Biologist-Archive
eTHE SOCIETY OF BIOLOGY MAGAZINE ■ ISSN 000Biologist6 3347 ■ SOCIETYOFBIOLOGY.ORG VOL 60 NO 5 ■ OCT/NOV 2013
EVENTS WILDLIFE CALENDAR WARNING INSIDE How disease from domestic 2013 animals could wipe out iconic endangered species
MYCOLOGY RESEARCH BIOGRAPHY RICH PICKINGS FACT AND FISSIONN ALFRED RUSSEL WALLACE Exploring treasures Using neutrons to e legacy of a great in the fungal kingdom study biomaterials Victorian scientist New from Garland Science Biology of Aging Roger McDonald
Biology of Aging presents the biological principles that have led to a new understanding of the causes of aging and describes how these basic principles help one to understand the human experience of biological aging, longevity, and age-related disease. Intended for undergraduate biology students, it describes how the rate of biological aging is measured; explores the mechanisms underlying cellular aging; discusses the genetic pathways that affect longevity in various organisms; outlines the normal age-related changes and the functional decline that occurs in physiological systems over the lifespan; and considers the implications of modulating the August 2013 • 360pp • 239 illus rate of aging and longevity. The book also Pb: 978-0-8153-4213-7 • £42.00 includes end-of-chapter discussion questions to help students assess their knowledge of the material. TABLE OF CONTENTS: 1. Basic Concepts in the Biology of Aging 2. Measuring Biological Aging 3. Evolutionary Theories of Longevity and Aging 4. Cellular Aging 5. Genetics of Longevity 6. Plant Senescence 7. Human Longevity 8. The Physiology of Human Aging 9. Age-Related Disease in Humans 10. Modulating Aging and Longevity
INSTRUCTOR RESOURCES • Question Bank • Figures from the book in PowerPoint and jpeg formats • Answers to end-of-chapter questions • Sample syllabus STUDENT RESOURCES • Answers to end-of-chapter questions • Online flashcards and glossary
www.garlandscience.com/aging
Issue 5 - BOA - Draft 1.indd 1 01/07/2013 15:16:17 eTHE SOCIETY OFBiologist BIOLOGY MAGAZINE
Volume 60 No 5 October/November 2013 Contents 30
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IN THIS ISSUE
8 Biology Week 22 Who was… Alfred THE SOCIETY OF BIOLOGY MAGAZINE ■ ISSN 0006 3347Biologiste ■ SOCIETYOFBIOLOGY.ORG VOL 60 NO 5 ■ OCT/NOV 2013 News
EVENTS WILDLIFE CALENDAR calendar Russel Wallace? INSIDE WARNING 4 Society news How disease from domestic 2013 The events you don’t want to James Williams explores the animals could wipe out iconic endangered species 40 Members miss this month. legacy of this important Victorian scientist 100 years after his death. 43 Branches 10 Opinion: The journals they Regulars are a-changin' 26 Cats on camera MYCOLOGY RESEARCH BIOGRAPHY 3 Nelson’s column RICH PICKINGS FACT AND FISSION ALFRED RUSSEL WALLACE Exploring treasures Using neutrons to e legacy of a great Eva Amsen on the trend for more Cat expert Roger Tabor on in the fungal kingdom study biomaterials Victorian scientist open peer reviews. tracking our feline friends. Cover00_BIO_60_5_COVERS_V2.indd 1 photo: Mark Higgins/19/09/2013 10:28 10 Opinion Shutterstock 12 Policy update 14 Pets and pestilence 30 Finding fungi 38 Spotlight Diseases in domestic pets can Maurice Moss marks UK Fungus 49 Reviews devastate wild populations, Day with a forest foray. 26 53 Biofeedback reports John Bonner. 54 Museum piece 34 The ‘science’ in sci-fi 55 Crossword
TRAN KA 18 Subatomic science Discworld’s Dr Jack Cohen on E
P Tom Ireland meets biologists putting the science into 56 Final word
JOHN working in a nuclear reactor. science fiction.
Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / THE BIOLOGIST Vol 60 No 5 October/November 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 e 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 DISCOVERIES EXTREMOPHILES website for further details. Our idea of what can survive at extreme depths has changed dramatically since the 19th century biologists regarded such discoveries British naturalist eBiologist any natural philosophers Edward Forbes only as exceptions to Forbes’ in the 17th century believed that life untarnished rule. Any organisms assumed that all living could not exist that lived in the cold and dark must M below 600m be scavengers, the thinking went, organisms were visible to the underwater surviving on decaying matter drifting naked eye and were surprised when down from the sunlit waters above. e Biologist is produced on behalf contemporaries, such as Antony Of course, for any organism van Leeuwenhoek in Holland trying to stay alive at such and Robert Hooke in England, depths, the dearth of discovered life so small it food would not be the could be seen only through only problem. Thriving a magnifying lens. There ecosystems need a steady of the Society of Biology by were whole microcosms in supply of energy, and a drop of water. there was precious little In subsequent on the ocean fl oor – or so years, some naturalists biologists thought. assumed upper limits on an organism’s size. Then, ink Publishing Ltd. Deep sea worlds in the 19th century, natural In 1977, geologists John Corliss philosophers discovered the of Oregon State University and remains of creatures that had John Edmond of MIT were using A WINDOW roamed the Earth for millions of the research submarine Alvin to years, many larger than any land investigate an area of the ocean 124-128 Barlby Road animal known. By the 20th century, natural fl oor in the eastern Pacifi c north- east of the Galápagos Islands. In this philosophers had come to be called area a camera lowered by a research scientists and the subcategory of ship had photographed live white scientists termed biologists were BIOGRAPHY clams, a full 2km below the surface. discovering countless examples both London W10 6BL When Corliss and Edmond neared of life’s ingenuity and of nature’s the site, they found the temperature ability to overturn assumptions. of the water in the vicinity to be Nonetheless, they expected that life a few degrees warmer than they had ultimate limits (especially in expected and directed Alvin’s pilot regard to temperature and pressure), to take the submarine in a direction ON THE LIFE and that there were environments so www.thinkpublishing.co.uk where the water seemed warmer hostile that they could not support still. When they crested a ridge, even the most robust organism. David Toomey is Alvin’s lights illuminated an oasis One such environment was the an associate of life – white clams, mussels, ocean fl oor. In the 19th century, professor of TOXICOLOGY crabs and fi sh. it was generally assumed that English and director FOOD SCARE STORIES of the Professional The two geologists hurriedly used 020 8962 3020 all oceanic life depended on the Writing and Alvin’s mechanical arm to collect photosynthesis of plankton and Technical samples of everything it could other microorganisms in the sunlit Communication reach. Later, when scientists aboard waters that extended a few metres Program at the Alvin’s parent ship studied the water below the surface. University of In 1830, British naturalist Edward Massachusetts- samples and heard Corliss and Amherst. His other Edmond’s report, they concluded Forbes noted that because sunlight The books include that the geologists had happened SCIENCES could not penetrate deeper than New Time upon a place where scalding hot about 600m, plankton could not Travelers: A THE OUTER water was issuing up through survive below that depth and Journey to the thousands of cracks in a patch of photosynthesis could not operate. It Frontiers of Physics and Stormchasers: ocean fl oor 100m across. followed that because there could be Design the Hurricane This phenomenon has since no photosynthesis, and no basis for Hunters and their become known as a hydrothermal a food chain, there could be no life. Flight into vent and is understood to be LIMITS On occasion, someone did fi nd Hurricane Janet. explores how our perception organisms at lower depths but 21 David Toomey THE BIOLOGIST / WHAT’S Vol 60 No 4 / e Biologist is a bi-monthly magazine of life on Earth has changed through the ages Alistair McGown YOUR POISON?28/08/2013 15:24 / Vol 60 No 4 (published six times a year) that covers 20 / THE BIOLOGIST Production editor Dr Barbara Hall 20_BIO_60_4_WEIRD_LIFE.indd 20-21 uses the principles of toxicology to cut through common Clare Harris the full richness and diversity of biology. misconceptions about the dangers Science is brought to life with stimulating and of everyday chemicals Sub editors
his summer the Royal Society of Obstetricians and and acetaldehyde in the pumpkin Gynaecologists was criticised and apple pies, and the coffee was T against predators1,9,10 for advising pregnant women to a cocktail of 14 substances that . In particular, Sam Bartlett, Sian Campbell, authoritative features, while topical pieces Gold et al10 have estimated that ‘play it safe’ and avoid chemicals cause cancer in rodents. Black tea an average American ingests found in many common household contained benzopyrenes, and benzyl daily some 1,500mg of naturally products. Were they right to issue acetate was found in jasmine tea. occurring pesticides. In contrast, such worrisome advice about widely This flavoursome meal was washed daily exposure to synthetic pesticide used chemicals? down with wine – ethyl alcohol – a residues in food has been reported by Andrew Littlefield human liver carcinogen. discuss science policy, new developments We live in a toxic world. This the Food and Drug Administration is both a matter of opinion and All these substances are chemicals as 0.09mg per person per day. a matter of fact. Unfortunately, and that’s where facts and opinions Many of the naturally occurring opinions rarely correspond with first diverge. There are chemicals dietary pesticides have tested the facts, because real toxicological from which life, the universe and positive in rodent carcinogenicity information is the privilege of everything is made; and there are experiments10 Publisher or controversial issues. Aimed at biologists professionals and rarely shared with ‘chemicals’ that carry the emotional . It must be kept in mind that the figure of 99.9% of the the public. Do we live despite toxins baggage of negative opinions, despite ingested pesticides applies equally or is our life sustained by them? toxins especially if they are not ‘natural’. sustained by them? to conventionally produced and In 2000, the American Council The aroma and flavour of a organically grown crops. on Science and Health created a good strawberry is made up Even everyday substances are tongue-in-cheek ‘holiday dinner of more than 400 chemical Benzene and John Innes everywhere, its straightforward style also phenol are among familiar to toxicologists as having menu’ to remind us to exercise components, including benzene the components potentially toxic effects. Drinking caution when thinking about (a human carcinogen) and phenol of strawberries’ 3.5 to 5 litres of water is a lethal chemical safety. The menu looked (a neurotoxin). Furfural (a rodent taste and aroma acute dose for a human pretty unremarkable except for carcinogen and a hepatotoxin) is 2 while some unexpected ingredients. All of the principal component of the VOL 60 NO 4 ■ AUG/SEP 2013 [email protected] ■ ■ them were naturally occurring – and ‘freshly baked’ aroma of bread, makes it ideal for educators and students at THE SOCIETY OF BIOLOGY MAGAZINE ISSN 0006 3347 SOCIETYOFBIOLOGY.ORG eBiologistall were in fact rodent carcinogens. whereas the really ‘buttery’ butter gets its aroma from diacetyl, a The carcinogenic dinner menu human pulmonary toxin. There were hydrazines in cream of mushroom soup; caffeic acid in Consuming pesticides all levels, as well as the interested amateur. carrots, celery, tomatoes and green Many chemical pesticides are salad; furfural and aflatoxins in the consumed every day by us all. nuts; and heterocyclic amines in The overwhelming majority of 28 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 4 roast turkey and roast beef. Desserts these, estimated at some 99.9% had a sprinkle of benzopyrenes of the total, are natural pesticides produced by plants as defence Non-member rates: £116.00
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28/08/2013 15:21 Submissions of interesting and timely THE SOCIETY OF BIOLOGY MAGAZINE ■ e ISSN 0006 3347 ■ SOCIETYOFBIOLOGY.ORG ISSN 0006-3347 BiologistVOL 60 NO 3 ■ JUNE/JULY 2013 articles, short opinion pieces and
letters are welcome. Articles should be THE SOCIETY OF BIOLOGY MAGAZINE ■ e ISSN 0006 3347 ■ SOCIETYOFBIOLOGY.ORG ■ Advertising in e Biologist represents an BiologistVOL 60 NO 2 APR/MAY 2013 aimed at a non-specialist audience and INTERVIEW unparalleled opportunity to reach a large convey your enthusiasm and expertise. DIGGING DEEP community of professional biologists. Instructions for authors are available TV's Alice Roberts talks anatomy TOUCH on the Society’s website or on request and archaeology WOOD For advertising information contact from the editorial office. Contact How arboreta can protect Tom Tiffin, [email protected] CREATING A BUZZ the UK’s forests [email protected] e trend for city hives and what it means for our bees Ian Carter, [email protected] MICROBIOLOGY INTERVIEW TAXIDERMY EXTREME SPECIES IMRAN KHAN STILL LIFE Organisms that change Meet the rising star e resurgence of 020 7183 1815 the way we view life of British science a forgotten craft
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PHARMACOLOGY RESEARCH 2 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 RADIOACTIVE REMEDIES INTERVIEW GET INVOLVED Fighting cancer with e 10 best citizen BRUCE HOOD Psychology, neuroscience rare radioisotopes science biology projects and our sense of self
00_BIO_60_3_COVERS.indd 1 GENETICS BIOPHYSICS RESEARCH CRACKING THE CODE QUANTUM BIOLOGY BUILDER BIRDS 22/05/2013 14:30 A decade on from the Cutting-edge physics for human genome project Factors aff ecting biological problems nest sizes
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26/03/2013 10:01 Nelson’s Column
evoting a week to a to the renowned Victorian scientist. cause is practically a On page 22, James Williams national pastime. Apart explains how the son of a bankrupt from October’s Biology solicitor helped change the way we Week, 2013 has hosted view life itself. NationalD Science & Engineering Not surprisingly, nationally Week, National Astronomy Week, allocated days or weeks are sometimes National Gardening Week, National shared. Biology Week, for instance, Dragonfly Week plus, coming up at overlaps with National Baking Week the end of November, National Tree and Chocolate Week – surely a Week, timed to coincide with the potential collaboration in the making. start of the winter tree planting It also includes UK Fungus Day. season. There was also National Details of mycology related events Storytelling Week, UK Coffee Week around the UK can be found in our and, planned for 2014, National Finding Fungi feature (pages 30-33) Obesity Awareness Week (no doubt where Maurice Moss celebrates some building on National Childhood of our extraordinary fungi. Obesity Awareness Week which took Britain doesn’t have a National place earlier this year). Nuclear Science Week – not yet In this respect, after last year’s Biology anyway – but America does in the successful launch, Biology Week is Week is week after Biology Week. So good very much the new kid on the block. very much timing for our feature on the use of The Tree Council, for instance, has the new nuclear reactors for cutting edge been running National Tree Week biological research (pages 18-21). since 1975. But Biology Week 2012 kid on The feature’s author, Tom Ireland, caught the public’s imagination and the block. also meets up with the colourful this year – apart from events, a National reproductive biologist Dr Jack Cohen roadshow, a house spider app and Tree Week for our main interview and uncovers another flying ant survey – there is has been a career that includes aliens, science the Society of Biology’s first ever Book fiction and the science of Terry Awards. As one of the judges, I can running Pratchett’s Discworld. assure you that the quality of biology since 1975 Last but not least, John Bonner’s books out there is astonishing. Find fascinating cover story Pets and out who wins in the next issue. Pestilence (page 14-17) examines In 2009, it was both the 200th the effects of diseases and parasites anniversary year of Charles Darwin’s carried by humans and pets on wild birth and the 150th anniversary of animal populations. Surprisingly, the publication of On the Origin of there isn’t a National Pet Week Species. There were celebrations and scheduled for 2013. I checked. Darwin seasons at museums, There was a National Pet Month galleries and on television networks instead. It lasted 36 days. Forget around the world. Now it’s Alfred Biology Week, we need a National Russel Wallace’s turn to take some Maths Week. Fast. posthumous glory for his independent role in developing the theory of evolution. The Natural History Museum has devoted 100 events to Wallace’s life and legacy and, as November 2013 is the 100th anniversary of his death, this issue’s Biologist also pays tribute Sue Nelson, Editor
Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 3 Society announces Society News new president 2013 Calendar see p8 NEWS IN BRIEF The number of females taking FEE CHANGES ANNOUNCED biology remains significantly higher Changes to the Society’s than the number of males (37,000 membership fees are to come into and 27,000 respectively). Provisional effect from January 2014. results show 71% of students passed Having managed to either freeze at C or higher and just over one in or reduce fees over the last four four (26%) achieved an A or A*. years, the Society has also grown This year’s GCSE results are significantly, and to help continue the first to be awarded following to grow and develop our activities, changes to make the exams more unrestricted income is key. Council challenging. In individual sciences, has therefore decided fees must the proportion of students achieving rise from next year. e Society has a C or above was down by at least tried to keep any increases close to two percentage points. Further the rate of inflation. reforms are also being implemented, ■ For those at the MSB grade with more in the pipeline. paying £116, the fee will increase to Dr Mark Downs, chief executive £120 (retired rate from £58 to £60). of the Society, said he was still ■ For Fellows, the fee will go from concerned about getting the new £162 to £168 (£81 to £84 for look exams right. “While we are retired Fellows). delighted to see an increase of 5% Fees will continue to be frozen in the number of students sitting for early career MSBs and all other biology at GCSE, we continue to individual membership grades. have concerns regarding the rapid pace of planned reforms. LAST CHANCE FOR “It is important that the impact Professor TRAVEL GRANTS Biology most popular of these changes is carefully Dame Jean Twenty grants of up to £500 are monitored. Students with an interest Thomas available each year from the Society in science should be able to progress Hon FSB for innovative biology-related science A level smoothly and successfully from projects abroad. For this year, GCSEs to A levels and we remain rofessor Dame Jean Thomas an organisation that is only four members should get applications his year’s provisional A level compared with 63,000 in 2012. disappointed that the Government Hon FSB will succeed Dame years old, the impact the Society to us by 31st October. See www. results show biology is the most Just under 52,000 took chemistry is reforming the two qualifications PNancy Rothwell as the has already made is impressive, societyofbiology.org/travelgrant T popular science in UK sixth and 35,500 took physics. Almost via two different, and apparently Society’s president. particularly in science policy and forms and colleges. The number of Biology, chemistry and physics disconnected, processes.” Dame Jean has been master of biology education. COURSES GALORE students studying GCSE biology has accounted for nearly 18% of A levels 64,000 The Society’s recent response St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, “This is a very exciting time to e Society is extending its range also increased for a second consecutive in 2013, a rise of 23,000 candidates students to a Department for Education since 2007 and is emeritus professor get involved with the Society, and of training courses for members. In year as students move away from the from four years ago. Maths and took A level consultation on reformed GCSE of macromolecular biochemistry at I am looking forward to working addition to the training the Society older double science award. English remain the most popular biology subject content is available at the university. She continues to lead with the Council and staff on the Haymeadowsalready offers, proposed new topics Almost 64,000 students took A levels, with almost 90,000 www.societyofbiology.org/ a small team studying the structure challenges ahead.” ininclude Romania, understanding science A level biology courses this year, students taking each one. policy/consultation-responses and dynamics of chromatin and Dame Jean succeeds Dame above,policy, the biology focus drawing, returning to associated proteins. Nancy Rothwell, who has been ofwork, Barbara good laboratory practice and Dame Jean is the first female president since 2009. Dame Knowles’bird song (below identification. centre) work master of St Catharine’s, which dates Nancy said: “It has been a Members are encouraged to
The author’s message that urban based on research conducted in back to 1473. She is vice president fascinating four years as the suggest ideas for useful courses.
beekeeping may not be the THE SOCIETY OF BIOLOGY MAGAZINE ■ ISSN 0006 3347Biologiste ■ SOCIETYOFBIOLOGY.ORG VOL 60 NO 4 ■ AUG/SEP 2013 London, found a high density of and biological secretary of the Royal first president of the Society, e Society already runs courses on CREATING answer to declining honeybee beehives but a relative paucity of Society, and was created a Dame and a real pleasure working with topics including nature photography
populations was reported by suitable flowers which provide the ISS Commander of the Order of the Outgoing my colleagues on Council and with and non-technical writing. President Dame
A BUZZ The Telegraph, The Guardian bees’ food. A high density of hives PU RK British Empire (DBE) for services to members of staff. I’m so pleased that
and BBC Nature, as well as could even be bad for honeybees biochemistry in 2004. Nancy Rothwell Jean is taking over from me, and I NNE he Biologist’s August/ international news sites like and other flower-visiting insects On her new role, Dame Jean look forward to seeing the Society go September cover feature on MSN and National Public as it risks overtaxing the available said: “It’s a real honour to become from strength to strength.” OCIE TY/A urban beekeeping attracted Radio in the US. CREATING A BUZZ nectar and pollen supply, and S president, succeeding Nancy, who The Society has also awarded e trend for city hives and what it means for our bees
T INTERVIEW TAXIDERMY MICROBIOLOGY widespread attention from media The article, by researchers potentially encourages the spread has done a truly excellent job as physicist Professor Brian Cox an IMRAN KHAN STILL LIFE EXTREME SPECIES Meet the rising star e resurgence of Organisms that change of British science a forgotten craft the way we view life ROYAL Check out our new website: outlets in the UK and abroad. from the University of Sussex and of diseases. the Society’s first president and honorary fellowship for his work in 00_BIO_60_4_COVER_AMENDED.indd 1 28/08/2013 15:17 thebiologist.societyofbiology.org
©THE will be a hard act to follow. For communicating science to the public.
4 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 www.societyofbiology.org/news www.societyofbiology.org/news Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 5 SOCIETY NEWS SINGAPORE TIE¯UP/DERRICK THOMAS/TEACHER OF THE YEAR/SPIDER APP/ANT SURVEY/OLYMPIAD
The Society is making links Professor with Singapore Derrick Thomas Spider reports crawl in males are readily distinguished from CBiol FSB females by what look like a pair of 1944-2013 ‘boxing gloves’ protruding from near the spider’s mouth on their pedipalps. errick Thomas These pedipalps are used to transfer Dinvented sperm into the female. novel pasture Dr Rebecca Nesbit, from management the Society of Biology, said systems and entomologists may be able to gain made a lifelong valuable insights into when house contribution to spiders mate. “The number seen in tropical agricultural houses increases in the autumn, and development. we want to know the timing. Is it the Derrick graduated in same time everywhere in the UK? agriculture at the University Is it the same time each year? Is it College of North Wales, Bangor related to weather conditions?” in 1966, and completed a PhD at Professor Adam Hart from the Oxford in grassland weed biology. University of Gloucestershire said: Determined to follow a career in “Many species of spider can take a tropical agriculture, he obtained a wrong turn and end up in homes by postgraduate diploma in tropical mistake. These generally die unless agriculture at the University of they find their way back out as it is Queensland in 1970. too warm and dry in our homes and Derrick then developed a novel there is no food available to them. approach using multi-purpose A new app will A small number of spiders, however, trees in smallholder beef systems let you report have adapted to living spider sightings while working in Malawi for indoors. The Spider Society signs the UK Ministry of Overseas in da House app Development, before returning iology enthusiasts across send details to us. The project builds also has photos to lecture in tropical agricultural the UK have been busily on the success of the Society’s flying and information Adam development at Edinburgh. B reporting arachnid sightings ant survey, which has received over to help identify Hart Singapore deal In South America, he worked in response to the Society’s first 10,000 responses since it the spiders we on tropical pastures in Brazil and ever house spider survey. was launched last year. share our he Society has signed mutual support internationally. Colombia, developing biotically Anyone who sees a spider The large, hairy house spiders homes with.” a memorandum of BioSingapore was established in adapted forages for extremely indoors is encouraged to report commonly seen in UK homes belong For more information T understanding with the May 2004 as an industry association e two acid and infertile soils on that their sighting online (using the link to the Tegenaria genus. Each autumn, about house spiders, and to submit Southeast Asian life sciences for life sciences businesses in societies continent. This transformed the below) or download a specially made male house spiders come indoors in sightings or download our app, see association BioSingapore. Singapore. Its chairman Simranjit commercial use of such land, not app to help identify the spider and search of a mate. In Tegenaria spiders, www.societyofbiology.org/spider The collaboration means the Singh said the collaboration between will foster only in South America but also in Society and the Singapore-based the two societies will “encourage Singapore’s Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. group will jointly promote life science and foster Singapore’s bioscience bioscience In 1989, Derrick was appointed conferences and events. Individual enterprises” and help further enterprises head of the Plant Sciences UK medals at Biology Olympiad members of both associations will “popular awareness, comprehension Division at the International from around the world at Bern, Flying ants peak on also receive reciprocal benefits and and support for the life sciences.” Livestock Centre for Africa in Switzerland. The team comprised Ethiopia, before joining the UK the top four students from the British 1st August Natural Resources Institute (NRI) Biology Olympiad, a competition lying ants were sighted at the University of Greenwich. organised by the Society of Biology’s Fearly this year and were Teacher of the Year awards open In 1999, he was appointed UK Biology Competitions special seen regularly in the last he Society’s Primary Science 2013’s Biology is run by the Primary Science professor of Tropical Agricultural interest group. week of July. A large peak, TTeacher and School Biology Primary Science Teaching Trust Awards in association Systems at NRI. He carried out Chief executive Dr Mark Downs however, came on Thursday Teacher of the Year 2014 awards Teacher of the Year with the Society of Biology. consultancy work in some 38 offered his congratulations to 1st August. Sightings were Kulvinder Johal are now open for entries. Nominations may be suggested countries and helped contribute Scarlett Harris, Matthew Johnston, reported from around the UK, The Biology Teacher award, by teachers, teaching colleagues, to over 100 publications on Katherine Lister and Anna Sozanska: with particularly high numbers sponsored by Oxford University parents of students, school governors international agricultural “They are positive role models for in Manchester and Sheffield. Closer Press in conjunction with UK 3B and head teachers. The nominated research and development. other students and show the UK’s analysis of data from the flying ant survey will Scientific Ltd and the National teacher also needs to be involved Passionate about opera and ritish students returned from capability in the life sciences at a reveal regional patterns. Science Learning Centre, aims to in the nomination process. Welsh Rugby, Derrick enjoyed Bthe 24th International Biology time when international competition Entomologist Dr Rebecca Nesbit said: “We saw a recognise the very best and most See www.societyofbiology.org/ singing in choirs and was a Olympiad competition with three is stronger than ever.” sudden increase in the number of flying ants reported, inspiring teachers of biology. get-involved/awards-and- devoted family man. He leaves a silvers and a bronze medal. Registration for the Society’s and are very grateful for everyone who has taken the The Primary Teacher award competitions wife Sue; two daughters, Allie and Four of the UK’s most gifted sixth Biology Challenge and British Biology time to log their sightings.” Rossie, and four grandchildren. form students competed against Olympiad competitions will open in www.societyofbiology.org/flyingantsurvey some of the top young biologists late October until 15 January 2014.
6 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 www.societyofbiology.org/news www.societyofbiology.org/news Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 7 BIOLOGY WEEK 2013 WHAT’S ON www.societyofbiology.org/biologyweek
2013 12-18 October
This October sees the Society’s Saturday Sunday UK Fungus Monday Biology Week Roadshow second Biology Week. Seven days of events Day are designed to reach out to 12 13 14 people of all ages and to Science presenter Dr Mike Leahy (right) will be touring his 24 hour lecture about ants and raise the profile and Big To mark UK Fungus Day ‘rainforest bus’ around UK schools, introducing students to bees. Professor Hart will explore understanding of biology. Biology Day, (organised by the British his animals and to global conservation issues. His first the world of the Hymenoptera, Look out for a rainforest Mycological Society) we are appearance is on Monday at the covering topics such as Cambridge encouraging people to go RoR yal Institution. communication in the colony, what we bus at a local school, catch outside and explore their natural Not to be outdone, can learn from ants and honey tasting, part of a 24 hour lecture or Organised by our East Anglia environment. Online resources are entomologist with live demonstrations. The lecture will run from 18:00 on contribute to our debate at branch, this is a hands-on available on our website including ID guides and links Professor Adam Sunday to 18:00 on Monday. The event is open to school the Royal Institution on biology open day for all to citizen science projects. There is a competition to Hart will be groups and adults, and the Society will be contacting schools genetics and criminal members of the family. find the largest ‘fairy ring’. attempting a via Skype throughout the night. responsibility. For those who want to test their Tuesday Wednesday Thursday knowledge, there will be a Biology Parliamentary The Society quiz night at Charles Darwin Week reception of Biology House on Sunday 13th 15 debate 16 17 Awards October, open to all. An evening reception and After the success of last year’s celebration of biology in A celebration for the winners and highly Here’s our guide to the main debate on saving the panda, this parliament, in partnership commended entrants of the Society’s events around the country, year our Biology Week panel debate with the Biotechnology and photography, book and science communication but please do see the tackles genetics. Specifically, how Biological Sciences awards. Prizes for top students from our modern advances in the study of Research Council. accredited degree programmes and our Society’s regional pages genetics and behaviour might Professor Tim Benton from Animals in Research essay competition. for other events happening influence decisions about criminal Global Food Security will be Held at the King’s Fund, London. near you. responsibility. Held at The Royal speaking on the theme of The 2012 winning photograph was ‘Farming Institution, London. food waste. the sea’, right, by Wong ChiKe ung. For more information or to attend an event please visit: www.societyofbiology.org/ Friday Biology Week House Spider App biologyweek in schools Following the success of the Flying Ant To get involved in Biology Week 18 Survey, the Society this year launched its 2014 contact rebeccanesbit@ We have again received thousands of reports of second citizen science project: a survey of the societyofbiology.org A range of exercises and resources are available to when and where flying ants have been spotted in UK’s house spiders. The large, hairy spiders encourage schools to consider the environmental issues the UK this summer. Last year’s data, from 6,000 commonly seen in UK homes belong to the associated with food production and food waste. We’re also reports, helped entomologists study ants’ mating Tegenaria genus, and males move indoors at encouraging schools to show our animated video on the habits and investigate what conditions might this time of year to find a mate. theme, which you can see online (www.societyofbiology. trigger their annual nuptial flight. The Society has even developed an org/biologyweek). Schools may also like to organise their There appeared to be a spike in sightings on the app, ‘Spider in da house’, to help members own events or take part in our house spider survey. In some 1st August, but this year’s full data will be presented identify and record house spiders throughout areas Biology Week coincides with half term, in which case by Professor Adam Hart during his 24 hour lecture the autumn. you may wish to celebrate it the following week! attempt (see Monday 14th above). See www.societyofbiology.org/spider
8 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 9 Some labs had used erroneous Opinion control strains
Nature Publishing Group and eLife is led by former PLoS publishing director Mark Patterson. PeerJ was co-founded by former PLOS One publisher Pete Binfield. Publishing reviewer names and reports has several benefits for researchers, and for research as a whole. Referees can take public credit for reviewing; authors are likely to receive more constructive feedback from referees; and readers get a better understanding of the context of the work and the community effort of science. The process of academic peer review is most visible at F1000Research, which publishes Control your controls articles online after an initial check and carries out post-publication peer review. Referees are selected Is your biological material what you was published in the national press and invited as for any other journal so reputations were tarnished. but their reports are published, think it is? It’s crucial you find out, Incorrect biological materials with reviewer name, on the same mattered significantly in this case2. page as the article. If an author writes Julie E Russell The lack of attention when needs to make revisions, a new sourcing and controlling control e journals they version of the paper is published cientists on the whole are analyses carried out in our own strains and biological test material with its own citation and both careful when selecting laboratories indicated clearly may partly be caused by the versions are linked. Once the paper the instruments, kits and that six of the eight labs were Julie E Russell CBiol perception that new, authenticated S MSB has been head receives sufficient positive ratings reagents in their research or actually using a different strain. of Public Health products are expensive (more than are a-changin’ from referees, it will be indexed in test procedures. But many seem Most of the volunteer laboratories £50 for an NCTC culture). Yet the England’s Culture external databases, such as PubMed. to overlook the importance of had obtained their strains from Collections since cost implications of this oversight It’s not just open access driving change in publishing. But F1000Research is not the sourcing and controlling their a long-established bioresource – April 2012. Prior to can be huge, as are the implications only place you might find scientific control strains and biological the National Collection of Type that, she was head of reporting misleading results or Eva Amsen explores open peer review of PHE food and papers which have not been peer test materials. Cultures (NCTC). However, in water proficiency reaching unfounded conclusions, ioMed Central launched the review. F1000Research operates reviewed – because preprint servers In 2010 I ran a study on behalf some cases, the strain was bought testing schemes for or even advising inappropriate first open access journals for a post-publication peer review are making their way into biology of Public Health England (PHE) to more than 10 years ago. In others microbiology. treatments. Bbiologists more than a decade model (discussed below) and publishing. This is an established look at control strains used in food there were no recorded details of Many countries have national ago. Since then, open access has shows all referee reports and practice in the physics community, microbiology testing laboratories. when it was bought, how it was bioresource centres; some of the become an established publishing names with each article. At PeerJ, with the preprint server arXiv, Eight laboratories volunteered, all stored or how many times it had more established centres have global model for the life sciences and open-peer review is optional, which also contains a few biology with excellent reputations and all been subcultured (passaged) – distribution networks providing now several biomedical journals but 40% of reviewers choose to papers. But in April PeerJ launched a accredited by the United Kingdom even though it is well established authenticated, characterised are exploring even further issues sign their names to their referee preprint server for the biological and Accreditation Service (UKAS), to a that frequent subculture of biological materials. PHE operates around openness and access. reports and 80% of authors opt Eva Amsen medical sciences (PeerJ PrePrints) challenging international standard. bacterial strains may cause genetic a unique biological resource, holds a PhD in One of the trends in publishing is to publish the reports with their biochemistry and the repository Figshare also We asked the labs to send us mutations and phenotypic changes. consisting of four collections of cell an increase in the transparency of published paper. These numbers from the University accepts preprint manuscripts. the control strains that they One worker asked us: “Does it lines (tissue cultures) and micro- the peer review process. show that openness in peer review of Toronto, and Between F1000Research’s not- used routinely in their tests for matter that we have the wrong organisms, and used worldwide as The Frontiers journals allow is becoming more accepted, but is interested in yet-indexed articles and the various four commonly encountered strain?” The impact depends, to a controls for diagnostic tests. authors to communicate directly also hint that referees are still more communication preprint servers and repositories, food-borne pathogenic micro- degree, on the type of test being Nevertheless, there is still much between REFERENCES AND with reviewers and publish reviewer nervous about it than authors. researchers. She is there is a lot of non-peer reviewed organisms: Bacillus cereus, Listeria undertaken, but it can invalidate FURTHER READING to be done to convince scientists names with each accepted article. When multiple publishers are all outreach director content online. With these monocytogenes, Salmonella results. For example, in 2001 a 1 http://onlinelibrary. of the benefits of investing in for F1000Research, wiley.com/ The online journal eLife takes a suddenly opening up peer review, publishing models, researchers have Nottingham and Staphylococcus group of scientists in Scotland doi/10.1111/j.1574- authenticated materials from different approach. It requires it is time to take note. Although an open science more information available. The aureus. The results of our analysis were studying BSE transmission 6968.2011.02320.x/ culture collections. PHE can of referees to collaborate and come to the journals may be new, they are journal for life advantage of immediate publication were compelling1. in sheep brains. After three years’ abstract course advise on best practice for scientists. a unanimous decision, which is then backed by experienced publishers. and deposition is that information is All eight laboratories reported work, last-minute DNA tests 2 www.independent. the procurement and storage of co.uk/news/science/ published with each article. F1000Research is the brainchild of available and accessible if one needs that their control strain for showed they had spent all that how-did-top- biological resources. PeerJ and F1000Research, two Vitek Tracz, who founded BioMed it, but it does mean that, as readers S.aureus was NCTC 6571, time analysing results from cow scientists-mix-up- www.phe-culturecollections.org.uk brains-from-cattle- new journals that publish across Central all those years ago. Frontiers of scientific papers, we need to think also known as the ‘Oxford brains instead. Not only were their and-sheep-631979. and www.gov.uk/government/ all life sciences, also use open-peer was purchased in February by more about what we are reading. Staphylococcus’. However, DNA results invalidated, but the story html organisations/public-health-england
10 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 11 Policy update Your Society needs you
the way Government departments with timely evidence, case studies As the Government shortens consult stakeholders. A key change and advice on our consultation its consultation process, the was that they were no longer responses, briefing notes and required to adhere to the 12 week position statements. increased research and innovation Society needs its members’ consultation duration that was set By completing the Expertise and budget of around €80bn, for expertise more than ever out in the previous Code of Practice Interest fields in your mySociety distribution between 2014 and on Consultation. profile on our website, you can 2020, some of which will certainly At the time, we raised concerns help us to identify member be competitively won by UK aking sure policies affecting that a routine shift towards expertise, potentially giving you research groups. the life sciences are consultations lasting less than 12 the opportunity to engage with Some laboratories rely heavily on M informed by evidence from weeks could prevent important policy issues of relevance to you. this potential investment source, our community is a fundamental stakeholders from proper We greatly value member input, for example the prestigious Marie objective for the Society’s science engagement. The Cabinet Office be it insight into your experiences Curie Fellowship. FP7 and Horizon policy and education teams. replied that the principles were a as a biologist, or detailed evidence 2020 also provide a useful platform Responding to Government “work in progress” and would be and datasets on a specific policy for inter-European collaborations consultations is one of the main reviewed in 2013. issue. Our Science Policy Newsletter that allow scientists to tackle global ways in which we and our members Jackie Caine MSB, Our own review has revealed that and policy web pages also hold senior science matters jointly. This includes many are able to do this, and we dedicate policy officer there are indeed more inquiries with information on open consultations key issues like food security and significant resources to gathering a shorter time in which to respond as that you may want to respond to as climate change, but it also covers evidence and drafting responses to we feared, meaning that in order to an individual. animal research, an essential relevant inquiries. retain our ability to reply on as many Time will tell how the new element of medical science. In the last year we responded in issues that affect the important work consultation principles will affect Interacting with the EU is not several overarching policy areas, of our members as we would like, the outcome and success of policy just about funding opportunities – it such as the priorities and challenges and to ensure in-depth, nuanced developments. The Society will also provides a chance to design and for the science and research responses, we must accelerate our continue to engage with Government influence European and international budget, the Research Council’s expert engagement. and campaign for evidence based projects at an early stage, maximising policy on open access, the National Our individual membership is policy making. We are as strong as the UK’s impact. The EU Directive Curriculum, and the efficiency of the a vast resource of expertise and our membership and greatly value A European flavour on the protection of animals used for secondary school system. We also interest in biological issues and your expertise and contributions. scientific purposes (2010/63/EU) is submit evidence to more specific now more than ever we require For more information, contact e Society is helping to assess how the one example; it marked an important inquiries where our members hold our expert networks to provide us [email protected] UK’s relationship with the European Union step in harmonising standards expertise, such as the strategy for within the EU and consolidated high agricultural technology, or the affects the scientific community standards of animal welfare from vaccination of badgers and cattle in the UK. relation to bovine TB. ot surprisingly, there is concerns included to what extent The UK Bioscience Sector To be comprehensive, consultations currently a high level we should focus engagement on Coalition played an important should draw input from many N of interest in the UK’s the European Parliament, the part in these discussions and the sources: researchers and users of relationship with the European European Council or the European Society’s Animal Science Group research, funders and investors, Union. In order to understand how Commission, given the inevitable contributed substantially on options employers and decision makers, to national interests are influenced limitation of resources. for effective implementation. This name a few. Within our membership, and affected by the EU, various In general, the important spheres effort has been a worthwhile and we also have a broad range of Government departments are of EU activity for science are around essential part of progress in this stakeholders, including learned investigating where the balance regulation and funding. The EU’s area of science and is an example societies, industry bodies, publishers, of powers (or ‘competencies’) funding of research is complex and of engagement on a policy issue academics, students, technicians and lie between the UK and EU. Many ever-changing, but has had a big that begins early in the process and more, and we rely on the expertise of these competencies are relevant impact on the ground for many continues through both EU and of our individual members, Member to science. biologists, and it is they who directly national stages. It may be a long Organisations, committees and Research and development is engage with funding mechanisms. and complex process requiring Council to inform our responses. one of the areas under review, The Seventh Framework considerable time and resources, Collating this evidence takes time, and to gather information, the Programme (FP7) is one of many however, it can deliver huge benefits, and we therefore require sufficient Science Council recently organised funds that have had a positive providing a vital source of funding notice periods from Government a roundtable discussion with impact on the UK, allocating and maximising research efficiency departments in order for us to attendees from across science and over £3bn in funding (15% of the across Europe while promoting UK provide comprehensive evidence by ¢e Society’s engineering. The group discussed FP7 budget thus far) to the UK bioscience research. their deadline. policy team has examples of where EU action had a bioscience sector. Next year, the To share your experience Yet in July 2012 the Cabinet given advice Dr Daniela Peukert on badgers positive or negative impact on UK new Horizon 2020 programme MSB, science of EU engagement, contact Office published new Consultation and bovine TB research and innovation. Common will replace this framework with an policy officer [email protected] Principles, outlining changes in
12 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 www.societyofbiology.org/policy www.societyofbiology.org/policy Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 13 WILDLIFE INFECTIOUS DISEASE
abitat loss, climate change, BIOGRAPHY numbers of tigers to fall to the level invasive species and we see today but it could be the final H overhunting are the four nail in their coffin,” Lewis warns. horsemen of the apocalypse for In the past few decades, there biodiversity – the factors that have been several other incidents in can drive a wildlife species to which disease has wiped out local extinction. Pestilence – one of the populations of mammalian species original biblical quartet – is rarely – sylvatic plague in American black- mentioned as a serious threat. But footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes), a among conservation biologists there John Bonner has combination of rabies and canine is a growing appreciation of the been a freelance distemper in East African lions, and journalist writing dangers posed by infectious diseases on science news Ebola virus in the two great ape to vulnerable species with small, and policy for two species of West Africa, chimpanzees fragmented populations. decades. He and gorillas. John Lewis, from the UK charity studied zoology at One reason why the impact of Wildlife Vets International, has the University of disease on wildlife populations has been working with local biologists Birmingham. historically been underestimated is on the highly endangered tiger that there is rarely the opportunity subspecies in Siberia and Sumatra. and expertise to identify the cause
In those two very different of death in the corpse of a free- OC K environments they have found roaming animal. But our heightened evidence of tigers being killed by interest in maintaining biodiversity, TT ERST the canine distemper virus usually coupled with concerns over the SH U found in domestic dogs. The virus possible transmission of disease can cause fatal pneumonia in big to domestic animals, has led to
cats and also puts them at risk from increased efforts in carrying out KYY/ KYSLYNS hunters, by causing neurological postmortem examinations.
changes which make them lose their Studies by Janet Foley and DUA RD fear of humans. colleagues at the University of OC K, E “As the territory of a species like California1 have shown that the Canine distemper the tiger contracts and its population mountain lion (Puma concolor) can TT ERST
shrinks it becomes increasingly from domestic pick up a number of infections from HU dogs may be ‘the vulnerable to stochastic (i.e. final nail in the domestic cats. One malnourished AGES/S random) events like disease. Canine coffin’ for the male puma was found to have died
distemper won’t have caused the Siberian tiger, left from feline infectious peritonitis, JADIM PETS AND PESTILENCE Infectious diseases and parasites carried by humans and domestic animals can
OC K have devastating effects on
TT ERST wild populations, writes HU John Bonner H/S ESLAVOVIC CH JA V IM AX M NYY H PYS
14 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 15 WILDLIFE INFECTIOUS DISEASE
marine mammals have been infected endangered species will be very Another vital strategy is to keep with a protozoan parasite that is far from a potential source of a apart domesticated and wild species normally passed in the faeces of Primates catastrophic epidemic. to prevent the risk of parasite cats is still unclear, but cat owners provide transmission. This is the approach have been asked to stop flushing Separate strategies being taken to stop populations the contents of used litter trays some of So are yet more endangered of the endangered bighorn sheep into the sewage system. the best mammal species doomed? Not (Ovis canadensis) in North America clues to the necessarily. There are measures that from contracting fatal pneumonia Immunological vulnerability factors that can protect vulnerable wildlife through the effects of various It is not just our pets and livestock influence groups. The success of parasite species circulating that provide the reservoir hosts disease the rinderpest vaccine in flocks of farmed for these parasites. One of the in wild in controlling this sheep. Such contacts many threats to the survival of the populations deadly disease of may be prevented rare mountain gorilla of central domestic cattle by erecting physical Africa (Gorilla beringei beringei) in Africa during barriers such as is its vulnerability to the various the last century fences between respiratory viruses carried by was instructive domestic and wild westerners. Conversely, these – without the Ebola grazing areas, virus ecotourists also offer this species reservoir of but the necessary its best chance of maintaining a virus in livestock, separation can equally viable wild population. the condition soon be achieved by ensuring As one of the most studied disappeared from the that the two groups are not mammalian groups, primates various wild game species that using pasture or water resources at provide some of the best clues to were also affected. A similar the same time of year. the factors that influence disease inoculation programme for However, as Katherine Smith
OC K in wild populations. Sonia Altizer domestic dogs against rabies, canine points out, the most important tool and her team from the University distemper and parvovirus in villages in preventing disastrous epidemics
TT ERST of Georgia analysed the differences around the Serengetic ecosystem in of infectious disease in wildlife is HU
/S in the numbers of parasite species East Africa appears to be reaping better information. “Understanding
EAD affecting different primates. They dividends in controlling the disease the host species that are at highest
E R found that primate species threatened in wild carnivores, particularly risk of disease-mediated extinction with extinction generally hosted fewer lions, African hunting dogs (Lycaon will ultimately inform future control SCO TT parasitic species than their closely- pictus) and bat-eared foxes and prevention strategies, and help a common condition in house cats Mountain lions can animal species. As disease is more related but more common cousins. (Otocyon megalotis). preserve biological diversity.” Parvovirus caused by a coronavirus. be affected by readily passed to closely related At first glance, that may seem like “Combined with other stressors, infections from species, it was not surprising that a good thing but in the long term domestic cats, Californian such as ongoing habitat loss, while parasites in the majority of these vulnerable it could mean that, by losing their sea otter infectious disease deserves farmed sheep wildlife species belong to those two normal pathogens due to their small recognition for its potential negative have transferred mammalian orders – the carnivores population size, these animals become impact on mountain lion health and to bighorn sheep and artiodactyls (the group immunologically naïve and vulnerable population viability,” Foley notes, (below) containing cattle, sheep and pigs) – to the effects of any parasitic adding that these findings raise to which nearly all the domesticated condition that they encounter. particular concerns for the future mammal species belong. Katherine Smith, from the of its highly endangered subspecies, Rather more surprisingly, ecology and evolutionary biology the Florida panther. they found that nearly all group at Brown University, Rhode these infections were Island, warns that this analysis PARASITE Domesticated threat transmitted through has implications for any attempts Research by other groups confirms close contact to restock wild populations with THREAT that wildlife species are at between the wild and animals reared in captivity. “It he influence of parasites much greater risk from diseases domestic species. is possible that hosts raised in Thas been underestimated. transmitted by domestic They had expected captivity, who are continually treated One reason is that according to animals than vice versa. indirect transmission to eliminate infections, may suffer a traditional population models, Amy Pedersen, now at the via intermediate disadvantage when released into the a parasite species will become University of Edinburgh, was species, such as wild, due to increased susceptibility extinct before its host species part of an international group biting arthropods, to infection,” she wrote in the because the parasite life cycle is that examined which infections or through journal Animal Conservation2. REFERENCES 1 Stephenson, N. not sustainable below a particular were a threat to all the mammals contaminated food OC K Yet, the domestic animal species et al. Feline Infectious population density. However, listed on the IUCN [International or water, would that are likely to harbour such Peritonitis in a
TT ERST Mountain Lion (Puma studies by Amy Pedersen and Union for Conservation of Nature] have a much infections are normally kept at concolor), California, OC K other conservation biologists Red List of Endangered Species. bigger influence. /SHU population densities high enough USA. J. of Wildlife show that the main threats to wild They found 54 species in which But incidents such to encourage the survival and Diseases 49(2), 279- 293 (2013) species come from the sort of viral, bacterial, protozoan, helminth, as the outbreaks transmission of these various TT ERST
2 Smith, K.F. et al. HU
generalist parasite species that arthropod or fungal parasites are a of toxoplasmosis R KOLACZAN parasites. They are also near e role of infectious K/S
PH E diseases in biological are capable are switching readily potential survival threat and, in the in Californian sea ubiquitous in all habitable parts YC conservation. Animal D between different host species. vast majority of cases, the normal otters (Enhydra lutris) of the globe so it is unlikely that Conservation 12(1),
reservoir host was a domestic are unusual. How these TO CHRIS any remnant population of an 1–12 (2009) DARYL
16 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION ON THIS ARTICLE? CONTACT US AT BIOLOGIST´SOCIETYOFBIOLOGY.ORG Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 17 RESEARCH STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY SUBATOMIC SCI ENCE The Institut Laue- Langevin complex Tom Ireland meets in Grenoble with the reactor tower the biologists working on the right in a nuclear reactor complex in France
ost people associate a nuclear reactor with physics instead of cutting- edge biology. But Mbiologists are increasingly using neutrons – produced by the fission of enriched uranium – to investigate the properties of biomaterials with previously unattainable precision. At the Institut Laue–Langevin (ILL) in Grenoble, France, a wide range of bioscience researchers work alongside chemists, physicists, medics and materials scientists in laboratories surrounding a 40 year old uranium reactor core. This diverse group is here to make use of one of the most intense neutron sources in the world. Beams of neutrons from the reactor have proven to be an extremely useful tool in exploring the nature and behaviour of matter. The way neutrons are scattered can tell scientists much about a material – for example, the strain on a grain of metal changes the angle at which neutrons scatter when passing through. A neutron’s wavelength is also comparable to interatomic spacing, allowing scientists to explore matter at an extremely fine level (between is diverse 0.001-1000nm) and in a non- group of destructive way. The way neutrons scientists are deflected can tell us about a is here to material’s structure; changes in use one of their velocity can also tell us about the most the way those structures are moving or behaving. intense Sensitive to light atoms such as neutron hydrogen, neutrons are ideal for sources in investigating biological molecules the world and structures. By selectively replacing certain hydrogen atoms with the hydrogen isotope
18 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 19 RESEARCH STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
cell. Barker says it is a “very young How jumping genes ‘jump’ nanoparticle-sized technique” and that “the possibilities Jumping genes move from one objects’ movement are endless” as the complexity place to another within and between with atomic- increases of samples they are able genomes. These transposable scale precision. to investigate. The research could elements make up a large The technique help in the understanding of how proportion of our DNA (45%) and allows general anaesthesia actually works or strongly influence the evolution scientists improve methods of drug delivery. of all genomes. to see that A team working at ILL from almost Nanoparticles and membranes the University of Edinburgh and all solids Using similar reflectometry Keele University used neutrons to and liquids equipment, Marco Maccarini understand how segments of DNA have tiny and colleagues are exploring how move from one place to another. nanoparticle-sized gold nanoparticles and other Their experiments showed for the Valery ‘droplets’ levitating medical materials interact with first time exactly how the protein Nesvizhevsky across their surface. This cell membranes. Particles such enzymes bind to the DNA to become tracks the has proved to be of huge interest movement of as gold and titanium are used in a single molecule complex, in order nanoparticle- to scientists in the nearby Institut medicine because they appear to cut out the DNA and carry it away. sized objects de Biologie Structurale, who are not to interact with biological To understand the various stages using the same technique to track systems, yet Maccarini’s team of this process requires sophisticated the movement of viruses along a found that when nanoparticles deuterium labelling techniques and membrane; it is believed viruses may enter a lipid bilayer their entrance near atomic-resolution neutron ‘levitate’ on surfaces in the same way. increases the density of that cell crystallography. The next stage of membrane – which is picked up this project is to look at the pasting The way forward by the reflected neutrons. process, when the protein moves the Sixty years ago Rosalind Franklin’s A higher concentration of gold DNA elsewhere. The research may X-ray crystallography led to one of will start to disrupt the complex help improve biomedical applications science’s most famed discoveries functions of the cell membrane which involve altering genomes, such – the unravelling of the structure and could prove to be toxic. as gene therapy. It is also likely to be BIOGRAPHY of DNA. It is more than 60 years Researchers from the University relevant to the study of retroviruses, since physicists Bert Brockhouse of Cambridge are also keen to where viral DNA is inserted into the and Cliff Shull’s pioneering use of find out exactly how, for example, hosts’ DNA to produce more copies neutron scattering to investigate deuterium, specific parts of D20 (100% dueterated water). This straight out of the reactor to titanium implants really interact of the virus. matter, and X-rays, spectrometry complex biological molecules can ‘contrast matching’ allows biologists scientists’ research instruments. over time after being imbedded in and microscopy have long been be highlighted and investigated. to label parts of a biomolecule. The a membrane. It could lead to the Tracking viruses the standard tools for investigating Normal hydrogen and deuterium constant beam means changes to the Modelling membranes development of implants coated in Using ultra-cold neutrons biological samples. But it is neutrons scatter a neutron beam differently molecule’s shape can be investigated Rob Barker, instrument scientist at lipids or plasma membranes which (moving more slowly than we can Tom Ireland MSB is that may be key to the biological and so ‘deuterated’ sections of say, in real time. ILL, uses neutron ‘reflectometry’ help prevent scarring or speed run), physicist Professor Valery managing editor advances of the future. All you need a protein, will become visible in Although deuterium to study in real time the up healing. Nesvizhevsky is able to track of The Biologist. is a high-flux nuclear reactor. a solution of water and a section is toxic to animals, structure and function containing hydrogen will be visible in microorganisms and of biomembranes. plants (to some By bouncing extent) individual a beam of NEUTRON neutron samples of neutrons off cells can be a sample at REFLECTOMETRY fission deuterated certain angles, product without altering Barker and eutron reflectometry measures Rob the way in Barker his colleagues Nthe fraction of neutrons neutron neutron which they can tell reflected off a sample from a function. much about collimated beam (all particles The ILL has the structure moving in the same direction, uranium fission nucleus its own life science objects with parallel with one another). product group and dedicated multiple layers – e reflectivity can be neutron deuteration laboratory such as membranes. modelled to reveal the structure while, housed across the road, Tagging certain molecules of a biological membrane including WATER COLLIMATED is the Partnership for Structural with deuterium again allows the its interaction with proteins, DNA, NEUTRON BEAM MAKING NEUTRONS Biology, an institute that studies researchers to study changes in peptides and drugs. e technique uring nuclear fission, a uranium atom absorbs the nature of biological molecules structure or movement of particles is particularly powerful as it is non- DETECTOR Da neutron, then splits into smaller nuclei, and structures at a near atomic- around a cell membrane. destructive, isotopically sensitive releasing more neutrons. Whereas X-rays are level resolution. The Biologist was Currently the technique is and sensitive to the full range of SILICON SUBSTRATE useful in detecting electron-rich materials, neutrons given exclusive access to the ILL’s limited to artificial models of biological lengthscales. can be used to very easily detect light atoms such facilities and researchers, and found cell membranes – lipid bilayers Neutron reflectometry is just as hydrogen and are therefore a powerful probe a wealth of amazing bioscience decoupled from the surface of a one of a range of powerful of hydrogen-storage materials, organic molecular research being conducted in the labs cell, then flattened and placed on neutron techniques that are materials, and biomolecular samples or polymers. surrounding the nuclear reactor, top of another artificial membrane, available to biologists. where neutrons are directed so they float freely, as in a real
20 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION ON THIS ARTICLE? CONTACT US AT BIOLOGIST´SOCIETYOFBIOLOGY.ORG Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 21 BIOGRAPHY ALFRED RUSSEL WALLACE
WHO WAS... lfred Russel Wallace (January 1823–November A 1913) was a complex man ALFRED from a humble background. Yet this son of a failed, bankrupt solicitor developed – independently of Charles Darwin – a theory so central to the science of biology that RUSSEL Theodosius Dobzhansky wrote an essay in 1973 entitled: Nothing in Biology Makes Sense Except in the Light of Evolution1. WALLACE In common with Darwin, Wallace collected beetles and spent his formative years as a scientist discovering the natural history of As the 100th anniversary of Wales. Unlike Darwin, and despite his work on evolution, the public Wallace’s death approaches, profile of Wallace receded almost to complete obscurity after his death. James Williams explores the Wallace was born on the 8th January 1823 at Kensington Cottage .ORG life and legacy of one of the on the border of the village of world’s most important Llanbadoc and the market town of ONLINE Usk in Monmouthshire (now Gwent). Victorian scientists He was the eighth of nine children. When Wallace was five, money ¯ WALLACE problems forced the family to move to Hertford, where he attended became his apprentice, surveying Wallace spent In late 1843, and with little Hertford Grammar School. The across Bedfordshire. Work was several years in surveying work, Wallace was again headmaster, Clement Henry Crutwell not always steady, so Wallace was Malaysia in need of a job, and he successfully 2 producing his (an ‘irascible little man’ ), kept order sent away for a short stint as a landmark work applied for a position as a master at through regular floggings of the boys watchmaker’s assistant in Leighton The Malay Leicester Collegiate School. There, for any misdemeanours. Wallace Buzzard. Within the year he was Archipelago, in 1844, he met the naturalist and learned arithmetic, algebra, English back with William travelling the above, recording explorer Henry Walter Bates and and Latin grammar, geography, countryside, surveying and eventually wildlife such as the the two became good friends, but rhinoceros French and classics. Although settling in Neath, South Wales. hornbill, below the sudden death of his brother destined to travel far and wide, he William in 1845 made Wallace return recalled that next to Latin grammar, A naturalist is born to Neath to take over the business. the most painful subject he learned While William travelled to drum Rather than stay alone, he persuaded was geography. It should, he said, up surveying work, Wallace spent have been the most interesting, but a lot of time with nothing to do. was reduced to learning the names of As well as practising his surveying
the chief towns, rivers and mountains skills (good training for his later FUND IAL of various countries. fieldwork), he wandered the After having to leave school in countryside and, using Loudon’s March 1837 due to the family’s Encyclopaedia of Plants, identified financial hardship, he went to lodge in and learned the characteristics of R MEMO ALLACE W London with his older brother, John, the chief orders. R an apprentice carpenter. Meeting There is no doubt that his © A ‘mechanics’ (civil and mechanical ramblings in the mountainous Welsh engineers) and artisans informed countryside taught him more about his early socialist views. Reading the natural history than he would have works of Robert Owen and attending gained in any formal educational lectures based on Owen’s doctrines setting. In his autobiography, he in a ‘Hall of Science’, an early type of was moved to write that his time mechanics’ institute, also influenced in Neath was “the turning point
Wallace, ECCALONI his political outlook. of my life, the tide that carried me photographed By mid-1837, Wallace joined on, not to fortune, but to whatever 3 at the age of 46 GW © B his surveyor brother William and reputation I have acquired.”
22 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 23 BIOGRAPHY ALFRED RUSSEL WALLACE
me that this self-acting process BIOGRAPHY would necessarily improve the race, Darwin and Royal Medals (Royal because in every generation the Society) – illustrate the regard inferior would inevitably be killed in which he was held. off and the superior would remain More information can be found at: – that is, the fittest would survive… The more I thought over it the more ■ Wallace Memorial Fund I became convinced that I had at (a wide range of information length found the long-sought-for law about Wallace's life and work): of nature that solved the problem of James Williams is a wallacefund.info the origin of species.”5 lecturer in science ■ Wallace100 (details of Wallace- education at the What happened next caused University of related events worldwide and Darwin, who received the essay in Sussex, School of much more): www.nhm.ac.uk/ June, a great deal of angst. How Education and By the turn of the 20th century, nature-online/science-of- could he publish knowing that Social Work. Wallace was one of the world’s most natural-history/wallace/ Wallace had hit upon the same He was born and famous scientists. While most of index.html idea? A solution was sought that raised in Neath, his life was devoted to the theory ■ Wallace Letters Online and introduced to recognised Darwin’s many years of Wallace by his of natural selection, he wrote 22 (all of Wallace's surviving IAL FUND IAL work on the species question and father, who books and more than 1,000 articles correspondence): www.nhm. Wallace’s almost identical solution. attended the on a range of topics. His honours ac.uk/wallacelettersonline In July 1858 a joint paper was Neath Mechanics’ – including the Order of Merit (the ■ Wallace Facebook page presented to the Linnean Society Institute for local greatest accolade which can be (constantly updated Wallace-
R MEMO ALLACE amateur dramatic
W and hardly caused a ripple. It was rehearsals. given to a civilian by a ruling British related links): www.facebook.
/AR followed by Darwin’s major work monarch), the Gold Medal (Société com/pages/Alfred-Russel- – On the Origin of Species – in the de Géographie); and the Copley, Wallace/50145041283 November of 1859. ECCALONI Wallace was unaware of what was happening back in London. Yet at no claims to have witnessed these under long distance the surface of water
AN T GW © B point did he ever cry foul or complain REFERENCES ‘test conditions’. was indeed curved. Independently H
C that ‘his’ idea had been stolen. In 1 American Biology His initial response to reports of verified, Wallace won the bet. Teacher, volume 35,
ENCE fact he felt honoured to have been pages 125-129 mediums and séances was that these Hampden started a hate campaign, R published alongside Darwin. 2 Wallace, A.R. My Life: were the wild ravings of madmen. including contacting Wallace’s wife FLO In the preface to his own major A record of events and But having witnessed some of the Annie, daughter of the botanist opinions, vol I p.49 his mother and another brother, Wallace, pictured – part of the ship’s cargo – caught work on evolution, self-effacingly (1905) phenomena, he was more persuaded William Mitten, whom he had in his study, John, to join him. During this second alight. The blazing ship rolled, its called Darwinism, Wallace described 3 Ibid p.196 and recorded his observations married in the spring of 1866: around 1900 spell in Neath he took on surveying, futtocks creating a “huge caldron of himself as the advocate of pure 4 Letter from Wallace in a paper The Scientific Aspect as well as general building work. fire [sic], the whole cargo forming Darwinism6. He believed natural to Richard Spruce of the Supernatural, which he Mrs. Wallace, 4 dated 19th September His main legacy to the town is its a burning mass at the bottom” . selection was the most important 1852: Wallace collection sent to biologist T H Huxley, who Madam — If your infernal thief of Mechanics’ Institute. His experiences Wallace lost everything apart from a ‘agent’ in the production of new online http://www. responded: “I am neither shocked a husband is brought home some THE MISSING L in London had made him fully aware few drawings of fish and palm trees species. Natural selection, he nhm.ac.uk/nature- nor disposed to issue a commission day on a hurdle, with every bone online/collections-at- allace’s middle name, with of its value: as a schoolroom, meeting he placed in a tin and the thin calico felt, could explain almost every the-museum/ of lunacy against you. It may be in his head smashed to pulp, you one ‘l’, is mysterious and the place and public library for the suit he was wearing. After 10 days development in species old and new, wallace-collection/ true, for anything that I know to the will know the reason... W transcript.jsp? origin of this unusual spelling is not education of the town’s labourers, adrift, the survivors were rescued. excepting human consciousness itemID=59&theme= contrary, but really I cannot get up You must be a miserable fully known10. In his autobiography mechanics and artisans. Undeterred, Wallace used the and intellect. Collecting accessed 1st interest in the subject.”8 wretch to be obliged to live with a he talks about the spelling being a insurance money from his losses to “… while (man’s) body was August 2013 Wallace’s position on spiritualism convicted felon. Do not think or let 5 Ibid p.362 “peculiarity impressed upon me in Discovering the origin of species publish his first book in 1853: Palm undoubtedly developed by the did not sit well with the scientific him think I have done with him. 11 6 Wallace, A.R. 9 my childhood”. Using his savings, Wallace, then 25, Trees of the Amazon and their Uses. continuous modification of some Darwinism: an establishment, though he was not John Hampden Yet the family prayer book and Bates travelled to the Amazon, For his next collecting trip he ancestral animal form, some exposition of the alone. The physicist Sir Oliver theory of natural (above) reveals clear evidence that leaving on 26th April 1848. Unlike settled on the Malay Archipelago different agency, analogous to that selection with some Lodge and Sir William Crookes, Although Hampden was jailed, the name Russel originally had a Darwin, Wallace set out with the and embarked on an eight year which first produced organic life, of its applications the chemist, were also confirmed Wallace paid back the wager to rid double ‘l’ – the second seems to idea of forming a theory about the journey, during which he devised and then originated consciousness, (1889) spiritualists. Wallace’s aim, however, him and his family of constant abuse, origin of species. He collected a his theory of evolution. His first came into play in order to develop 7 Wallace, A.R. My Life: was not to persuade other scientists and thankfully, the death threats came have been erased. A record of events As Wallace used this spelling large number of new species and contribution was an 1855 essay the higher intellectual and spiritual and opinions, vol II p.17 of the veracity of spiritualism, but to nought. It was not until the 7th from a young age, the entry poses produced the first detailed map of commonly known as his Sarawak nature of man”.7 (1905) merely to encourage scientific November 1913 that Wallace died of more questions than it answers. the Rio Negro. The trip lasted four Law, describing the process of 8 Berry, A. Infinite investigations of the phenomenon. natural causes and became recognised Tropics: An Alfred Who erased the second ‘l’ and why? years but ended in tragedy. evolution. Wallace was promoting Psychics and spiritualism Russel Wallace as the co-discoverer of evolution by In the official parish register his Wallace’s younger brother, a ‘law’ describing the introduction The spiritual nature of man intrigued Anthology, p.235 Ahead of the curve means of natural selection and the name was registered as Russell. Herbert, had travelled to the Amazon of new species. Crucially, what Wallace. In Leicester he had come (2003) Always a man to meet a challenge, father of biogeography. What 9 Ibid Vol II p.371 It was clearly a family decision to to become a collector. Soon after this paper did not provide was a upon psychical research and in 1870 Wallace read a proposal His legacy in this subject is marked happened 10 Smith, C.H.; alter the name and impress upon arriving, he contracted yellow fever mechanism for evolution. mesmerism and found that he was Williams, J.; Stephens, from John Hampden, a flat Earth by the Wallace Line, a boundary he the young Wallace that he was and died. Wallace was heartbroken. next caused In February 1858, while adept at hypnotising people. This J.; Beccaloni, G. Alfred proponent, offering £500 to anyone drew in 1859 delineating Australian Darwin a Russel Wallace notes different in some way. Suspicions This tragedy, combined with his suffering a fit of fever, a mechanism led to an interest in spiritualism that 2: the spelling ‘Russel’, who could prove that water could and south-east Asian fauna. His lie with the father, omas Vere own ill health, led him to pack his great deal suddenly hit him. He recalled, as was rekindled on his return from and Wallace’s date have a convex surface. Wallace accomplishments mark him as one collection and head home. of angst did Darwin, Thomas Malthus’s the Malay Archipelago. He attended of birth Archives of decided that a simple surveying of the great Victorian naturalists, Wallace, altering the family prayer Natural History, 37 (2), book, but why remains unknown. Twenty six days into the voyage, essay on populations. séances, witnessed ‘rapping’, 351-354 (2010) set-up along the straight Bedford and the science of biology owes him a balsam packed into wooden kegs “Then it suddenly flashed upon ‘tapping’ and table movements, and 11 Ibid p.353 Canal could easily show that over a debt of gratitude.
24 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION ON THIS ARTICLE? CONTACT US AT BIOLOGIST´SOCIETYOFBIOLOGY.ORG Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 25 ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR TRACKING CATS
CATS ON CAMERA How much do we really know about our pets? Cat behaviour expert and presenterR oger Tabor documents the progress made in tracking small cats
hen it comes to studying BIOGRAPHY The only others monitoring the behaviour of cats, domestic cat ranges in the UK at W we are in an exciting the time were David Macdonald and era. Mini-GPS and mini-cameras Peter Apps with farm cats in south allow us to record their movements west England, and Jane Dards with with precision, changing our dockyard cats in Portsmouth. understanding of their distribution It was necessary to have the cats’ and behaviour yet also supporting acceptance plus good vantage points existing findings obtained by when observing house dwelling cats different methods. Roger Tabor CBiol as well as feral cats. So in Fitzroy Historically, most studies of big FSB is a television Square (as viewers of the BBC’s presenter, cats involved shooting them and biologist, author QED programme Walk on the pug mark (footprint) identification. and cat behaviour Wildside saw), I was able to readily The areas big cats covered, often expert. He has locate cat positions according to the at night, limited progress. In the presented a range regular grid of the paved areas of the 1960-70s radio transmitter collars of shows, from the square. From convenient positions were developed, but the equipment BBC’s Countryfile I could observe most of the square to Cats, a size limited their use to large species: documentary and so continually follow the cats’ tigers were first radio-tracked in 1973 series filmed over locations for considerable periods. at Nepal’s Chitwan National Park. three years and I also followed individual cats using While the use of radio-collars shown around the field skills that I developed to avoid was a big step forward when world. He has disturbing them – I would observe tracking species over rugged terrain written books on without appearing to look at them cat behaviour and or in dense jungle, location points herbs and is also directly. When settled, cats would could only be made with confidence vice president and give heavy lidded blinks, so I used occasionally, as signals could be chairman of the this to diffuse their anxiety about bounced, reduced or too weak British Naturalists’ an observer. to detect. Association. At the time domestic cat home While I had the good fortune ranges had not been established to observe the tigers in Chitwan, in either area or pattern, so it my own study animal was the was fascinating for me to see domestic cat in the UK, for which similarities in my findings with such equipment was much too those of Macdonald, Apps and large and heavy. When I carried Dards. Males generally had larger out observations at a number of ranges than females, and urban sites in the 1970s, I focused mainly ranges were smaller than rural. on the home ranges of a group of (An average female housecat in feral living cats in central London’s high density Barking inhabited only Fitzroy Square and domestic living 0.029ha, while the West Country house cats in Barking, on the east farm females roamed around 6ha.) side of London. With this handful of studies, and
26 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 27 ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR TRACKING CATS
meet the problems of most locations, where cats are often obscured, One cat, Denis, lighter versions of the radio- leaves the house with his digital transmitting collar were developed, camera achieving weights of around 25g, around 1% of an average cat’s weight. Many studies were undertaken on feral cats, including in remote island conditions. However, just as with tigers, the radio-tracking of small cats produced sporadic location data. As radiotelemetry tended to yield only a limited number of location fixes, the shape and size of a cat’s home range was estimated using mathematical techniques such as the Minimum Convex Polygon method. When studies began to use this technique as standard, it allowed comparison of different ranges. Satellite telemetry, or the Global Positioning System (GPS), initially also had cumbersome kit. But it overcame many of the problems associated with someone having figures from a study in New York range size. Yet for domestic cats, Roger meets to track signals with an antenna in by Carol Haspel, I demonstrated a the contrast of range sizes is much farmhouse cat difficult terrain. Only recently have straight line relationship for one sex greater – from feral cats in arid Freddie and his lightweight transmitters (acceptable owner, Jim Fowler between cat density and home range habitat to housecats in high density 25g weight, suitable for small cats) size, which was later supported with urban areas with a superabundance become readily available. But just as a greater number of studies. of food, there is over a thousand- with radio collars, GPS can generate
I was delighted to see that the fold difference. signal errors, buildings can block OR factors influencing ranges for tigers Yet there were limitations to the signals, and any loss of sky view can AB
were the same for the tabby cat. visual monitoring of domestic cats affect fix success. Radio positioning OGE R T Males generally had larger ranges – it could only be done in specific had accuracy issues (at times of up R than females, and abundance of urban situations with good visibility to 100m), but commercially available the nearest 5m – not handy when position, while the camera shows monitor areas or are triggered by food was the key factor dictating of much of the cat’s small range. To GPS units are only accurate to monitoring very small ranges. exactly where the cat is located. an animal’s presence) is proving However, GPS units are a great We can see not only the size of invaluable with wild species of cats tool – they can establish the quantity the range, but that cats stick to as an alternative to radio tracking of data in a day or two, which might set paths on which to move about, or GPS, for both necessitate SCREEN STARS have taken months to establish producing a real range map, not a anaesthesia, which carries risk. he Secret Lives of Cats’ was a a far smaller range of 0.17ha, and before. GPS results have also mathematical estimate. We found Camera trapping is being used to ‘Tstudy carried out by the author in near identical housing neutered produced nearly identical results that in rural areas, cats like Freddie establish identity, density and idea for Bayer in 2011, and its results female Zillah used just 0.024ha, little to my field work from 40 years and Maxwell (see Screen Stars, left) of ranges of tigers and has produced were featured on the BBC. It brought more than her small back garden. ago, but without a human presence roamed a much wider area than spectacular successes for small, together an all-star cast of cats, Scrumpy, a neutered Essex town near the cats. those in dense urban areas. rarely encountered species. The with varying habits when it came to cat, moved about along well-known In 2011, I led a study for Bayer In the wild, cats tend to be Borneo bay cat (Pardofelis badia), roaming and exploring. set paths, which produced a real called ‘The Secret Lives of Cats’. nocturnal, hunting during the night for example, at one point was being One of the ‘stars’ was range map of usage (right) The development of small digital when their prey is awake. However, declared extinct, and our knowledge Freddie, who inhabited and not a mathematical cameras of the same weight as GPS our report shows that many domestic of it was primarily from a few skins. a 2.5-hectare range estimate. Despite units made even greater progress cats shift their activity to when their But in the last few years, digital and spent most of his being well fed and possible. Our study revealed not owners are about. We also found camera traps have established a far time in and around a keen hunter, the only how cats use different areas some cats under territorial stress (due better knowledge of its distribution the farmhouse and camera showed of their ranges, but the interaction Digital to high densities of other cats) may and produced the first live footage of outbuildings. Little she regularly between cats. Cats spend much of camera increase their range even further. it in the wild. John, also a neutered Essex cat scavenged from a their time defending their territory This was shown with Maxwell, who I was once fearful that many Scrumpy traps have male who lived in similar waste bin in a yard. against other cats and we witnessed established shared his street with around 10 small wild cat species would circumstances, ranged e camera also revealed the heavy lidded blinking used to a far better other cats. He had a tendency to become extinct because we over 5.6ha from his Midlands that she entered another indicate when others are not a knowledge disappear for a day or two at a time, knew so little about them. But farmhouse. GPS revealed that both person’s home, and regularly entered threat. A cat’s range is the area in sometimes even a week. the technology available to us seem to range along the hedgerows a garden at the furthest edge of her which it normally roams, while its of the A new generation of GPS/ now is yielding valuable insights. around the surrounding fields rather range lived in by rottweilers, where territorial boundaries are those that Borneo camera collars now incorporate The behavioural closeness of the than in the fields. she saw off the more local cat. Her it defends against an intruding cat bay cat’s accelerometers and gyroscopes cat family makes our growing In contrast, dense urban-living unknowing owners called her and are normally smaller. distribution to detect movement, but also knowledge of the domestic cat a neutered male Maxwell inhabited ‘sweet natured’. Although GPS has improved, control power use. And camera good model to aid interpretation of data are still about probabilities of trapping (where hidden cameras other feline species.
28 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION ON THIS ARTICLE? CONTACT US AT BIOLOGIST´SOCIETYOFBIOLOGY.ORG Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 29 FUNGUS DAY FUNGAL FORAY
The stinkhorn rom Stilton to sake, taking in (Phallus folk remedies, natural sketch .ORG impudicus) pads and deadly poisons, EDIA produces a F KOP there’s a colourful and fascinating
web of MY mycelial cords world of fungi out there. Although / once considered as plants, fungi are MEL more closely related to the animal AR
kingdom. Within the kingdom of DI RK H fungi seven phyla are recognised, © but here we will only deal with examples from the Glomeromycota, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Although the Glomeromycota are generally microscopic, members of the Mucorales can be seen as for example the black, hairy growths of Rhizopus on strawberries, fuzzy Mucor growing on tomatoes and other foods, and the long, slender sporangiophores of Phycomyces growing on animal faeces. The ascomycetes are characterised by the production of sexual spores – usually eight, in a sac known as an ascus. The asci may form part of a resupinate structures on the trunks Polyporos This mycelium can form a macroscopic fruit body such as the and branches of trees. In Britain, tuberaster complex growth on and in the roots disc of Scutellinia olivascens. When the term mushroom is generally (Sklerotien of trees, known as mycorrhizae. stielporling) a thin section is cut and mounted for reserved for the fruit bodies of any The tree benefits as the mycelium observation with a microscope the Agaricus species, most of which are sequesters inorganic ions such as asci can be seen, each containing edible. The presence of a ring on the potassium, calcium and magnesium eight ascospores. Many ascomycetes stem and the very dark spores help which the tree takes up. The have their asci in small, flask-shaped to distinguish members of this genus. fungus benefits from the organic structures called perithecia which The field mushroom (Agaricus compounds such as sugars and require a hand lens for study. campestris), which is edible, needs amino acids which the roots pass However, some produce their to be distinguished from the yellow to the mycelium – a truly symbiotic perithecia as part of a macroscopic stainer (Agaricus xanthodermus) arrangement. For the fungus this fruit body such as the choke disease which grows in the same habitat but relationship has become obligate, of grasses (Epichloe typhina). is poisonous. By bruising the edge but the tree can survive without its Another common example of of the cap or the base of the stem, mycorrhizal partner but perhaps not a macroscopic fruit body of an only A. xanthodermus undergoes the BIOGRAPHY growing so well. ascomycete are the large, black, characteristic yellow stain, alerting The familiar Amanita muscaria, hemispherical structures known one to leave it alone. the fly agaric, has become a sort of as cramp balls, or King Alfred’s fungal icon, with its bright red cap Cakes (Daldinia concentrica). Gill guides and white spots, and is usually found It can be found on dead and dying Fungi in the woodland genus in association with birch, which is branches of broadleaved trees Amanita have a similar stature – its mycorrhizal partner. It is known such as ash, alder and birch. The a ring on the stem, white gills and a as the fly agaric because there are name cramp balls arises from the sac-like structure at the base referred historical accounts of people placing superstition that, when kept in to as a volva. This includes one of the Maurice Moss is a caps in a saucer of milk which would a pocket, these fruit bodies can most poisonous toadstools known to retired visiting attract house flies and kill them. alleviate cramp. In my experience us – Amanita phalloides, the death professor at the There are many other genera University of the consequence of keeping such cap. Each year a few tragic cases Surrey where which are mycorrhizal, including a fruit body in one’s pocket is a of death cap poisoning occur in he taught Russula (the brittle caps), Lactarius black hand as the dark, warm Europe. There are two more species microbiology for (the milk caps) and Cortinarius environment of a pocket is ideal of Amanita which are also deadly 30 years. He has (the web caps), but there are for dispersing their black spores. poisonous – the spring amanita (A. been involved in also common genera which are Other ascomycete fruit bodies verna) and the destroying angel research on saprophytic – growing on dead As the second UK Fungus Day mycotoxins and commonly seen during a fungal (A. virosa). Most, if not all, species is a member of the organic material. Indeed, if it was OC K approaches, Maurice Moss foray in woodland are the dead of Amanita have an intimate and British Mycological not for the ability of fungi to break man’s fingers and stag’s horn fungi obligate relationship with trees – Society, the Society down cellulose and lignin, the leaves TT ERST
takes us on a whistle-stop tour HU growing on dead wood, belonging the bits we see are just fruit bodies of Applied shed by trees would accumulate FINDING to the genus Xylaria. But the most which produce and shed millions Microbiology, the quite rapidly and dead tree trunks of just some of the huge /S TT E common fungi seen during walks of basidiospores into the air. The Society of General would not decay. Genera such as VE Microbiology, the diversity of organisms found through the countryside are the active fungus is in the soil, growing Linnean Society Collybia (the toughshanks), Mycena fruit bodies of basidiomycetes – and spreading as a fine network of and the Quekett (the bonnet fungi) and Clitocybe FUNGI in the fungal kingdom RE VILAINEC mushrooms, toadstools, brackets and hyphae referred to as the mycelium. Microscopical Club. (the funnel caps) actively break 30 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 31 FUNGUS DAY FUNGAL FORAY
has some very elegant species, a FURTHER READING carcinogenic, the European Union referred to as the yeasts, of which OC K Cannon, P. F. and Kirk, very beautiful example of which is P. M., Fungal Families has legislation restricting the levels species of Saccharomyces and of the World (2007)
TT ERST Polyporus tuberaster which grows of aflatoxin in foods for Candida are widely used
HU on fallen branches and twigs. One Hibbett, D. S. et human consumption to in the production of /S al. A Higher-level of the best-known polypores is phylogenetic 2µg per kg. yoghurts, wines and the birch polypore, also known as classification of the However, beers. Yet, as with
IAN DIC KS IAN the razorstrop fungus (Piptoporus Fungi. Mycological other species of all these fungi,
BR Research 111, 509-547 betulinus) because its fruit bodies (2007) Aspergillus, such closely related used to be used for stropping razors Webster, J. and Weber, as Aspergillus species can be after they had been sharpened. It is R. W. S. Introduction to oryzae, may very useful and Fungi 3rd ed, (2007) very common on the trunks of dead be used in the very harmful birch. Another common bracket is production of to humans. Ganoderma australe, which forms foods such as koji, Birch Candida albicans, huge, very hard brackets at the base which in turn is used polypore for example, is a of both living and dead beech. They in the manufacture of commensal colonist are so tough that it is possible to Japanese produce of the oral or vaginal stand on them. Both this species and such as sake. mucosal surfaces of humans and the one known as the artist’s bracket Species of Fusarium can also occasionally causes skin lesions. (Ganoderma applanatum) have a be used in the manufacture of creamy white surface which turns foods such as Quorn, but many To be with fungi brown when bruised – meaning it produce toxic metabolites such as Members of all three kingdoms have is possible to draw quite a complex trichothecenes and may also be evolved to interact with one another picture upon them with a stick. Ganoderma pathogens of plants. and we could not live without the applanatum, A very different fruit body from known as ‘the Another broad group of fungi fungi. So this coming UK Fungus any of those described so far is the artist’s bracket’, associated with food production is, Day, why not get outside and see stinkhorn (Phallus impudicus). can be drawn upon of course, the single-celled fungi what you can find? Initially it produces an egg-like structure which is white and smooth, clearly attached to a complex web of mycelial cords and usually arising from some deeply buried rotting down leaf litter and dead wood. A Never mind the boletes Honey fungus as gasteromycetes, which includes wood. Eventually the egg splits few are parasitic on living trees and Another colourful group of fungi are grows parasitically puffballs and earthstars. Earth and a sticky, smelly mass of spores the best known is the honey fungus the boletes, which do not have gills on live trees and balls are not, in fact, related to are born on the top of a rapidly can continue to (Armillaria mellea) and related but a layer of tubes on the surfaces of grow once its host puffballs, being more closely related expanding white stem. The smell is R. ORG species. Having killed its host, the which the spores are produced and is dead to the boletes. very attractive to flies which are then honey fungus, also known as the discharged. Many are edible and one There is also a delightful group of the agents of spore dispersal. RVE
bootstrap fungus because of its of the best known is the penny small species known as bird’s nest MOBSE production of black rhizomorphs bun (Boletus edulis), also fungi which produce their spores in Food for thought under the bark of decaying trees, known as the cep. This The common small packets known as peridioles As well as these exotic organisms
earth ball MUSHROO is able to continue growing as a species is considered in a cone-shaped fruit body. These found in woodland, fungi take / saprophyte on the dead wood. by many to be one packets of spores are dispersed by the more familiar form of various WILSON
Perhaps the most colourful of of the best edible drops of rain falling into the cup and moulds, such as Penicillium, the gilled fungi are the waxcaps, mushrooms. The splashing out again, carrying the Aspergillus and Fusarium which THAN species of Hygrocybe, which favour layer of tubes is peridioles with them. are often associated with the A
unimproved grassland. There are usually easily peeled Another huge group of fungi production and spoilage of foods. OC K, N yellow, red and orange species and off from the cap. are the bracket fungi, often found Species of Penicillium are used in
even a green one, and the number One species, fruiting on the trunks and branches the production of several cheeses TT ERST HU of different species occurring Pseudoboletus of trees. These are often very tough OC K such as Stilton, Roquefort and /S on a site is thought to be a good parasiticus, is parasitic and the spores are produced on the Brie, as well as antibiotics such as indicator of how long the grassland on the common earth ball surface of pores which, unlike the TT ERST penicillin. Aspergillus flavus and has remained untreated apart from (Scleroderma citrinum). The earth tubes of boletes, are an integral part related species are responsible IANM PH OTO IANM
mowing. Old churchyards are often balls used to belong to a diverse of the bracket and usually cannot DE R/SHU for the production of aflatoxin in T HRIS C good sites for waxcaps. group of fungi collectively known be peeled off. The genus Polyporus ZPY foods and, because it is possibly
ritain will be going ■ ¢e Royal Botanic Gardens, ■ ¢e Linnean Society of London will host planned a trip to Woodwalton Fen to explore Bring Life: a celebration of nature’s recyclers ■ ¢e National Botanic Garden of Wales will Bmycology mad this Kew, is holding a Fungi a one-day symposium entitled Fungi – its fungal flora, both on 13th October. will run until 30th November at the Whitby celebrate Wales Fungus Day with fungi craft month as the start of Festival from 5th Keystones of Evolution and Earth Processes Museum, North Yorkshire. demonstrations, fungal food, poetry and an Biology Week comes October until 3rd on ¢ursday 17th October. ■ Plant charity Plantlife is organising forays exhibition, ‘From Another Kingdom’, on fungi. just a day before UK November. ¢ere will be and family activities at the Royal Botanic ■ A number of events are planned in Fungus Day on 13th daily fungal forays, tours ■ Fungus walks and family activities are Garden Edinburgh on Saturday 12th and association with the Forestry Commission ere are many, many more fungal forays, October. Here is our guide to just some of Kew’s fungarium and a planned at the Cambridge University Sunday 13th October. at the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, such events and displays being organised around of the events being held to raise the special family event for UK Fungus Botanic Garden in Cambridgeshire, and as a two-day exhibition of fungi, a number of the country – see www.ukfungusday.co.uk profile of fungi and fungal research. Day on Sunday 13th October. the Cambridge Natural History Society has ■ An exhibition entitled Death and Decay public forays, and a photographic exhibition. for details.
32 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 NoNo 5 DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION ON THIS ARTICLE? CONTACT US AT BIOLOGIST´SOCIETYOFBIOLOGY.ORG Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 33 INTERVIEW DR JACK COHEN
Dr Jack Cohen, now semi-retired, continues to collect and study THE ‘SCIENCE’ amoeba and hydra IN SCIENCE FICTION Tom Ireland talks to Dr Jack Cohen – biologist, science fiction author and inventor of ‘biologically realistic aliens’
r Jack Cohen is a successful Research Council unit for about a reproductive biologist who year. I was just filling in a form on D went on to become a star of what lectures to give to schools that the science fiction world. He co-wrote year and I’d written a few things – four books with Terry Pratchett and, how hair grows, for example, which as a consultant, helps other authors is what I was working on. My boss dream up credible aliens, alien saw I was reading several science ecosystems and alternative worlds. fiction books and, on the bottom, Now semi-retired, Cohen remains a he wrote: ‘what does a Martian look science fiction enthusiast and like?’ We both looked at it continues to collect and study and realised what a bloody amoeba and hydra. brilliant title it was. I gave about a 100 lectures that year When did your interest in and never looked back. Then biology begin? we called it ‘the possibility of My father was killed just after life on other planets’ and sold the war and my mother had out even more. to survive on a half pension as we couldn’t find the body. DDo you think astrobiologists We couldn’t afford the rent – I are too narrow minded needed to contribute. in their search for life on I began collecting Daphnia other planets? – commonly called water Yes, they are basically fleas – from local ponds, and physicists who know bugger tubifex worms from the banks all about biology. They look of the Thames, to sell to pet for water-dependent, carbon- shops as feed for tropical based life and simply look fish. I once got £16 worth of for life like ours on Earth, tubifex in two hours, at a time The fourth book in when it’s likely to be nothing at all The Science of when my mother was on £2 a week. Discworld series like ours. They just won’t look at I was often paid in fish and began other living systems. Sun spots are breeding them, selling the progeny in many ways life-like and on the every six months for £50. It started surface of Mercury there may well my interest in biology and I went be things involving semi-conductors to study zoology at the University and so on, but it’s nothing like life College of Hull without a grant, on Earth. using the money I’d saved up by doing this from the age of 13. You’ve worked for many years on predicting what life may be like on How did you come to start lecturing other planets [Cohen wrote the book on aliens and life on other planets? Evolving the Alien, with Ian Stewart, I’d been working at a Medical and contributed to programmes
34 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 35 INTERVIEW DR JACK COHEN
IC K BIOGRAPHY interesting, it’s really so I am Just like gravity is overcome by a
RW prepared for when I find some of lift or escalator, biology transcends the great big ones (Pelmatohydra chemistry. The origins of life, the early
Y OF WA pseudo-oligactis) with bodies an enzymes, transcended chemistry’s SI T
R inch long and tentacles five or six limitations to produce reactions that inches long. They had them at would otherwise not occur. UNIVE the lake at Orielton field centre in There is a book called The Pembrokeshire, and oh, I loved it. Voyage of The Space Beagle about a I have the original amoeba culture spaceship full of scientists that go Dr Jack Cohen FSB started by Sister Monica Taylor in round trying to solve problems on studied zoology at 1932, but they are down to around different planets. They have all these the University of Hull where he 20 or so because of the hot weather. scientists but the most important completed his PhD Just one of the 50 or so lakes I know is the nexialist, who is there to in feather growth. have amoeba and only three ponds build bridges between the scientific He received his have hydra – and none of them the disciplines to help understand these doctorate from big type. I think it is because of the foreign worlds. I said I really wanted the University of increasing use of detergents. to be a nexialist when I grew up. The Birmingham where he worked as a book said the way to do it was to read reproductive What are you most proud of over all of the journal Nature, not just the biologist for 30 your career as a scientist and author? bits you’re interested in. Which I did years. He has also It’s always the most recent book for the best part of 60 years. worked at the I suppose – but The Science of When the New England Complex Warwick Discworld IV has two chapters that Systems Institute (NECSI) was set up Mathematics Institute and an really are quite remarkable. It’s about and I was asked to be its first fellow, assisted how biology is not just physics and I said absolutely, what a wonderful conception unit. chemistry with knobs idea… It meant I was finally a His publications on, as many NECSIalist. Well, with mathematician people believe. it’s close enough. Ian Stewart include non-fiction books on complexity, such as The Collapse of Chaos, as well as The Science of Discworld series, in collaboration with Terry Pratchett. He also chaired the editorial board of The Biologist in the 1970s.
such as the BBC’s Natural History Why is it important that science The three authors The Physics of Star Trek, which be OK, and if it sold more it would be of an Alien]. What evolutionary fiction is credible or feasible? of The Science of was full of nonsense about how to a miracle. It sold more than 100,000 Discworld series in innovations have arisen Not feasible, but credible. Science July 1999 (from left go faster than the speed of light. Ian in the first year. independently on Earth so many fiction fans take this stuff very to right, Ian said we should write The Science of times that they would surely evolve seriously. They want things to work! Stewart, Terry Discworld – but there was no science You clearly have a great imagination in alien species too? If you’ve got to take a rocket mission Pratchett and Dr in Discworld, it was all magic and – do you wish more scientists were I came up with the concept to Alpha Centauri they want it to Jack Cohen), as wizards. So we came up with the more open minded or imaginative? they gathered to of universals – flight, fur, take 100 years. Up until the 1960s celebrate Pratchett idea that the Discworld wizards Oh yes, many scientists are drudges, photosynthesis and sex – as you could get away with this sort receiving an make our Earth and universe by they see it as a nine to five job. I some innovations that if you ran of stuff. As people become better honorary doctorate mistake (Roundworld) and have to worked on feather and hair – and evolution again, would develop educated about science, this gets from the University look after it. fish – development, and a range of again. Like eyes, which have evolved harder and harder. of Warwick That way you can explain the things like the numbers of sperms, independently at least 25 times on science of our world by looking and they were all wonderful. I see Earth. Then there are parochials – How did you come to work with back at it from another, completely biology as constantly throwing things like feathers and nails that Terry Pratchett? different viewpoint. Lots of interesting things up. you probably wouldn’t get again I knew him from various publishers rejected it, saying you because the process that led to them conventions and Ian Stewart couldn’t have a science book with a You also have a passion for is so unbelievably complicated. I did [mathematician and co-author of story in it. The publisher who finally amoeba and hydra? a PhD on feathers and, believe me, many books with Cohen] was keen took it on said if it sold 5,000 copies, I am keeping H. oligactis at the they are ridiculously complex. to meet him. There was this book, he’d lose his job; 10,000 and he’d moment but they are not very
36 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION ON THIS ARTICLE? CONTACT US AT BIOLOGIST´SOCIETYOFBIOLOGY.ORG SPOTLIGHT ON
AT A GLANCE INTERVIEW
Agroecology is the study of farm What careers are available? UK. Many charities and American colleges What does your research involve? ecosystems. Agroecologists use the Agroecologists work in a variety of careers, run agroecology courses to help improve I’m looking at the dispersal ability principles of ecology to help design including crop and farm management, conditions in farming communities around of different species of macro moths and manage sustainable agricultural the agribusiness and agri-tech sectors, the world. (mainly moths with a wingspan systems. Because the field looks at and for various environmental, farming or of more than 1cm). We don’t entire ecosystems, land use and complex regulatory agencies. Academic research Where can I find more information? understand much about their farming processes, agroecologists posts are wide ranging, and cover many e British Ecological Society offers Name mobility so I’m trying to quantify often have to consider the interaction of things, including the optimisation of yields research grants, resources, publications and Hayley Jones the dispersal ability to see if it is economic, social, cultural and political of various food or biofuel crops; the membership for aspiring ecologists. Profession related to their current population factors in their work. reduction of the effect of farming on Rothamsted Research is the longest PhD student changes – there are a lot of species climate change; the population dynamics running agricultural research facility in Qualifications declining in numbers and a few that Why is it important? of crop pests and other farm flora and the world. It has an archive of resources BSc (Hons) are increasing. Some projections predict that by 2050 the fauna; the study of pollinators in the farmed for students and scientists, and runs a in biology, world will have to double food production environment; soil microbiology; and, most number of public meetings and national University of York How do you measure that? to ensure the population has enough hotly contested, the genetic modification of sampling projects every year. e Centre Interests I’m measuring it using a tethered affordable food. New approaches are organisms used in agriculture. for Agroecology and Food Security is a joint Ecology, flight mill system – we attach the required to provide for the agricultural needs initiative between Coventry University and agroecology, moths to an arm which turns round of present and future generations without How do I get into agroecology? Garden Organic, an organic growing charity. entomology, on an axis. The moths fly round in a A large yellow depleting natural resources or degrading the Most agroecologists will have studied a dispersal, circle and a computer records how underwing moth environment. Agroecology aims to sustain biology or ecology degree, many going on Web resources many revolutions they make so I (noctua pronuba) population and trap, below or increase the productivity of agricultural to specialise in crop, food or plant sciences, www.britishecologicalsociety.org dynamics, can gather information about their systems while minimising the negative zoology or entomology. Rothamsted and www.rothamsted.ac.uk conservation speed, the distance they’ve flown environmental and socioeconomic impact Coventry University (see right) are the UK’s www.coventry.ac.uk/agroecology-and- and how much time they spend that are in decline, but at the other When I come in the next day, I of modern farming methods. main centres for agroecology research in the food-security travelling. I’m using this data to get end of the scale those that are take those moths off the flight mill an idea of how good they’d be at very strong dispersers could and repeat the process. dispersing in the wild. become pests as the climate warms. We already How did you get into this So they’ll happily fly round and have some species line of research? round even though they’re not in the UK that When I was at going anywhere? are pests university, I was Yes. Moths don’t really require much of garden at a naturalist stimulus for them to fly – whereas and house and bird people tried to use flight mills with plants, watchers’ bees and found you need to give but we society and them all sorts of visual stimulus to need to we had a make them fly. It’s quite variable, keep an lecturer but some fly for the whole night. eye on who was our them as unofficial What does your research suggest they could patron. He’d is going on? become run a moth The wider study from the crop pests. trap every night Rothamsted survey that found We could also for the past 30 many species are declining potentially have years and he used to attributed this to different things, dispersal from the invite us to see him empty such as climate change and habitat continent causing problems it. So I’d encountered moths but loss. The theory is that the moths in the UK. didn’t think I’d want to study them best equipped for flying may as a career. But when I was looking be the ones that can move north What does an average day involve? at PhD projects, this one leapt out as the climate changes, or find I start by emptying my moth trap at me, and I thought not many Moths don’t new habitat if theirs is destroyed. in the morning. I select certain people study moths, and that makes require The moths with the poorest species that I’m focusing on, then I it more interesting. mobility are therefore also the take them to the lab where they are It’s a very satisfying thing to work much ones in decline. chilled for a couple of hours so they on – the information could be used stimulus for are calm when they are attached to to focus conservation priorities them to fly How does this relate to the the pin. Then I feed them, connect on certain species of moths. It’s a agriculture industry? them to the flight mill and leave group that is very important and an We are concerned about the moths them overnight. indicator species.
38 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 39 Olakunle Patricia Kingston AMSB RSciTech Teju MSB I work part time as a science feel I am held in higher regard Members technician at a state secondary by employers and colleagues. I was born to peasant farmers school and part time as a laboratory I cannot I now feel empowered to insist in Masifa, Nigeria. Although technician for an independent express how on better working conditions they had never stepped into preparatory school. This year I am important and recognition. I feel I have the the entrance of any school they starting my first postgraduate the RSciTech weight behind me to insist that MEMBER PROFILES strived to sponsor their children course, ‘Research Skills in Science’, award has I am no longer referred to as in school. I first started to with the Open University. been to me “only a technician”. Social Notices develop an interest in my chosen Chief executive Dr Mark Downs is to Seeking sustainability discipline at primary school. My love of animals first inspired I think the most exciting field hold informal sandwich lunches I loved being taught about me to get into bioscience. My of the life sciences for me has to with groups of 40-50 members, or evolution and its theories. lifelong interest in animals and be the developments in 10-15 Fellows. Places are available the natural world can largely biotechnology. This is anything on a first-come, first-served basis. After my BSc in biology at be attributed to Sir David from using bacteria as a possible To book, call 020 7685 2564 or email Obafemi Awolowo University, Attenborough. He has such a fuel source to the possibilities [email protected] Nigeria, I became a lecturer distinctive and recognisable voice arising from stem cell research 17 October at one of the leading that I remember from some of the and therapies. Society of Biology Awards ceremony polytechnics in south-western first black and white television Celebrating the achievements of Nigeria and from next year programmes I saw as a child. I spend most of my spare members and biology enthusiasts I will be a senior lecturer in time plugged into the through competitions and prizes. the same department. I read I originally joined the internet, a passion shared The King’s Fund, London my master’s in cell biology Society for the with my 13 year old son. 24 October and genetics at the University professional recognition Although much maligned, Members’ Lunch, London of Lagos. and recently received I find it invaluable, 12:30-14:00 the RSciTech award. especially for research. I Charles Darwin House The discovery of human I cannot express how also admit to the guilty 14 November gene therapy is a important the award has pleasure of a Hollywood Fellows’ Lunch, London major advancement in been to me. Since sci-fi blockbuster and 12:30-14:00 biotechnology. This is most becoming a registered any animation movie Charles Darwin House exciting as it could provide science technician I by Pixar. solutions to many human genetic problems. MEMBER NEWS Joining a reputable professional society provides Lorena Viladomat AMSB a means of cross breeding ideas and discoveries from For the last few years I have been aim is to see whether this strain across the globe. developing food security projects of Trichoderma could have useful in Palestine based around the use applications in the food security I am an inquisitive fellow, interested in biology and less in dentistry due to of water and space efficient farming context in developing countries. I’ll always wanting to know more Professor Elliot the influence of Professor Robert Anderson. techniques. I’m now taking a break be looking at it under laboratory about nature. I enjoy reading. Shubert FSB from work to pursue an MSc at conditions and in established In my leisure time I enjoy Developments I find most exciting are Neil lands award Exeter University in food security aquaponic farms in Thailand. finding out about foreign I am employed part time differential gene expression analysis and Dr Neil Humphries CBiol MSB and sustainable agriculture. news via the internet. Most at the Natural History more recently the next gen sequencer (RNAseq) has been awarded the William The development of sustainable importantly, I love watching Museum as editor-in-chief technology. In addition, there is evidence that T Plass Award by the National I have a BA in development studies; alternatives to resource hungry football and reading about the of the international peer algae could be used as models for investigating Meeting of the American Society an interesting area to study but I agricultural practices will be a key politics of my country. reviewed journal Systematics the activity of cancer cells. In 10 years, I think of Mining and Reclamation. graduated with few practical skills to area in the coming years. and Biodiversity. I also conduct whole genome sequencing will become The honour, which recognises be able to confidently deliver projects In her spare time research on microscopic green widespread as the technology becomes easier outstanding contributions in the in my area of interest. At the end of Lorena likes the University colleagues told me algae – my focus is on investigating the “origin of to use and cheaper to operate. This will have areas of research or consulting in my degree, I could critically analyse freedom of about the Society and, after a little multicellularity” using molecular methods such dramatic effects on our knowledge and land reclamation, was awarded a paper but felt a little useless! After cycle touring research, I thought – why not join a as gene expression and genomic analysis. understanding of the taxonomy, physiology to Dr Humphries (above, centre) some work experience I decided to community of people actively involved and biochemistry of organisms. for his work on many reclamation go back to studying. in a topic I am passionate about? I have an undergraduate degree from the schemes across agriculture, University of Missouri (1966) and a PhD from the I joined the Society because it is a strong forestry, nature conservation, I’m investigating the effectiveness Travelling is definitely my University of Connecticut (1973). I was a professor advocate association representing the interests landscaping and sport amenities, of a new strain (GD12) of the passion. I also enjoy water sports, of biology at the University of North Dakota for 21 of biologists in society and Government. and the re-creation of Sites of rhizosphere fungus Trichoderma in particular diving; it is literally a years before moving to London in 1994. Special Scientific Interest in hamatum as a biocontrol agent whole other world down there. I also My limited spare time is spent with my wife, England and Wales. and plant growth promotant in like the feeling of freedom that cycle I was originally a pre-dental student majoring Eileen, visiting art exhibitions, travelling, water based farming systems. My touring gives you. in biology. As time progressed, I became more volunteering and DIY.
40 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 41 MEMBER PROFILES
Lauren Hoskin-Parr AMSB Thomas I I write articles about developments Lemon MSB in biology for a lay audience. I’m fortunate I was asked by Ariel Blocker FSB, to have had my former tutor, to help write a some paper based on the research from wonderful my dissertation. She then science encouraged me to apply for an teachers, such internship with the Society of as Eric Wolton Biology to gain professional (RGS, High experience in a science Wycombe), whose enthusiasm communication organisation. I surrounding the subject was also interned at the Bristol Natural enough to encourage even the History Consortium and helped most reluctant potential scientist, organise the Bristol Festival of and the sadly prematurely Nature. Working at both of these deceased James Barr (CCN, organisations confirmed my Norwich) whose faith in his decision to follow this career path students’ potential never faltered. This October I will be starting as I loved the challenges set to me, a master’s degree in science such as writing press releases, blog From a young age, the vast and communication at Imperial articles and news summaries. eclectic offerings of biology have College. Hopefully this will equip enthralled me. As a medical me with the necessary skills to I am passionate about student I’ve been fortunate fulfil my ambitions of becoming a sustainable development and am enough to learn and work successful science writer. always inspired to learn of alongside some leading clinical technologies that improve living geneticists, and also to study at I found many textbooks and conditions in a sustainable manner. Cardiff Medical School, which journals to be over-complicated I am This includes the Golden Rice encourages extracurricular and confusing while studying for passionate project and the use of bacteria in activities. This took me beyond the my degree in microbiology and about producing energy from waste. everyday clinical world of an pathology. So, I became interested sustainable undergraduate medical student, in communicating science in a more development In my spare time I enjoy cooking and encouraged my childhood accessible way. This led me to start for friends, listening to music and passion in biology to flourish. My my own blog, Science Says, on which going on adventures. mentors (such as Dr Frauke Pelz, University Hospital of Wales) also began to teach me the art of scientific writing and correct Dr Lucina Hackman MSB routes of knowledge dissemination. I am a lecturer in human Teaching is my main role, but I also Of all the amazing advances in identification at the Centre for undertake forensic anthropology science, the one of particular Anatomy and Human casework throughout the UK. I enjoy interest to me currently is Identification (CAHID) at the the fact that every day presents new oncolytic viruses. I hope to University of Dundee. My role is challenges and experiences. This further investigate viruses that to lead the MSc in anatomy and is the perfect career for me since may be useful in treating tumours advanced forensic anthropology, it combines the development of occurring in cancer syndromes and teach undergraduates and theory through research with the such as Haemangioblastoma of postgraduates throughout the application of that theory in the the central nervous system in von department. I am also active in real world. Hippel-Lindau disease and renal research within the department. cell carcinomas. I’m also I was encouraged to join the interested in how these cancer I was a nurse for 16 years before Society by Dr Margaret Hayward, a syndromes affect the psychiatric changing careers after working in chartered member, and see it as a welfare of patients, and wonder if Albania and seeing the British great way to keep up to date these changes are present in other forensic team at work in Kosovo in with research and mammals – and if not, why not? 2000. I went on to study an MSc knowledge in the in forensic anthropology at biosciences. Being elected to the Society is a Bournemouth, followed by a true honour. As I shortly finish part time PhD at Dundee I enjoy watching my medical studies, I am looking while I also ran a PgCert in cricket and forward to my career working in disaster victim identification walking my dogs in both biology and medicine. for UK police forces. the countryside.
42 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 Branches
EVENTS CALENDAR For more details and to book a place on an event, see the Branch Contacts on page 47, or visit the Events page of the Society website.
Beds, Essex & Herts AGM & COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY TALK Tuesday 15 October 2013 18:30 Join us for our AGM and a talk by Penny Coggill, computational biologist at Sanger and chair of AWISE Cambridge, a regional network for women in science. ‘Odette Toilette’, a networking event based on scent and the sense of smell, will also intrigue. For more information and to book a place contact event organiser Dr Theresa BlueGnome. There will be tea and ¢e Millennium Professor Maurice Moss will lead the Huxley on 07785 700073. coffee from 19:00 with the first Seed Bank fungal foray to the Chantries in lecture starting at 19:15. Held at the Exhibition Surrey, a wooded area north of NATIONAL FRUIT SHOW CPC4 Capital Park, Fulbourn, Shalford with a good reputation for Wednesday 16 & Cambridge CB21 5XE. fungal diversity. Thursday 17 October 2013 Take the A281 south from A key event for horticulturalists and Guildford, then about a mile out of those interested in fruit production. East Midlands Guildford turn east into Pilgrims Way. For more information and to book As you reach a bend in Pilgrims Way a place contact Dr Theresa Huxley FUNGI IDENTIFICATION WALK (GU4 8AD) you will find a track on the (see above). Saturday 9 November 2013 right which leads to the car park. Come to Twyford Woods, near Colsterworth, TOUR OF THE GARDENS AND East Anglia Grantham, to SEED BANK AT WAKEHURST identify up to 100 Wednesday 18 December 2013 11:00 B BIG BIOLOGY DAY species and learn Meet at 11:00 for a tour of the Saturday 12 October 2013 10:00-16:00 about their biology gardens. After lunch, at 13:30, we will Big Biology Day is a free event, and ecology. Contact meet up with Keith Manger, the giving people of all ages the chance to Marianne Overton at laboratory manager, and Professor get hands-on with biology and see marianne.overton@ Hugh Pritchard, the head of research, how ‘wow’ the life sciences can be. A biosearch.org.uk or on who will take us on a guided tour of fun day for the whole family with 0140 027 3323 for the laboratories, dry rooms, cold activities, demos, quizzes and more, further details. rooms and other facilities at the on a wide range of topics, from Millennium Seed Bank. animals to the workings of the Admission is free for National human body. Kent, Surrey & Sussex Trust members, children under 16 B Events marked and Friends of Kew. For other B BLUEGNOME & ILLUMINA MACRO FUNGI with this symbol members there is an entry fee. Monday 14 October 2013 19:00-21:00 ¬UK FUNGUS DAY® are part of If you wish to attend then please An evening of lectures and a lab tour Sunday 13 October 2013 Biology Week email our secretary at david.ware1@ of the genetic analysis company 11:00-13:00 2013 ntlworld.com www.societyofbiology.org/events Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 43 BRANCHES EVENTS CALENDAR/EVENT REPORTS
Lecture for Dr Christopher Smith at Aston University. The lecture will be EVENT preceded by our AGM.
ANNUAL CHARTER LECTURE REPORTS Tuesday 12 November 2013 Professor Steve Jones speaks on ‘Alfred Russel Wallace 100 years on: Beds Essex & Herts is Man just another animal?’ at the University of Birmingham. DISCOVERING SANDY HEATH AND QUARRY 8 June 2013 Western The Lodge nature reserve at Sandy is the UK headquarters of the Royal AGM & TALK Society for the Protection of Birds Thursday 31 October 2013 19:00 (RSPB). The reserve sits along the We will be looking for a new chair Greensand Ridge and covers 180 because the current post holder hectares of woodland and heathland. Mark Howard is stepping down. Reserve warden Andy Schofield, Please come and contribute to our equipped with nets and hand lenses, branch activities. Branch work is a led our group which included four Eton College, positive addition to your CV and CPD, enthusiastic future biologists. This North Wales Windsor, will Thames Valley and branch events are a useful area of commercially planted pine is host the ¢ames networking opportunity. Meet at being restored to heathland, and Valley branch AGM AND CHRISTMAS LECTURE SCIENCE IN THE MEDIA BAWA www.bawa.biz and contact when completed will be the largest Thursday 5 December 2013 19:30 Tuesday 8 October 2013 19:00 Mark for further details area of heathland in Bedfordshire Dr Peter Cunnington’s talk is on the Fiona Fox, chief executive of the [email protected] or and home to rare birds such as leasehold of a 100-acre farm near Beds, Essex and guide, pointed out many of the rare experiences of a botanist in Asia. The Science Media Centre, will be 01179 423 688. woodlark and nightjar. Ipswich, which became subject of a Herts branch and interesting specimens. The AGM and lecture will take place at lecturing on science in the media It was a bright but cool day and BBC2 series called Jimmy’s Farm. members admire Franklin tree, Franklinia alatamaha, the pool at RSPB Bod Erw Hotel, St Asaph, at the at Eton College, Windsor. swifts flew low overhead. We learned The farmyard trail provides an headquarters has been extinct in the wild since the roundabout with the A55, junction Refreshments are available from they are a summer visitor; arriving in introduction to past and present early 19th century and is the sole 27 (SJ 031746). More details will be 19:00, followed by the AGM at 19:30 late April and leaving in August to farming methods and food surviving member of its genus. We available closer to the event. and the lecture at 20:00. spend the winter in Africa. They feed production. We met a family of cute admired the beautiful blue exclusively on spiders and insects goats, llamas, rheas and small Jacob Hydrangea macrophylla, the Daimyo INVASIVE SPECIES caught on the wing, only landing to sheep with very curly horns. We fed oak (Quercus dentata) with its leaves Northern Ireland Wednesday 6 November 2013 19:00 nest and lay eggs. Andy was brilliant free range chickens, guinea fowl and a up to 30cm in length, and many, Daryl Buck, biodiversity officer at the with the young biologists, who flock of very friendly young geese who many other fascinating specimens. THE IRISH HARE ± PAST, Environment Agency, will be talking particularly enjoyed netting insects had just got their first white feathers. We were privileged to be shown PRESENT & FUTURE about non-native invasive species and challenging him to identify them. Gloucester Old Spots, British and around the seed bank by Keith Wednesday 16 October 2013 20:00 of Great Britain. A free event at In the wooded area we heard Essex Saddlebacks – the rare breeds Manger MSB, the laboratory Dr Neil Reid, an applied ecologist Harborne Building, University of woodpeckers hammering on trees to of today – are the commercial pigs of manager, and Professor Hugh specialising in mammalogy and Reading Whiteknights Campus. excavate nest cavities to find insects yesterday, when pork had real flavour, Pritchard FSB, head of research. We conservation science, will be Refreshments will be available CHRISTMAS SOCIAL to eat. They also hammer to with crackling that really were talked through the process by discussing the Irish hare, including from 19:00 and the lecture will Thursday 12 December 2013 12:00 communicate and it’s part of crackled. They are slower which seeds from some 154 countries its cultural significance in Irish start at 19:30. Join your colleagues at the annual their courtship behaviour. Young biologists to grow, meaning their and 24,000 species, including from folklore and mythology. To book a meal with a talk afterwards. It will be Did you know that a at the RSPB meat has a superior virtually all the UK’s native plants, place contact Professor Stephanie held at Bristol University Veterinary woodpecker taps an taste. Commercially have been collected and preserved. McKeown [email protected] Wessex School dining hall at Langford, North estimated 8,000 to they don’t make On arrival the seeds are dried, Somerset. More details available 12,000 times per day? sense to farm on a cleaned (by separation from dust and AGM & PHOTOGRAPHS from Mark (as above). Dr Theresa Huxley FSB large scale. fungal spores), then examined using Thursday 14 November 2013 The children techniques including digital X-raying, Dr Matt Doggett, winner of the JIMMY’S FARM loved the nature which allows rapid recognition and British Wildlife Photographer of the Yorkshire 16 June 2013 trail, the zip wires and removal of any insect infested, Year 2012 for his stunning ‘Gannet Educating young people climbing pyramids, and immature, diseased or malformed Jacuzzi’, will share the story behind FOOD SECURITY & AGM about the biology of food and we all enjoyed bacon baps seeds. Seeds are then identified, his winning picture. He will also Saturday 16 November 2013 10:00 farming are key to inspiring the next and real dairy ice cream. allocated a collection number, then share his images of Hampshire and Four speakers will guide us through generation of scientists and vital for stored in hermetically sealed glass Dorset coast marine life. some of the topical and critical the future of farming. Jimmy’s Farm bottles, or in trilaminated foil bags, concerns related to the security at Wherstead, North Ipswich, is the Kent, Surrey & Sussex at -20˚C or at liquid nitrogen of our food supply, examining brainchild of Jimmy Doherty and temperatures. They are available for West Midlands how nutritious it is, its origin, provided a great environment for EXPERIENCING WAKEHURST research, for example by the bank’s verification and processing. sharing knowledge. 31 July 2013 team of some 80 scientists, or for AGM & LECTURE Meet at lecture theatre B, Rose Bowl, Jimmy, a zoology graduate, set the Stalwart members braced the rain repopulation of their original habitat Wednesday 16 October 2013 Leeds Metropolitan University farm up in 2003. He left London and, for a tour of Wakehurst gardens and – a fascinating and extremely Society of Biology and British Central Campus. The AGM will without any experience or the Millennium Seed Bank. Jim informative visit. Neuroscience Association Memorial follow the lecture. knowledge of farming, took on the Heath MSB, our very knowledgable Dr David Ware CBiol FSB
44 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 www.societyofbiology.org/events www.societyofbiology.org/events Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 45 BRANCHES EVENT REPORTS BRANCH
archaeology at the University of BODENHAM ARBORETUM CONTACTS Wessex AL HO Liverpool, is an expert in 15 June 2013 ARV
C palaeoanthropology and has Our annual family day was as BEDS, ESSEX & HERTS FOSSIL FORAY been working in Zambia for popular as ever. Dave Turner Dr eresa Huxley 9 June 2013 USANA nearly 20 years with a led an entertaining arboretum [email protected]
Charmouth expert Chris Pamplin DR S particular interest in the walk; highlights included the introduced us to the Jurassic Coast, a co-evolution of language, laburnum tunnel and some DEVON & CORNWALL 95-mile long World Heritage Site. creativity and technology. The stunning azaleas. Dr Steve Miss Christine Fry The cliffs and foreshore mainly lecture entitled ‘Did Tools Make Reynolds, plant scientist and [email protected] represent two stages within the Lias Us Human?’ offered an former ADAS plant disease (Early Jurassic), dating from archaeologist’s view that consultant, introduced us to some EAST ANGLIA approximately 190 million years ago. technology shaped us as a species. tree diseases in the field. Well known Miss Amanda Burton At this time the continents had not Larry began by posing the Chimpanzees’ for his ‘What’s Up Doc?’ plant clinics, [email protected] separated and this area was closer to question ‘What makes us human?’ tool use was his hugely informative, illustrated the equator, roughly where North and inviting suggestions from the discussed at the talk engaged us with tree diseases, EAST MIDLANDS Darwin Festival Africa is today. Moreover it was audience. He proceeded to define diagnosis and treatment. The Mrs Rosemary Hall submerged by a large sea, less than technology and discussed its detective trail passes via entomology, [email protected] 100m deep, in which alternating evolution from the earliest stone then mycology and bacteriology, layers of clay and limestone were laid tools found 2.6 million years ago. then virology, and if there is still no KENT, SURREY & SUSSEX down. These Jurassic sediments Referring to fossil evidence he answer ‘it must be physiological’. Dr David Ware were then overlain by younger (100 explained how humans had Globalisation has led to about 10 kentsurreysussex@ million years ago) Cretaceous increased in dexterity and problematic tree diseases endemic in societyofbiology.org deposits. Subsequent erosion demonstrated the skill of knapping, the UK in the last 10 years, such as environmental challenges to evolve Members in removed all the more recent deposits resulting in the production of sharp sudden oak death, where the LONDON London eventually in the human race. On a Wessex enjoyed and, at Charmouth, most of the tools. These were later subjected to pathogen is broadening its secondary Mr Ken Allen Saturday, with temperatures above a fossil foray Cretaceous as well. Life was hafting, which involved the addition host range. Steve updated us on ash [email protected] WHAT MAKES US HUMAN? 30˚C, competing with thousands of abundant during the Jurassic but as of a handle to increase power and dieback (Chalara fraxinea fungus), 13 July 2013 tourists at the museum, the audience this area was far from any significant leverage (apparently humans are the unheeded warnings to DEFRA in NORTH WALES At the Natural History Museum, of nearly 30 more than demonstrated landmass most of the fossils are better at knapping than chimps!). 2009 to halt genetically Dr Rosemary Solbé London, Dr Isabelle De Groote, a that we still have such abilities. marine – ammonites, nautili, Larry showed how brain size and homogeneous imports from Holland [email protected] paleoanthropologist at Liverpool Professor Neville Punchard CBiol FSB belemnites, crinoids, bivalves, fish structure had developed, indicating and Denmark, the ecological John Moores University, gave a and bones of marine reptiles. that language and tool-making importance of our 80 million UK ash NORTH WESTERN highly engaging and revealing talk on Chris had brought along many networks co-evolved, thus enabling trees, and the recent research which Mr Glenn Upton-Fletcher our evolution. We learnt about what Thames Valley representative specimens and gave us social learning and innovation. suggests that genetic heterogeneity [email protected] separates us from our animal cousins tips on finding fossils on the There was a great deal of in our established native ashes will and the traits that have enabled ORCHID WALK AT THE HOLIES foreshore. Fossil bones, mainly interaction with an enthused eventually ensure our stocks. NORTHERN mankind to dominate the planet. 16 June 2013 vertebrae, are black, as are and engaged audience who had Sadly, David Binnian, the founder Dr Michael Rowell The talk covered the differences We were given fair warning pyritised ammonites; both are to the opportunity to closely observe of Bodenham, passed away a month [email protected] between early hominids, primates that, like so many plants this be found lying in sandy areas as and handle a range of related fossils before our visit; his legacy of this and man, examining features that year, the orchids were rather the tide falls. We were shown and who may never look at a knife lovely arboretum continues to be in NORTHERN IRELAND ¢e annual distinguish man, such as a large brain late so there was some how to recognise, and split, and fork (or chopsticks) in the same family day at the stewardship of the Binnian Dr David Roberts case, walking upright on two legs, uncertainty about how much likely rocks. Then we were let way again! Bodenham family and their many friends. [email protected] running, lack of body hair, and we would see. However, Dr loose with our hammers and Lesley Payne CBiol MSB Arboretum Pamela Speed CBiol MSB language – all of which gave the Michael Keith-Lucas’ goggles, with warnings not to get SCOTLAND ancestors of man distinct advantages encyclopaedic knowledge of plant too close to the cliffs. Dr Jacqueline Nairn at certain stages in their evolution. species more than made up for that – There was a steady stream of finds [email protected] Using ever growing fossil and I for one would not have suspected Common blue including a palm-sized ammonite butterflies environmental records we learnt how just how many different varieties of split from a rock. We made our way THAMES VALLEY environmental changes produced grass grew in the area and how back to the visitor centre (and fossil Dr Ray Gibson adaptations to different sources of attractive many of them are. shop) where we thanked Chris for his [email protected] food and diets. These resulted in Orchids were limited to the entertaining and informative different physical adaptations, common spotted variety but introduction to fossils (and for laying WESSEX having an impact on posture, they were there in numbers. on good weather). Ms Rachel Wilson movements, teeth, jaws and skull size. Other distractions included a Jack Coughlan CBiol MSB [email protected] I found the difference between Homo mating pair of common blue sapiens and Neanderthals particularly butterflies. The latter part of WEST MIDLANDS interesting, especially the similarity the walk through very mature West Midlands Ms Debbie Dixon in DNA and cohabitation possibilities. woodland led to some spectacular [email protected] Homo sapiens evolved relatively views over the Thames Valley. DARWIN FESTIVAL recently – about 200,000 years ago – All in all, a very pleasant afternoon 16 February 2013 WESTERN and although we ended as the and one which, for a number of The branch was pleased to sponsor a Ms Joan Ashley dominant primate species it was us, provided an introduction lecture at the Darwin Festival, a [email protected] by no means a certainty. to a particularly attractive area of celebration of Charles Darwin’s One of the major things we the countryside and one which I am life in his birthplace of Shrewsbury, YORKSHIRE learned was about how varying early sure we will revisit. in Shropshire. Mr Paul Bartlett species of primates met various Roger Holdsworth MSB Larry Barham, professor of [email protected]
46 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 www.societyofbiology.org/events www.societyofbiology.org/events RJBE 45-2 Outside Cover.qxp:Layout 1 5/2/11 3:37 PM Page 1
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Volume 45 Number 3 September 2011 Volume 45 Number 2 June 2011 ora fBooia Education Biological of Journal Journal of Biological Education ERIDOB ISSUE
Volume 46 Number 3 September 2012 VolumeVolume 46 45 Number Number 4 3 December September 2012 2011 Contents Volume 45 Number 2 June 2011 Contents ora fBooia Education Biological of Journal Journal of Biological Education Journal of Biological Education Journal Contents Journal of Biological Education ContentsERIDOB ISSUE Note from the Society of Biology Editorial Society of Biology: influencing governmentEditorial policies Research Paper Contents Note from the Editor Mark Downs The living world in the curriculum: ecology, an essential part of biology learning63 Students’Contents learning outcomes and learning experiences through playing a Serious Konstantinos J. Korfiatis and Sue Dale Tunnicliffe 125 David Slingsby Educational Game 117 Note from the Society of Biology Volume 45 Number 2 June 2011 Meng-Tzu Cheng and Len Annetta 203 Editorial Editorial response Editorial Volume 45 Number 3 September 2011 Society of Biology: influencing government policies Guest editorial Ian Carter 128 ResearchNote from the Paper Editor A love of life Mark Downs 63 Authenticity in biologyDevelopmentDavid education: Slingsby and benefits application and challenges of a two-tier multiple-choice diagnostic test for 117 Jean Wilson Research paper 65 Volume 46 Numberhigh 3 school September students’ 2012 understanding of cell division and reproduction Volume 46 Number 4 December 2012 VolumeAnat Yarden45 Number and Graca2 June S. Carvalho2011 118 MultidimensionalEditorial analysis of high-school students’ perceptions about biotechnology Ertugrul Sesli and Yilmaz Kara 214 Volume 45 Number 3 September 2011 Maria João Fonseca, Patrício Costa, Leonor Lencastre and Fernando Tavares 129 Guest editorial ERIDOB ISSUE Case study A love of life Research paperResearchAuthenticity inPaper biology education: benefits and challenges ResearchJean Wilson paper 65 HIV/AIDS content knowledge and presentation strategies in biology for effective Project-based learning: a student investigation of the turtle trade in Guangzhou, Peopleʼs Anat Yarden and Graca S. Carvalho 118 Comparing and combining traditional teaching approaches and the use of video clips Children’s attitudesuse towards in everyday animals: life evidence from the RODENTIA project Republic of China for learning how to identify species in an aquarium Maria Joa˜o Fonseca,Lindelani Nuno Mnguni H. Franco, and Mia Francis Abrie Brosseron, 226 ERIDOB ISSUE Sze Man Cheung and Alex T. Chow VanessaCase study D.I. Pfeiffer, Katharina Scheiter and Sven Gemballa 68 140 Fernando Tavares,Research I. Anna S. paper Olsson and Ju´lio Borlido-Santos 121 Research Paper Project-based learning: a student investigation of the turtle trade in Guangzhou, Peopleʼs Children’s attitudes towards animals: evidence from the RODENTIA project Research paper Conceptual ecology of evolution acceptance among Greek education students: Research paper AlignmentRepublic ofbetween China High School Biology Curriculum Standard and the standardised Research paperMaria Joa˜o Fonseca, Nuno H. Franco, Francis Brosseron, Sze Man Cheung and Alex T. Chow the contribution of knowledge increase tests of four provinces in China 68 Fernando Tavares, I. Anna S. Olsson and Ju´lio Borlido-Santos 121 Stepping into the unknown: three models for the teaching and learning of the opening Kyriacos Athanasiou, Efstratios Katakos and Penelope Papadopoulou 234 Qun Lu and Enshan Liu 149 Supporting learning of high-school genetics using authentic research practices: the sections of scientific articles teacher’s role Case Study Hedda Falk and Anat Yarden Research paper Research paper Research paper 77 Hadas Gelbart andCan Anatthe effectiveness Yarden of different forms of feedback be measured? Retention and 129 HighStepping school into and the college unknown: biology: three a models multi-level for the model teaching of the and effects learning of high of the school opening studentSupporting preference learning for of written high-school and verbal genetics feedback using authentic in level 4 research bioscience practices: students the coursessections on of introductoryscientific articles course performance Research paperPhilteacher’s Buckley role 242 Research paper JohnHedda F. FalkLoehr, and John Anat T.Yarden Almarode, Robert H. Tai and Philip M. Sadler 16577 Hadas Gelbart and Anat Yarden 129 Why traditional expository teaching–learning approaches may founder? An experimental Developing a pedagogyPractical of risk in socio-scientific issues Research paper An interdisciplinary experiment: azo-dye metabolism by Staphylococcus aureus examination of neural networks inResearch biology learning paper Research paper Impact of biology laboratory courses on students’ science performance and views Ralph Levinson,Kayleigh Phillip Kent,Brocklesby, David Robert Pratt, Smith Ramesh and KapadiaDuncan Sharp and 247 Jun-Ki Lee and Yong-Ju Kwon 83 aboutWhy traditionallaboratory expository courses in teaching–learning general: innovative approaches measurements may founder?and analyses An experimental Cristina Yogui Developing a pedagogy of risk in socio-scientific issues 136 Silviaexamination Wen-Yu of neuralLee, Yung-Chih networks in Lai,biology Hon-Tsen learning Alex Yu and Yu-Teh Kirk Lin 173 PracticalRalph Levinson, Phillip Kent, David Pratt, Ramesh Kapadia and Bioinformatics: a history of evolution in silico Jun-Ki Lee and Yong-Ju Kwon 83 Research paperCristina Yogui 136 Research paper Practical Vladan Ondrˇej and Petr Dvorˇák 252 How does a one-day environmental education programme support individual Using soil seed banks for ecological education in primary school Learning progress in evolution theory: climbing a ladder or roaming a landscape? connectedness with nature? BookResearch Reviews paper 260 Eun Jeong Ju and Jae Geun KimResearch paper 93 Jorg€ Zabel and Harald Gropengiesser 143 Alida Kossack and Franz X. Bogner 180 Using soil seed banks for ecological education in primary school Learning progress in evolution theory: climbing a ladder or roaming a landscape? oue4 ubr3Spebr2011 September 3 Number 45 Volume Eun Jeong Ju and Jae Geun Kim 93 Jorg€ Zabel and Harald Gropengiesser 143 Case study Practical Research paper
The ‘ethics committee’: a practical approach to introducing bioethics and 2011 September 3 Number 45 Volume Volume 46 Number 3 September 2012 Introduction to experimental design:ethicalCase can thinking studyyou smell fear? The reasoned argumentsResearch of a group paper of future biotechnology technicians on a controversial Volume 46 Number 4 December 2012 Chris J.R. Willmott Mark Goodwin, Cas Kramer and Annette Cashmore 102 188 socio-scientific issue: human gene therapy Introduction to experimental design: can you smell fear? Volume 45 Number 2 June 2011 The reasoned arguments of a group of future biotechnology technicians on a controversial Laurence Simonneaux and Habib Chouchane 150 Chris J.R. Willmott 102 socio-scientific issue: human gene therapy Practical Volume 45 Number 2 June 2011 Practical A mini-library of sequenced human DNA fragments: linking bench experiments Laurence Simonneaux and Habib Chouchane 150 Research paper Student-centred experiments withwithPractical stream informatics invertebrates Ian Vaughan, Stefano Larsen, RaymondIsabelle Durance Dalgleish, and Morag Steve E. Ormerod Shanks, Karen Monger and Nicola J. Butler 193 Research paper Student-centred experiments with stream invertebrates 106 Towards an inter-language of talking science: exploring students’ argumentation in relation BookIan Vaughan, reviews Stefano Larsen, Isabelle Durance and Steve Ormerod 199106 to authentic languageTowards an inter-language of talking science: exploring students’ argumentation in relation Webwatch Clas Olander andto A˚ authenticke Ingerman language 158 Webwatch Clas Olander and A˚ke Ingerman 158 Exploring the marine environment Compiled by Jean Wilson Book reviews 165 Exploring the marine environment 112 Book reviews 165 Compiled by Jean Wilson 112 Book review 114 Book review 114
CYANCYAN MAGENTA MAGENTA YELLOW YELLOW BLACK BLACK JournalJournal of of BiologicalBiological Education Education Journal of Biological Education is firmly established as the authoritative voice Journal inof the Biological world of Education biological education.is firmly established e journal aimsas the to authoritative bridge the gap voice between in the worldresearch of biological and practice, education. providing e information, journal aims ideas to and bridge opinion, the gap in addition between to critical researchexaminations and practice, of providing advances information,in biology research ideas and and teaching. opinion, in addition to critical examinationsrough of the advances coverage in of biology policy and research curriculum and teaching.developments, the latest results roughof the research coverage into ofthe policy teaching, and learning curriculum and developments,assessment of biology the latest are broughtresults of researchto the into fore. the teaching, learning and assessment of biology are brought to the fore.Each volume of JBE contains four issues and members of the Society of Biology can Each volumesubscribe of JBE for contains just £40 a four year. issues Contact and [email protected] members of the Society for of more Biology details. can subscribewww.tandfonline.com/rjbe for just £40 a year. Contact [email protected] for more details. www.tandfonline.com/rjbe Published on behalf of the Society of Biology by Routledge
Published on behalf of the Society of Biology by Routledge
JBE.indd 1 30/08/2011 15:19
JBE.indd 1 30/08/2011 15:19 Reviews
A Photographic Guide to the Birds of the Cayman Islands Patricia Bradley & Yves-Jacques Rey-Millet Christopher Helm, £19.99 This is the first photographic guide to the three islands that make up the Cayman Islands – increasingly popular holiday destinations for birdwatchers. The text includes a brief introduction to the islands, their history, climate, geology, vegetation and habitats, as well as the importance of the islands to breeding birds, bird migration and conservation. An important section of this THE comprehensive guide is ‘Where to watch birds in the Cayman Islands’, which is particularly relevant as some areas of the islands are inaccessible to observers, either BIOLOGY because of ownership or terrain. One useful page for visitors includes tips on travel, warning of some of the hazards such as the OF BEES poisonous Manchineel tree. Prior to the main section there A Sting in the Tale visited by other bees – to the role they is a chapter entitled ‘How to Use Dave Goulson play in making tomato ketchup. the Field Guide’, explaining terms Jonathan Cape, £16.99 Goulson has a natural ability and abbreviations, as well as I can’t remember the last time to draw the reader in to the story bird topography. I laughed out loud when reading a with an easy style of writing that is The majority of the photographs book, but people did stare as I turned peppered with amusing accounts. in the text are by co-author Yves- the pages of A Sting in the Tale by As professor of biological sciences Jacques Rey-Millet and the majority Dave Goulson – surprising, given the at the University of Sussex, the role of were taken in the wild on the islands. severity of the problems bumblebees a research scientist is also brought to There is at least one page devoted currently face. The prologue sees the life in the book, with anecdotes about to each species but several are author as a young boy growing up in PhD students and their research. allocated more so as to include sub- Shropshire with his menagerie of He also founded the Bumblebee species, dimorphic plumages, A Sting in weird and wonderful pets. This sets Conservation Trust, the beginnings immature and winter plumages. the Tale the scene for the journey the book of which are entertainingly There are superb photographs of “Goulson has takes us on. recounted in chapter 16. the avifauna on 218 pages, with a natural Centred around the short-haired Accessible to both scientists and information on taxonomy, voice, ability, with bumblebee (Bombus subterraneus) those who have an interest in the habitat, behaviour, range and an easy style we hear of its extinction in the UK and environment, this is an ideal addition status. Useful appendices deal of writing that the efforts employed to return it to to anyone’s bookshelf and has already with extinct species, scientific is peppered our shores. Woven into this is the enriched mine. If you read no other names of the flora mentioned in the with amusing story of bumblebees, from their book this year, read A Sting in the script, distribution of breeding and accounts” biology – which includes how they Tale. You will not be disappointed. endemic sub-species, vagrants and manage to detect flowers recently Janet Preece very rare migrants.
Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 49 REVIEWS
A selected bibliography concludes language and illustrations render Introduction to seem to imply that this should be this excellent and tempting guide this book beautifully crafted and Bioorganic achieved even by recourse to public OC K which should be one of the items considerate. subsidy, which is highly debatable. Chemistry and TT ERST included in the luggage of the Dr C Loughton Chemical There is a particularly useful
biologically curious visitor to the Biology chapter on life cycle assessment RI/SHU Cayman Islands. Exploring David Van applied to the dairy industry. AS T ORR Jean Wilson MBE CBiol FSB Personal Vranken and Each chapter has a conclusion I
Genomics Greg Weiss and a list of references, and there KKR Evolutionary Joel T Dudley Garland Science, £48.00 is a comprehensive index. JA Perspectives and Konrad J The journal Nature Chemical Biology Having read the book, I still on Pregnancy Karczewski states that “chemical biology is both found myself wondering about John C Avise Oxford University the use of chemistry to advance a the meaning and veracity of the Columbia Press, £34.95 molecular understanding of biology following sentence, at the start of University Press, Just occasionally, authors manage to and the harnessing of biology to the final conclusion: “The dairy £52.00 achieve spectacular aims that sound advance chemistry”. In other words, industry is an intrinsically This book attempts hopelessly ambitious at the outset. biology is not just for biologists. sustainable food sector delivering to engage the Here is a remarkable example. That said, one cannot advance biology a great deal of nutrients relative to layperson and beyond in appreciating Dudley and Karczewski promise to without understanding the basics of its impact on climate.” the “fascinating diversity of provide readers of all backgrounds the science itself and this book is John C Bowman FSB pregnancy-like phenomena”. It with “a fundamental understanding beneficial to chemists in that regard. mirrors, in part, the evolutionary of the biology of human genomes, It is often said that juxtaposing Infection and path – from non-vertebrate (annelids information on how to obtain and two separate fields can generate Immunity through to plants) and vertebrate understand digital representations new ideas and ways of thinking. Can dairy farms stay John Playfair and organisms, culminating in of personal genomic data, tools This is the approach that the profitable while Gregory Bancroft mammalian pregnancy. and techniques for exploring the authors have taken here by aiming, minimising their Oxford University environmental impact? As well as being comprehensive, personal genomics of ancestry according to the blurb on the back of Press, £33.99 a great deal of thought has gone in and genealogy, discovery and the book, to “blend modern tools of The essentials to the accessibility of the text. interpretation of genetic trait organic chemistry with concepts of in a Bottle, Kahn examines the way differences in propensity and of microbiology Interesting, complementary associations, and the role of personal biology, physiology, and medicine”. BiDil – the first drug approved in the mortality of disease. and immunology have been ‘factoids’ are mixed among genomics in drug response …” They have succeeded. USA with a race-specific indication Dr Martyn Pickersgill MSB summarised in a way that is not only the graphs and tables. Supplemented by The text is clearly set out and – was constituted through a mixture engaging and easy to understand, but For instance, did you chapters for more there is good coverage of all aspects of particular ideas about race and Sustainable Dairy Production also unusual, as it covers ground know that the advanced readers, of the subject area ranging from long-held assumptions about its Peter de Jong (Ed) normally expected in at least two womb of a most of the book is a the structure of DNA to gene biological underpinnings, a carefully John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. £130.00 books. Although originally written pregnant female remarkable chip technology. I particularly targeted and worded patent The subject of dairy production – to correspond with the second-year tiger shark demonstration of liked the use of chemical notation application, and broader political from feed production for cows, BSc course, Immunity to Infection, contains how, through to explain the mechanisms of concerns about access to medicines. through to milk production and the at University College London, embryos at cogent and biological reactions. As Kahn shows, BiDil is not a bad Sustainable processing of milk into a range of anyone studying or teaching life different thoughtful writing, In common with most modern drug; rather, the science that seeks Dairy products and delivery to consumers science at A-level and beyond will developmental two authors can textbooks there is an accompanying to establish it as a better drug than Production – is complex. Peter de Jong, together find it valuable. stages meaning that indeed portray the website with extra information. In pre-existing alternatives is shaky. with a group of mainly Dutch and The authors have divided the older, toothed siblings content and texture of some cases I felt that the level was Further, he does not argue that “There is Australian authors, sets out to book into three sections: infectious can bite and even kill their highly sophisticated science perhaps a bit on the basic side for the medicine – perhaps especially in the no clear examine the sustainability of this organisms; the immune system younger siblings? in a style enlightening for a very intended audience of upper-level USA – should be ‘colour blind’. What definition of chain of processes. and the host-pathogen balance. The descriptions of other oddities wide audience. undergraduate and new graduate he does clearly evidence, however, the phrase Unfortunately there is no clear Each section is rounded off with such as the Australian gastric- Beneficiaries will include not only students but, overall, this is a useful is that BiDil would work in many ‘sustainable definition of the phrase ‘sustainable suggested tutorial questions and a brooding frog (that ingests fertilised researchers, students and biomedical book and I am sure that both organic people who are not black, and production’ at production’ at the outset against further reading list. The tutorials eggsand regurgitates professionals but general readers and chemists and biologists will gain from would fail to work in some people the outset which to judge the subsequent ask readers to discuss controversial metamorphosed froglets during social scientists wanting to the novel approach to teaching the who were. He makes strikingly clear against which discussion. Two thirds of the and thought-provoking current an ‘oral birth’) and the teatless comprehend the personal and social subject matter. the great disjuncture between race to judge the discussion is devoted to post-farm topics (for example, “inaccurate subsequent female platypus (who secretes milk implications of genomic information. Dr Oliver Jones CBiol MSB Race in a in medicine and the far more gate stages, such as processing news reporting on the spread of through pores in the skin into Even (dare I say this?) activists problematic racialised medicine. discussion” and packaging, whereas it is made malaria”), and at the end there are abdominal grooves for lapping) concerned with abuses of genetic Race in a Bottle: Bottle In the latter case, heath disparities clear at the outset that the major suggestions for answers are equally entertaining. data in areas such as employment The Story of BiDil “He seems as become recast as differences, part of the environmental impact of to tutorial questions. Yet this book is not an and insurance will find much of and Racialized much at home grounded in genetics – even when the dairy production is at the pre and on This fourth edition has been Embarrassing Bodies-kind of interest here. Medicine in a Post- discussing evidence may be pointing far more farm stages. updated and expanded – there are publication. The majority of the Two further commendations are Genomic Age epidemiology obviously towards socio-economic There is also a mass of data now two new chapters covering content is scientifically rooted and that the book is unusually up to date, Jonathan Kahn and drug than biological factors in producing outlining the contribution that the parasitic insects, and much more OC K referenced. A glossary of terms containing many references to papers Columbia University marketing as these. Recasting disparity as industry makes to greenhouse gas emphasis on innate immunity. allows us to understand such things published in 2012, and that it is Press, £24.00 he does the difference, therefore, has political, emissions. The need for water and The sections are clearly set out TT ERST as anisogamy and syngamy. supplemented by a website describing Lawyer Jonathan Kahn is a smart history of US clinical and scientific implications, energy for crop production to feed and the text is complemented by HU This brings into question the ongoing developments in the areas guy: he seems as much at home race relations as funds are directed away from cows, for processing and for an online resource centre. The intended readership: is it deep covered in the printed text. discussing epidemiology and drug and the social policy initiatives that seek to distribution is also discussed. multiple choice questions in OGNE R/S
B enough for the scientific community? Altogether, this is an exceptional marketing as he does the history of intricacies of combat social inequalities, and to Much emphasis is rightly placed examination style make it a helpful
AEL Perhaps not, but nevertheless the piece of authorship and publishing. US race relations and the intricacies patenting” the development of drugs that may on the need for the industry to be text for both teachers and students. IC H
M wonderfully rich use of descriptive Dr Bernard Dixon OBE of patenting. In the magnificent Race be far less effective in reducing profitable to survive, but the authors Infectious disease affects everyone.
50 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 51 REVIEWS
If you are hoping to understand the bonobos and chimpanzees looks at
Bonobos have been studied OC K mechanism of infections and to see if they are right handed the role of right-handedness in immunity at an introductory level, populations reared in the wild versus TT ERST then you will find this an excellent those in captivity to see if the reference book: my copy is well individuals are mimicking their thumbed and already sports a forest human keepers. ADNI KOV/SHU of bookmarks. The text is an important window Y UR
Susan Omar CBiol CSci MSB into how evolution through the Y development of lateralisation GE What is Life? has allowed the brains of a diverse SER How Chemistry range of organisms to maximise Becomes Biology their exploitation of the niches in Addy Pross which they live. Oxford University Dr Stephen Hoskins CBiol FSB Press, £16.99 In 1944, physicist Once and Future Erwin Schrödinger Giants wrote What is Life? Sharon Levy a book that inspired Francis Crick to Oxford University embark on his Nobel Prize-winning Press, £11.99 research on DNA. Across the world, But Schrödinger’s challenging species are question, ‘how can the events of disappearing at space and time that take place an extraordinary within the spatial boundary of rate, with many population declines a living organism be accounted for Divided Brains linked to human activity. Once and by physics and chemistry?’, has Lesley J Rogers, Giorgio Vallortigara, Future Giants considers the trials eluded a satisfactory answer. Richard J Andrew and tribulations of megafauna Although virtually all biologists Cambridge University Press, £35.00 through time, to suggest how we accept that life emerged from Most people have an innate curiosity might use lessons from the past to non-living matter by processes about their brain – the way it protect our few remaining large ultimately explicable in terms of functions and processes complex charismatic mammals, and ensure physics and chemistry, the nature of information, makes rapid decisions ecosystems across the world fulfil the transformation remains obscure. and retains emotions, thoughts and their diverse potential. In this inspiring book, Pross experiences from decades or Relating knowledge of extinct provides an engaging account of the seconds previously. megafauna to present day analogues, view that systems chemistry can Divided This textbook does not offer a Levy attempts to explain how and bridge the hitherto unassailable Brains holistic view of the brain and its why so many large mammals abiogenic/biogenic divide. In a “This book myriad functions but instead focuses disappeared at the end of the carefully constructed, almost does not offer on lateralisation – the division of the Pleistocene epoch. forensic, analysis, he confronts a holistic organ into two physical halves each She then moves on to consider the crucial issues, such as the conceptual view of the controlling different aspects of success of modern day conservation gulf between the biochemist’s brain and its behaviour or sensory acquisition, and strategies and the importance of chicken and egg problem: i.e. whether myriad which help define individuals within megafauna in retaining our most replication precedes or follows functions, populations of organisms as diverse diverse ecosystems. Taking the metabolism (where he argues but instead as toads, fish, birds and mammals. form of a long and at times vividly persuasively for the former) and the focuses on The book aims to provide an descriptive literature review, fundamental role of dynamic kinetic lateralisation” overview of research on animal Levy effectively links a variety of stability in the process of life. lateralisation, illustrating what has investigations to emphasise the huge In the two concluding chapters so far been deduced from research importance of megafauna to he propounds, in almost lyrical and discussion of a range of animal ecosystems worldwide and proposes terms, the theory that the causal types. Those seeking an exclusive a number of interesting ideas sequence ‘replication, mutation, discourse on the role of lateralisation surrounding potential conservation complexification, selection, evolution’ in humans and the contribution it has strategies and extinctions. is not the preserve of living organisms made to our evolution and our Packed full of fascinating but also evident in purely chemical current day lives may be work, Once and Future Giants systems – providing the credible link disappointed, because the book looks successfully marries modern between chemistry and biology. at other organisms – both vertebrates investigations to ancient evidence, The book is not without weaknesses, and invertebrates, which exhibit this creating an interesting and thought however. Notably, by assuming that anatomical trait. provoking read that raises questions the scientific method is nothing but It includes discussion of regarding the true ‘natural state’ ‘inductivism’ (thus ignoring the possible relationship between of our Earth, our impacts upon it Popperian ‘falsifiability’ criteria) – he right-handedness and language and the importance of megafauna too readily dismisses ‘emergence’ in acquisition in humans as both are to struggling ecosystems across favour of ‘reductionism’. controlled by the left hemisphere the globe. Professor Ben Mepham FSB and may be linked. Research into Natasha Ganecki Affiliate
52 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 Biofeedback
pesticide. If devotees of organic food OC K THE SOCIETY OF BIOLOGY MAGAZINE ■ ISSN 0006 3347Biologiste ■ SOCIETYOFBIOLOGY.ORG VOL 60 NO 4 ■ AUG/SEP 2013 Many want to minimise their pesticide postdocs intake they should avoid misshapen become TT ERST lecturers (or spotted) fruit and vegetables or eat conventionally grown crops.
Dr Victor M Shorrocks CBiol MSB HU MEDIA/S EA K CREATING A BUZZ R e trend for city hives and what it means for our bees
INTERVIEW TAXIDERMY MICROBIOLOGY IMRAN KHAN STILL LIFE EXTREME SPECIES DEAD RIGHT Meet the rising star e resurgence of Organisms that change of British science a forgotten craft the way we view life WAVEB 00_BIO_60_4_COVER_AMENDED.indd 1 28/08/2013 15:17 I was surprised that the article on Send your taxidermy (‘Back From the Dead’, comments to The Biologist 60(4) p16-19) made no Biofeedback, mention of Pat Morris and his recent Society of Biology, book on the History of Taxidermy. Charles Darwin House, 12 Roger I would rate Pat as one of the UK’s Street, London leading ‘academic’ taxidermists; he WC1N 2JU has written widely on the subject. or email Sam Berry biologist@ are some practical ways suggested societyofbiology.org THE REALITY OF RESEARCH to support postdocs (and maybe NATURAL LOW The Biologist Bryan Turner’s article ‘The Problem lecturers too.) Cliff Collis and Simon Mills reserves the right with Postdocs’ (The Biologist, Dr Nicholas A Flores CBiol MSB (‘Biofeedback’, The Biologist Vol 60 to edit letters Vol 60(4) p9) prompted me to (4) p45) seem to have missed the where appropriate. write for two reasons. Firstly, I PLANTS AND POISONS point that my letter was necessarily was a research-active lecturer/ May I add a few comments about guided by the report written by principal investigator until I was natural pesticides to the excellent Collis on the branch meeting in made compulsorily redundant in article ‘What’s Your Poison’ by Dr question, rather than by the lecture, 2001 (aged 40) due to restructuring Barbara Hall (The Biologist Vol 40 which I did not attend. I did not and have indeed felt a “lingering (4) p28-31)? It is likely that around say anything at all about the role of sense of failure” for myself and my 50% of natural pesticides are rodent plants in modern therapeutics, and PhD student who then left research. carcinogens when fed in sufficient do not of course deny that certain Professor Turner’s discussion has quantities in toxicological tests. Of 38 plants contain pharmacologically helped bring some closure and natural pesticides studied, 53% were active chemicals. reassurance to me. adjudged to be carcinogens by Gold The report did quote Mills’ Secondly, with regard to the issue (2002). A similar proportion (59%) claim that “modern approaches to of postdocs being trainees, I was of the 1,275 chemicals tested by 1997 healthcare… missed the original reminded of my situation at Imperial had been found to be carcinogens. ideas and purposes of herbal College School of Medicine. I Natural pesticides typically medicines, where the body’s pattern had the definite impression that constitute 5-10% of a plant’s dry of responses was more important lecturers were regarded as trainees, weight (Ames et al 1987). When than the disease itself”. This implies while senior lecturers, readers and a plant is attacked by an insect to me at least a suggestion that there professors were the ones who had or pathogen (and also when it is is something lacking in modern made it. It was becoming common physically damaged) more natural medicine compared with ancient for senior academics to regard pesticides are produced in a manner practices. The report goes on to lecturer-grade members of research analogous to the immune system in describe these practices as being groups as not much more than older animals. For example, in parsnips based on four groups of illnesses, postdocs. Clinical senior lecturers roots fungal attack can increase hot, cold, damp, and dry. I stand by were honorary consultants, while concentrations of furocoumarin my assertion that this is not science. clinical lecturers were still in (which can cause skin irritations Having spent nearly 40 years training registrar posts. and even skin cancer in some in drug development, I have no Also, what happened to the people) from 20 mg/kg to 394 mg/ conceptual problem with medicines concordat that was supposed to kg in places (Mattsson, JL ,2006). that are derived from plants. I cannot support the career development of The point is that if a crop is accept, however, that their use should researchers that universities signed attacked and is not protected by be based on imaginary ideas about up to in the 1990s? It seems that pesticides, it can contain far more how the body works. I thought we had the situation has not changed much natural pesticide residues than a moved on from the four humours. in the last dozen years, but there crop protected with a synthetic Les Rose CBiol FSB
Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 53 MUSEUM PIECE BIOLOGICAL EXHIBITS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
in the garden of Dr Jenner’s house, to use his thatched hut as a Edward Jenner’s now an historic house museum summerhouse. However, after he vaccination centre #004 and, below, the celebrating the life of the man whose discovered the secrets of vaccination, man himself THE TEMPLE work is often said to have ‘saved more he decided to use it as a surgery and lives than the work of any other’. eventually renamed it the Temple Smallpox was the deadliest disease of Vaccinia. His free vaccinations OF VACCINIA of Jenner’s time, killing 10% of the would often attract queues of locals population and accounting for one in stretching all the way into town. three deaths among children. The temple’s thatched roof and Dr Jenner’s Towards the end of the 18th brickwork have been restored, and House and century, Jenner postulated that the inside a video installation now Garden, pus in the blisters milkmaids got silently beams information Berkeley, from cowpox (a disease similar to about Jenner on to the wall Gloucestershire smallpox, but much less virulent) of this reflective space, protected them from smallpox. He where visitors contemplate subsequently proved that exposing the significance of what people to cowpox made them happened here. dward Jenner (1749-1823) is immune to the deadlier smallpox, and Dr Jenner’s House remembered as the pioneer of began to vaccinate friends and family. and Garden is open E smallpox vaccination and the By the 1840s the British Government Sunday–Friday, father of the science of immunology. was providing smallpox vaccination 12:00–17:00 until 3rd This small, thatched stone hut was free of charge and, in 1979, the November 2013 and by used by Jenner to vaccinate the World Health Organisation declared appointment at other poor people of the district against smallpox an eradicated disease. times. Go to www. smallpox, free of charge. It is found It is thought that Jenner intended jennermuseum.com
54 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5
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WIN A £25 BOOK Crossword TOKEN Pit your wits against our latest biological baffler Across Volume 60 no 5 definition. The remaining clues are 9 Australian individual (5) the normal combination of definition 10 Inside of lump has new form of bacilli (9) compiled by Doug Stanford and cryptic indication. 11 Moss absorbs it requiring intake of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
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27 28 John O’Connor CBiol MSB. Book Down tokens on the way. 1 Shape aluminium in the conventional way (6) Last issue’s solution 2 Go on reassemble one cut in pieces (8) 17 Focus to merger is about business’ Vol 60 No 4 3 Place to eat is a shambles (4) target (8) 4 Temperature drops in dilapidated 18 Ah! Scared playing party games (8) Nissen hut – it is light though (8) 20 To apply droplets of medicine at home 5 Rambling blog about working – that’s needs quiet mostly (6) somewhat square (6) 21 One in the process of phoning up put 6 Revised site plan is most it back down again (6) straightforward (8) 23 First woman has rearranged nylon, not 7 Charge copper in mishandled case (6) on smoothly (6) 8 Many small craft – lot if all at sea (8) 26 Nothing in it – a very small item (4) 15 After winding the string, one let go providing power (8) This issue 16 I take finer version or what you get is As usual across answers are from the not as good (8) world of biology and clued without
Vol 60 No 5 / THE BIOLOGIST / 55 DR MARK DOWNS FSB, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SOCIETY OF BIOLOGY
Final Word DRESSED TO IMPRESS
t’s time we admitted it: the checking out the opportunities members, which many of you have Society tie has not yet made that are available. suggested at Fellows’ lunches and it as a fashion icon. To be fair Any event booked, shop item member receptions over the last it’s not completely terrible but purchased, electronic or post 18 months. More details will follow each day, when going through based subscription or membership shortly, but this is likely to take theI ritual of selecting a tie, somehow renewal is recorded on each place around June/July 2014. the Society one rarely makes it member’s record, viewable on Council also discussed how to around my collar. demand, alongside any CPD that maximise our value to the College It was an early foray into may have been recorded as part of Organisational Members and, membership retail and there is of the professional registers’ at the end of her tenure as the undoubtedly the possibility of service. If we don’t Society’s first president, ‘collectors’ value’ in years to come – have your email Professor Dame Nancy but hopefully the next stage in our address, please let Rothwell FRS Hon retail development will be different. us know or log on FSB will be hosting an Members often ask about to register it on the event for Council and branded goods to demonstrate members’ area. all MO Presidents to their membership of the Society There is no doubt review progress and and to show support for its work. that this type of debate the challenges In response we have been working virtual interaction is ahead. Importantly, this hard to source a range of products a good way to stay in will also help shape the covering both Society ‘badged’ touch but we are conscious thinking of our president elect, products and more general biology that printed material is still Professor Dame Jean Thomas FRS items. These form the basis of our important for many members. We Hon FSB, who will undoubtedly be new online shop and the Christmas have already increased The Biologist keen to directly hear the views of catalogue included with this edition from four to six editions per year individual members, starting with of The Biologist. We hope you and will continue to write to all our summer biology conference. like it and welcome feedback and e shop members with other key updates Our volunteer advisory suggestions for the future. emerged both regionally and nationally. committees will be considering The shop emerged from our from our The June annual Council strategy key policy areas to develop and new system, giving members new system, day made clear that individual the Education Training and Policy more direct control over their giving membership benefits should Committee, led by Dr Jeremy online interaction with the Society. members continue to grow in a balanced way Pritchard FSB, will be holding a Another is The Biologist site within more direct with more networking opportunities strategy day early in November. our main website, where members control over and training options. To help deliver One priority objective is a can view and search all aspects this, two new full time members of reapplication to gain a Royal title, of our award-winning magazine, their online staff have been appointed: one as a hopefully in 2015. Peers and MPs rather than just seeing a PDF. interaction dedicated training coordinator and are starting to show support and With these new developments and with the the other to support branch and we hope that the Society’s growth a major expansion of our training, Society local engagement. Council was also and track record to date will provide grants and events programme, we very supportive of a full day national a powerful argument for this. We hope that all our members will be biology conference exclusively for will keep you posted.
56 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 60 No 5 18755 185x125mm The Biologist_160x160mm advert 03/07/2013 10:12 Page 1 My Scientific Funding career is available
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