum mechanics, classical Picture fig. 1. units – an aperiodic crystal – with systems, particularly the series of Iparticles don’t have defined genetic information encoded by redox enzymes where tunnelling positions in space but their electron electric field the molecular dimensions of the may provide an efficient electron position is instead defined by nucleotide base pair: a quantum- relay through the complexes2-3. a diffuse wave function. This level property. There can be few Studies have found enzyme rates Johnjoe mcfadden positional fuzziness (an aspect of more prescient predictions in the are affected by substitution with msb is professor of molecular genetics heisenberg’s famous uncertainty In classical physics, the entire history of science. heavy isotopes of hydrogen (that at the University of principle) allows the edges of electron is repelled by an Yet the discovery of DNA did not tunnel less readily) implicating surrey. his main particle waves to leak through electric field as long as herald a new era of quantum biology. the tunnelling of the hydrogen research focuses energy of electron is below on virulence and classical barriers, a process energy level of field By and large the new science of nucleus (a proton) in hydride known as quantum tunnelling. molecular biology remained wedded transfer reactions4-6. Intriguingly, pathways of human pathogens. tunnelling is involved in to classical concepts. Geneticists recent evidence has emerged which he also has a strong phenomena such as nuclear grudgingly accepted that genetic indicates that fast proton motions interest in quantum decay and also responsible for information is conferred by quantum- within the enzyme play a role in biology, publishing the sun shining (and thereby life Quantum Picture level atomic properties but thereafter promoting proton tunnelling by a theoretical paper on earth). Considered classically, they treated genes as classical reducing the distance between with Jim al-Khalili solar protons (hydrogen nuclei) entities. And Schrödinger’s broader hydride donor and acceptor in the in 1999 on the role of quantum have insufficient energy to electron claim of a quantum underpinning for active site. wave mechanics in penetrate their mutual electric life was pretty much forgotten. Even mutation. he has repulsion barrier in order to a book published to celebrate the Quantum entanglement and also written a fuse and generate a deuterium In quantum physics, the 50th anniversary of the publication avian navigation popular science wave function of the book, Quantum nucleus (the first step in the electron encounters of What is Life? hardly mentioned The mechanism by which birds and bird navigation, for example, the molecules in the complex causes 1 Evolution in 2000. fusion process that powers the electric field but has quantum mechanics . other animals detect the Earth’s finding that it can be disrupted by an electron to ‘quantum jump’ to a the sun). some finite probability of Ignoring quantum mechanics weak magnetic field has been a oscillating magnetic fields, but so far higher orbital, forming an oscillating however, in quantum tunnelling through worked because 20th century longstanding puzzle for biologists. lacks direct experimental proof. exciton (an excited electron plus mechanics, the proton’s biologists generally examined Studies with the European robin electron ‘hole’ or lack of electron). positional fuzziness – its wave phenotypes that were dependent on demonstrate their compass is light Photosynthesis and The exciton was then thought to hop function – can leak through large numbers of particles subject dependent and detects the angle quantum coherence from one chlorophyll molecule to the barrier via quantum to the order from disorder principle. of magnetic field lines relative to The initiating event in another by an essentially classical tunnelling to initiate the But as the attention of 21st century the Earth’s surface, rather than photosynthesis – the absorption process to reach the reaction centre. nuclear fusion reaction. biology turns increasingly towards its orientation. Thorsten Ritz and of a photon of light and transfer However, when Fleming’s group probing the dynamics of individual colleagues at the University of of its energy to the reaction used femtosecond spectroscopy molecules, and stochastic processes California, Irvine, proposed that the centre – has long been an area of (the study of reactions over an lasers are frequently governed by small numbers of birds utilise quantum entanglement intense interest to researchers extremely short time scale) to track used to demonstrate molecules, ignoring quantum (see panel below) to detect the studying and testing theories the exciton’s progress through the the quantum mechanics is likely to become Earth’s magnetic field7. of biological energy transfer. complex, they detected a ‘quantum properties of light. increasingly untenable. There They and others propose that REFERENCES Graham Fleming’s laboratory at beat’ which indicated that the are a number of areas of biology absorption of light by cryptochrome 1 Murphy, M. P. & University of California, Berkeley exciton was not confined to a single where the involvement of quantum pigments in the bird’s eye generates O’Neil, L. A. J. What is investigates energy transfer in molecule but was shared between Life? The Next Fifty mechanics is being explored. radical ion pairs with entangled spin Years: Speculations on the Fenna–Matthews–Olson multiple pigment molecules as a states8. The ion pair recombines the Future of Biology. bacteriochlorophyll complex of quantum coherent exciton9. Cambridge University Enzymes and quantum tunnelling but the formation of products is Press (1995). green sulphur bacteria, which acts Fleming’s original experiments 9 The transition state theory of very sensitive to applied magnetic 2 Gray, h. B. & Winkler, as an energy ‘wire’ connecting the were performed at 77K but enzyme action fails to fully account fields and thereby acts as a field J. R. electron tunneling light-harvesting antenna pigments subsequent studies have found through proteins. Qtr. for the huge increase in reaction sensor: the avian compass. The Rev. of Biophysics. 36, to the reaction centre. quantum beating at ambient rate that many enzymes cause when model fits much of the data and 341-372 (2003). Absorption of a photon of light temperature and in a wide variety catalysing reactions – sometimes accounts for many odd features of Continued over by one of the eight chlorophyll of photosynthetic systems including millions of times faster than un- catalysed reactions. One possibility is that enzymes einstein dismissed as “spooky action promote ‘under the barrier’ QUANTUM at a distance”. Nevertheless, quantum transitions between substrate and ENTANGLEMENT entanglement has been demonstrated products. Essentially, this means in many experimental systems and is enzymes bring substrates close nteracting quantum particles may the basis of quantum teleportation, 143km La Palma enough that, rather than waiting Istill maintain an instantaneous whereby particles and codes can be for thermal energy to lift reactant connection even after they have instantly transported across arbitrary particles over the energy barrier, been separated by huge distance. distances. For example, researchers uncertainty in their position allows Measurements performed on one recently teleported a photon 143km tenerife particles to quantum tunnel (see instantaneously influences the state of between the two Canary Islands of panel) under that barrier to the other; a feature that the sceptical La Palma and tenerife. form products.

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marine algae10. Quantum coherence 3 Gray, h. B. & Winkler, J. R. electron flow has also been detected in the higher through proteins. plant light harvesting complex, Chem. Phys. Lett. 483, QUANTUM found in 50% of all the chlorophyll 1-9 (2009). CoHERENCE 11 4 Masgrau, L. et al. on the planet . Atomic description of Fleming and colleagues suggested an enzyme reaction that the complex uses coherence dominated by proton tunneling. Science (see panel) to perform a form of 312(5771), 237-41 quantum computation to find the (2006). swiftest route to the reaction centre. 5 hay, S. & Scrutton, N. S. Good vibrations That suggestion was taken up by in enzyme-catalysed quantum theorists who argued that reactions. Nat. Chem. the coherent exciton executes a 4(3), 161-8 (2012). 12 6 Nagel, Z. D. & ‘quantum walk’ that may be able to Klinman, J. P. A 21st utilise quantum interference to guide century revisionist’s the exciton to the reaction centre. view at a turning point in enzymology. Nat. One of the most intriguing Chem. Biol. 5(8), 543- uantum wave properties play be a positive number; but if the questions to emerge from the 50 (2009). Qa negligible role in big objects amplitude is zero then its probability photosystems studies is how 7 Ritz, t., Adem, but they predominate in very small of detection will also be zero. This S. & Schulten quantum coherence is maintained K. A model for objects of the scale of fundamental allows waves to interfere and for relatively long periods inside photoreceptor-based particles. If the peaks and troughs effectively cancel each other out at magnetoreception in wet, warm leaves. Information birds. Biophys. J. 78(2), of particle waves are aligned (in some positions and reinforce each technologists aiming to build a 707-18 (2000). phase) then the particles lose their other at others. quantum computer cool their 8 Ritz, t. et al. individual identity to behave as a This reinforcing and cancellation Resonance effects devices to within a whisker of indicate a radical-pair single coherent object. effectively performs a massively absolute zero to maintain the mechanism for avian The probability of detecting a parallel computation that is central delicate quantum states. How living magnetic compass. particle is obtained by squaring its to the as yet unrealised technology Nature 429(6988), organisms maintain coherence in 177-180 (2004). wave amplitude and so will always of quantum computation. hot wet cells remains mysterious. 9 engel, G. S. et al. evidence for wavelike energy other biological phenomena transfer through thereby mutation. In 1963 Per-Olov because the orderly structure of Another area where quantum quantum coherence Löwdin went on to suggest that biological material extends from the in photosynthetic physics may shed light on systems. Nature tautomerisation may be caused macroscopic world right down to conventional theories concerns 446(7137), 782-786 by quantum tunnelling of protons the atomic level. Here, biomolecules how we smell. The conventional (2007) across the hydrogen bond14. In manipulate and exploit the quantum theory of olfaction is that odour 10 Collini, e. et al. 1999, Jim Al-Khalili and I suggested properties of fundamental particles Coherently wired molecules are detected by odour light-harvesting in that quantum tunnelling might such as electrons, excitons, protons receptors via a lock and key photosynthetic marine account for adaptive mutations that and atoms: order from order. algae at ambient mechanism. However the theory fails temperature. Nature appeared to be more frequent when to account adequately for certain 463(7281), 644-647 they provided an advantage15. see a range of talks from the observations, such as that very (2010) However, the role of proton University of surrey’s recent 11 Schlau-Cohen, G. S. similarly shaped molecules often et al. elucidation of the tunnelling in mutation remains workshop on Quantum biology here: smell very differently; and vice versa. timescales and origins speculative. www.ias.surrey.ac.uk/workshops/ An alternative theory, which of quantum electronic The mathematician Roger quantumbiology/report.php coherence in LhCII. augments the lock and key Nat. Chem. 4(5), 389- Penrose and anaesthetist Stuart mechanism, has molecular 95 (2012). Hameroff have even proposed that vibrations rather than shape 12 Mohseni, M. et al. consciousness is a product 13 environment-assisted providing the lock and key . This quantum walks in of quantum coherence received a quantum twist in 1996 photosynthetic energy between microtubules in transfer. J. Chem. when biophysicist Luca Turin Phys. 129(17), 174106 the brain. The theory has proposed that vibrational energy (2008). attracted a great deal of promotes electron tunnelling in 13 turin, L. A interest but again lacks Spectroscopic the olfactory receptors. The theory mechanism for experimental support. received an additional boost when primary olfactory The research outlined it was found that fruit flies can reception. Chem. above demonstrates that the Senses. 21(6), 773-91 distinguish odorants with exactly (1996). answer to the question – how the same shape but different 14 Löwdin, P. O. Proton much of biology depends on isotopic composition, something tunneling in DNA non-trivial quantum laws? and its biological that is hard to explain with the implications. Rev. of – is certainly not zero. Non- traditional lock and key mechanism. Modern Phys. 35(3), trivial quantum mechanics In their classic paper 724 (1963). is clearly involved in some of 15 McFadden, J. & Al- Watson and Crick suggested Khalili, J. A quantum the most important biological that tautomerisation of bases mechanical model of processes on the planet. As (conversion back and forth between adaptive mutation. Schrödinger anticipated Biosystems 50(3), isomers of the same molecule) 203-211 (1999). nearly 70 years ago, quantum could cause base mispairing, and mechanics looms large in life

16 / the BIOLOGISt / Vol 60 No 2 Do yoU haVe an oPinion on This arTicle? CONtACt US At [email protected] Enter our 2013 amateur photography competition Closing date: 31st July 2013

Photographer of the Year (over 18) £1000 top prize Young Photographer of the Year (18 and under) £500 top prize For more information visit www.societyofbiology.org/photocomp eNtOMOLOGY WhIteFLY PEST Michelle Powell and Dr Andrew Cuthbertson explain how plant scientists must rapidly CoNTRoL distinguish between different types of morphologically identical whitefly in order to protect UK crops

he sweetpotato whitefly, BIOGRAPhY 1980s (De Barro et al., 2011). It was originally described as Bemisia tabaci, causes Since 1987, the species has been Aleyrodes inconspicua Quaintance Tsignificant damage to intercepted annually within the UK and given the common name of ornamental and protected crops on imported plant material. The sweetpotato whitefly. In 1928, it worldwide (Nomikou et al., 2001). primary concern is that whitefly was found in Brazil on Euphorbia While not established in the UK, on ornamental plants, such as hirtella and described as Bemisia its appearance poses a continual poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), costalimai Bondar. In 1933 the threat to our protected vegetable can transfer and infect tomatoes species was collected in Taiwan and crops as it transmits several plant- with tomato yellow leaf curl virus described as B. hibisci (Mound & pathogenic viruses. michelle e Powell (TYLCV) and tomato yellow leaf curl Halsey, 1978). At least 24 different ‘biotypes’ is a molecular Sardinia virus (TYLCSV). Due to Bemisia has extended its ecologist of have been recognised, the UK’s island location, it has been geographical range from subtropical B. tabaci investigating some showing greater resistance means for granted ‘protective zone’ status and tropical agriculture systems to insecticides, others being more invertebrate against several quarantine-listed to include temperate areas. The aggressive colonisers. These pest control. species to prevent their movement species is now globally distributed cannot be differentiated through and establishment in areas where and found on all continents except morphological traits and as such the they are non-indigenous. Antarctica (De Barro et al., 2011). ability to rapidly and precisely identify B. tabaci is therefore subject to The increasing international B. tabaci biotypes is vital when a policy of eradication if found on trade and transportation of developing effective control strategies. propagators’ premises or plants plants and their products is moving in trade, and containment considered to be one of the key What’s the damage? if outbreaks occur at nurseries reasons for the global invasion The sweetpotato whitefly directly (Cuthbertson & Walters, 2005). of this pest. Invasive insect pests Dr andrew g s damages crops through phloem cuthbertson cbiol Successful eradication campaigns can greatly affect the community feeding and the excretion of msb leads The to date have centred on the use of structure of native insects and cause honeydew, which can lower the food and neonicotinoid insecticides and, as a substantial damage in agricultural rate of leaf photosynthesis and environment result, B. tabaci and its associated and forest ecosystems. provide a substrate for fungal research agency’s viruses have not become established In the UK, the majority of infection (Cuthbertson & Walters, development of in the UK. interceptions are found on pest management 2005). Indirectly, it acts as a vector strategies against poinsettia plants (Cuthbertson et al., for more than 100 plant viruses invertebrate pest The name game 2011) (Fig. 1). including begomoviruses and species. B. tabaci was first described in 1889 The pest status of B. tabaci insects criniviruses, causing emerging in Greece as a tobacco pest and is complicated by the recognition diseases around the world named Aleyrodes tabaci, the tobacco of 11 well-defined genetic groups sweetpotato (Alegbejo, 2000). whitefly. The firstB. tabaci in the and at least 24 morphocryptic whitefly (Bemisia The first global invasion of New World were collected in 1897 in species – morphologically identical

tabaci) adults. ALAMY B. tabaci occurred in the late the USA and found on sweetpotato. but distinguishable at the molecular

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develops more quickly and remains REFERENCES sweetpotato whitefly more stable in the absence of Alegbejo, M. D. Others hibiscus damage crops by Whitefly transmitted 9% phloem feeding and selection pressure than in the B plant viruses in Nigeria. 13% excreting honeydew. biotype. As a result, Q biotype Journal of Sustainable Agriculture 17, 99-109 neonicotinoid resistance is (2000). becoming more widespread with Cuthbertson, A. G. Dipladenia numerous cases being reported S. & Walters, K. F. A. 7% worldwide (Dennehy ., 2010). Pathogenicity of the et al entomopathogenic fungus Lecanicillium tarragon Alternative control methods muscarium against 5% the sweetpotato Although chemical insecticides whiteflyBemisia tabaci remain the primary tactic for under laboratory and dealing with outbreaks of B. tabaci, glasshouse conditions. Mycopathologia 160, Lantana Poinsettia considerable research has focused 315-319 (2005). 10% on the development of alternative Cuthbertson, A. G. S. et 56% control methods (Nomikou et al., al. Bemisia tabaci: the current situation in the 2001), mainly due to widespread UK and the prospect of resistance (Dennehy et al., 2010). developing strategies for eradication using Various control agents including entomopathogens. entomopathogenic fungi and Insect Science 18, 1-10 (2011). nematodes (Cuthbertson et al., fig. 1. Most common host plants on which Bemisia tabaci have been Cuthbertson, A. G. 2012) and predatory insects and S. et al. eradicating intercepted in the UK. mites (Nomikou et al., 2001) have Bemisia tabaci Q on been investigated as alternative poinsettia plants in the UK. Crop means of pest control. Protection 42, 42-48 B. tabaci has not become (2012). established within the UK. However, De Barro, P. J. et al. Bemisia tabaci: a insecticide resistance is making it statement of species more difficult to control outbreaks status. Annual Review of Entomology 56, of this pest. Additionally, some 1-19 (2011). compounds previously used to Dennehy, t. J. et eradicate B. tabaci in the UK are al. extraordinary resistance to no longer available due to the insecticides reveals loss of effective chemical control exotic Q biotype options through withdrawals/ of Bemisia tabaci in the new world. contraindications arising from Journal of Economic ALAMY EU directives. Entomology 103, level (De Barro et al., 2011). During 2010-11 the UK Plant The only reference to the The recent replacement of 2174-2186 (2010). Morgan, D. & Macleod, Formerly the term biotypes was Health and Seeds Inspectorate economic burden of B. tabaci and these directives with the Plant A. Assessing the used to define and discriminate (PHSI) intercepted B. tabaci its associated viruses becoming Protection Products Regulation, economic threat populations with very predominantly on poinsettia (Fig. established in the UK is outlined which introduces hazard-based of Bemisia tabaci B. tabaci and tomato yellow different biological characteristics, 2), entering the UK at ports and in Morgan & MacLeod (1996). It is cut-off criteria, is likely to further leaf curl virus to the including invasiveness, insecticide nurseries. Firstly, DNA was extracted estimated that a single producer restrict the availability of plant tomato industry in england and Wales. resistance profile, vector from individual whiteflies and real- might reduce their profit margins by protection products. In addition to Proceedings of the competence and host ranges. time PCR was then performed to around £55,000 per hectare, while these issues, insecticide resistance British Crop Protection Conference – Pests confirm that all the samples were B. the national industry might suffer continues to be a problem and, as a and Diseases, 1077- Distinguishing biotypes tabaci and to discriminate between B losses of around £11.5m. result, effective compounds such as 1082 (1996). Recent molecular research and Q biotypes. Though now outdated, these neonicotinoids and spiromesifen can Mound, L. A. & supports the recognition of many This process is based on a set of figures highlight the need for only be used twice per crop to avoid halsey, S. h. Whitefly of the World: A of these biotypes as separate primers and probes which allow for suitable pest management strategies resistance build-up (Cuthbertson Systematic Catalogue species, a conclusion reinforced the rapid discrimination of these to be developed to avoid still et al., 2011). of the Aleyrodidae (Homoptera) with by their inability or reluctance two biotypes specifically. This was greater financial loss to the UK Host Plant and Natural to interbreed (De Barro et al., the first time any intercepted B. tomato industry. Conclusions Enemy Data. (Wiley, 2011). It is the B (Middle East- tabaci have been biotyped in the UK, Knowing which biotype is present Future integrated pest management New York, 1978). Nomikou, M. et al. Asia Minor 1 species) and Q confirming the presence of the Q is vital in the development and strategies will need to take into Phytoseiid predators (Mediterranean species) biotypes biotype (Powell et al., 2012). implementation of B. tabaci control account the different control as potential biological that are important as they currently Invasive and eradication programmes. So methods for the B and Q biotypes control agents for Bemisia tabaci. represent the most damaging Economic threat insect pests far, both within the UK and around of B. tabaci. Therefore, the ability Experimental and biotypes, and therefore the greatest The establishment of B. tabaci can cause the world, B biotype outbreaks have to rapidly ascertain the status of Applied Acarology 25, 271-291 (2001). threat to glasshouse crops. within the UK poses a threat to the substantial been successfully controlled with this insect pest at an interception Powell, M. e. et al. Characteristically, the B biotype horticultural industry, in particular damage in the use of neonicotinoid insecticides or outbreak site allows early use of First record of the is an aggressive coloniser and an the tomato industry. The B biotype agricultural (Cuthbertson et al., 2011). the most effective control methods, Q biotype of the and forest sweetpotato whitefly, effective vector of viruses, whereas in particular can transfer and infect The Q biotype is considered ensuring eradication of the insect bemisia tabaci, the Q biotype tends to show strong tomatoes with TYLCV and TYLCSV ecosystems by Dennehy et al. (2010) to be and the maintenance of the UK’s intercepted in the UK. resistance to novel insecticides (De and, depending on the timing of showing the most neonicotinoid protected zone status (Powell European Journal of Plant Pathology 133, Barro et al., 2011). infection, losses can reach 100%. resistance, in that resistance et al., 2012). 797-801 (2012). fig. 2. Poinsettia plants are very susceptible to whitefly infestation.

20 / the BIOLOGISt / Vol 60 No 2 Do yoU haVe an oPinion on This arTicle? CONtACt US At [email protected] Vol 60 No 2 / the BIOLOGISt / 21 the hIStORY OF DNA 10 YeARS OF the hUMAN GeNOMe

his April marks the 10th anniversary of the completion T of the human genome project and 60 years since the discovery of the structure of DNA. The former has been compared by some to man landing on the moon, while the latter was announced to the world as the ‘secret’ of life itself. There are arguments to be had over whether these are overstatements, but both achievements paved the way for countless scientific and medical advances, and both placed genetics at the very heart of all aspects of modern biology. The story of genetics began with Mendel’s pioneering experiments on inheritance in 1866. Almost a century later, in the 1950s, scientists knew that deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) controlled inherited traits, but they still had no idea of its structure or how it replicated. Then came James D Watson and Francis BARTLETT MAGGIE Crick’s discovery of DNA’s double a researcher was ever ‘completed’ because of led to new understanding of the helix structure in 1953, a feat that monitoring a Dna the sprawling amount of work genetic variations that change the risk sequencing would earn them Nobel prizes 11 machine at the that resulted from obtaining of people getting certain diseases. years later. national human such important data. “Although Another was the HapMap project, By 1990 the US Department of genome research it was a terrific achievement, it which aimed to create a map of Energy and the National Institutes institute, bethesda, really marked only the beginning various haplotypes (combinations of Health had launched the Human maryland. of research to understand our of SNP variants found in the same Genome Project, which aimed to genome,” says Buxton. “We still chromosome region) to identify identify the 20,000-25,000 human don’t know what most of the common ‘blocks’ of genetic genes and the sequence of 3 billion genome means or what it’s doing.” variation inherited together in chemical base pairs that make up different populations. This allowed human DNA. One of the largest Genetic variations researchers searching for variants and most ambitious investigative Several landmark projects have, that affect the risk of disease to scan scientific projects ever undertaken, however, made huge inroads in this the genome much more efficiently. it took 20 research centres in six work since the original sequencing So-called ‘genome-wide countries 13 years and an estimated of the genome. The first was the association studies’ involve $3bn to complete. identification of a million single comparing the genome of many Dr Jess Buxton, of the British nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs people with a particular disease, Society for Human Genetics, or snips) – variations of just a single for example type 2 diabetes, with believes it was perhaps misleading nucleotide between individuals at that of healthy people. It allows HAPPY to say the Human Genome Project certain loci on a chromosome. This researchers to see how more

1866 Gregor Mendel 1869 Friedrich 1941 George W Beadle polysaccharide capsules of (right) publishes Miescher demonstrates that genes pneumococcus bacteria. B RTHDAY his work on isolates what control the synthesis of inheritance, he calls enzymes, which in turn control 1952 Fred Sanger publishes which was nuclein metabolic and cellular the first complete sequence of largely (DNA) processes. amino acids in a protein, ignored at from the using bovine insulin. 1944 Oswald the time but nucleus of Avery (right), Colin 1953 James D DNA formed the leucocytes, MacLeod and Watson and basis of classic obtained Maclyn McCarty Francis Crick genetics. from pus on demonstrate describe the Tom Ireland examines how two of the most bandages. 1882 Walther that DNA is the structure of DNA, famous achievements in science contributed Flemming observes a 1908 Archibald material controlling deduced from X-ray substance he calls chromatin e Garrod postulates that inherited traits with crystallography to modern genetics and discovers what lies separate into string-like genetic defects cause many experiments that images by Rosalind ahead in the study of our genome structures as cells divide. inherited diseases. transform the Franklin. t TIMELINE

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recognise the rise of epigenetics. “It won’t be like the current requested by the patient or their the human genome]. There is a This relatively new field studies approach to prescribing, where we healthcare team.” lot where we don’t understand changes in gene expression and say ‘we’ll try you on this and see It’s still Different countries have taken conceptually what is going on phenotype that is not caused by what happens’.” unclear a different approach to the issue at all. Take the brain for example – changes in the DNA sequence, but However, as human genome whether of data privacy. In the US there is we don’t really know how it works, by other factors, such as experience research reaches the point where sequencing regulation, preventing insurers or how we make memories; but it is and environment. applications in routine medicine everyone’s employers from accessing people’s all connected back to genes,” he Epigenetics has revealed another become feasible, all manner of genomes personal genetic information says. “Working that out is not an layer of complexity in the genomic ethical questions raised by the routinely is about disease. In the UK, it’s incremental problem.” puzzle, with the term ‘epigenome’ original project will come back desirable more of a code of practice, where Science is full of cases “where referring to chemical modifications into focus. companies don’t ask for predictive we think we have solved the in DNA that may occur in cells Who owns our genetic genetic information (except for problem and are just filling in over an organism’s lifetime. The information and who should be Huntington’s disease, where it is a details because we can’t imagine Human Epigenome Project aims able to access it? How will personal single gene mutation that causes the the problems that are round to map the points at which the genetic information affect society’s disease in adulthood). the corner,” adds Coen. “Like genome can change in this way, perception of that individual? If The idea of individual genomes the 19th century physicists who and recent research has proved we are able to identify a genetic being used in matters of criminality thought they’d pretty much solved that changes in epigenetic gene predisposition to criminality or and law is, according to Buxton, everything and then along came expression can be passed down certain types of behaviour, how more likely to remain in the realm of relativity and quantum mechanics.” through generations. will legal systems and society science fiction. “Half of all our genes He is interested in finding treat those individuals? And could are expressed at some stage in the out more about the genetic Rapid sequencing genome research lead to foetuses brain. The idea that one or a handful basis of developmental biology Throughout the course of all being selected or even bred for could be linked to criminal or violent and neurobiology. “If we better these projects, the speed at which advantageous traits, or aborted behaviour seems unrealistic,” she says. understood how organisms actually genomes can be sequenced is because of others? “Even in the one family in construct themselves,” he says, increasing more rapidly than anyone “These issues have not been the world that seemed to have “it would help when things go could have predicted back in 2003. answered fully and I suspect won’t an inherited history of violent wrong developmentally or help While the original genome mapping any time soon,” says Enrico Coen, behaviour linked to a single us prevent it going wrong, not project took 10 years and cost president of The Genetics Society. mutation, there were members of just in medicine but also in areas billions, a human genome can now “The question of whether we should that family with the mutation that like agriculture.” be sequenced in a matter of days for prediagnose children and give were not criminals. There are simply Buxton thinks deciphering the around £1,500 – though interpreting parents the right to abort is a too many other, far more important information we have is quite enough this information is still costly and long-standing one. Science can factors, such as nurture during for now. “For most geneticists time-consuming. inform, but for many it involves childhood and circumstances in working on it there is certainly CORBIS Fast DNA sequencing technology, different opinions based on personal adult life.” enough work to be getting on subtle combinations of variations existing belief that much of the it is 1953, and alongside high-throughput and religious beliefs. Science can’t BIOGRAPhY with for the rest of their careers. contribute to the risk of certain genome is ‘junk DNA’ that doesn’t do James Watson computational analysis, will soon tell people what is ethically right Much more to discover For our generation it is definitely diseases, instead of just searching in anything; up to 80% of the genome (left) and francis be used to develop treatments and wrong.” So what does the future hold? the big one.” crick unveil their vain for certain genes or sequences may be biologically active. It is now revolutionary specific to individual patients, Buxton, too, urges caution in Can any other development in that ‘cause’ them. Researchers believed that much of our genome’s model of the according to Buxton. future approaches. “It’s still unclear genetics match the significance of genetics and the anniversaries of can see if certain SNP variants are ‘dark matter’ (only 2% is protein- structure “I think the first sort of genetic whether sequencing the genomes of the discovery of DNA’s structure the discovery of Dna and the overrepresented in people with coding ‘genes’) codes for regulatory of Dna. tests and personalised medicine everyone routinely is desirable. We or the mapping of our genome? mapping of the human genome that disease. elements, controlling which genes will be used for very specific have to protect people’s ‘right not to Coen believes there are even bigger is the theme of the society’s public This year, findings from the are expressed and when. applications, such as looking know’ – particularly when it comes Tom ireland msb is mysteries waiting to be discovered. engagement work in 2013. for ENCODE (Encyclopedia of DNA Any description of genetics at people’s reactions to drugs,” to ‘incidental findings’ – information managing editor of “I don’t think it’s just a case of more information about society Elements) project questioned the over the past 10 years must also she says. that hasn’t been specifically The Biologist. chipping away at the data [from events call 020 7685 2554.

t 1956 Vernon Ingram shows 1960 RNA is discovered, sequence, is discovered. It 1978 First prenatal diagnosis 1989 Cystic fibrosis gene Haemophilus influenza, is 2005 Publication of 1.1 2010 Neanderthal genome that sickle-cell haemoglobin answering the problem of becomes a crucial tool in of genetic disease (sickle identified. sequenced. million single nucleotide sequenced. differs from normal how DNA sequences genetic engineering. cell anaemia). polymorphisms (SNPs) across 1990 The 2012 The 1000 Genomes haemoglobin by a single are translated 1996 First genome of four populations. 1972 The first 1983 huntington’s disease human Project discovers the level amino acid substitution, into protein large complex organism, recombinant DNA gene discovered. Genome Chimp genome published. of genetic variation between demonstrating the dramatic sequences. Sacchromyces cerevisiae is produced by Project individuals is hugely greater consequences of Kary Mullis develops the (brewer’s yeast), sequenced. 1968 A gene Paul Berg (left), begins. 2007 human induced than previously thought. small genetic mutations polymerase chain reaction 1998 Nematode worm pluripotent stem cells is ‘mapped’ who splices ‘Optogenetics’ researchers use on proteins. (PCR) to rapidly amplify 1995 The first genome sequenced. produced, making gene to a specific together DNA bursts of light to turn on and fragments of DNA. entire genome therapy and lab-grown tissue The number of human location on from a bacterial off depression-like symptoms ReX of a free-living 1999 First human chromosome chromosomes in diploid a (non-sex) virus and a simian 1984 DNA fingerprinting/ a possibility. organism, the (no 22) sequenced. in mice. cells is determined – 46. chromosome virus. profiling developed. bacterium 2008 A modified virus is used The eNCODe project suggests for the first time. 2003 human genome 1959 The cause of Down’s 1975 Southern blotting, 1986 Automated DNA sequenced. to carry a replacement gene that much of the non-coding syndrome is identified as 1970 Reverse a routine method to detect sequencing developed, making into human patients in the genome thought to be being born with an extra transcriptase, the enzyme specific DNA sequences in the sequencing of the entire Kary 2004 Chicken and rat first example of cancer gene ‘junk’ DNA may in fact be copy of chromosome 21. that forms DNA from an RNA samples, is developed. human genome a possibility. mullis genomes published. therapy. biologically active.

24 / the BIOLOGISt / Vol 60 No 2 Do yoU haVe an oPinion on This arTicle? CONtACt US At [email protected] Vol 60 No 2 / the BIOLOGISt / 25 ANIMAL BehAVIOUR NeStING hABItS

a blue tit feeding its chicks in a tree hole nest. FEATHERING THE NEST

Dr Charles Deeming explores the subtle factors that will determine the size and shape of individual bird nests this spring

ird nests range from simple nests were built and how they BIOGRAPhY scrapes on the ground to functioned. General observations B complex woven hanging suggested that the nests of these structures. The role of a bird’s nest familiar birds varied in size but it is usually seen as a receptacle for was unclear why. the eggs or chicks, but recent A nest is much larger than the research is considering the bird (Fig. 1), which suggests that functional characteristics of nests the time and physical effort to collect in order to better understand their all this material is energetically role in bird reproduction. demanding (nest mass is a function Dr charles Deeming In general, bird nests tend to be of female body size4, and food cbiol fsb has been studying various characteristic of the species that supplementation can shorten the aspects of 5 built them in terms of location, shape period of nest construction ), and we incubation and and construction materials1,2. Nests have no idea of how or why such a development in can be located on rock ledges, within variety of materials are chosen. birds, particularly vegetation, on or above the ground, In this article I relate studies that ostriches, and or within cavities in trees or the my colleagues and I have undertaken reptiles for over 30 years. a senior ground. But variation in nests built to try to answer these questions lecturer in the by the same individual bird was with the emphasis on a better school of life shown recently to be considerably understanding of how the sciences, greater than first thought3. environment affects nest University of We have little quantitative data construction and function. We lincoln, charles on just how much of a particular study species of tits largely because won an ig nobel Prize in 2002 for his nest material, such as grass or moss, they are common and conveniently work looking at is used in a nest of any particular nest in artificial boxes, which are ostrich courtship species and whether this should easy to find and monitor. behaviour directed be considered as a defining towards humans. characteristic of that species. Nest building in blue and great tits Great tits and blue tits take around Much to learn 14 days to construct a nest within a After 30 years working on nestbox5. During the seven days incubation and embryonic leading up to clutch initiation, Birds development in birds and reptiles in lining materials are added and building in a laboratory context, I came to the bird moulds and lines a cup at early warm realise just how little I knew about the end furthest away from the periods are how bird nests worked. Having entrance hole (Fig. 1). likely to established a small population of At Riseholme Park, blue tits construct a great tits (Parus major) and blue tits weighed around 10g, yet they built light, poorly (Cyanistes caeruleus) breeding in nests that averaged 26g (range = insulated nest boxes at Riseholme Park, 16–43g). Larger great tits (18g) were nest University of Lincoln, I decided to also producing 26g nests 6. This investigate how these particular similarity implied that size of the box

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Spanish great tits were only around that reflected the temperature north or whether they actually use 60% of the mass of Lincoln nests. conditions during the construction great tit different materials. pulli in a phase, and so perhaps better nestbox. Easy pickings reflected the thermal needs of Climatic variation and change Nest materials surrounding the the bird, rather than building a The effect of climate change, and cup are important because of their nest to simply house their potential therefore general and localised different thermal properties. At eggs or chicks 6. spring temperatures on nest Riseholme, in 2008, wool was freely Of course, a better insulated nest construction, could be important. available from a sheep flock in a will mean that an incubating bird It is well known that the date of nearby field and it was regularly would lose less heat through the clutch initiation has become found in tit nests. During 2009, nest wall and so presumably would progressively earlier over the past the sheep flock was much further have lower energy costs during 30 to 40 years 15 but being able to away and wool was rarely found incubation. It is interesting to predict when the first egg will be in nests 6. note that the pied flycatcher laid in any year has become very Further insight into how birds (Ficedula hypoleuca) also nests difficult (Fig. 4). decide upon the materials used in in artificial boxes and exhibits Climate change could cause their nests came from a study by the considerable variation in nest mass localised extinction of species of Treswell Wood Ringers Group in (~18–58g)8. Nest attentiveness plants that are key to nest Nottinghamshire, which provided during incubation is lower in the construction in certain species. We coloured artificial materials in heavier nests (~60%) than in lighter cannot easily assess the impact of dispensers distributed around nests (~80%) implying that nest this because we do not know how the wood10. construction does impact on the adaptable birds are in their use of The amount of artificial nest incubation process in this species, nest materials. material used by tit species varied but it is unclear how. Moreover, weather patterns are – blue tits and coal tits ( Periparus If the nest is being built by the unpredictable – spells of warm, dry ater) used relatively little of this female for her thermal needs during weather characterised the early ChARLeS DeeMING ChARLeS material. By contrast, it was more incubation then this should be springs of 2011 and 2012 in many (which did not vary) in part fig. 1. A typical common in the nests of great tits and observed more generally. In 2010, parts of Great Britain but determines the mass of the nest. blue tit nest with marsh tits ( Poecile palustris). Use of nests were collected from blue tits temperatures turned cooler and, in These data were in line with other the bird in situ. the material was not influenced by and great tits nesting from Cornwall 2012, much wetter. At Riseholme, reports showing that nest mass is Note that the its colour, but rather seemed to to Edinburgh (~560 km and 5° this seems to have had devastating variable within a population4,7,8. base of the depend on the ease of its availability latitude) to test the hypothesis that effects on reproductive success For instance, blue tit nests built nestbox is filled in the wood. For instance, in great nest characteristics would correlate measured as numbers of pulli with moss and around Lancaster were also variable tits more material was used the with latitude11. (young birds or chicks) fledged plant stems and in size although around 50% heavier closer it was to the nestbox. It In line with predictions, dry nest (Fig. 5). Birds building in these early 4,7 a cup has been than those in Lincoln . This view moulded by the seemed that these tit species were cup mass, comprised mainly of warm periods are likely to construct is supported by my unpublished bird in the corner very opportunistic in their use of animal-derived materials used for a light, poorly insulated nest – after data which shows that blue tits of the box nesting materials10. insulation, was inversely correlated all, why expend energy doing more provided with nestboxes that are furthest away with mean spring temperatures nest construction when it is so 30% or 80% larger than normal from the The effect of the environment (mid-February to mid-May), which warm? If the weather subsequently construct heavier nests that fill the entrance hole These data prompt the question: why correlated well with latitude. Birds in turns cooler, having a poorly base of the box. [not shown]. is there such variation in the amount the warmer south built nests that insulated nest will be a disadvantage At Riseholme my student, Jennifer Note how the of nest material within one breeding had less material in the lining of the and may have an adverse effect on Britt, showed that the composition of bird sits within season? At Riseholme, when nest cup. Temperature recorders their reproductive success. the cup with its 18 the nests of these species varied compared to the date of clutch placed in these cups cooled more Great tits 2008 It is interesting to note that in significantly (Fig. 2)6. In both species back in line with initiation for blue tits and great tits, quickly than those in nests from 2010 all of the breeding season was the nest layer, moss was approximately half of early nests were heavier than further north, proving that their 16 Great tits 2009 relatively cold at Riseholme and rather than 6 the total nest mass, but blue tits sitting on top of late nests . insulation was poorer. Blue tits 2008 most nest visits revealed birds preferred grass and feathers It is possible that birds breeding Similar latitude and temperature 14 sitting tight on their nests. Fledging the nest. Blue tits 2009 compared with the great tits’ later had less time to build a heavy effects on nest thickness have been fig. 2. Materials used within great tit and rates were very high during this penchant for twigs (used to line nest, but between years the mass of a demonstrated for birds in Canada 12 blue tit nests constructed in boxes at year (Fig. 5), which probably the base of the nest), hair and fur nest was unrelated to the actual and the US12,13. Further analysis of Riseholme Park, University of Lincoln, reflected the high attentiveness of (used to line the nest cup). dates of the start of breeding. the British data showed that 10 during 2008 and 2009. Values indicate the parents. In Spain, Elena Álvarez and Compared to 2008, nesting started irrespective of latitude, nest mass mean mass of each material shown The impact of the experience of colleagues9 have shown that great 15 days earlier in 2009, so light, late and the mass of material lining the 8 (+Se). Redrawn from Britt & Deeming6. the female constructing the nest

tits nesting in an orange grove nests were being completed on the cup was significantly negatively mass (g) total and its consequences for nest constructed nests with a high same date as heavy, early nests a correlated with mean temperature 6 building, incubation and chick proportion of sticks. Moss was year before. for the seven days leading up to rearing, have yet to be investigated. relatively rare in nests, but its By contrast, when the temperature clutch initiation (Fig. 3) 14. 4 It is appreciated that there are presence was positively correlated during the nest lining phase was To date the means by which the many factors that contribute to with nesting success in this considered, nests built during colder birds achieve better insulation has 2 the variation in fledging success population. In other woodland temperatures (irrespective of when yet to be ascertained. It is hoped that but, to date, variation in nest mass locations moss was more prevalent they were built) were heavier than deconstruction of these nests will 0 has only rarely been considered. Fur hair

in nests, but animal derived nests built when the weather was start soon, allowing us to understand Mud In Poland, nest mass and the Bark Dust Wool Moss Grass 6 twigs materials were relatively warmer . This result implied that whether these tit species just use Leaves proportion of moss in great tit nests Artificial 9 Feathers

uncommon . Overall, nests built by the birds were constructing nests more insulating materials in the Plant stem significantly affected fledging

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fig. 3. Relationships for great tits between the mean temperature in the REFERENCES seven days preceding and including the date of clutch initiation and the mass 1 hansell, M. Bird Nests and Construction of the whole nest (black symbols, black line), and separated into 1) the plant- Behaviour. Cambridge University Press, derived materials that form the bulk of the nest (open symbols, open line), Cambridge (2005). 50 and 2) the animal-derived materials (mainly fur and feathers) lining the cup 2 Ferguson-Lees, J. et al. A Field Guide to (blue symbols, blue line). Data are combined from six and four sites, Monitoring Nests. BtO, Thetford (2011). 3 Walsh, P. t. et al. Repeatability of nest 45 respectively, in Great Britain in 2010 (see Mainwaring et al.11 for more details). 14 morphology in African weaver birds. Biol. Lett. Revised figure courtesy of Avian Biology Research (Deeming et al. ). 6(2), 149-151 (2010). 40 4 Mainwaring, M. C. et al. The weight of female- built nests correlates with female but not male 35 quality in the Blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus. Acta Ornithol. 43(1), 43-48 (2008). 30 5 Smith, J. A. et al. Feathering the nest: food supplementation influences nest construction 25 by Blue (Cyanistes caeruleus) and Great tits (Parus major). Avian Biol. Res. 6(1), in press (2013). 20 6 Britt, J. et al. First-egg date and air temperature affect nest construction in Blue 15 tits Cyanistes caeruleus but not in Great tits Nest component mass (g) Parus major. Bird Study 58(1), 78-89 (2011). 10 7 Mainwaring, M. C. et al. Seasonal adjustments in nest cup lining in Blue tits Cyanistes 5 caeruleus. Ardea 96(2), 278–282 (2008). 8 Moreno J. et al. Nest construction costs 0 affect nestling growth: a field experiment in a cavity-nesting passerine. Acta Ornithol. 45(2), 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 139–145 (2010). Mean temperature for seven days up to first egg date (oC) 9 Álvarez, e. et al. Plasticity in Great tit nest weight and composition and its breeding consequences: a comparative study in four 125 Mediterranean habitats. Avian Biol. Res. 6(1), in fig. 4 (right). Nest initiation dates Blue tits press (2013). recorded as the presence of the first Great tits 10 Surgey, J. et al. Opportunistic use of a wool- egg recorded in nestboxes for great like artificial material as lining of tit (Paridae) tits and blue tits breeding in 120 nests. Condor 114(2), 385-392 (2012). woodland at Riseholme Park, 11 Mainwaring, M. C. et al. Latitudinal variation in blue tit and great tit nest characteristics University of Lincoln (Deeming, indicates environmental adaptation. J. Biogeog. unpublished data). error bars indicate 39(9), 1669-1677 (2012). 115 standard deviations. 12 Kern, M. et al. Altitudinal variations in nests of the hawaiian honeycreeper Hemignathus First egg date (Ordinal day) (Ordinal date egg First virens virens. Condor 86(4), 443-454 (1984). success16. Investigating how nest 13 Crossman, C. A. et al. Variation in the 110 structure of bird nests between Northern mass impacts on either hatching or Manitoba and Southeastern Ontario. PLoS ONE fledging success are key aims of 6(4), e19086 (2011). further studies. 14 Deeming, C. et al. Local temperature and not 105 latitude determines the design of Blue tit and 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Great tit nests. Avian Biol. Res. 5(4), 203-208 In conclusion (2012). Over the past few years scientific 15 Deeming, C. et al. Long term patterns in egg interest in nests has increased. 90 Blue tits mortality during incubation and chick mortality Research ranges from my own during rearing in three species of tits in an english 80 Great tits interest in nest composition through woodland. Bird Study 58(3), 278-290 (2011). 17,18 16 Alabrudzińska, J. et al. effects of nest to construction behaviour , their 70 characteristics on breeding success of Great 19,20 thermal properties , and the use tits Parus major. Acta Ornithol. 38(2), 151–154 of nests as potential signals to mates 60 (2003). 21,22 17 Walsh, P. et al. Individuality in nest building: during reproduction . 50 Now that we are studying nests in do southern masked weaver (Ploceus velatus) males vary in their nest-building behaviour? greater detail, the factors affecting 40 Behav. Process. 88(1), 1-6 (2011). their construction are proving to be 30 18 Muth, F. et al. Zebra finches build nests that more complex than ever considered laid eggs from chicks do not resemble their natal nest. Avian Biol.

Mean percentage fledging of fledging percentage Mean Res. 5(4), 218-226 (2012). previously. Much more research is 20 needed to determine how local 19 heenan, C. B. et al. Structural support, not 10 insulation, is the primary driver for avian cup- climate impacts on nest construction shaped nest design. Proc.R.Soc.London.B. 278, in tits and whether this is widespread 0 2924-2929 (2011). in other species. 20 heenan, C. B. et al. The effect of wind on the 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 So, if this spring you have blue tits rate of heat loss from avian cup-shaped nests. nesting in your garden bird box, how fig. 5. Fledging success rates recorded as percentage PLOS One 7, e32252 (2011). 21 Sergio, F. et al. Raptor nest decorations are well their nest is insulated will of eggs laid in nestboxes by great tits and blue tits a reliable threat against conspecifics.Science depend on where you live and the breeding in woodland at Riseholme Park, University 331, 327-330 (2011). temperature outside when the nest of Lincoln (Deeming, unpublished data). error bars 22 Moreno, J. Avian nests and nest-building as was built. indicate standard deviations. signals. Avian Biol. Res. 5(4), 238-251 (2012).

30 / the BIOLOGISt / Vol 60 No 2 Do yoU haVe an oPinion on This arTicle? CONtACt US At [email protected] Supported by

Science Communication Awards 2013

Are you a bioscience researcher? Do you communicate science to the public?

If you answered yes to these questions then why not enter the Society of Biology Science Communication Awards 2013.

The Awards are intended to reward outreach work carried out by both young scientists and established researchers to inform, enthuse and engage the public. The competition is open to bioscience researchers from UK universities and institutes and there are two categories of award: New Researcher (Prize £750) Established Researcher (Prize £1,500)

Apply now!

Download your application form www.societyofbiology.org/scicomm Submit it as a single pdf via email to Karen Patel [email protected] The deadline is Friday 31st May and the awards will be presented at an event in London on Thursday 17th October during Biology Week 2013. INteRVIeW PROFeSSOR ALICe ROBeRtS THE BoNE CoLLECToR

Paleopathologist Professor Alice Roberts tells Tom ireland about working with human remains and the renaissance in TV science

lice Roberts read medicine What did you think of the recent before specialising in studying discovery of King Richard III’s A disease from human bone remains in a Leicester car park? specimens – known as paleopathology These one-off examples are exciting or osteoarchaeology. After appearing and it’s good for showcasing the range in Channel 4’s archaeology series Time of techniques you might use to analyse Team in 2001, she is now a regular face a skeleton. But with paleopathology the on television and has presented real value, if you are asking scientific programmes on subjects ranging from questions, comes from examining wild swimming to early human populations of skeletons. Then you can migrations. An author of books on look at the sort of diseases our anatomy and evolution, Roberts lives in ancestors suffered from, the frequency Bristol, where she grew up, and is of those diseases and how they’ve expecting her second child in April. changed over time.

You can look What originally drew you to Do paleopathologists focus on at the sort of paleopathology? mostly human remains? diseases our I don’t really know. I’ve always had a Yes, but there are some animal ancestors slightly morbid fascination with old specialists. Actually, once you start suffered bones and liked going to museums as a looking at animal pathologies, you find from, their child. I studied medicine because I was we have a lot in common – especially frequency interested in human biology. It wasn’t with other mammals. We tend to think and how until I finished my degree, and did a osteoarthritis is a human disease but they’ve six-month stint teaching anatomy to just about every land animal gets it. changed medical students, that I got into Also, with transmittable diseases, we osteoarchaeology in a research way, can look at how and when diseases have

and ended up as an academic. made the jump between species. FeAtUReS ReX

32 / the BIOLOGISt / Vol 60 No 2 Vol 60 No 2 / the BIOLOGISt / 33 INteRVIeW PROFeSSOR ALICe ROBeRtS

Another thing that has grabbed me Professor roberts was the subject of my PhD, which was in the bbc’s presented the Digging for Britain bbc Two series looking at arthritic shoulder disease Professor roberts The Origins of Us. from an evolutionary point of view followed a year of and whether apes and early humans archaeology. also suffered from these problems.

How did you go from academia to television? My first TV was as the ‘bone expert’ on Time Team. I pitched in with the dig and had my students working on the bones as well and it was a lovely example of TV and academia working well together. It was very different to presenting, though – that’s a broader job where you are extracting information from other contributors and trying to tell the story. I did a spin-off series on archaeology and the BBC got in touch and decided to take a punt on me. So I’ve learnt presenting on the job – I feel it’s actually very similar to teaching.

As professor of public engagement in science at the University of Birmingham, what do you think the role of television is in communicating science to the general public? I think that television is an incredibly BBC important medium even in the age of But how do you find evidence of expectation to live into their 80s and BIOGRAPhY Do you consider yourself an the internet. Television is still a major infectious disease in skeletal tissue? 90s. They’ll also find marks on the archaeologist and a biologist? way that people access science when It’s quite difficult because the response skeletons from diseases I would hope I work closely with archaeologists but they have, perhaps, stopped learning of bone to infection is fairly non- might have been overcome by that field archaeology is a very specialist about it at school or university. You specific. Infection either causes us to point – particular cancers, for example. field and I would never call myself an can’t underestimate its impact, make more bone or lose bone. Of They’ll see an awful lot of knee archaeologist. Although I call myself an especially in terms of sheer numbers. I course, we now have the ability to osteoarthritis that they will be able to osteoarchaeologist it’s an unfortunate do quite like the way it is supported by extract DNA from bone and even the interpret as showing high levels of term really. Perhaps paleopathologist is other media now – things like Twitter DNA from the pathogen itself. There obesity in the population and evidence better, though there is also ‘physical are fantastic, where people are asking are researchers looking at lipids that of our lifestyle. They’ll notice that people Professor alice anthropologist’, but that also gets you questions as they watch and you are exclusive to TB – it has a kind of have lots of dental caries compared to roberts fsb is a confused as some sort of social science. can respond to them. clinical anatomist waxy coating. They’ve identified TB older skeletons and I suppose see and professor of We haven’t quite decided what to call You have to get the balance between in bison from 18,000 years ago from evidence of medicine and dentistry. public engagement ourselves yet. entertainment and education right – finding these lipids. They’ll probably be utterly shocked in science at the and it has to be really compelling to that we were putting bits of metal in University of What’s been your most exciting make sure people don’t get up and How can studying disease in the people when they’re likely to be birmingham. discovery? make a cup of tea or turn over. That’s past help us tackle it now and in growing new bones. she has presented You get quite attached to certain not about dumbing down, it’s just good a range of the future? skeletons. The ones I’ve spent most story telling. One of the things I’ve

programmes on 360 PRODUCtION/BBC I think it gives us the long view; it gives Does working with human remains bbc Two including time with over the years are a group of really enjoyed is working with us an understanding of how a disease get quite dark at times? The Incredible five skeletons from a Viking site in producers who know how to sell a story. years and I think that reflects a change rather than be translated. Ask A progresses over time. It’s also useful Yes. In the past I worked with a group Human Journey, Anglesey. I pitched in as a volunteer at a high level within the BBC about its Biologist, for instance, is a free website for archaeologists who were looking for of osteoarchaeologists in Brixton Origins of Us, digger and worked over several Are science programmes produced programming output. where people can ask advanced biology Prehistoric Science on information about what life was like and we wrote reports for the police summers on an excavation with the in the UK the best in the world? questions to a panel of 80 experts and Autopsy and Coast. at that time. and archaeologists. When skeletal National Museum of Wales. I recently I think we have something really special TV has to be What else can scientists do to we try to answer them within 24 hours. remains were found the Home had another look at them and spotted in the BBC. It’s incredibly precious compelling communicate their work to We need to address the lack of What would a paleopathologist Office pathologist would often call something I hadn’t found before – a tiny we have a public service broadcaster to make sure the public? trust in scientists that emerged in the in the year 3000 be able to infer on us. Those remains are of people cut on the back of the skulls. It’s the which makes programmes that it people don’t There are the traditional ways – giving 20th century. Scientists are tackling from a group of 20th and 21st who died within years rather than only evidence of some sort of violence. thinks are worthwhile – not because get up and talks, Q&As, school visits, but also questions that should be making century skeletons? centuries or millennia and they’ve The site is also the only evidence of they bring in massive audiences – and make a cup there is new media. There’s been a lives better and we need to showcase Compared with skeletons from often met unfortunate ends. I’ve a Viking settlement in Wales and it ones that other broadcasters wouldn’t of tea or frustration about the way science is that. We should also be getting out previous centuries they’d see there was never done battlefield or war grave would have been en route to Ireland, be able to tackle. turn over portrayed in print media but scientists there and encouraging the wider an incredible leap in longevity. People’s archaeology and I don’t know how I’d so it’s a very detailed story emerging There’s been a kind of a renaissance can now cut out the middle man and community to help decide the lives were transformed by this deal with that. in situ which I find really interesting. in science on television over the last 10 engage with their audience directly direction research goes in.

34 / the BIOLOGISt / Vol 60 No 2 Do yoU haVe an oPinion on This arTicle? CONtACt US At [email protected] Vol 60 No 2 / the BIOLOGISt / 35 SPOtLIGht StUDYING FUNGI

SPoTLIGHT oN

MYCoLoGY AT A GLANCE INTERVIEW

What led you to study fungus? My first encounter with fungi was in student accommodation – I tried to open an old cupboard drawer and found it was stuck shut. I prised it open and there was all this mycelium attaching the drawers together. Then Name I tried to pull the whole thing out and Professor found it was stuck fast to the wall. Lynne Boddy It was the dry rot fungus Serpula FSB. lacrimans – its chords can penetrate Profession brick and plaster. It was then I Professor of thought, “hey, these are cool”. mycology at I studied biology at Exeter Cardiff University. University where the famous Qualifications mycologist John Webster worked, BSc in so many think I became hooked biology and because of him, which is probably mathematical true. For my PhD I started looking statistics from LIBRARY PhOtO SCIeNCe at the process of wood decay, but I This scanning electron micrograph shows the minute fruiting bodies of an Aspergillus mould. exeter; PhD in instantly realised we needed to know botany (wood more about the fungi involved. I also work with cord-forming fungi. only 100,000 have been described, decay) from They don’t just release spores and is disastrous. Queen Mary, Describe a typical day? hope they land somewhere suitable, We have a couple of flourishing London; DSc in I spend my days teaching and doing they grow mycelium out of the wood mycology research groups but the ecology of wood research. I do lots of outreach work and create long foraging structures number elsewhere is dwindling. decomposition to get people to understand why that search the forest for more dead People retire and don’t get replaced. from exeter. fungi are important and why they are wood to colonise. Like mycological There are more and more biology Interests fun to study. Doing hands-on things motorways, these huge structures degrees where fungal biology is Fungal in the lab is a rare treat – my post- can shift nutrients around a forest not compulsory and some where communities in docs do most of it – but when they in a matter of minutes, and actually you don’t get taught any at all, wood; ecology go out on field work I always try to behave a little like animals – when which is really worrying considering Mycology is the study of fungi. It is closely can find work in many areas. The importance and a background in plant sciences of cord-forming accompany them. About 85% of our you compare their growth patterns to how important fungi are. associated with plant pathology as fungi of fungi in crop growth, plant disease, or microbiology. basidiomycete fungal ecology experiments are done foraging patterns of ants or termites There are two groups of people cause the majority of plant disease. fermentation and spoilage means there are fungi; climate in the lab. they’re very similar. in mycology: those who specialised jobs available in agriculture and the food Where can I get more information? change effects in it after doing a biology degree, Why is mycology important? industry. The unique properties of fungi offer The British Mycological Society is a charitable on fungi; role What are you working on now? What are the potential applications but also many skilled amateurs Fungi are the primary decomposers of many other industrial applications, such as organisation for those working, studying of fungi in I study wood-decaying fungi and of your work? and enthusiasts. We are indebted organic material in many ecosystems and so the bioremediation of polluted land, while or interested in mycology. There is a strong ecosystems; fungal communities – they’re much It’s blue sky research really – I just to them and their discoveries, and play a crucial part in recycling nutrients and medicinal mycology researches potential amateur contribution to the recording, ecology of rare like communities of plants except want to know how these things taxonomy is often in their hands. Their the global carbon cycle. They break down pharmaceutical uses. discovery and conservation of fungal species and endangered they’re harder to study as they’re work but there are potentially lots contribution is hugely important. pollutants and the most durable organic in the UK, with many groups (including the fungi. hidden. My work is about what all of applications. Because they are materials and have a range of uses such as in How do I start? Society’s local branches) organising ‘fungal these species are and what affects how such good fighters, fungi could be medicine and food production. At least 80% There are no undergraduate courses in forays’ into woodland to find interesting or they interact. used as bio-control agents to prevent of plants rely on mycorrhizal associations – mycology in the UK so most mycologists edible specimens. Kew Gardens’ fungarium Fungal species are great fighters. the spread of disease. Plus, they are symbiotic relationships between the plant’s embark on postgraduate research after holds 1.25 million specimens and visitors can They fight with each other all the endangered. I want to find out why roots and a fungus that provides the plant doing a more general bioscience or also see an excellent variety of fungi in its time and I liken these interactions certain species are so rare and how we with water and nutrients. microbiology degree. Where mycology arboretum. UK fungus day is on Sunday 13th to the Premier League in football. can protect them. is taught as part of a bioscience degree, October, during Biology Week. Fungal You have your Manchester United What careers are available? hospital-based universities tend to fungi, who win most of the time, but Why are there so few mycologists? Demand for fungal scientists is quite small concentrate on pathogenic fungi, while Web resources species sometimes one of the less successful There’s a real shortage, caused by but at the same time there is a severe others may focus on fungal ecology and www.britmycolsoc.org.uk are great ones beats them. Why is that? Certain several problems. Firstly there are shortage of mycologists, plant pathologists plant pathology. Due to a lack of formal www.societyofbiology.org/branches fighters environmental changes or the only a handful of taxonomists left and taxonomists, as all these disciplines are training opportunities, academics and www.kew.org/plants-fungi/fungi presence of invertebrates or bacteria in institutions, which, when you taught less in universities. Still, mycologists employers look for an interest in fungi www.fungitobewith.org alter these interactions. have 1.5 million species of fungi and most mycology research is lab-based.

36 / the BIOLOGISt / Vol 60 No 2 Vol 60 No 2 / the BIOLOGISt / 37 our regular articles – from the basics of Why sexed-up medicine is bad for now used increasingly to pinpoint round-up of books thermodynamics and particle physics your health. molecular targets. Molecular published in the to Newton’s sins, Darwin’s revealing Throughout the book, McCartney Many of the current strategies will Biology of fields of biology thoughts on the pros and cons of uses examples from her practice doubtless be superseded in the light Cancer and related sciences marriage, and a rap about the Large to show how poorly protocol-driven of new knowledge. But because this is “The book’s Hadron Collider. medicine serves patients. The Patient such an excellent introduction to the special Reviews This menagerie of history and Paradox is rich in good sense, not subject, the book’s special appeal lies science interweaves major theories simply a diatribe against what is in its ability to stimulate both appeal lies and modern developments with going wrong; its final section is learning and investigation, which in its ability anecdotes, jokes, poems and songs, devoted to how we can make I hope will be its lasting legacy. to stimulate The Self Illusion: creating an informative yet light read. people better. Dr graham godfrey fsb both Why There is No Each random entry of The Science Modern medicine’s critics argue learning and ‘You’ Inside Your Magpie stands alone and so can be that it fails because of an excessive Mental Illness, investigation, Head read completely out of order. reliance on science. Margaret Discrimination which I hope Bruce Hood With a contents section and brief McCartney provides 28 pages of and the Law: will be its constable and explanatory appendix, it has the ability references, showing that the reverse Fighting for lasting robinson, £ 12.99 to engage even a momentary reader. is the case – much of the failure is Social Justice We all like to believe Whether intentional or not, author because the science was ignored or Felicity Callard et al legacy” that our memories are accurate and Simon Flynn (a trainee science distorted for political reasons. Wiley-blackwell, our personalities are consistent, but teacher), has compiled a quirky les rose cbiol fsb £69.99 Bruce Hood demonstrates the ease collection of facts ideal for any Mental illness continues to be highly with which we form false memories student. This lighthearted dash Molecular stigmatised. Law can, if properly and the ways in which our actions through science touches on a range Biology of and appropriately applied and depend on our environment. of complex scientific theories, while Cancer: enforced, help to reduce stigma and Every piece of information about offering lots of curiosities that 3rd Edition improve the lives of people living our brains and behaviour is backed up you will be itching to tell those Lauren Pecorino with mental health problems. Mental with descriptions of an experiment or around you. oxford University Illness, Discrimination and the Law real-life scenario. For example, if you natasha ganecki Press, £33.99 seeks to introduce and summarise imagine what it is like to be a There is an some of the key acts of legislation in professor for five minutes before The Patient increasing demand for current the UK and abroad that are aiming playing Trivial Pursuit, you will Paradox information about the molecular to decrease discrimination. perform better than if you imagine Margaret biology of cancer. The third edition of Its origins lie in a report the authors being a football hooligan. More McCartney this book is impressive in that it produced for the Association for the worryingly, if African Americans Pinter & martin, condenses the key features of the Improvement of Mental Health were asked their race before £9.99 subject into just over 300 pages. Programmes, which reviewed the performing an IQ test, they did worse According to Lord The author addresses in detail range of legislative actions currently than if they hadn’t been primed to Kelvin, the essence those aspects which are essential to available to protect people with think about race. of learning about understanding the overall picture, mental health problems. But what’s the point of knowing something comes from being able including the special hallmarks of The authors – a highly regarded these sometimes disturbing facts? to express it in numbers. Biologists cancer, the processes where collective of policy actors, mental After all, lack of free will can be a are getting better with numbers, malfunction produces uncontrolled health professionals, lawyers and depressing thought – and people who and medicine is a kind of applied growth, and how the protective social scientists – consulted a number don’t believe in free will tend to biology. In this important book, functions of normal cells, when of key informants in order to produce IT’S A HooT perform worse at work than their published in 2012 and still making disrupted, can lead to malignant their report (and, consequently, owls of the World: discussion on what constitutes a colleagues. However, understanding waves, GP Margaret McCartney changes. Pecorino develops her this book). A Photographic Guide species, and although all 249 ‘species’ some of the reasons behind our looks at the numbers behind modern theme using Hanahan and The latter third of the book Heimo Mikkola are photographed and described, actions and attitudes makes it easier health care and explains how Weinberg’s 2011 review, The reproduces some key acts, christopher helm/bloomsbury, £35.00 Mikkola notes that DNA-sequencing to accept why many people can policymakers have misunderstood Hallmarks of Cancer. conventions and statements, and This book will fascinate all bird lovers data is, so far, only available to behave ‘out of character’. Some of the the data. Pivotal aspects of cancer are proto- is a useful resource for students of and particularly those interested in determine 150 of them – so work is still issues covered in The Self Illusion also Health screening, for example, is oncogenes and tumour suppressing mental health law, policy and ethics Owls of identifying these charismatic birds of needed on over 100 more. have implications for criminal justice not as reliable as people think. genes, which play a critical role in – perhaps especially for civil society the World prey. The author has studied owls and Since 75% of owl species are and the way we treat children. When screening for an abnormality carcinogenesis by encoding many groups who hope to (re)shape “The book other birds of prey for almost 50 years, associated with dense and This is a fascinating and beautifully with a prevalence of one in 1,000 kinds of proteins involved in cell legislation. The diversity of legal accounts for and counts himself as one of many undisturbed forests, deforestation is a written book, made personal by people, with a test that is 90% growth and proliferation. When they edicts and policies from across the 249 species, ‘owlaholics’ who are obsessed with threat to a number of species. A table examples from the author’s own life. accurate, less than 10% of people mutate they can produce proteins world is encouraging. However, as collecting owl images and artefacts. on longevity reveals that barn owls live Karen Patel amsb with positive results will have the that override the G1 restriction of the the authors point out, law does not covering Perhaps this is why, on any page, there for an average of 29 years while those disease. Yet screening is embedded cell cycle, and lead to unregulated cell always translate into practice and identification, are spectacular colour photographs. in captivity live for 34 years. The Science in medical culture, causing much growth and proliferation. there is still considerable work to be habitat, The 60-page introduction covers With over 750 photographs from Magpie unnecessary and risky treatment. Because there are so many done in order to foster equality and call, food, owl features such as nocturnal vision, dozens of the world’s finest natural Simon Flynn Medicine is beset with uncertainty, pathways linked to the cell cycle, access to care. status and hearing, silent flight, hunting and history photographers, Owls of the icon books, £12.99 which rigorous science is designed to such as growth control, apoptosis, Hopefully the publishers will distribution” general behaviour. The rest of the book World is strongly recommended both Feel free to judge measure, but the policymakers’ tumour suppression, metastasis release a cheaper paperback edition accounts for 249 species, covering as an outstanding resource for this book by its attempts to sell certainty are doomed and immune suppression, it is of Mental Illness, Discrimination and identification, habitat, call, food, identification, and as a thing of beauty cover. The Science to failure. Meanwhile, people are evident that there is an increasing the Law in order to better reach status and distribution. Obviously in for one’s bookshelves. Magpie contains an increasingly being turned into number of locations at which new policy actors and campaigners. such a specialist work there will be alan cadogan cbiol fsb eclectic mix of scientific facts and patients, hence the book’s subtitle: drugs can act, and gene therapy is Dr martyn Pickersgill msb

38 / the BIOLOGISt / Vol 60 No 2 Vol 60 No 2 / the BIOLOGISt / 39 ReVIeWS BOOKS

Fighting for Birds: Career different sectors. Career Planning for Super-Charged: The 25 years in nature Planning for Research Bioscientists also covers How outlaws, Molecules conservation Research careers in the UK, US and Europe. Hippies, and of Life Mark Avery Bioscientists Early-career bioscientists will find it Scientists “A fine Pelagic Publishing, Sarah Blackford easy to dip into this book for detailed Reinvented reference £12.99 Wiley- advice on specific areas and it needn’t Marijuana In Fighting for Birds blackwell, be read cover to cover. The careers Jim Rendon book for author Mark Avery £19.99 theory discussed throughout also Timber Press, £18.99 those trying draws upon his 25 years at the RSPB Whether you makes it a worthwhile read for It is all too easy to be partisan when to keep up (most recently as conservation are actively job hunting or just careers advisers. writing or reviewing books on with the vast director) to illustrate some of the interested in boosting your Dr eva sharpe msb marijuana. Having an axe to grind, amount challenges facing conservation. employability skills, this book is full of one way or the other, often means that of new He takes a down-to-earth approach tailored advice. Written in a friendly, The Molecules facts are misrepresented or ignored. information on some controversial topics, informal style by a professional of Life: Physical However, while the cover is perhaps becoming including the culling of ruddy ducks careers adviser, it is peppered with and Chemical not the best choice if one wanted to available to protect white-headed ducks, and examples from her own career. At Principles give the impression of a balanced story whether it would ever be justified to times it gives you the feeling you are John Kuriyan, (in fact, it may put many readers off), in this control the numbers of birds of prey. speaking directly to a careers adviser, Boyana Konforti the contents are pleasantly surprising. important He is not afraid to criticise or name rather than reading a book. and David Jim Rendon gives us a good tour of area” and shame, and questions in particular Chapters cover career planning, an Wemmer everything from the genetics of the game keepers and shooting sports. analysis of the job market, advice on garland science, £53.00 plant through to the politics of the Fighting for Birds is informative writing applications and attending This detailed paperback, written marijuana trade. We start with the about the life of a conservationist, and interviews. A self-awareness section for undergraduates, starts with early days of the flower power about the legal and social context in and self-analysis exercises are useful straightforward explanations that generation in the 1960s and move which environmental organisations for readers to learn how to promote may also appeal to enthusiastic pre- through to today’s high intensity This is more of a manual, as one twisters or the woes of climate change. work. For example, he puts into themselves favourably and a chapter university students. Biologists in other hydroponic operations and finally to a would have for a camera or car, than a I was pleasantly surprised and drawn Super- context terms such as Species on enhancing employability suggests disciplines will also welcome the detailed discussion of marijuana’s textbook. Each chapter needs to be into the eloquently described and Charged: Protection Area, which previously activities to strengthen applications. information on chemical structure medical use. There are also a lot of read with a computer at hand, in order fascinating world of airborne biota in How existed as isolated phrases floating in Particularly interesting are the and the molecular mechanisms interesting tidbits of information (such to follow and learn the stepwise the first few chapters. The second Outlaws, my head. He also discusses individual appendices with careers profiles, a in biology. as the fact that California’s illegal and approach to information retrieval. section does relate to climate and Hippies, and examples of birds he has studied or guide to using social media, tips for The authors state that the central medical marijuana crops are The book is well laid out, focusing weather, but from several different worked with, such as roseate terns targeting your CV and several pages theme of the book is that “the ways in estimated to be the state’s most initially on finding and manipulating perspectives: the history of Scientists and red kites, plus everything from of resources. which proteins, DNA, and RNA work valuable agricultural product). single DNA or protein sequences from meteorology, Darwinian dust Reinvented managing a nature reserve to As well as research careers in together in a cell are connected One criticism is the severe lack of a number of different databases. collections, Grecian gods and classical Marijuana influencing Government. academia and industry, there is intimately to the structure of these information on the negative aspects of Agostino then moves on to the artworks, to mention just a few. “Jim Rendon Avery’s passion comes through very information on careers in science biological macromolecules”. marijuana, particularly the mental comparison of sequences from Of specific interest to biologists or gives us a strongly, and it is hard not to feel communication, policy, clinical trials, The first 235 pages deal in modular problems such as anxiety, panic different species to form phylogenetic anyone with a passion for natural good tour of motivated about conservation after patent law and administration. The form with the biological molecules and attacks and paranoia that can result trees. About two thirds of the book history are the sections devoted to everything The red kite is reading the book. If you know an author explains job titles, job end with a list of key concepts and a from short-term use. Overall, however, deals with nucleic acids, the remainder microorganisms, fungal spores and among the many from the species discussed aspiring young conservationist, this descriptions and what the roles set of problems. the book provides a thought-provoking with protein sequences and pollen or the travelogues of various genetics of by mark avery in book will be a perfect present. actually involve, using real career The later major sections on energy perspective on this interesting topic. conformation (there are some useful fauna that weave kites for paragliding the plant Fighting for Birds. Dr rebecca nesbit msb narratives from bioscientists in and entropy, free energy, molecular Dr oliver Jones cbiol msb 3D illustrations of protein structures expeditions, like some spiders. interactions, kinetics and catalysis, at the end of the book). Amusing and fascinating anecdotes – through to assembly and activity total 19 chapters Practical Anyone who deals with biochemical like Japanese honeybees cooking the politics – but each chapter is split into bite- Bioinformatics data would find this work of great hornets – keep the reader of the sized modules for easier study. Michael Agostino value. Even an absolute novice to turning pages. marijuana There are coloured illustrations on garland science, bioinformatics would, with a little The use of lots of statistics in trade” almost every page. £25.00 practice, be able to retrieve and imperial units makes it less easy for I found myself racing through In the last 20 manage data. average readers outside the US to familiar material and then having years the field of Dr leighton Dann grasp the significance of certain to take time to read and understand bioinformatics has values. Also, although the dust a point that was new to me, but grown exponentially and now reaches Air: The Restless pollution following 9/11 is discussed in everything was clearly explained into many areas of biology. There are Shaper of the some detail, there is no reference to and easy to understand. currently over 200 billion nucleotides World radioactivity as an airborne peril Some of the mathematics of from nearly half a million species on William Bryant despite the recent disaster at thermodynamics and the statistical record, so it has been necessary to Logan Fukushima. Similarly, a reference to aspects of entropy and free energy are develop increasingly sophisticated W W norton & co, Eyjafjallajökull by the author (who is demanding, but are essential for methods of searching this data. £16.99 studying for his pilot’s licence) could completeness in a book of this size and As the author states: “One of the William Bryant further enrich this anthology. scope. It certainly provides a fine goals of the field of bioinformatics is Logan is already the author of two Air is a diffuse collection of reference book for those trying to keep data reduction. With the literal deluge other successful books in this trilogy colourfully narrated stories. With up with the vast amount of new of data, the only way for us to possibly about the elements. Dirt was made smatterings of the author’s philosophy information becoming available in this interpret the information is that the into an award-winning documentary it is an easily digestible yet rich feast important area of biological science. quantity is reduced to manageable film, and Air is set to go the same way. that would go down well as a gift at any I strongly recommend it. levels”. Put simply, biologists need to From the title alone I presumed that time of the year. alan cadogan cbiol fsb see the wood from the trees. this would be a book about monstrous alexander Waller cbiol msb

40 / the BIOLOGISt / Vol 60 No 2 Vol 60 No 2 / the BIOLOGISt / 41 member Profiles

industry developed. I am lucky to Hansa have worked with some fascinating Doorgakant MSB colleagues over the past five years and to have received invaluable I work for Dwr Cymru Welsh training and technical skills. Member news Water’s Bretton laboratory, Our regular round-up all about you, our Society members where drinking water samples are The Society was highly analysed. Our highest priority is recommended by Rhys Stephens, ensuring we continue to provide an inspirational chartered biologist neW member Profile high quality drinking water and who encouraged me to apply for protect public health. membership. I believe joining Social Notices Our highest renowned professional bodies is Our chief executive, Dr Mark Downs, Class act in Derbyshire Following my master’s in priority is good in order to progress towards will be holding informal sandwich new science building called the chemistry with pharmacology at ensuring we becoming a chartered biologist and Dr Beatrix lunches with groups of 40-50 Science Priory. the University of Birmingham in continue to to keep abreast of new developments Fahnert MSB members and smaller groups of 2007, I worked as a synthetic organic provide high within the sector. 10-15 Fellows. Places are available After a BSc in genetics at the chemist at Dextra Laboratories quality Microbial diversity and the role on a first come, first served basis. University of Birmingham, I was in Reading, involved mainly in drinking I am originally from Mauritius and of microbiology in daily life has to book, contact Jenna Stevens- awarded my PhD at the University synthesizing carbohydrates. water and in my spare time talk to my family always fascinated me. So there Smith at jennastevenssmith@ of Nottingham. While research protect on Skype. I also enjoy shopping, was no doubt I wanted to become societyofbiology.org or call was rewarding, my transition I joined Severn Trent Services as public health socialising with friends and listening a microbiologist. I got completely 020 7685 2554. from post-doc to teaching Fellow a microbiology analyst in 2008, and to loud music – when I’m at home hooked during an otherwise became a defining moment in my this is where my interest in the water those in close proximity will know it. uneventful school trip. Then after 9 may career. The excitement of inspiring almost running out of books, I Fellows’ Dinner, London undergraduates and younger pupils came across one about genetic 19:00–22:00 Charles Darwin house during summer schools led to a PGCE SmithKline Beecham, working engineering. I researched it and at the University of Warwick and my in neuroscience research. It was intrigued. 14 may fulfilling career as a biology teacher. opened my eyes to pharmaceutical Fellows’ Lunch, edinburgh 12:30–14:00 research and I realised this was After reading biology and edinburgh, location tBC I am passionate about the use of the career path for me. obtaining a doctorate in ICT in the classroom and envisage microbiology, I went to Finland 17 July a future where pupils carry a tablet Things don’t always go smoothly. to work on recombinant protein Fellows’ Lunch, London 12:30–14:00 PC to their lessons, rather than I started a PhD after graduation production. With a background in Charles Darwin house a bag laden with files and books. but it didn’t work out. Nevertheless medical and applied microbiology, Tablet PCs really engage pupils and I persevered with science, working I am interested in virulence, 17 september Fellows’ Lunch, Bristol bring textbooks and notes to life. for a small biotech for five years pathogen-host interactions, 12:30–14:00 Interactive hands-on videos help to before joining GSK in 2002. and using related findings Bristol Zoo break down and illustrate complex for prevention and therapy of ideas allowing pupils to move at One of the things I enjoy about infectious diseases. 24 october Members’ Lunch, London their own pace. my job is the diversity – there 12:30–14:00 is always something new to I am committed to sharing Charles Darwin house Dr Stuart Ingleston- I am keen to develop links with learn. I can take part in the my passion for science so other scientists in education, Ian Baines MSB company’s continuing professional everyone can benefit from AGM orme FSB research and in industry. I am I work as a senior scientist development programme and microbiology – it ultimately leads 2 may 2013 also interested in strengthening in drug metabolism and hopefully gain chartered status. to the advancement of the field. 11:30 (refreshments from 11:00) I am the head of biology at our links with the local community pharmacokinetics for running for Therefore, I focused on teaching charles Darwin house, london Repton School, a leading and in developing wider interest GlaxoSmithKline. My work relaxation. Personalised medicines are and have been lecturing at Cardiff Professor Martin humphries will independent boarding school in Tablet PCs and collaboration in the biological involves assessing the absorption, potentially a huge development University since 2005. Currently I give the Charter lecture, followed Derbyshire, and from September bring sciences. distribution, metabolism and in the pharmaceutical industry. am a senior lecturer engaging with by lunch. to attend, please register will become the new head of science. textbooks excretion properties of drug Dose is optimised to minimise educational theory and research. via mySociety (https://myaccount. We recently became a satellite and notes I am a terrible golfer but a keen candidates prior to and during side-effects and maximise efficacy societyofbiology.org). Alternatively, centre for the Science Learning to life runner and ran my first marathon clinical development. using an individual’s genetic Having been a member of write to Natasha Neill at the address Centre and have started the in October. I also enjoy photography blueprint. Drug metabolism the Society for General on page 2, or email natashaneill@ construction of an incredible and sport. Two very inspiring chemistry and pharmacokinetics Microbiology for years, and societyofbiology.org and biology A-level teachers research will play a pivotal serving on its professional got me hooked on science. role in this area. development committee, I I enjoyed both subjects had contemplated becoming a est Midlands branch Dr Hine reached the final equally so I chose to do a Outside work I enjoy member of the Society of Biology Anne’s a Wcommittee member stage of the BBSRC’s biochemistry degree. I graduated spending time with given my roots. Dr Anne Hine FSB has been Innovator of the Year for her from the University of Sheffield in my young family, shortlisted for a prestigious development of technologies 1996 with first class honours. classic yacht sailing I enjoy music and dancing in my molecular national award for her for protein engineering in and running. Last year I ran the spare time. Argentine Tango is molecular technology the biotechnology and During my studies I opted to London marathon – an amazing my favourite, and visits to Buenos innovator research. pharmaceutical industries. do an industrial placement at experience. Aires are special treats.

42 / the BIOLOGISt / Vol 60 No 2 Vol 60 No 2 / the BIOLOGISt / 43 MeMBeR NeWS NeW MeMBeR PROFILeS

domestic animals suffering from Anthea tendon and joint injuries and osteoarthritis. What excites me McRiley MSB about this treatment is that it uses the body’s own healing capabilities and animals therefore no longer I grew up in the countryside and need long-term drug therapy for from a young age was fascinated by the condition. the biological cycles and interactions that go on all around us. The more I I think we will see a wide range saw, the more I wanted to know. of pathologies being treated with autologous stem cells in the next I graduated from Bristol 10 years. University in 1999 with a BSc (Hons) in cellular pathology and It has always been an ambition microbiology. My first job after of mine to join the Society of graduating was as a microbiologist in Biology. My dad was a Fellow of the a brewery and the role expanded to Institute of Materials and placed include several analytical techniques. a very high regard on the work of These skills helped me transfer to professional bodies. His death last the environmental research branch year spurred me on to submit my of Forest Research where for eight application. years I monitored the effects of climate change and worked on land I enjoy cycling, swimming and remediation projects. have recently taken up netball for the first time since junior school. My current role is laboratory I am also kept busy by my three manager for a company which small children and one large, provides stem cell therapy to lively dog.

career in bioscience. I studied my MRes in medical and molecular biosciences at Newcastle University and this was a great opportunity for me to get even more involved in research and develop my skills further.

My A-level biology teacher was probably the biggest influence on my choice to study physiology further. He was a fantastic teacher and very enthusiastic about biology. He had a PhD himself and he encouraged me to choose biology at university.

Science seems to be moving so quickly. Stem cells offer an enormous opportunity in the treatment of many diseases and I think the study of genetics will always offer many advances in the study of disease.

I joined the Society as I think it looks great on your CV from a But the best thing about my PhD has professional point of view and it Louise Walkin AMSB been travelling to other labs in the also gives you a chance to join a USA and Canada to meet and work wider scientific community. I am studying for my PhD at the louise is working with our collaborators and expand University of Manchester. My towards a PhD at the science in the best possible way. I enjoy running, baking, wound healing and fibrosis project manchester. reading and travelling. I helped me develop skills in both Reading physiology at Manchester am hoping to do my first half in vivo and in vitro techniques. helped me decide that I wanted a marathon this year.

44 / the BIOLOGISt / Vol 60 No 2 tReASUReR’S RePORt SOCIetY ACCOUNtS 2011-12

Report TOTAL INCOME £1.8m % OF INCOME from the FROM MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS SURPLUS treasurer INCOME 64% £52k Honorary treasurer William Marshall reports on another successful ASSETS financial year for the Society NET INCLUDE ASSETS INTEREST IN DARWIN £1.65m HOUSE AT £0.9m

he success of the Society in membership may be expected to But we must recognise that these pursuing its aims depends cease in the medium term. While funds are not guaranteed beyond Tentirely on having sound we are successful in attracting the period of the grant, and thought finances, and I am pleased to suitably qualified biologists to needs to be given at an early stage report another successful financial apply for Fellowship as well as to securing continued support for year. The Society’s total income, students, the continued recruitment these projects. £1.8m, exceeded its expenditure by of members at the MSB grade is £52,000, and the balance sheet at vital to the future of the Society. Standing down the end of the year shows total net The membership department is This is my last treasurer’s column William marshall assets of £1.65m. working hard to this end, but I fsb, who stands as I stand down at the Society’s The latter principally includes would urge all members to down as honorary AGM in May. our interest in Charles Darwin consider suggesting to colleagues treasurer in may, It has been a privilege and a great House (£900,000); investments that they may wish to become is clinical director pleasure to act as your honorary of £190,000, debtors of £172,000, members themselves. of pathology and treasurer, and to work with such consultant clinical and free cash balances of £615,000 biochemist at The committed colleagues both on (less outstanding creditors). Free Pension scheme london clinic. Council, the finance committee and reserves at the year end totalled Since its inception, the Society he was awarded the audit committee, and with our £456,000, which is just outside has accepted responsibility for the royal college in-house team: Dr Mark Downs, the trustees’ reserves policy ensuring that the former Institute of Pathologists chief executive and director of medal for for ensuring the availability of of Biology’s final salary pension distinguished finance, Jen Crosk, his PA, and six months’ funding for Society scheme was adequately funded and service. Surinder Sohal, our financial activities. Council will review a programme of regular payments administrator. My work has brought increasing this sum slightly was set up. me into contact with many other from cash. Following the most recent members of our staff, and I thank triennial valuation of the scheme, them all for their support. Attracting younger members and with changes in membership, The Society’s accounts are Membership subscriptions continue it has been possible to negotiate audited by PKF (UK) LLP and I to be the major source of recurrent a revised repayment programme thank them for their diligence. income, making up about 64% of £45,000 over the next four Once again, our accounts have of the total. We are critically years. Under the original scheme received a clean bill of health, with dependent on this source of income we were committed to paying over no issues raised. And thanks also to fund core activity, and although three times that sum over a 14-year to Elizabeth Liberda-Moreni, our it is less than previous years, we period. The money made available partner at Accountability UK, who have been able to keep membership is being used to provide enhanced for the last three years has provided fees unchanged for a further year. members’ benefits and to support professional accountancy services The demographics of the the overall work of the Society. with a light touch and great charm. Society’s membership are The Society continues to be unfavourable, with a relatively high very successful in obtaining grant William marshall proportion of older members whose funding to support specific projects. January 2013

Vol 60 No 2 / the BIOLOGISt / 45 North Western Branch events sPiTTing feaThers ❱ Dates for your diary: what’s going on in your local area breWery Saturday 27 April 2013 10:00 Our AGM will take place at Spitting Feathers brewery, Cheshire. Meet at 10:00 for a 10:30 start. For more details and to book a place was trained at Pershore College of biobliTz on an event, see Branch Contacts on Horticulture and has become an Saturday 13 July 2013 10:00 naTUral hisTory page 50, unless stated otherwise. authority on the history of the Veitch Can we find a thousand species in a PhoTograPhy WorKshoP Nurseries and their plant hunters. weekend? A range of experts will be Saturday 11 May 2013 Meet in the seminar room, School of coming along to help – and we shall A photography workshop on Hilbre Beds, Herts & Essex Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, join in the hunt! Meet at the Whisby Island. Further details and prices University of Exeter. Nature Park visitor centre entrance. will be available on the branch pages PasQUe floWers on Contact Marianne Overton as above in due course. TherfielD heaTh lUnDy islanD VisiT for further details. Saturday 20 April 2013 11:00 tuesday 2-9 July 2013 annUal schools QUiz Pasque flowers in bloom indicate Members will be staying on Lundy Wednesday 19 June 2013 Easter has arrived. Members can Island this summer and Kent, Surrey &Sussex Our popular quiz is back. This year it photograph the pasque flowers and welcome those who will be held at the University of birdwatch on this hour long walk. would like to inDesTrUcTible sPecies Central Lancaster, Preston. Wear suitable clothing and footwear come along tuesday 16 April 2013 17:30 Communication will be made with for the weather and muddy paths. for this visit. Join us for our AGM and previous participants; new schools Meet at the Therfield Park car park The boat Professor Richard Fortey’s are always welcome to the on the heath at around 10:00-10:30. goes lecture, The Survival of competition. Contact Dr Theresa Huxley to book a over on Nature’s Indestructible The Kent, surrey place on 07785 700073. Tuesday, Species. Meet at the Thames Valley & sussex branch Yorkshire Wednesday, Department of Chemical will have the Scotland chance to visit sanDy heaTh Thursday Sciences, University of Surrey, oXforD boTanic garDen the millennium himalayan garDen anD Saturday 8 June 2013 11:00 and Saturday Guildford. A free buffet from DUmfries science fesTiVal Monday 22 April 2013 19:00 seed bank at scUlPTUre ParK

RSPB reserve warden Andy of that week. 17:30 is followed by the AGM DIANA MOWeR/ShUtteRStOCK Saturday 4 May 2013 10:00-15:30 Timothy Walker, horti praefectus Wakehurst Place. Saturday 18 May 2013 11:00 Schofield will lead our walk to at 18:30 and lecture at 19:00. We are taking part in the annual (director) of the University of Oxford A visit to the spectacular, award- explore Sandy Heath and Quarry. Family and friends are welcome, ‘Family Mayhem’ day at the Dumfries Botanic Garden will be discussing winning woodland garden to see There are 20 free member places. To East Midlands but please email our secretary to and Galloway Science Festival. the history of the gardens. rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, book contact Dr Theresa Huxley on reserve places. Find us at Rutherford McGowan cornus and other Himalayan plants the number above by 21st April. cresWell crags Building, Crichton Campus, WyTham WooDs baDger in their natural setting, 850 feet Sunday 19 May 2013 11:00-16:00 WilDfloWer meaDoWs Dumfries. WaTching above sea level. Meet at the Jimmy’s farm Creswell Crags is a world famous Wednesday 5 June 2013 11:00 We will have a range of hands-on thursday 9 May 2013 Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Sunday 16 June 2013 10:30 archaeological site. Meet at the Estates manager Keith Datchler activities including ‘make your own 18:30-21:30 Park, The Hutts, Grewelthorpe, beds, herts & Share the good life on Jimmy’s Farm exhibition centre to learn about the will lead a two hour walk through articulated hand’ and ‘how does The 200-year-old Ripon HG4 3DA. Admission costs £6. essex members can get back to – home to the TV presenter Jimmy last Ice Age and then explore the the wildflower meadows of the your ear work?’ Wytham Woods, For further details visit www. nature on Jimmy Doherty and the Essex pig. Visit the ancient Robin Hood Cave. A coach Beech Estate, Ashburnham, West For more details visit http:// designated a himalayangarden.com Doherty’s farm. nature trail and meet pigs, alpacas, will leave from Lincolnshire and Sussex. This estate boasts the dandgsciencefestival.tumblr.com/ Site of Special sheep, goats and more. Build dens Newark at 09:30 and return at 17:30. largest surviving tracts of ancient FamilyProgramme Scientific agm WiTh royal socieTy on the Woodland Walk and Coach and entrance fees are £15. wild flower meadows in the south- Interest, has of chemisTry visit the butterfly house, Contact Marianne Overton on 0140 east, with a rich variety of plants, annUal scoTTish the greatest Wednesday 29 May 2013 18:00 farm shop and gardens. 027 3323, marianne.overton@ birds, butterflies, wild bees and Teachers’ meeTing density of This year the annual meeting, The first 10 places are biosearch.org.uk or Jean Martin on other insects. thursday 6 June 2013 badgers ever jointly arranged with the local free. Contact Professor 0163 662 6176, jeanmartin@ The 18th Annual Scottish Teachers’ recorded. Wytham branch of the Royal Society of Roberto La Ragione by woodlandtrust.org.uk for further boTanical garDen ToUr IAN ReNtOUL/ShUtteRStOCK Meeting: Taking Biology Forward Woods conservator Chemistry, will feature Professor 21st April to book a details. Address cheques to the Wednesday 31 July 2013 11:00 will take place at Grand Central Nigel Fisher will begin with Tony Hardy discussing European place: 0148 368 9265 Society of Biology and send to Jean Wakehurst Place is the National Hotel, Glasgow. The meeting aims a talk then visitors can view and Food Safety. It will be hosted at the (Ext 9265). More details Martin, 2 Hillside Cottages, Trust’s most visited property and to inspire, challenge and motivate count badgers and their young in the chemistry department of the www.jimmysfarm.com Beckingham LN5 ORH. following the tour of the gardens the network of biology teachers, dusk. Tickets are available from University of York and attendance is you will be free to visit the corporate supporters and branch secretary John Haspineall at free. Further details will be available lUnch on The eDge Elizabethan mansion and the Royal community partners in Scotland [email protected] on the branch pages. Please note Devon & Cornwall Saturday 8 June 2013 09:30 or 11:00 Botanic Gardens’ Millennium Seed and to increase the visibility of the the change of date and speaker for A bird event held jointly with the Bank – the largest ex-situ plant Society and the Scotland branch. orchiD WalK this event. sTePPing oUT in sPring British Trust for Ornithology at Hilltop conservation project in the world. We will be celebrating academic Sunday 16 June 2013 Saturday 27 April 2013 14:00 Farm, Welbourn. Come early at 09:30 Admission is free for National achievement and will present awards Guided orchid walk at the Holies, yorKshire Dales Horticulturist and plant historian for a bird ringing demonstration or at Trust members, children under 16 to those who achieved the highest Streatley with Dr Michael Keith- Saturday 6 July 2013 Caradoc Doy will lead this illustrated 11:00 for the main event. The event and Friends of Kew. Members’ prices marks in the SQA examinations in Lucas. Full details of the visit, times A visit to part of the Yorkshire Dales – talk and guided walk in the grounds costs £15. To book contact Marianne will range from £8.50 to £12 biological subjects. Book online at and venue will be provided later further details will appear soon on of the University of Exeter. Caradoc Overton (see above). depending on interest in attendance. https://myaccount.societyofbiology.org this year. the branch pages.

46 / the BIOLOGISt / Vol 60 No 2 www.societyofbiology.org/branches www.societyofbiology.org/branches Vol 60 No 2 / the BIOLOGISt / 47 BRANCh NeWS eVeNt RePORtS

though some are more satisfactory North Western than others. Members also enjoyed a fine sTocKPorT grammar school meal at the University of Bristol Branch reports careers conVenTion Vet School. Branch members said ❱ A round-up of our members’ activities 27 September 2012 it was a very satisfying lunch and Representatives from higher lecture and several members made education, industry, learned resolutions to add omega-3 a patch of not too surprising though as societies and the armed forces containing foods to their New shaggy inkcaps members of the Society. After were present at Stockport Grammar Year shopping. seen on the overrunning our allotted time, we School for its annual careers More on John’s work can be fungal foray enjoyed by had only explored around 300 convention. found at www.bristol.ac.uk/ members of metres into the main arboretum, Several hundred GCSE and A news/2013/9087.html the east anglia leaving plenty more for another level students and their parents mark howard cbiol msb branch. day’s exploration. circulated around the stands for ian black cbiol msb discussion and information. The most common question posed by West Midlands prospective biologists was “what can I do with a biology degree?” naTUral hisTory Western branch Professor brUce hooD London members and many people were amazed by illUsTraTion WorKshoP enjoyed a lecture 20 November 2012 DocTors, DissecTion the range of potential careers open 24 November 2012 on the properties Professor Bruce Hood captivated an anD resUrrecTion men, to them. The day-long workshop took place at of omega 3 fatty audience of 300 sixth form students, lonDon mUseUm The event was very successful with Hoole Community Centre in Chester. acids before teachers and members at our annual 26 January 2013 positive feedback to the school from Led by the renowned team of Michael their christmas charter lecture. Bruce is professor of lunch. Natasha Powers, head of osteology at both students and Clapham and Bob Cook, the event developmental psychology in society the Museum of London Archaeology, parents. Many provided an excellent mix of natural at the University of Bristol and introduced us to the exhibition with were inspired history information, practical director of the Bristol Cognitive a truly fascinating lecture on by the illustration skills, and an insight into Development Centre, specialising in dissection and autopsy. She information the neurobiological basis of art. developmental cognitive described her team’s work both and advice Even absolute beginners with a neuroscience. In 2011 he delivered during and after the 2006 excavation they professed lack of artistic skills gained the prestigious Royal Institution of a burial ground at the Royal received basic skills in pencil drawing and Christmas Lectures Meet Your London Hospital, resulting in the and have watercolours to capture the Brain, which were broadcast on the main exhibition display. begun to biological detail of the specimens BBC to over 4 million viewers. A confusing mix of bones from formulate provided. Feedback was very Bruce has also written two books, 262 burials revealed evidence of career plans positive. The two tutors were Supersense (2009), about the natural dissection, autopsy and amputation. with renewed “absolutely first class” and origins of supernatural beliefs, We also saw bones wired for teaching enthusiasm. enthusiastic, putting across the and The Self Illusion (2012), on the and evidence of dissected animals. Professor graham bonwick concepts and ideas in a thought- fallacy of our idea of individual Natasha gave us an insight into cbiol fsb provoking way. identity and personality. the work of the resurrection men graham bonwick cbiol fsb His entertaining, interactive and (or body snatchers), their fUngal foray To thought-provoking lecture was relationship with surgeon- TanDle hill called The Self Illusion: How our anatomists and the shadowy 10 November 2012 Western Brain Creates our Reality. He practices that prompted an increase Wet conditions have meant a difficult explored the belief that we have an cropped turf and different woodland in the demand for corpses. season for mycology. Fortunately chrisTmas lecTUre & social independent, coherent self – an East Anglia flora, a whole new selection of A lively question and discussion our latest fungal foray with Dave 13 December 2012 individual inside our head species came to light. session followed the talk. The lecture Winnard fell on a beautiful clear and Dr John Tarlton, from the University who thinks, watches, flynforD arboreTUm fUngal Amongst our finds were shaggy had prepared us well for warm day and we had a pleasant of Bristol, spoke with passion wonders, dreams, and foray inkcap, amethyst deceiver, honey our visit to the walk through the Beech Woods in about the history and use of omega-3 makes plans for the 6 October 2012 fungus, false chanterelle, wood exhibition, which full autumn colour. fatty acids. Found in cold water fish future. This sense of “You can eat all fungi… at least once.” blewit, russulas, the occasional cep has been well Dave gave a wonderful account and green leafy plants, these our self may seem This field mycology saying was our and the rather beautiful coral fungus. assembled with of the history and mycology of the compounds are involved in many incredibly real but a first piece of advice from guide Dr Not all species are readily identified the use of area and led us to about 30 species biochemical processes. wealth of recent Tony Leech, fungus specialist for the in the field, so a number modern displays of fungi. We saw some target species, John described how they are scientific evidence Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists’ of our finds went straight into the and exhibition including the amethyst deceiver, metabolised and how a lack of them reveals that it is not Society and founder of the Norfolk basket and back to the lab for techniques. Forty common eyelash, some wonderful in the diet can affect animals in what it seems – it is all Fungus Study Group. On his closer scrutiny. members and their specimens of puffballs, different jelly various ways, including brain an illusion. instruction we dispersed in all Tony commented that he’d never guests had an ears, dead ladies fingers as opposed development and bone strength. Professor bruce There was time for questions directions and, within minutes, had a group quite like ours, who excellent day out. to the dead man’s fingers, and a The audience reflected on the idea hood delighted from the delighted and enthused his audience handfuls of specimens were being stopped and listened to his every Ken allen cbiol fsb whole host of others. that eating fish probably affected at the West audience after the lecture, followed thrust in his direction. pronouncement, We learnt much about foraging, early humans and their mental midlands annual by a presentation of prizes to some With so many fungi to be found, photographed the and the historical and modern day evolution. With modern fish stocks in charter lecture. lucky winners by Norma it took over an hour just to get out of specimens and medicinal uses. It turned out to be a crisis, can we maintain omega-3 Broadbridge, former chair of the the car park. Once into the took detailed fantastic day. supplies for future generations? A British Biology Olympiad. arboretum proper, with its closer notes – perhaps glenn Upton-fletcher number of alternatives are available, lesley Payne cbiol msb

48 / the BIOLOGISt / Vol 60 No 2 www.societyofbiology.org/branches Vol 60 No 2 / the BIOLOGISt / 49 BRANCh NeWS eVeNt RePORtS BRANCH CoNTACTS

BEDS, ESSEX & HERTS Dr Theresa Huxley [email protected]

DEVON & CORNWALL Miss Christine Fry [email protected]

EAST ANGLIA Miss Amanda Burton [email protected]

EAST MIDLANDS Mrs Rosemary Hall [email protected]

KENT, SURREY & SUSSEX Dr David Ware kentsurreysussex@ societyofbiology.org

LONDON Mr Ken Allen [email protected]

NORTH WALES Dr Rosemary Solbé [email protected]

NORTH WESTERN Mr Glenn Upton-Fletcher [email protected]

NORTHERN The yorkshire same outcome. The massive growth Dr Michael Rowell Yorkshire branch’s lecture of human populations, vastly [email protected] on evolution increased migration and ease of by Professor lecTUre: are hUmans steve Jones fsb travel favour out-breeding and thus NORTHERN IRELAND sTill eVolVing? attracted over limit the expression of mutations. Dr David Roberts 20 February 2013 300 people. There are many other factors at [email protected] Professor Steve Jones’ lecture at work – such as culture, religion and Sheffield University was a sellout other customs – that needed to be SCOTLAND with around 300 people, mostly taken into account in Dr Jacqueline Nairn students, attending. The talk was looking at the future of [email protected] very good, well-paced, frequently mankind, he said. amusing and eminently Professor Jones THAMES VALLEY understandable to the non-specialist. suggested that Dr Ray Gibson Professor Jones believes strongly early modern [email protected] in the argument that human man, who evolution has slowed. As prosperity emerged over WESSEX increases, earlier and shorter 200,000 years Ms Rachel Wilson breeding times reduce the effect of ago, would not [email protected] increased mutation in sperm as men look out of place on age, and natural selection pressures the London Tube – WEST MIDLANDS have been reduced due to improved apart, that is, from a Ms Debbie Dixon nutrition and hygiene. very confused expression [email protected] Using a study of an isolated and his fur garments. population in Finland, he illustrated The Society is to be congratulated WESTERN the idea that closed communities had on supporting this first-class event, Ms Joan Ashley greatly increased chances of organised with the Sheffield [email protected] expressing mutations as birth and University Natural History Society other defects. The smaller population and held in the University’s Richard YORKSHIRE of human beings in prehistoric times Roberts Auditorium. Mr Paul Bartlett would have tended to lead to the mike smith msb [email protected]

50 / the BIOLOGISt / Vol 60 No 2 www.societyofbiology.org/branches Society of Biology Degree Accreditation Programme

UPCOMING EVENTS The Accreditation Awards Ceremony and the Degree Accreditation Careers and Employability Conference attract attendees from both industry and academia within the biosciences. We have a broad range of exciting sponsorship opportunities designed to help you reach your key audiences.

By exhibiting at these events you will: — Show your support for the advancement of bioscience education — Communicate with graduates, academics, and employers — Raise your profile within the biosciences For more information about the events and opportunities please contact [email protected] FIND UT ABOUT OUR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES LetteRS RIChARD DAWKINS/SCIeNtIStS IN PARLIAMeNt/AQUARIUM QUeRIeS

ThThe socieTy of biology magazinee ■ issn 0006-3347 ■ socieTyofbiology.org Vol 60 no 1 ■ feb/mar 2013 'People have cast me as a sort of snarling attack dog. Which i'm not'

an eXclUsiVe inTerVieW WiTh RICHARD Biofeedback DAWKINS

REPoRTAGE oPINIoN BIoGRAPHY PARADISE LoST PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE WILLIAM ALFoRD LLoYD Protecting wildlife Should there be more e man who brought in Mozambique scientist MPs? aquariums to Britain Letters, news and views from our readers

Send your DAWKINS DESPAIR that a scientist with a faith should either love or hate and that, for Members in both Houses. Sadly, this comments to I am very disappointed at your not be considered decent. The our readers, it was more likely to often leads to disaster. The absence biofeedback, society of biology, sycophantic presentation of the editor implied that one expected be love than hate. In other words, of scientists in parliament is not the charles Darwin egocentric and arrogant Richard response from those with a faith those with a professional interest real problem – many MPs have legal house, 12 roger Dawkins. Two full-page portraits to the interview would be one of in biology would admire his work qualifications, yet parliament still street, london – six portraits in all – seems a hate. These are both incredibly on evolutionary biology, not that manages to pass some remarkably Wc1n 2JU ludicrously cringing acquiescence to generalistic suppositions, made as scientists with a faith would hate poor legislation. or email biologist@ his self-adulation, and an affront to if fact. At least Professor Dawkins him. Your assumptions are therefore The process of consultation on, societyofbiology.org science into the bargain. did admit that there were decent incorrect – not least about my and interpretation of, scientific This is the man who claims to scientists with a faith, even though own beliefs. evidence is vulnerable to abuse and The Biologist prove the impossibility of ‘God’ (a he added his negative spin. political interests take precedence reserves the right supernatural phenomenon) using About half of the members of POLITICS AND POWER over scientific truths. Until that to edit letters where appropriate. the laws of the natural world! This is the Society that I know personally I am stimulated to write in reply to constraint is removed, appointing the man who has made a nice little do have a faith. But if they are not the article ‘Should there be more more scientists will not lead to any earner out of a bigoted, vicious, considered decent scientists, surely scientists in parliament?’ (The significant elevation of the role of unscientific rant against those who our professional code would have Biologist, Vol 60 (1) 10). As an MP science in parliament. dare to question him. In my book, them leave the Society? The Biologist from 1997–2009, I was a member Douglas cross csci cbiol fsb this man is no scientist and I am is surely not the place for derogatory of the Select Committee on Science affronted that any editor of comments and insinuations about and Technology, and chaired it from GRAMMAR GRIPES The Biologist is prepared to dance members who may hold different 2001–2005. Several of us on that The Society, not satisfied with to his tune. views to some of the staff. committee had some experience in sending me email invites – as cedric richmond cbiol msb Dr s Jenkins msb academic and industrial science and opposed to invitations – now proudly had participated in experimental proclaims its appalling grammar It is regrettable that the staff of Editor’s response: Tom Ireland’s sciences for many years. The on the cover of its magazine for all this reputable Society’s magazine excellent interview did indeed ask committee made many reports to see. In the February/March issue should be seen to raise the religious Professor Dawkins ‘Do you think any stimulated by scientific input. We (The Biologist, Vol 60 (1)) there are debate in such a derogatory decent scientist should be an atheist?’ looked into temporary employment that the few scientists who had any should there be pretty abysmal. Certainly it takes two schoolboy howlers of which you fashion without evidence of their The implication, however, is that this contracts, student grants, and many understanding of politics supported more scientists in at least a basic understanding of should be ashamed. Firstly, I doubt statements. I do not refer to question reflects Dawkins’ viewpoint other areas where science played a ministers and Government to help parliament? The scientific principles to be able to very much that that most articulate debate continues. Professor Dawkins’ contribution, and not that of the interviewer. part – biotechnology, terrorism and develop policies inside and outside comprehend what those experts of scientists, Richard Dawkins, would but to that of Sue Nelson and Tom Similarly, in my editorial, I refer international development – and of parliament. say, and if that were to come about, say or write, “... Which I’m not [sic.]”. Ireland. The interviewer asked if to Dawkins’ views on science and into the functioning of research There was no question in my view then parliament might appear to (Curiously, the text of the interview any decent scientist should be an religion resulting in him being councils, even daring to question the that specialists’ expertise was a be better equipped to understand of him [p20] includes the correct use atheist, the implication clearly being ‘a marmite character’ that you Royal Society and its operation. major asset but, as the article in your science than it seems to at present. of an appropriate comma followed by There was a confidence built up magazine shows, others disagree. But scientific literacy within a lower-case ‘which’.) Secondly, I may among scientists in the community, Maybe those who think that science parliament itself does not not have known much about William in the media, charities and other gives sure-footed answers need to address the real problem – that Alford Lloyd, but this much I do organisations. Committee reports practise the art and skills before of the process of collection and know: he brought aquaria to Britain – were taken into these areas and sounding so confident. Certainly the presentation of information before not aquariums. further debates ensued. The science ‘experts’ I knew in parliament were it reaches MPs themselves. There is David feld cbiol msb budget doubled, money was put much more humble. an intermediate filtering mechanism into laboratories in nearly every ian gibson cbiol fsb within Government that dictates Managing editor ToJ Ireland university and indeed, although chair of science and Technology which experts will be hired, the responds: Aquariums and aquaria it was not quite the ‘white heat of committee 2001-05 terms under which they operate, are both accepted plural forms of technology’, there was optimism in and the interpretation of the results aquarium. We chose to go with the air. Having a few scientists in the I wonder if asking whether we of such consultation. ‘Science’ aquariums as it is clearer, especially House of Commons who understood should have more scientists in is subject to intense political for the cover. Breaking Professor these problems really did make a parliament was actually the right manipulation, long before it actually Dawkins’ quote into two sentences difference, as well as an association question (‘Should there be more reaches MPs themselves. was done on the advice of the with other scientists outside scientists in parliament?’, Having served on and reviewed designers, who couldn’t position parliament. The Biologist, Vol 60 (1) 10). the work of expert committees in the words without a comma our interview with I doubt in future if many more Like any other large organisation, the past, I am only too familiar with overhanging into the picture, ‘marmite character’ scientists with experience at the parliament – through its the subtle ways in which expert which we were keen to avoid. richard Dawkins lab bench will come through the departments and agencies – can opinion can be, and is, manipulated I wouldn’t describe either as prompted strong feelings. party political process and end up as hire and fire expertise according to reduce the risks of inconvenient a grammatical howler but I MPs. In my time there was no doubt to need, even if the rates can be evidence being paraded before appreciate your strong feeling.

52 / the BIOLOGISt / Vol 60 No 2 Vol 60 No 2 / the BIOLOGISt / 53 MUSEUM PIECE

BIOLOGICAL ExHIBITS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

#001 LIzARD WITH A TWIN TAIL

Hunterian Museum (The Royal College of Surgeons), London

ondon’s Hunterian MuseuJ is naJed in honour of the L Scottish surgeon John Hunter (8728–93). Hunter started collecting speciJens of lizards and other aniJals while working as an arJy surgeon in the 8760s. As well as his Jilitary duties, he found tiJe to collect and study the local fauna and was particularly interested in studying the regeneration of tails in lizards. Hunter brought this speciJen back froJ Portugal, where he served froJ 8762-63. NorJally regeneration in lizards occurs when the tail is fully detached, but in this case the first tail was not fully separated. “This speciJen is one of Jany collected by John Hunter that show various developJental or pathological anoJalies. He was fascinated with the natural world and the Jany ways an organisJ could grow or develop,” explains Milly Farrell, acting curator at the Hunterian MuseuJ. “This lizard is unusual as it has Hunter believed that surgeons hunter’s specimen an experiJental basis to surgical developed two tails. One is the original should understand how the body developed an practice. His collection of over tail which suffered an injury while adapted to and coJpensated for extra tail as a 84,000 preparations of Jore than result of an injury. forJing, the second is a new tail that daJage due to injury, disease or 500 species was purchased by the was grown as a result of the injury. environJental changes. By the GovernJent in 8799, and given to the It is yet another fascinating exaJple 8780s Hunter was one of the leading CoJpany of Surgeons, now known as of the Jany wonders of the aniJal teachers of surgery of his tiJe and the Royal College of Surgeons. world which caught John Hunter’s is reJeJbered as a founder of www.rcseng.ac.uk/museums/ attention over 200 years ago.” ‘scientific surgery’, seeking to provide hunterian

54 / the BIOLOGISt / Vol 60 No 2 12-18 October Biology Week is a celebration of all aspects of the biosciences. For more information, including ways that you can get involved, visit: www.societyofbiology.org/biologyweek

WIN A £25 BOOK Crossword TOKEN We’ve doubled the challenge in this issue’s biology brain-buster

Across Volume 60 no 2 compiled by Doug Stanford definition, the down answers are too. 8 Somewhat crazy, got examined (6) Good luck. 9 In the style of (3) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 Save trouble (4) 8 9 10 How to enter 11 Phosphorus content in some earth To be in with a chance of winning a high (10) £25 book token please send us your 12 hard to be left out of 3 (4) 11 12 completed puzzles by 29th April 2013. 13 Damaged lining (6) Please include your naJe, address 15 Thrashing etc. with a cane (8) and JeJbership nuJber with your 16 Dread time he comes in (7) 13 14 15 entry – an eJail address would 17 Most vocal participating in be handy too. Post your entries to:

commotion (7) 16 17 18 19 Crossword, The Biologist, Society of 21 Novel ringtone (8) Biology, Charles Darwin House, 12 24 Study part of decay (6) 20 Roger Street, London, WC1N 2JU. 25 Stay wild at heart (4) 21 22 23 24 26 Brine fever at sea (5,5) Winners 28 Without leaders I’m boss (4) Well done to last issue’s winners, Mrs 29 I heard (3) 25 26 27 Anne Cutforth CBiol MSB and Ms 30 Bit of soil absorbed by underground Tessa Parkes. Book tokens on the way.

parts of plant (6) 28 29 30 Last issue’s solution Down Vol 60 No 1 1 Strange insect with eyes in the centre (8) 2 Perform function (4) 20 At home about to get into bed (7) 3 One savaged by press (8) 22 I am to leave in a second (6) 4 Depressed area, nice when one 23 Doctor briefly worked with gene (6) leaves (7) 27 One has no right coming back (4) 5 Per annum what you might pay for flat (6) 6 Wild little island clad with cacti (6,4) This issue 7 Information age (6) This puzzle doubles the challenge of 14 Ruin at last repaired (10) the normal Crossword format. Not 18 Over it zebra starts off (8) only are the across answers from the 19 Place I’d rented (8) world of biology and clued without a

Vol 60 No 2 / the BIOLOGISt / 55 FINAL WORD DR MARK DOWNS FSB, ChIeF eXeCUtIVe, SOCIetY OF BIOLOGY

LEARNING CURVE uring the Society’s first curriculum as effective as possible, here, too, we are working with other three years, few policy there is still no requirement for learned societies to promote and areas saw more turmoil academies and free schools to follow better support interdisciplinary than education. We all its structure and content. learning and advocate for its agree that education With the Government’s aim to appropriate assessment. isD critical, but it is a major concern get more than 50% of schools to The skills agenda is also critical. that in the never ending quest for become academies, some of us are To help bridge the gap between perfection, successive governments starting to wonder whether the effort education and skills, from a policy have changed the system in ways invested in helping government perspective, the Departments that create confusion and concern move in the right direction has been for Education and for Business, for teachers. wasted. The turmoil is not limited Innovation and Skills now hold Michael Gove’s announcement to state maintained schools either. regular joint ministerial meetings to that GCSEs will no longer The impact of student loan reform which learned societies are invited. be replaced with English has yet to be established and there is At the most recent, universities and Baccalaureate Certificates was concern that lack of grants for taught science minister David Willetts and seen by some as a positive response master’s degree courses could mean education minister Elizabeth Truss to a consultation exercise. The access is based on the ability to pay engaged in helpful discussion. Department for Education said rather than ability to learn. The message that I hope they this is about government listening It’s essential that we continue to be took home was that looking at to stakeholders, and there is some positive. In one sense, the investment educational content is not enough. truth in that argument. The issue in the work to date will never be As the SCORE collaboration is why don’t governments listen to wasted if it builds relationships has constantly made clear, it advice earlier? The concerns about which work in the longer term, and is assessment that is critical. If education reform are not new. If a allow policy influence at an earlier students and their teachers know transparent consultation process stage. The Society works closely that certain items in the curriculum Looking at or public dialogue took place much with the collaborative group SCORE are never examined, there is no educational earlier in policy development we (Science Community Representing incentive to learn these. content would all be better off. Education) where we partner with We remain hopeful that the is not But the current pause for the Royal Society of Chemistry, the positive way in which both ministers enough. It is thought is not all good news. The Association for Science Education, and civil servants have tried to engage Government has stepped back from the Institute of Physics and the with professional bodies will lead to assessment policies like single examination Royal Society. a better system for encouraging and that is critical boards for each subject or group of Interdisciplinary learning is assessing learners – but things may subjects. And despite everybody’s central to the ethos of Scotland’s have changed yet again by the time work to make the new national Curriculum for Excellence and this article is published.

56 / the BIOLOGISt / Vol 60 No 2

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