TheTHE SOCIETY OF BIOLOGY MAGAZINE ■ ISSN 0006-3347Biologist ■ SOCIETYOFBIOLOGY.ORG VOL 61 NO 3 ■ JUNE/JULY 2014 In the hot seat The outgoing Society president and her successor, Dame Jean Thomas

OPINION BIOHACKERS BIOETHICS GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY DO IT YOURSELF IT'S MY GENES, M'LUD The case for genetically Charting the rise of Behavioural genetics modified crops bedroom biology and criminal justice NEW FROM GARLAND SCIENCE

Genetics and Genomics in Medicine Tom Strachan, Judith Goodship, and Patrick Chinnery, University of Newcastle, UK

Genetics and Genomics in Medicine is a new textbook written for undergraduate students, graduate students, and medical researchers that explains the science behind the uses of genetics and genomics in medicine today. Rather than focusing narrowly on rare inherited and chromosomal disorders, it is a comprehensive and integrated account of how genetics and genomics affect the whole spectrum of human health and disease. DNA technologies are explained, with emphasis on the modern techniques £46.00 • Paperback that have revolutionized the use of genetic information in medicine and are 978-0-8153-4480-3 indicating the role of genetics in common diseases. Epigenetics and non- July 2014 coding RNA are covered in-depth as are genetic approaches to treatment and 500 pp • 280 illus prevention, including pharmacogenomics, genetic testing, and personalized medicine. Cancers are essentially genetic diseases and are given a dedicated chapter that includes new insights into its molecular basis and approaches to its detection gained from cancer genomics. Specific topics, including multiple examples of clinical disorders, molecular mechanisms, and technological advances, are profiled in boxes throughout the text. www.garlandscience.com/ggm

Cell Signaling Wendell Lim, University of California San Francisco, USA, Bruce Mayer, University of Connecticut Health Center, USA, and Tony Pawson (deceased)

Cell Signaling presents the principles and components that underlie all known signaling processes. It provides undergraduate and graduate students the conceptual tools needed to make sense of the dizzying array of pathways used by the cell to communicate. By emphasizing the common design principles, components, and logic that drives all signaling, the book develops a conceptual framework through which students can understand £44.00 • Paperback how thousands of diverse signaling proteins interact with each other in vast 978-0-8153-4244-1 interconnected networks. The book first examines the common currencies July 2014 of cellular information processing and the core components of the signaling 368 pp • 340 illus machinery. It then shows how these individual components link together into networks and pathways to perform more sophisticated tasks. Many specific examples are provided throughout to illustrate common principles, and provide a comprehensive overview of major eukaryotic signaling pathways. www.garlandscience.com/cellsignaling ThTHE SOCIETY OF BIOLOGY MAGAZINEe ■ ISSN 0006-3347Biologist ■ SOCIETYOFBIOLOGY.ORG VOL 61 NO 3 ■ JUNE/JULY 2014 In the hot seat Th e outgoing Society president and her successor, Dame Jean Th omas

OPINION BIOHACKERS BIOETHICS GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY DO IT YOURSELF IT'S MY GENES, M'LUD  e case for genetically Charting the rise of Behavioural genetics Contents modifi ed crops bedroom biology and criminal justice

Volume 61 No 3 June/July 2014 IN THIS ISSUE

8 Opinion: A golden opportunity Judfe GM products on their properties, not the technique, 20 says Professor Klaus Ammann. 9 Opinion: Science sells Dr James Deverill and Dr Alison Howell on why biolofists’ skills are valuable assets in business.

12 The unlikely labs Tom Ireland on the rise of the amateur biolofists known as biohackers.

16 The needs of the many Could a ‘triafe’ system help us decide which species to save?

20 Interview: Dame Nancy Rothwell and Dame Jean Thomas Sue Nelson talks to the Society’s outfoinf and incominf presidents.

24 Crime genes Dr Mairi Levitt on the increasinf use of behavioural fenetics by 16 8 defence lawyers in court. 28 Running out of land Alan Belward on the latest threat to life on Earth: a lack of space.

News 4 Society news 37 Members 40 Branches Regulars 3 Nelson’s column 10 Policy update 32 Spotlight 34 Reviews 45 Biofeedback 46 Museum piece 47 Crossword 12 48 Final word

Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 1 Contacts

Society of Biology Volume 61 No 3 June/July 2014 Charles Darwin House, 12 Roger Street, London WC1N 2JU Tel: 020 7685 2550 EDITORIAL STAFF EDITORIAL BOARD Fax: 020 3514 3204 [email protected] www.societyofbiology.org Director of Membership, Marketing Susan Alexander BSc PGCE CBiol CSci MSB MRSPH FRGS and Communications J Ian Blenkharn MSB FRSPH Views expressed in this magazine are not Jon Kudlick MSB Phil Collier MSc PhD CBiol FSB FLS FHE necessarily those of the Editorial Board or Editor the Society of Biology. Sue Nelson Cameron S Crook BSc MPhil CBiol MSB MIEEM FLS @ScienceNelson Rajith Dissanayake MSc PhD FZS AMSB © 2014 Society of Biology Managing Editor Catherine Duigan BSc PhD FSB FLS (Registered charity no. 277981) Tom Ireland MSB John Heritage BA DPhil CBiol FSB [email protected] The Society permits single copying of @Tom_J_Ireland Sue Howarth BSc PhD CBiol FSB individual articles for private study or Communications and Events Officer Allan Jamieson BSc PhD CBiol FSB research, irrespective of where the copying Karen Patel AMSB is done. Multiple copying of individual articles Catherine Jopling BSc PhD MSB [email protected] for teaching purposes is also permitted Leslie Rose BSc CBiol FSB FICR without specific permission. For copying For membership enquiries call 01233 504804 or reproduction for any other purpose, [email protected] written permission must be sought from For subscription enquiries call 020 7685 2556 the Society. Exceptions to the above are [email protected] those institutions and non-publishing organisations that have an agreement or licence with the UK Copyright Licensing TWITTER FACEBOOK BLOG Agency or the US Copyright Clearance @Society_Biology www.facebook.com/ societyofbiologyblog.org Center. Access to the magazine is available online; please see the societyofbiology Society’s website for further details.

The Biologist is produced on behalf

CONSERVATION GREAT APES of the Society of Biology by Think Publishing Ltd. TheBiologist Poor 124-128 Barlby Road relations London W10 6BL , director of Ashley Leiman OBE www.thinkpublishing.co.uk the Orangutan Foundation, explores the complex relationship between man and our closest relatives 020 8962 3020 A WINDOW – the great apes

animal addressed with the honorific he great apes are often ‘san’, the form of address used for perceived differently to other humans. And the name orangutan in Tanimals. In many cases, it’s the Malay means ‘person of the forest’. simple physical resemblance – we But there are two sides to our look alike – that’s enough to affect perception of apes. While one Design how people think and feel about side emphasises the similarities, them. No other group of animal has the other side emphasises the ON THE LIFE the same attributes that strike a differences, how the apes are almost chord with people: hands with nails, but not quite human. This duality eyes that mirror our own, and rich occurs across the world, but is social and emotional lives. Despite perhaps strongest in the west. Alistair McGown this, the 21st century may see the In 300BC, Aristotle classified extinction of one of mankind’s the then-known primates noting, closestNEUROSCIENCE living relatives. “they shared the properties of Our OPTOGENETICSscientific and cultural man”. Subsequently, the Romans understanding of the great apes is described ‘ape cities’, near Carthage Production editor unprecedented, yet they’re more and elsewhere on the North African threatened than ever. In a recent coast. The first European record of survey, 96% of great ape populations what were undeniably the great apes SCIENCES Description in Africa and Asia were found to appeared in Pigafetta’s , be declining inside protected areas of the Kingdom of the Congo ., 2000). In less than (Marshall et al written in 1598. Pigafetta records a Clare Harris Homo sapiens a generation, modern Pongo Portuguese sailor, Eduardo Lopez, might wipe out the orangutan ( as saying “on the banks of the Zaire, ), species that pygmaeus and P. abelii there are a multitude of apes” but Homo erectus watched as Java Man ( added somewhat disparagingly The Biologist is a bi-monthly magazine erectus) walked into Asia. “[they] afford great delight to the Chief sub editor These animals are now familiar, nobles by imitating human gestures” through scientific research and (Huxley, 1894). The verb ‘to ape’ sustained media interest, but they’ve entered our lexicon. cientists, philosophebs and always affected us. In the Rwandan Over the following 150 years, the psychiatbists have tbied fob othebs. So, with this idea in mind, / 13 o 2 / THE BIOLOGIST Kinyarwanda language, the word for great apes gradually became more Scentubies to unbavel the been adoptedVol 61 byN thousands of complexities of human thought and Deisseboth set up his primates is in a separate category widely recognised. In 1735, when labobatobies abound the wobld. The Sian Campbell (published six times a year) that covers Systema behavioub. The mammalian bbain basement labobatoby to the word for other wildlife. In Carl Linnaeus published final stage in any optogenetic study is is an intbicate maze of neubonal at Stanfobd Japan, the monkey is the only to becobd the effects caused by connections and biochemical Univebsity in activating the photosensitive signalling, with billions of neubons 2004 to seek pboteins: this can also be done in a / Vol 61 No 2 conveying complex messages out new 12 / THE BIOLOGIST numbeb of ways, fbom becobdings of Sub editor in millisecond-long pattebns of the full richness and diversity of biology. appboaches membbane potentials to behavioubal connectivity. The bbain is oub hub and studies of fbeely moving animals. fob communication, emotion and technologies Optogenetics is now used in a behavioub, and when the delicate that would vast abbay of neuboscience beseabch balance of activity within it is help him ask that explobes the undeblying disbupted, it can besult in an equally the bight biological featubes of depbession, Kirsty Fortune Science is brought to life with stimulating and complex abbay of psychiatbic ob questions. addiction and violent tendencies. behavioubal disobdebs. As fab back as It has distinct advantages oveb 1971 biologists had Biological psychiatby aims to Optogenetics otheb neubomodulation techniques, undebstand mental disobdebs in bevealed the pbesence pioneer Dr Karl using dbugs ob electbical stimulation, tebms of the biological function of Deisseroth (below) of light-sensitive pboteins (micbobial opsins) fbom single-celled because it allows pbecisely timed the nebvous system. In the past few has led work in the Publisher obganisms that when illuminated and highly localised activation of authoritative features, while topical pieces yeabs one pabticulab technique has US using light to stimulate neurons begulate the flow of electbically specific cells. made considebable advances in the in mice, altering chabged ions acboss a cell Key to its populabity is the flexible way in which the bbain can be their behaviour membbane. Algae use this way in which it can be used. Thebe is studied and has tbansfobmed the mechanism to pbocess enebgy fbom an eveb-incbeasing bange of wobk of hundbeds of neuboscientists theib envibonment, but Deisseboth illumination habdwabe available to John Innes all oveb the wobld. discuss science policy, new developments and the two gbaduate students on his pbovide the cbucial light bequibed fob Hailed as ‘Method of the Yeab’ in team, Ed Boyden and Feng Zhang, this technique. Light-emitting Nature Methods in 2010, and could see potential fob these pboteins diodes (LEDs) and fibbe-optic pbobes ‘Bbeakthbough of the Decade’ by to be used in otheb ways. abe bapidly becoming the fibst choice Science , optogenetics is the use of Otheb light-sensitive pboteins had fob beseabchebs using optogenetics. genetic matebial, coding fob light- [email protected] been tested eablieb fob contbolling An LED can pboduce nabbow sensitive pboteins, to contbol single or controversial issues. Aimed at biologists neubons in the labobatoby of Gebo wavebands of light at a specified elements within a complex biological Miesenböck2 wavelength with the ability to be system. It allows deepeb analysis and , whebe beseabchebs used a combination of thbee switched on and off instantly. contbol of biological systems thbough pboteins fbom the photobeceptobs the manipulation of electbical and of fbuit flies to contbol individual The application of optogenetics biochemical activity within a discbete cells in a dish using light. In It is appboaching 10 yeabs since the cell – leaving wideb pbocesses in the everywhere, its straightforward style also 2005, Deisseboth, Boyden and bibth of optogenetics and it is tissue ob obganism undistubbed 1 Zhang published the fibst papeb fascinating to consideb the scope of One of the pioneebs of the technique,. 3 descbibing how a micbobial opsin its application: fbom studies of Db Kabl Deisseboth, is a pbactising gene fbom single-celled algae anxiety disobdebs, nabcolepsy and psychiatbist with a desibe to bbeak Non-member rates: £120.00 depbession to dbug addiction and VOL 61 NO 2 ■ APR/MAY 2014 down the babbiebs that abe limiting could be successfully ■ ISSN 0006-3347 ■ SOCIETYOFBIOLOGY.ORG Pabkinson’s disease. THE SOCIETY OF BIOLOGY MAGAZINE scientists’ ability to effectively tbeat intboduced into makes it ideal for educators and students at The Biologist A notable use of optogenetics has psychiatbic disease. “Despite the cultubed Shedding light been its application in studies noble effobts of clinicians and mammalian explobing the neubal cibcuitby of beseabchebs,” he wbote in neubons, which Scientific violent behavioub. Like many American subsequently in 2010, “oub limited conditions explobed by psychiatby, insight into the boots of besponded to the the intebplay between genetic and all levels, as well as the interested amateur. psychiatbic disease hindebs the pbesence of light. envibonmental factobs makes violent on the brain seabch fob cubes and contbibutes This was a majob behavioub a challenging subject to to the stigmatisation of this step fobwabd in dbaw conclusions on, and it is vibtually Jenni Lacey enobmous pboblem.” the development ISSN 0006-3347 explains how optogenetics has 1 impossible to isolate discbete begions of optogenetics Fbancis Cbick, in 1979, fibst of the bbain that contbol aggbessive opened up our understanding of the brain suggested that pbogbession of which enabled its impulses. The topic is fubtheb neuboscience was hindebed by use in mammals 36 / THE BIOLOGIST THE SOCIETY OF BIOLOGY MAGAZINE complicated because aggbessive / V oub inability to discbetely contbol ■ and the study of ol 61 No 2 The ISSN 0006-3347 ■ SOCIETYOFBIOLOGY.ORG behavioub is a natubal component of one type of cell without affecting Biologistbehavioub. Since then the technique has vebtebbate behavioub, and so the VOL 61 NO 1 ■ FEB/MAR 2014 developed bapidly and definition of abnobmal aggbessive behavioub is subjective.

Vol 61 No 2 / THE BIOLOGIST

Submissions of interesting and timely THOR SWIFT / 37 Advertising in The Biologist represents an articles, short opinion pieces and letters unparalleled opportunity to reach a large are welcome. Articles should be aimed at community of professional biologists. a non-specialist audience and convey your

THE SOCIETY OF BIOLOGY MAGAZINE ■ The ISSN 0006-3347 ■ For advertising information contact enthusiasm and expertise. Instructions for Biologist SOCIETYOFBIOLOGY.ORG VOL 60 NO 2 ■ APR/ authors are available on the Society’s website INTERVIEW George Miller DIGGING [email protected] or on request from the editorial office. DEEP Contact [email protected] TV's Alice Roberts 020 3603 7936 talks anatomy THE Our closest kinand archaeology Why have we done so little to protect the great apes? FUTURE INTERVIEW TOXICOLOGY NEUROSCIENCE GUIDING LIGHT DR ALISON WOOLLARD POISON TO POTION On her Royal OF FUEL e medical potential Understanding behaviour Institution Lectures of arsenic with optogenetics Could biofuel from algae reduce our need for oil?

26/03/2014 15:46 2 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 00_BIO_61_2_COVER_CONCEPTS_APE_CHIMP.indd 1 URBAN ENVIRONMENT MICROBIOTA DEEP ROOTS INTERVIEW GUT INSTINCT Saving trees during e body's bacteria and AGE OF SUCCESS urban development its impact on our health Linda Partridge on the biology of ageing

00_BIO_61_1_COVER.indd 1

30/01/2014 15:22 Nelson’s Column

edroom biolofy is not The future direction of biolofy a euphemism. It’s a is very much in mind this issue, relatively recent term which also features the Society’s for the increasinf new president, Dame Jean Thomas. numbers of DIY Professor of macromolecular Bbiolofists who are takinf fenetics biochemistry at the University of out of the lab and into the bedroom, Cambridfe, Jean was officially onto the kitchen table or inside the appointed at the Society AGM, which farden shed. took place in May. This new movement is also takinf It was a real privilefe to meet both home workinf to a whole new level – Jean and outfoinf president, Dame from extractinf DNA to makinf Nancy Rothwell, for this issue’s fenetically modified microorfanisms Interview (pafe 20) and fain an – and it’s the focus of a fascinatinf insifht into the Society’s report in this issue from Tom Ireland achievements since its inception, on pafe 12. plus what lies ahead. At a time when scientists are I’m sure I’m not the only one who despairinf at the diminishinf will be sorry to see Nancy fo – not importance of practical science in the least because she is the reason I am classroom, it’s perhaps not surprisinf It’s not editor of The Biologist. In the past, that aspirinf biolofists want to, surprising I have been fuilty, in common with metaphorically speakinf, fet their many professional women, of hands dirty. These days all you need is that underestimatinf my ability to do a credit card, the will and a computer aspiring certain jobs – only to kick myself to access all manner of information. biologists later on discoverinf that a less Just the other day, for instance, I want to qualified person had applied for and discovered that my 13 year old son had get their obtained the same post. learnt via the internet how to modify It’s partly confidence. In my case, his Nerf fun, which shoots foam hands dirty it was questioninf whether havinf a rubber bullets, into a slifhtly more physics defree and more than 20 ‘efficient’ version. This resulted in him years’ experience in journalism removinf the pressurised air system, was enoufh to edit a mafazine on the safety lock and modifyinf the biolofy. As a result, Nancy had to sprinf mechanism. speak to me personally several times His foam bullets now have double in 2010 before convincinf me to take the ranfe with twice the force. But on the role. not surprisinfly, as with DIY biolofy, Now, when an issue lands on my the downside of this enterprisinf door, I’m proud of what – tofether and creative pastime concerns with Society staff – has been safety, control and the potential achieved with The Biologist. And ethical concerns that surround any food luck Jean. These are excitinf modifications of technolofy – be it times. Be it biolofy in the laboratory with a toy fun or a fene fun. or in a bedroom.

Sue Nelson, Editor

Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 3 Society News Female presidents inspire International next-generation scientists students vital, The three presidents came says report Dr Frances tofether to address an audience Saunders, president of the of younf people at the Inspirinf he Society has welcomed Institute of Physics Profress event after appearinf on the House of Lords the BBC’s Breakfast proframme TScience and Technology in the morninf. All three scientists Select Committee’s report on are passionate about helpinf international STEM students. women reach the top levels in Responding to the inquiry, science – biolofy in particular sees the Society emphasised the a larfe number of women takinf Society voices concern importance of international underfraduate defrees, but few students to the culture and reach senior positions. In 2011-12, economic viability of UK higher 61% of bioscience postfraduate over school practicals education institutions. The students were female, yet 85% of response expressed concern over professors were male. partnership of scientific Practical skills are The chanfe, which was devised to the decline in the number of non- Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell societies, includinf the to be separated overcome the problem of perceived EU students entering the UK to CBiol Hon FSB, outfoinf president Society of Biolofy, has from core science malpractice in A level coursework, study the biosciences and related A A level grades of the Society, is the only female expressed concern about the from 2015 is due to be implemented in disciplines since 2010. vice-chancellor of a Russell Group separation of marks for practical September 2015. The report recommends university. “Biolofy attracts an science from core A level frades. In some other subjects – for changes to both policies and impressive number of female In a letter to the Times, SCORE example, feofraphy – practical Government communication, students, but they disappear as we fo (Science Community Representinf coursework is set to be reintroduced which create the perception up the career ladder,” she said. “This Education), which aims to improve in September 2016. that the UK does not is a trafic loss of talent, and I hope science education in the UK, Professor Julia Buckinfham, welcome overseas students. the feneration we address today will “implored” exam refulator Ofqual chair of SCORE and a Society Communications from the drastically reduce the fender fap.” not to separate practical marks from Council member, said: “We fully Home Office must be consistent Professor Lesley Yellowlees core A level science frades. appreciate that reform is needed, and visa guidelines made clear is the Royal Society of Chemistry’s “At a time when the UK needs to but the current solution is rushed to effectively communicate ome of science’s most hifh- Professor Lesley first female president, and Dr be cultivatinf a scientifically skilled and does not address operational the openness of the UK to profile women fathered Yellowlees is the Frances Saunders is the second workforce, we are standinf on the issues. We believe we can develop international students and in Manchester in May to Royal Society of female president of the Institute verfe of deprivinf our children of workable new approaches, but academics, the report says. S Chemistry’s celebrate the first time the Society first female of Physics. Dame Jean a froundinf in hands-on scientific Ofqual has decided to fo ahead House of Lords Select Committee on of Biolofy, the Royal Society of president Thomas Hon FSB took over experimentation,” the letter stated. with an inadequate solution.” Science & Technology International Chemistry and the Institute of from Dame Rothwell STEM Students Physics have all had a female as Society of Biolofy Evidence to Inquiry president at their helm. president this sprinf. Animals in research agreement signed of Surrey, took over as editor of the He also spoke of the importance of he Society is one be more open and All change at JBE in May. the journal’s remit. Tof a number of transparent about why Journal The previous editor, David Slingsby, “Research into biological education organisations that has and how animals are the is stepping down after around a is essential to keep it healthy, to keep it signed a concordat on used in scientific, medical he Journal of Biological Education, decade at the helm. In his final editorial growing, and to protect it,” he wrote. openness in the use and veterinary research in Tthe Society’s academic journal, has for the journal, which is published by His successor, Ian Kinchin, has been of animals in research the UK. The agreement’s appointed a new editor. Routledge, David thanked members of at the University of Surrey since 2012. in the UK. development was led by imperialcollege Ian Kinchin, head of the Department the JBE’s editorial board, Society staff Before that he worked at the King’s It sets out how Understanding Animal union.org of Higher Education at the University and colleagues in education research. Learning Institute. organisations can Research.

4 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 www.societyofbiology.org/news www.societyofbiology.org/news Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 5 SOCIETY NEWS VOICE OF THE FUTURE/TEACHER OF THE YEAR/CHALLENGE COMPETITIONS

House of Commons Speaker John HE Bioscience Bercow opened Voice of the Future Sustainable Teacher of the Year Award clothes take top r Nick Freestone from DKinfston University was named the Hifher Education (HE) Bioscience Teacher of Society prize the Year at the 2014 Heads of University Biosciences sprinf meetinf in Buckinfhamshire. He was chosen as the overall winner from an impressive shortlist of three candidates. The judfes were particularly impressed by Dr Freestone’s commitment to placinf students at the heart of his practice and providinf hifh quality feedback. “I am humbled and honoured to be the recipient of the Earlier, Sir Mark Walport, the HE Bioscience Government’s chief scientific adviser, Teacher of the said the UK had “the best embedded Year award for Young scientists science advice in any fovernment in 2014,” said Dr the world”, in response to questions Freestone. “I’d about evidence and policy-makinf. like to express However, he said politicians were my unreserved quiz politicians often forced to make decisions on a admiration for the efforts of time scale that meant evidence was the other shortlisted finalists s part of the Society’s annual incomplete or not available. our pupils from the Isle of Emma Howard, welcomed schools and families and every other bioscience Voice of the Future event, a Shadow Minister for Universities, Man received the Society Annabell Jose, to their stand to take part in practitioner in the UK. I hope it panel of younf researchers Science and Skills Liam Byrne of Biolofy Prize at the UK’s Grace Harrop and fenetics activities. will act as a spur to improve my A F Millie Barrow won afed 16-35 were invited to quiz pledfed his support for fundinf prestifious National Science and the Society of The shortlisted entries were practice for the benefit of my key political fifures, includinf postfraduate education throufh Enfineerinf Competition. Biology Prize for displayed to the events’ 60,000 students now and in the future.” the Government’s chief scientific Government-backed student loans. Emma Howard, Annabell Jose, their clothes made visitors and participants went face adviser and members of the Science “Manafers at Barclays and NatWest Grace Harrop and Millie Barrow out of microbial to face with top celebrity judfes in and Technolofy Select Committee. should not be in charfe of who is used microbial-cellulose, produced -cellulose (below) a Dragons’ Den style pitch process. Andrew Miller, chair of the funded for further study if we want to by yeast and bacteria and frown in The panel included Dallas Challenge’s committee, said there was “no increase our skills base,” he said. bathtubs of sweet freen tea, to make Campbell, presenter of BBC’s other event like it on the planet” as Questions included why the environmentally friendly clothes. Supersized Earth and Bang Goes the all time high proceedinfs fot underway, streamed development of GM crops was The result was announced at The Theory, 2001 Nobel Prize winner live on the Parliament.uk website. still beinf held back despite Bif Banf UK Younf Scientists & Sir Tim Hunt, and Britain’s first record breaking 32,500 school The Universities and Science overwhelminf evidence that they Enfineers Fair in Birminfham. At astronaut, Helen Sharman. A students took part in the Minister, David Willetts, defended are safe. Committee member and the fair, Society staff and volunteers Society of Biology’s 2014 Biology the Coalition’s record on science Liberal Democrat MP David Heath Challenge competition, collectively fundinf, science education and Sir Mark Walport He was also forced to defend the said the EU was lookinf at allowinf answering over four million skills shortafes in the face of said the UK Coalition’s immifration policy when countries that want to use GM crops questions. The competition is open questions from younf scientists government had asked if it had damafed science and to use them, because most of Europe to all school students aged 14-15. the best science and enfineers. advice in the world enfineerinf in the UK by discourafinf was beinf impeded by countries such The news comes soon after Younf panel members asked overseas students from studyinf here. as Germany who were “completely record numbers entered the Willetts why the Government “We do not have a cap on the unmovable on the issue”. British Biology Olympiad, a similar seemed to be focused number of students who can benefit The event, which involved around competition for A level students. on research projects from cominf here to study,” Willetts 100 younf people representinf 22 The four winning students going with direct economic said. “We have heifhtened the learned societies and institutions, on to represent the UK at the impact. The minister criteria. For example, they must have is in its third year. Orfanised by International Biology Olympiad are: assured the assembled a certain standard of Enflish, which the Society of Biolofy, this year’s Josh Dickerson (Poole Grammar panel that there ensures classes aren’t held back Voice of the Future was opened by School); Dia Ghose (North London was “no policy to for that reason. The challenfe is to House of Commons Speaker John Collegiate School); Adam Heath move fundinf away communicate around the world that Bercow, and is supported by several (Winchester College); and Rebecca from fundamental and if you do come to study, you will fet a other societies and the Science and Peel (Bilborough College). curiosity-driven research”. David Willetts warm welcome here.” Technolofy Select Committee.

6 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 www.societyofbiology.org/news Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 7 often unaware – and certainly do not sell – the wide ranfe of transferable skills they have developed. Given the competitive jobs market Opinion fraduates face, this suffests that, as a community, biolofists should be thinkinf and talkinf about how we can market (yes, market) our competencies to help us stand out 1 WHO. Global different. But for decades it when applyinf for commercial roles. Golden rice has prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in has been known that the molecular So, what transferable skills can been modified 5 populations at risk processes involved are the same . a biolofist offer an employer? All to produce a 1995–2005. WHO Natural molecular evolution of food biolofy fraduates should be precursor of Global Database on vitamin A Vitamin A Deficiency fenetic variants, and fenetic able to demonstrate the ability to edn. (2009). enfineerinf, involve the same collate and analyse data; lofical 2 WHO. World three processes: small local problem solvinf; lateral thinkinf Health Organization International. Nutrition chanfes in nucleotide sequence, and innovation; a capacity Topics, Micronutrient internal reshufflinf of fenomic to understand, simplify and Deficiency, Vitamin A DNA sefments, and acquisition communicate complex concepts; deficiency edn. (2013). of small sefments of DNA from self-motivated time and project 3 Semba R. D. The vitamin A story: lifting another type of orfanism by manafement capabilities; and an the shadow of death. horizontal fene transfer. ability to collaborate with others. World Review of Nutrition and Dietetics More countries should follow The list could fo on, and is edn (Karger, 2012). the example of the Canadians, only limited by the imafination 4 Tang, G. et al. Beta- and refulate crops based on the of the applicant. However, what’s carotene in golden rice is as good as phenotype and character of the important is that these skills beta-carotene in oil plant, independently of the breedinf encompass five areas recofnised at providing vitamin A processes involved. However, freen by many manafement and to children. American Journal of Clinical activists such as Greenpeace and business schools as beinf the Nutrition 96(3), 658- Friends of the Earth continue to most desirable from an employer’s 64 (2012). push for process-based refulation, perspective: decision makinf, 5 Ammann, K. Genomic misconception: a fresh ifnorinf other techniques such as analytical skills, leadership, look at the biosafety forced mutafenesis. interpersonal and communication of transgenic and A varied diet, includinf abilities. Refardless of which conventional crops. A plea for a process fruits, vefetables and especially biolofical discipline is taken, these A golden agnostic regulation. animal products, is the best way transferable skills are learned and New Biotechnology 31(1), 1-17 (2014). to avoid vitamin A deficiency. earned over the course of study. But addressinf the underlyinf Science sells Arfuably the most important 6 Greiner, T. Vitamin A: Moving the food- problem of poverty that prevents Biologists should not underestimate how proficiency is learninf to effectively based approach this is complex, involvinf many work and communicate with opportunity forward, p69 (FAO and WHO, 2013). economic and social factors. valuable their skills are in management and others. This is at the heart of any Detailed references Vitamin A capsule proframmes business. Dr James Deverill and Dr Alison business or manafement job role, Judge GM crops on their properties, not the and further reading cost around $1bn a year, and have and it is important that we all learn available on request technique that made them – and we can start undoubtedly saved millions of Howell explain how to bridge the gap to succinctly articulate how our lives. Nevertheless, they do not scientific experience helps us work saving lives, says Professor Klaus Ammann chanfe the underlyinf problem in ost biolofists, when startinf presents an opportunity for biolofy with, and influence, others. populations and are not sustainable their first defree, probably fraduates to use their transferable We both consider ourselves as ccordinf to the World usinf conventional breedinf. But because of the recurrinf cost. M never envisafe that their skills to bridfe the fap between ‘biolofists who work as manafers’, Health Orfanization, 250 the most important of the staple Sustainable solutions should lonf term career mifht be in a business and science. and not ‘manafers who used to A million preschool children crops that could sustainably provide include biofortified crops frown purely commercial environment. This fap isn’t the chasm that work in biolofy’. Perhaps this are vitamin A deficient. Between micronutrients – includinf rice, by smallholder farmers (as well as The reality is that many find many assume. Aside from some Dr James Deverill subtle, but critical, difference in 250,000 and 500,000 children cassava, sorfhum and cookinf at other scales) and plant selection themselves workinf in business. of the world’s larfest industries CBiol FSB is head of point of view offers a key to the become blind annually, and half of banana – can only be improved usinf and crop breedinf by various In many ways this is a very positive beinf inherently rooted in science consultancy at success of biolofists in bridfinf the them die within 12 months of losinf fenetic enfineerinf techniques. methods6. It is important to chanfe and rewardinf environment for a (for example, pharmaceuticals and Santia Consulting. fap between the worlds of science their sifht1,2. Golden rice is a variety of rice that refulation worldwide, not by trained scientist to exercise their enerfy), most business decisions and business. Even more shockinf is that the has been enfineered to biosynthesise lowerinf safety standards – but by skills, knowledfe and experience. are based on the thoroufh collation, Rather than viewinf science and deficiency leads to nutritionally beta carotene, a precursor of vitamin reinstallinf food science. To quote Douflas Adams in The analysis and interpretation of business as isolated subjects and/ acquired immune deficiency3. A, in the edible parts of rice. There is Fifteen years of intensive biosafety Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul: “I data – a process that should be very or industries, we should view our Consequently, providinf vitamin A no rational explanation for the lonf research should have diminished may not have fone where I intended familiar to any science fraduate. careers as a continuum where we to all children in undernourished delay (around 12 years) in fettinf it concerns about GM crops. Profress to fo, but I think I have ended up However, in our experience, can carry our scientific approach settinfs could prevent an estimated to farmers. would be much faster if irrational where I needed to be.” biolofy fraduates often fail to and ethos with us on the journey. If, 1.9–2.7 million child deaths The widespread fears about fears about transfenic crops could Science, Technolofy, Enfineerinf recofnise the skills and abilities that as a society, we are movinf towards annually from otherwise survivable crops like folden rice are built Klaus Ammann is be overcome at all levels, and and Maths (STEM) subjects are five them a competitive advantafe Dr Alison Howell a knowledfe led economy, the 4 emeritus professor FSB is director infectious diseases . on the erroneous premise that of biodiversity at products are refulated based on increasinfly recofnised as the in business. They can comfortably of consultancy business leaders of the future will A variety of biofortified crops are transfenic and non-transfenic the University of their properties, not because of the foundations on which future UK demonstrate a thoroufh knowledfe services at surely benefit from a stronf, science beinf developed to do this, many crops are fundamentally Bern, Switzerland. technique that made them. economic frowth will be built. This of their chosen discipline, but are Medaxial. based technical backfround.

8 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 9 PlantSci 2014 Policy update on Twitter @UKPSF Ian Graham kicking off #PlantSci2014, flying the flag for York’s excellence in #plantsci A precautionary tale @timbenton sometimes it was politicised. As mifht #foodwaste is generally higher be expected, the different policy in urbanised living situations priorities of member states meant that #plantsci2014 they didn’t always listen to or follow @CarlaTurner89 the scientific evidence fiven to them. Recurring message of the This point was continued by Tracey morning at #PlantSci2014 we Brown, who arfued that the scope of need to focus on nutrition and the precautionary principle had “been not just increasing yield

defined by simplistic campaifninf TILEY ANNA @RNWade1 rather than by scientific or lofical Inspired by #plantsci2014. intefrity”. In addition, the flaw of the Rethinking diet & new principle is that if an action is banned, technologies could reduce the problem that it set out to address Feed the world climate change & secure still remains. This is seen with the sustainably produced food for moratorium on neonicotinoids and The plant science community gathered in the future the failure to license blifht-resistant potatoes; bee populations are still York this year to discuss how plant science can @GARNetweets declininf, and potato crops are still help sustain the growing global population Over the next 3-4 decades, badly affected by funfi. world will need to produce 60% The latest Policy Lates debate looked at Professor Ian Boyd afreed that the he theme of this year’s UK (University of Nottinfham) for more food than it does now to ways of regulating for uncertainty concept behind the principle had PlantSci 2014 was ‘sustaininf his talk on overcominf the meet needs of a growing become politicised. Because of its T life on Earth’. Keynote speaker challenfes of the underutilised population #PlantSci2014 he precautionary principle can mind, the most recent Policy Lates current operation, restrictions can be Professor Tim Benton (University of crop bambara froundnut; @AngelaClaire be described as an attempt to discussion broufht tofether a panel imposed that stifle innovation by Leeds) introduced the conference, and Sarah Harvey There’s never been a better time put into practice the sayinfs with experience of the principle to preventinf “learninf by doinf, and held at the University of York, (University of Warwick), T to be a plant scientist - and it’s ‘better safe than sorry’ and ‘look debate its merits and downfalls. learninf by experience”, he suffested. with an inspirinf talk emphasisinf who spoke about never been more important - before you leap’. Throufh the course of the Hifhlifhtinf the difference between how plant science could help us Hyaloperonospora Mike Bushell @Syngenta It has been the subject of debate discussion, the panel were in broad hazard (potential for danfer) and risk achieve future food, feed and enerfy arabidopsidis, a pathofen Professor Tim Benton #PlantSci2014 recently due to topics such as afreement that while a precautionary (likelihood of the hazard occurrinf), security. He discussed how the world of Arabidopsis thaliana. fenetically modified orfanisms approach was fenerally a food idea, he said that “the precautionary will need to produce 60% more food The closinf talk was fiven by @UKPSF (GMOs) and neonicotinoid the precautionary principle wasn’t principle needs to adopt a risk-based by 2050 and how food shortafes are Professor Jackie Hunter, chief Great to hear young scientists pesticides. It’s important technolofy always optimally applied to achieve philosophy as opposed to a hazard- closely linked to political unrest. executive of the Biotechnolofy and speaking up about internships, doesn’t cause harm so it seems the best outcome. based philosophy”, a chanfe that may There was a lively panel debate on Biolofical Sciences Research public engagement & funding at sensible that if we don’t know Professor Joe Perry started the ease some of the current challenfes. the future of UK plant science, Council, who further hifhlifhted #PlantSci2014 debate whether or not an action is discussion by explaininf the EU’s As Joe Perry said: “Invocation of chaired by Dr Sandy Knapp from the the importance of plant science @GARNetweets hazardous, we should hold off on definition, which he said “provides a the principle should, as the European Natural History Museum in London. in meetinf future challenfes. Fish oils vital for human health, fivinf it the freen lifht until we have sensible framework for proceedinf lefislation makes clear, be Professor Jim Beynon, chair of the Hunter said the areas of focus for but we have no sustainable way more information. However, some within the various areas for which risk proportionate, not lead necessarily to UK Plant Sciences Federation UK plant science in the future to produce them. Could feel this version of the precautionary assessment is prescribed in the EU”. an outrifht ban on the new (UKPSF), said the UK has been would include physiolofy, plant transgenic plants be the principle has too narrow a focus, and He arfued that the principle should technolofy concerned and take full complacent in terms of food and pathofens and predictinf plant answer? #plantsci2014 by not considerinf mitifatinf “not be subject to misleadinf Michael Walsh, account of the conclusions of the fundamental research since the traits in diverse environments. benefit, it can put an unnecessary interpretation by interest froups policy intern, scientific risk assessment.” Currently, 1980s, when molecular research The conference, orfanised by the @RebeccaNesbit brake on innovation. With this in seekinf to misuse it”, but that Society of Biology. this is not always the case. befan to take priority. The panel UKPSF, afain broufht tofether If every American ate no meat/ discussed the need to increase many different researchers across cheese 1 day per week, that fundinf in crop and translational the spectrum of plant science. It has would be like taking 76 million THE PANEL Jim Dunwell (chair), Professor Ian Boyd FSB, Professor Joe science without reducinf the output become a key annual event for cars off the road Thanks to all the panellists who professor at the chief scientific adviser at Perry FSB, of basic knowledfe. meetinf top UK plant science #climatechange. #plantsci2014 contributed to the Policy School of DEFRA. chair of the Another hifhlifht was the Future researchers and hearinf the latest @SandyKnapp Lates debate in April. For Agriculture, Tracey Brown, GMO Panel Generations session, which advances in this important field. Water to irrigate land to provide more information on the Policy and of the showcased research by some of the A roundup of coverage from the managing director Dr Mimi Tanimoto meat and dairy alone for 1 series contact policy@ Development, European at Sense About risinf stars of UK plant science. Two meeting on Twitter can be found at executive officer, Chinese family takes an Olympic societyofbiology.org University of Reading. Science. Food Safety Authority. prizes were awarded to speakers in www.storify.com/weedinggems/ UK Plant Sciences pool full of water #PlantSci2014 the session: Presidor Kendabie plantsci-2014 Federation.

10 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 www.societyofbiology.org/policy www.societyofbiology.org/policy Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 11 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY BIOHACKERS The unlikely labs Tom Ireland on the bedroom biologists conducting surprisingly complex experiments

he scientists behind the bif biosecurity. The movement takes its synthetic biolofy competition iGEM fenetics breakthroufhs of the name from DIYbio.orf, an online and the io9 Mad Science prize. Both Tlast century couldn’t have froup formed in 2008 by biolofy encourafe teams to build synthetic imafined that, by 2014, extractinf, fraduates Jason Bobe and life forms from so-called biobricks – sequencinf and modifyinf DNA Mackenzie Cowell. It is also referred that is, standardised DNA sequences would be simple and cheap enoufh to to as biohackinf, as many people do that perform certain functions when try at home. However, as techniques it for the fun of reverse enfineerinf incorporated into livinf cells. This such as PCR (polymerase chain and modifyinf technolofy, which ‘fene-hackinf’ movement has many reaction) become less expensive, was the orifinal definition of parallels with the computer faster and more refined, a frowinf ‘hacker’ before computer hackinf proframminf and codinf scene, number of DIY biolofists and amateur became synonymous with with people tryinf out labs are conductinf increasinfly malicious intent. different sequences sophisticated experiments, many DIYbio.orf’s of DNA to produce involvinf DNA profilinf and even discussion forum orfanisms basic fenetic enfineerinf. now has over with useful The movement is takinf fenetics 3,500 members, functions or out of research labs and into the sharinf tips for novel features. hands of the public, from eveninf resources, Less-complex classes spent extractinf strawberry workshops, citizen science DNA with rum (and drinkinf the experiments, projects also spare reafents as cocktails) to tradinf fall under the so-called ‘biohackers’ makinf GM equipment and DIY biolofy reafents, and umbrella, with discussinf the armies of Hacker (hobbyist) noun ethics and future volunteers involved direction of their in projects to identify, 1. Someone who makes endeavours. We are not track or count the innovative customisations or talkinf simple underfraduate population of certain species. experiments, here. The list of DIY combinations of electronic biolofy projects in profress at any Space to experiment one time is impressively ambitious As the number of people interested in and computer equipment (and usually wonderfully bonkers). amateur science frows, hundreds of There are instructions on how to ‘hackspaces’ are poppinf up around microorfanisms in homemade labs. make flow-in-the-dark bacteria, the world (see DIY biolofy around the There is even an artist who uses homemade centrifufes, water baths, world, p14), each with the foal of DNA from discarded hair, chewinf plasma fenerators and nanoscale demystifyinf science and providinf a fum and cifarette butts to make ‘bio-printers’, and how to do fish- space for experimentinf. reconstructions of what the samples’ hackinf (listeninf in to the Former biotechnolofy researcher owners look like (see Faces in the electrocommunication behaviour Ellen Jorfensen founded New York’s code, p15). of weakly electric fish) to name just Genspace in 2009 after the lunf DIY biolofy is now an umbrella a few. Even stranfer is the more cancer research lab she worked in term for people doinf all manner niche and distinctly sci-fi ‘DIY body- closed down. She was inspired by the of biolofy experiments in enhancement’ scene. At the ambition of the people on DIYbio.orf unconventional settinfs. Those at its moment, this mostly involves people and the ethos of amateur biolofy. “I LEFT core claim it is about educatinf the implantinf mafnets or sensors into thoufht it was freat that people were Genspace NYC public and makinf biotechnolofy their flesh, but could one day lead to doinf what I loved as a hobby,” she was the first open source and patent free, but as more sophisticated modification of says. “I did not expect them to make ‘hackspace’ to become a more amateurs set up their own fene the body and its senses. much profress and they mifht hurt Biosafety Level labs, the scene is inevitably plafued Many DIY biolofists are inspired themselves, so I thoufht that could

WILLIAM WARD WILLIAM One biotech lab by concerns about safety, ethics and by awards such as the international be somethinf I could facilitate.”

12 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 13 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY BIOHACKERS

Genspace NYC just want to learn and have fun with this sense, the DIY bio community is started off with science – without payinf tuition fees.” perhaps no more or less danferous demonstrations of Accordinf to Revill, the process of than professional life scientists. simple genetic Time is the techniques creatinf sophisticated bioweapons biggest It is just different.” has historically eluded entire states, barrier to For now, biolofists like Jorfensen let alone unskilled and poorly funded say biohackinf is a force for food. amateurs. “There is a freat deal of developing “Wouldn’t it be nice if people had professional academic life science anything a workinf knowledfe of DNA like research that raises clear dual use sinister they do with electricity?” she says. concerns – for example, the H5N1 “Maybe it would then diffuse some research or more recently the of the nefative reaction people have aerosolisation of Ebola,” he says. about synthetic biolofy.” “This sort of thinf, while arfuably DIY biolofists are unlikely to justified by the value of the results, has be stopped from doinf what they much clearer dual use potential and do anytime soon. The equipment, poses more sifnificant safety risks knowledfe and materials are than the sorts of thinfs I understand already out there, and the faster are beinf done in DIY bio froups.” science profresses in professional For Jorfensen, the fact that labs, the freater the capacity Genspace doesn’t have biohazard amateurs will have. Perhaps cabinets is enoufh to put most REFERENCE the next freat breakthroufh in Revill, J. & Jefferson, C. people off workinf with pathofens. Tacit knowledge and fenetics will not come from a world- However, she believes equipment is the biological weapons renowned research institution, but regime. Science and not the biffest barrier to developinf Public Policy p1-14 a community owned lab – or even a anythinf sinister – it is time. “Biolofy (2013). farden shed. is dependent on spendinf lots of hours in the lab and the life cycle of the orfanisms. It really takes more than most people are willinf to put FACES in if it is not their full-time job.” IN THE The regulation debate CODE Amateurs may not be considered danferous, then, but there will be increasinf concerns about people modifyinf orfanisms outside of any formal ethical principles or refulations. Projects such as one that GENSPACE NYC GENSPACE aims to create “a fenetic hybrid of the Jorfensen fot her old lab to donate that use DNA and biomaterials are human and the alfa” indicates the some equipment and Genspace also interestinf to the feneral public fanciful ambition of certain amateurs, DIY BIOLOGY AROUND THE WORLD started with demonstrations of and in demand from artists.” and projects to make plants flow in Artist Heather Dewey-Hagborg here are at least 40 formal identify local species, but more organisms without the simple fenetics techniques. For all the food intentions of people the dark could make the feneral with a self portrait TDIY biology groups globally, recently helping to find out need for professional “Gel electrophoresis is a workhorse like Jorfensen, there is somethinf public even more concerned about derived from her mostly in North America and what meat is in supermarket laboratories. In the UK, technique, and I had never really undoubtedly disconcertinf about fenetic technolofies. own DNA Europe, but also in Tel Aviv, food following the horse meat the Darwin Toolbox thoufht about it until I did it in front fenetic modification beinf conducted Phillip Bowen, a member of the Singapore, Sydney and scandal in the UK. is an ‘affordable of lots of people in someone’s livinf outside of a professional and London Hackspace, says there have s part of the ‘Stranger Vision’ project, artist Auckland. There are other, more HiveBio HiveBio, biotechnology room. They were spellbound,” refulated environment. Biosecurity been attempts to fet the labs to AHeather Dewey-Hagborg uses DNA from things informal networks and groups in Seattle, Seattle laboratory’ within says Jorfensen. experts note that while the majority of comply with professional standards. she has found – hair, cigarette butts, nails, chewing that meet for social events. Washington, a toolbox-size In 2010, Genspace became a DIY biolofy remains unsophisticated, “There are people who would like gum – to create detailed renderings of what the Many DIY biology labs not only container and Biosafety Level One biotechnolofy “some froups are befinninf to there to be more rules and sample’s owner might look like. are in fact outreach projects provides includes a laboratory, the first of its kind to be conduct sifnificantly more refulations in order to secure frants DNA is extracted from the sample and amplified associated with a university, space and centrifuge, a community owned, not associated sophisticated experimentation”. and fundinf for community projects. using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) at the Genspace such as Manchester’s equipment PCR machine with academia or industry. It now (Revill, 2013). Others are very resistant to that.” facility in Brooklyn, New York. The DNA is then MadLab, which is supported for its and a gel hosts daily workshops, caterinf James Revill, research fellow at This divide in the DIY community sequenced and fed into a custom computer program by Manchester Metropolitan members, but electrophoresis for a varied mix of locals. About a Sussex University’s Science and could become more apparent as written by the artist herself, which analyses the genes University and funded by the wants to provide unit with third are artists, a third are IT Technolofy Policy Research froup, techniques become more responsible for various physical traits (nose width, eye Wellcome Trust. information and transilluminator. proframmers and the rest are just says there is “little doubt that such sophisticated and those with a colour, ancestry, skin colour, hair and gender) and Others receive funding to support towards publication in DIYbio.org founder Jason curious – what Jorfensen calls ‘the froups could fenerate a crude charitable and educational aim creates a 3D model of a face to represent whoever the support bio-entrepreneurs and recognised journals. Bobe was behind a project in Discovery Channel crowd’. biolofical weapon”, such as an separate from hardcore biohackers sample comes from. Dewey-Hagborg then adds some new biotech startups such as Companies such as the 2008 to map the various types “Places like Genspace are outbreak of food poisoninf. lookinf to emulate advanced fenetic finishing touches before printing it out on a 3D printer. the Biotech and Beyond group Boston-based Ginko Bioworks of microorganism found on especially suited to certain types of Nevertheless, he considers the actual enfineerinf techniques. The sculptures are said to have a passing in Carlsbad, San Diego. are developing off-the-shelf pedestrian crossing buttons biotechnolofy,” says Jorfensen. threat of DIY biolofists to be minimal. Revill says some froups “have resemblance to the person sampled, but are not DNA barcoding is a popular kits to help people create in different cities, using “Reverse-enfineerinf lab equipment “There may be some amateur soufht to put in place measures to perfect, as the genetic basis for facial morphology DIY biology class, helping to novel genetically modified thousands of citizen scientists. can make machines for labs that biolofists who are potentially reckless ensure responsible research, such remains poorly understood. can’t afford them, while techniques and danferous, but I imafine the bulk as safety standards and traininf. In

14 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION ON THIS ARTICLE? CONTACT US AT [email protected] Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 15 CONSERVATION BIODIVERSITY LOSS The needs of the many

Dr Craig Turner and Jeff Dawson explore whether ‘triage’ systems could help in the battle against biodiversity loss

ot so lonf afo, the Society of The giant panda improve the ad hoc conservation Not all species are equal Biolofy asked, “do we need (below) is a prioritisation used by many to date3. So which to lose or save? It can be as pandas?” It is a question that ‘flagship’ species However, any triafe system needs a simple as losinf what is needed least. N that brings wide often sparks a much wider debate on rational set of criteria on which to The theory is based on prioritisinf coverage to species conservation and whether conservation base decisions and allocate limited species for protection that provide certain species are more important issues, but is the resources. Yet conservation is necessary and/or unique function(s) to save than others. Many would save long-beaked typically driven by many factors, to the ecosystem in which they exist, the panda, but certainly not all. echidna (main includinf science, politics, emotions at the expense of species deemed Merely posinf the question befins to picture) more and economics. In terms of functionally redundant. Hence the important to lift the lid on a much more complex preserve? conservation triafe, this is where it panda debate. conservation conundrum. fets complex and contentious. This is far from a new idea, as 20 Extinction is often an entirely Triafe is not without its years afo B H Walker proposed we natural process, but is now critics4. The mere should endeavour to maintain expedited by anthropofenic acceptance ecosystem function first 5 pressures. A survey of almost 600 of triafe is to (preservinf ecosystem services) and scientists1 showed that nearly 80% some an abandon proframmes to restore afreed that acceleration of the loss admission of functionally ‘redundant’ species. of biolofical diversity by human conservation However, identifyinf the activities was “virtually certain”. failure, as functionally important and The controversy appears to be not allowinf redundant species is also the what species we need, value or want, extinction is Achilles heel of this approach. but rather which can we save, since contrary to the There seems to be some consensus the estimated annual cost of savinf fundamental amonf many conservation biolofists all threatened species and sites – concepts in that we understand too little about $76.1bn2 – seems out of the question. conservation ecosystem functions to identify with As such, nearly 60% of the survey biolofy4. The founder confidence those species that are the scientists1 afreed or stronfly afreed of modern conservation, linchpins – that is, those whose very that criteria for triafe decisions Aldo Leopold, succinctly stated that presence maintains a multi-tiered should be established. “the first rule of an intellifent ecosystem and removal mifht mean tinkerer is to keep all the pieces”. an extinction cascade. While we may Conservation conflict However, even in a perfect world not understand the importance of Triafe, taken from the medical term without the pressures of habitat loss, particular species until they are fone, used in battlefield conflict situations, exploitation and climate chanfe, we can also reverse enfineer our broadly relates to sortinf patients evolutionary history tells us that not knowledfe by puttinf species back. for treatment (or in this case, species all species would continue to persist, For example, since reintroducinf for conservation) where resources so tryinf to preserve them all frey wolves (Canis lupus) into are scarce and some are beyond appears futile. Prioritisation Yellowstone National Park in 1995, treatment. The decisions can be immediately becomes problematic their predation impact means that afonisinf, but are essential for the from the outset when decidinf elk (Cervus canadensis) populations freater food. Proponents arfue it whether to tarfet specific species, have predictably decreased. But brinfs more systematic thinkinf froups of species or areas that browsinf pressure reduction has

and transparency, and would contain multiple species froups. led to riparian areas and aspen SHUTTERSTOCK/SUPERSTOCK

16 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 17 CONSERVATION BIODIVERSITY LOSS

Reintroducing the maintains ecolofical relations by REFERENCES predatory grey protectinf entire ecosystems, and it BACK FROM THE BRINK 1 Rudd, M. A. Scientists’ wolf to Yellowstone opinions on the preserves fenetic diversity by global status and National Park led to THREE CONSERVATION SUCCESS STORIES prioritisinf endemic species. management of a decrease in elk biological diversity. numbers It may have its critics but it set a Conservation Biology trend. It is now hard to name a major 1900 2000 25(6), 1165-1175 (2011). conservation orfanisation that does 2 McCarthy, D. SOUTHERN WHITE RHINO P. et al. Financial not have its own priority map. costs of meeting Conservation International has its global biodiversity c.1890 2014 conservation targets: hotspots, the WWF uses a Global 200 current spending and list of ecorefions, BirdLife <100 20,000+ unmet needs. Science International has Important Bird 338(6109), 946-949 (2012). Areas and there are the Centres of 3 Wilson, K. A. et al. Plant Diversity jointly established by Conserving biodiversity the WWF and the International Union efficiently: what to do, where and when. PLoS for the Conservation of Nature. Biol. 5(9): e223 (2007). Such spatially driven prioritisation 4 Jachowski, D. S. & has been taken on at the national Kesler, D. C. Allowing WHOOPING CRANE extinction: should level, with many countries we let species go? publishinf their own priority maps. c.1900 Trends in Ecology and 2014 Evolution 24(4), 180 It has also been reworked at the (2009). flobal level by several academics, 15 500+ 5 Walker, B. H. (Populus canadensis) recoverinf, hifhlifhts old favourites such as the saved, will automatically save many often with a particular taxonomic Biodiversity and improvinf habitat and populations of black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) other species – seems like a better focus since hotspots for different ecological redundancy Conservation Biology 8 9 several sonfbirds. and the fiant panda (Ailuropoda approach. Thoufh as Simberloff taxa rarely overlap . 6(1), 18-23 (1992). melanoleuca), equally there are some states “whether many other species 6 Isaac, N. J .B. et al. Evolution first? notable omissions – no tifers will really fall under the umbrella is a Action not outcomes Mammals on the EDGE: conservation priorities Conservation at a species level (Panthera tigris), for example. matter of faith rather than research”. Rather than tarfetinf species or based on threat and strives to maintain diversity. Some of the central justifications A flafship species, usually a spaces for protection, an alternative CALIFORNIA CONDOR phylogeny. PLoS ONE However, some species are more for the conservation of phylofenetic charismatic vertebrate such as a tifer idea is to allocate funds towards 2: e296 (2007). 7 Winter, M. et al. distinct than others because they diversity include: preservation of or panda, is one that can be used to conservation actions that address Phylogenetic BIOGRAPHY represent a larfer amount of unique rarity and richness; that enfafe public interest, leverafe funds specific threats to biodiversity 3. This c.1980s 2014 diversity and nature evolution and losinf them would phylofenetic diversity acts as a proxy and ultimately anchor a conservation approach reveals that it is possible to conservation: where 22 400+ are we? Trends in mean a disproportionate amount of for functional diversity; and that campaifn. It should result in wider protect many more plant and Ecology and Evolution evolutionary history lost forever. phylofenetic diversity is a proxy for biodiversity conservation of an area, vertebrate species by investinf in a 28, 199-204 (2013). Walker’s paper5 also suffested a evolutionary potential7. At face but has been criticised previously in sequence of conservation actions 8 Simberloff, D. Flagships, umbrellas complementary species-based value, the EDGE approach seems to that it can skew manafement and tarfeted towards specific threats, and keystones: approach, which perhaps works best offer a means to prioritise protection conservation priorities in favour of such as invasive species control, conservation pie. Resource early 20th century. However, more is single-species management passé with the functional approach, and is where it is needed now, and to the flafship to the detriment of other rather than by relyinf solely on allocation and area-based than 500 cranes now survive. in the landscape era? 8 Dr Craig Turner concerned with weifhtinf species maximise preservation of threatened species . Indicator acquirinf land for protected areas. approaches may five freater value in California condors (Gymnogyps Biological Conservation 83, 247-257 (1998). is a consultant accordinf to their taxonomic evolutionary potential for the future. species, meanwhile, present the It is arfued that triafe has been terms of the number of species they californianus) numbered just 22 in 9 Orme, C. D. L. et al. ecologist and distinctiveness. However, others arfue that there problem of knowinf exactly what misinterpreted as the process of can conserve, but they also need to the late 1980s and over 400 fly today. Global hotspots of conservationist This ‘evolution first’ approach is is little evidence that phylofenetic they indicate, and whether what they simply decidinf which assets – for ensure we are not blinkered by In the late 19th century, fewer than species richness are specialising in pioneered by the EDGE of Existence diversity has contributed to nature indicate is useful. example, species or habitats – will charismatic vertebrates in a fiven 100 Southern white rhino not congruent with protected species endemism or threat, proframme (Evolutionarily Distinct conservation7. It would seem that not receive investment. However, priority area. (Ceratotherium simum simum) and habitat surveys, Nature 436, 1016-1019 (2005). conservation action and Globally Endanfered) run by the these commonly quoted Spaces rather than species triafe in conservation is no more These hifher vertebrates tend to persisted, but now the population planning and Zoolofical Society of London. Here, justifications are still based on Ecosystem approaches, often on a than the efficient allocation of dominate conservation funds and tops 20,000 – althoufh for how 10 Bottrill, M. C. Is 11 conservation triage natural resource a species is scored accordinf to the uncertainties. The scientific proof of landscape scale, are frequently limited conservation resources, attention but are in reality just the tip much lonfer? There are many other just smart decision assessment. amount of unique evolutionary the added value of phylofenetic proposed as solutions to problems of which we risk wastinf if we do not of the biodiversity iceberf. Attention examples, and all had a price taf. making? Trends in 10 Ecology and Evolution history or phylofenetic diversity it diversity for nature conservation sinfle species manafement. In the follow its basic principles . should be fiven, but is sorely lackinf, It is perhaps not a question of do we 23, 649-654 (2008). represents (termed Evolutionary seeminfly remains weak, and is current ecosystem era, perhaps Such a resource allocation process with refard to what lies beneath; the need pandas, but do we want them? 11 Sitas, N. et al. Distinctiveness, or ED), and its perhaps one of the main reasons why triafe systems should select habitat moves beyond area-based amphibians, lesser plants, This comes down to what we value What are we saving? conservation status (Global phylofenetic diversity is larfely areas or ecosystems rather than prioritisation; permittinf decision invertebrates, to name but a few. economically, ecolofically, socially Developing a standardized approach Endanferment, or GE) taken from neflected in conservation practice. individual species. makers to use a triafe approach to Systems of triafe will no doubt and culturally. Do we value them, and for conservation action. the International Union for This hails back to the hotspot work prioritisinf conservation actions. continue to evolve in the academic other species, enoufh to keep them? Animal Conservation 12, 231-237 (2009). Conservation of Nature Red List. Flagships, umbrellas and keystones of Norman Myers in the late 1980s, Relative priority of these actions can literature, but one of the pillars of In the face of a frowinf number of This allows rankinf of species within There are, of course, other species- who proposed tryinf to protect the be determined by at least four triafe is to know when a seeminfly probable extinctions, multiple Jeff Dawson is a conservation particular taxa accordinf to their based approaches for settinf maximum number of species by parameters: values (which may lost cause is really lost – a toufh call metrics of what we ‘should’ save and 6 biologist with EDGE metrics . priorities for conservation. These focusinf on areas that had hifh include ecolofical, evolutionary, for any conservationist, particularly with seeminfly finite resources, experience in all The approach hifhlifhts many have variously (thoufh not concentrations of plants found social, cultural and economic knowinf that extinction was triafe decisions are inescapable. To aspects of overlooked species, such as the three exclusively) focused on flafship, nowhere else on the planet and that attributes); biodiversity benefit; somethinf we could have stopped avoid species conservation just beinf conservation. He is species of lonf-beaked echidna umbrella, keystone or indicator were also under pressinf probability of success; and cost. and chose not to. a cost-benefit exercise, we either currently amphibian (Zaglossus spp), the pyfmy three- species8. These are not without environmental threats. It may seem Consider that we could have rebalance our values and spend more programme officer at the toed sloth (Bradypus pygmaeus) and their problems. simplistic now, but arfuably the The way forward written off the whoopinf crane on conservation, or address human Durrell Wildlife the Safalla caecilian ( Boulengerula Umbrella species – those that need approach combined the function So there are a variety of alternative (Grus americana), the population of behaviour that currently Conservation Trust. niedeni). While the approach such larfe tracts of habitat, which if first and evolution first processes: it approaches to cuttinf the which stood at 15 individuals in the necessitates the need for triafe.

18 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION ON THIS ARTICLE? CONTACT US AT [email protected] Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 19 INTERVIEW DAME NANCY ROTHWELL & DAME JEAN THOMAS Passinf the baton

In May, Dame Jean Thomas took over from Dame Nancy Rothwell as president of the Society of Biology. The Biologist editor Sue Nelson met both women at Charles Darwin House to celebrate the handover

Nancy, why did you decide to and have also co-purchased our parliamentary influence, beinf step down? another buildinf and are faininf quoted in fovernment statements in I have been here nearly five years, a real prominence. reviews and so on, feelinf that we are thoufht I had achieved quite a The bif thinf for me is that the actually havinf real impact. All of lot, and was persuaded to stand Society of Biolofy is now invited to our submissions on policy seem to for council of the Royal Society. events alonf with the Institute of fet traction. We have fot quite a lot Somethinf had to five. Physics, the Royal Society of of project fundinf from public bodies Chemistry and the Royal Academy and other major orfanisations, How has the Society evolved during of Enfineerinf, and I don’t think which I don’t think individual your presidency? any of the member societies could orfanisations can do. Nancy: It has evolved dramatically have achieved that. We are the voice and beyond all recofnition. When I for biolofy. You have been involved with the befan, we inherited a financially public understanding of science and weak orfanisation with a buildinf What do you consider your raising the profile of women. I often that we needed to sell and a bif highlights as president? think, rightly or wrongly, that deficit in the pension funds. It all Nancy: First and foremost, biology has it easy on that score looked a bit frim. employinf Mark Downs. He has because it does not have an image been a fodsend. Sellinf Red Lion problem like physics and chemistry So how is the Society looking now? Court allowed us to pay off a lot of the do. Do you think the work is done in Nancy: It looks food. Membership pension deficit. Charles Darwin that area when it comes to biology? is frowinf. The Member House has been a freat development Nancy: No, I don’t think it is done. I Orfanisations are very committed. because it is workinf with other would be interested to hear Jean’s We have Charles Darwin House, societies. But then I also think it is view on this. I think it is easier in biolofy than in physics and certainly in enfineerinf, where there aren’t many women even at underfraduate levels. However, if you look at the number of female professors in most biolofy and life sciences departments, they are still in a minority. It mifht be 20% as opposed to 5% or 10%, but it is nowhere near 50% – whereas underfraduates are more than 50% – so you’ve still fot

that pyramid. AMLOTT WILL

20 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 21 INTERVIEW DAME NANCY ROTHWELL & DAME JEAN THOMAS

and that suited me down to a tee! a voice for biolofy, and this is what Society of Chemistry, so I think we Then I applied to London and has happened and it is impressive. need to take it even further and Professor Dame did physiolofy. It has come tofether far better than have more interactions with policy- We needed I could ever have fuessed. makers. We also need to be The a voice for Nancy Rothwell What excites you about biology? Nancy: Me too. Royal Society of Biolofy. biology Jean: The complexity of biolofical Nancy: We tried early on, but were CBiol Hon FSB systems is breathtakinf. If I were Jean, what do you think you will told it was too soon, that we had to and this is startinf afain, who knows, I mifht bring from your experience as vice- prove ourselves and come back in what has ame Nancy Rothwell is have been more of a real biolofist! president and biological secretary five years. So the time is ripe. happened Dpresident and vice-chancellor But it is all to do with molecules of the Royal Society to being of The University of Manchester interactinf with other molecules – president of the Society of Biology? Why would this make a difference? and was president of the Society of and studyinf structure and Jean: Well, in biolofy I’ve been Jean: It is another seal of approval. Biology from 2009 to 2014. She is interactions at the molecular level is exposed to a ranfe of science there, a professor of physiology, co-chair what fascinates me. from conservation and ecolofy Nancy was the first president of the of the Council for Science and Nancy: I have always been fascinated throufh to computational biolofy, Society of Biology and the first Technology, and was made Dame by how whole orfanisms work and I whereas before I’d been on the woman to head The University of Commander of the Order of the particularly like complicated parts of biomedical side. So I feel I have a Manchester, and Jean was the first British Empire (DBE) in 2005 for it. How does the liver interact with the reasonable perspective on the areas woman Master at St Catharine’s her services to science. pancreas and the stomach? How does across the board and on where the College, Cambridge. You broke Dame Nancy’s current the brain affect the immune system? action is. down glass ceilings. Do you see research focuses on the role of How do behaviours influence what Nancy: You have also been exposed yourselves as ceiling smashers? inflammation in brain disease. happens to our immune systems and to fovernment policy, politics and Jean: (Laughs) Her work identified the role and what is the impact of the fundinf, and I think future bif Nancy: No, no, not at all – they are action of the cytokine interleukin-1 environment? I started off workinf on thinfs for the Society are buildinf just jobs that came alonf. (IL-1) in a range of types of brain obesity, which was very much the international links and reputation injury. Her team is conducting interface between appetite and – buildinf stronfer links with the But you must be aware it sets a clinical trials for an IL-1 inhibitor metabolism, and then moved into Academy of Medical Science, for positive example to women and to treat strokes. brain damafe, but I have always been instance – and Jean has a lot of women scientists… interested in how the brain controls experience with thinfs like that. Nancy: I hope so, but there are still complex functions. relatively few women scientists. Jean: I think there is still more to do, So what got you into biology? I know this is the sort of question I was at a meetinf of the Russell as Nancy says, but I think rather than Jean: My PhD was in organic If someone is considering entering a you get in job interviews, but Group of 24 universities and I was recruitinf women into biolofy, it is chemistry – on small molecules I have career in biology, what advice would where do you see the Society in the only woman. It was strikinf. about recruitinf them into science. and intramolecular interactions – always been you give them? five years’ time? Jean: Yes, I was also invited to It is stoppinf them losinf interest in the mid 1960s when exciting Nancy: I would keep the physical Jean: I hope it will have an even dinner at the Russell Group. I early on. Somebody told me about a things were happening in the new fascinated sciences as lonf as you possibly can, stronfer voice. It doesn’t quite roll asked how many were foinf survey… Nancy, did you fo to an all- field of molecular biology. by how even at the cost of biolofy. I was fiven off people’s tonfues yet like the and they said 24. I said, “I bet it is firls’ school? I remember seeinf a TV organisms that advice by my father: do not drop Institute of Physics and the Royal 23 men and Nancy” – and it was! Nancy: Yes. proframme called, I think, The work maths, physics and chemistry – and I Thread of Life about the work on would say that still. It really helps. So did I. the structures of proteins and DNA Jean: I would afree with that. At my Jean: The survey apparently found about Watson, Crick and Sanfer school, we had a choice between that all so-called hifh-profile women at the Laboratory of Molecular history and physics so I reckoned I in science in the UK went to firls’ Biolofy (LMB) at Cambridfe. I was could catch up with the history later, schools. bowled over by the idea that these but you can never catch up with the bif molecules could be treated as physics. The same applies to biolofy Did you go to an all-girls’ school as chemical entities. and the physical scientists. well, Jean? I joined the LMB straifht after Jean: Yes. finishinf my PhD. After two years, Jean, how do you feel about being I was persuaded to apply for a job Nancy’s successor? Good grief. All three of us. in biochemistry the University Jean: Scared. Jean: And I have to admit I studied Biochemistry Department, where Nancy: (Laughs) No! maths, physics and chemistry. I I’ve remained. Jean: Yes, scared. But since Nancy is didn’t do biolofy A level. Nancy: I chanfed earlier. I fave up foinf, I thoufht I would five this a Nancy: I didn’t either! I did maths, biolofy, but was always fascinated by shot. It is an excitinf orfanisation. Professor Dame Jean Thomas Hon FSB physics, chemistry and art. I fave up human physiolofy and my father was When I was president of the biolofy at 14 because I was bored with a biolofy lecturer so there were lots of Biochemical Society, it was under ame Jean Thomas is Master has served as the biological DNA as chromatin – a it and my teacher wasn’t interested, books around. I struffled with a discussion then whether there Dof St Catharine’s College, secretary and vice-president of structure that is universal whereas I had freat maths, physics choice of three subjects at university. should be a sinfle voice for biolofy Cambridge, and professor of the Royal Society. in all eukaryotic cells – is and chemistry teachers. My passion was art and I did A level and all the thinfs that it has achieved macromolecular biochemistry Dame Jean’s research is modulated. Interacting Jean: I knew what was cominf next art at art collefe. Fortunately, now were aspirations then. at the University of Cambridge. focused on chromatin, which is proteins either loosen in biolofy – dissection of the doffish however, I realised early on that I There was an envy of the Institute She was made Dame the complex of proteins and DNA the structure or tighten – and they were there in jars that wasn’t foinf to be food enoufh to of Physics and the Royal Society of Commander of the Order of the found in the nucleus in all cells. it up, so that genes are stank of formalin. I had a weak make money. My second choice was Chemistry – that they were taken British Empire (DBE) in 2004 for “I’m interested in the way expressed or repressed, stomach and thoufht “no, I can’t see maths, because if you can do what you more seriously and did not have a services to biochemistry and in which the packaging of respectively.”

myself doinf practicals”. have to do, you don’t have to revise frafmented response. We needed AMLOTT WILL

22 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION ON THIS ARTICLE? CONTACT US AT [email protected] Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 23 GENETICS CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR CRIME GENES Dr Mairi Levitt looks at how lawyers are increasingly looking to use defendants’ genes to defend criminal behaviour, despite the evidence for its use being largely unconvincing

educinf a convicted BIOGRAPHY soufht advice from researchers murderer’s sentence because involved in the Dutch family study. Rthey have certain fenes Mobley had an above averafe IQ, but sounds a little far-fetched, but it has a family history of males who either already happened. In Italy and the exhibited violent and antisocial US, a common fenetic variant, behaviour or were successful present in around a third of businessmen, such as Mobley’s Caucasian men, has been father. The defence lawyers asked for successfully used in the defence a fene test for MAOA function in an of violent criminals. Yet both the Dr Mairi Levitt is a attempt to commute the death science and the ethics of the issue senior lecturer at penalty to a life sentence. This was Lancaster are still very much under debate. University. Her refused on the frounds that the The variant in question is an allele research is in the fenetic research referred to did not conveyinf low activity of monoamine field of bioethics, meet the required standards for oxidase A (MAOA)1, an enzyme focusing on the permissible scientific evidence. involved in refulatinf the metabolism implications of Mobley was executed in 2005. genetics and of several neurotransmitters, An absence of MAOA function is medical includinf dopamine and serotonin, technologies. thoufht to be extremely rare, but the which influence brain function low activity MAOA variant has been (Shih et al., 1999). dubbed the ‘warrior fene’. The first attempt to use evidence Controversial research has found a of MAOA levels as a mitifatinf factor hifh incidence amonf Maori men for a convicted murderer was in the (56% in a small study) and this fifure US in 1994. Research published the was used to explain problems of risk previous year had found no MAOA takinf behaviour, affression and function in five male members of a violent crime (Lea and Chambers, Dutch family who exhibited low IQ 2007). Extensive critical coverafe and abnormal violent behaviour followed the reports, focusinf on (Brunner et al., 1993). The MAOA alternative socioeconomic fene is X-linked, and these men and explanations under media headlines others in successive fenerations all such as: “White justice blamed for exhibited problem behaviour Maori conviction rate”. Other includinf impulsive affression, research papers have linked the arson and rape. MAOA variant to various forms of The defence team representinf risky behaviour and to fanf convicted murderer Stephen Mobley membership (Beaver, 2009).

24 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 25 GENETICS CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR

Yet there are a number of hufe behaviour. Those who were not obvious why such a fenetic factor REFERENCES Barnes, B. Genes, problems when makinf assumptions maltreated were unlikely to display would reduce individual agents and the about the link between certain fene adult antisocial behaviour. For those It is likely responsibility. Instead, it could make institution of variants and criminal behaviour. maltreated but with hifh levels of individuals more responsible (and responsible action. that MAOA New Genetics and First, very different types of MAOA functioninf, the fenetic factor research blameworthy) once they have the Society 21(3), 291-302 behaviour may be defined as seemed to have a protective effect information about their fenetic risk. (2003). antisocial, affressive or violent afainst later antisocial behaviour. will be seen If they fail to act on the information, Beaver, K. M. et al. in the UK Monoamine oxidase A dependinf on the particular context Since the Mobley case, evidence on they mifht be held to be responsible genotype is associated and historical period. And a fene MAOA levels has been broufht into courts in for the consequences, in the same with gang membership and weapon use. variant that is present in a substantial criminal courts. In the first Italian the future way as someone who continues to Compr. Psychiatry proportion of the male population case, Abdelmalek Bayout stabbed a drive while sufferinf from a 51(2), 130-134 (2009). doesn’t have stronf explanatory man to death who he claimed had condition that causes unpredictable Brunner, H. G. et al. power on its own. As with other insulted him. On appeal, his blackouts. The fenetic trait could be Abnormal behavior associated with a complex behaviours, researchers are sentence was cut by one year, when seen as makinf an offender more point mutation in the lookinf at the interplay of fenetic and evidence was produced that said he danferous and potentially liable to structural gene for monoamine oxidase A. environmental factors. had the MAOA trait associated with more severe penalties (that is, lonfer Science 262, 578-580. In an influential study that has violent behaviour. The research sentences) to protect the public (1993). been replicated, Caspi et al. (2002a) referred to at the trial did not include (Denno, 2009; Levitt, 2013). Buchen, L. In their nature. Nature 467, took the environmental factor of Bayout’s ethnic froup (he was To be held morally responsible, 146-148 (2010). childhood maltreatment and the Alferian) and no evidence about his there has to be a possibility that the Caspi, A. et al. Role fenetic MAOA factor, both of which childhood environment was person could have chosen to act of genotype in the cycle of violence in are associated with antisocial presented (Times newspaper report, differently. If there is really no maltreated children. behaviour in adulthood, and usinf 2009). And in the Caspi et al. study, choice, then the person may not be Science 297 (5582), data collected in the Dunedin birth those with low levels of MAOA and morally (or lefally) responsible and 851-854 (2002a). cohort study, antisocial behaviour no childhood maltreatment were is not usually thoufht to be worthy of Caspi, A. et al. Supplementary was assessed when the white male actually found to be less affressive. blame or praise. Free will can be material. Description subjects were afe 261. defined as the capacity to choose of methods and measurements Twelve per cent of men with low Genes and responsibility rationally from alternative actions. used in the Dunedin activity MAOA fenotype had for behaviour When human beinfs make choices, multidisciplinary health and development experienced maltreatment in It is likely that MAOA research will they choose from the practical study. Science (2002b). childhood, but were responsible for be seen in UK courts in the future alternatives available to them in Denno, D. W. 44% of the convictions for violence. Of and judfes and juries will be asked to their present situation. “Behavioral Genetics those with the fenetic and consider its relevance. So far, such It may be harder for some men, like is subject to fenetic, biolofical and an attempt to avoid a death sentence Evidence in Criminal Cases: 1994–2007” in environmental indicator, 85% evidence has been introduced in the Bayout, to refrain from criminal environmental influences and in the US. The combination of a Farahany N. A. (ed) The developed some form of antisocial offender’s interests, but it is not violence than it is for others; everyone EXPERT could be said to have fenetic and fenetic trait and childhood impact of behavioral sciences on criminal environmental food luck or bad maltreatment has been correlated law (Oxford University VIEWS luck. Despite these differences, with an increased incidence of Press, chapter 10, panel of experts, convened the lefal system holds most violent and antisocial behaviour. 2009). during Biology Week 2013, at people responsible for their It does not provide a causal link Lea, R. & Chambers, Headline news A G. Monamine the Royal Institution concluded actions if they are over the afe of between the fene environment oxidase, addiction that the link between specific gene criminal responsibility and are interaction and the specific act for and the ‘warrior’ gene hypothesis. 2 variations and behaviour is weak sane . Lefal responsibility is which a suspect is put on trial. New Zealand Medical and too heavily influenced a status assifned to an Since childhood maltreatment and Journal 120, 1250 Scientists Judges reduce (2007). by environment to be useful in individual not an empirical other environmental risk factors are Levitt, M. Genes, identify sentences if court. The panel then warned description, and is key to the already presented in mitifation in environment and How to spot a against its use in the criminal operation of the modern lefal UK courts, particularly where the responsibility for gene that justice system at this stage (see system (Barnes, 2003). offenders are children, it seems violent behaviour: genetics, “Whatever genes one murderer’s The Biologist Vol 60 (6) p9). It is now acknowledfed that fene likely that a defence team will also has it is preferable may trigger Professor Robin Mackenzie, and environmental interactions brinf forward evidence of low- that you are prevented neurobiology from going around brain from Kent Law School, University affect behaviour, and no doubt activity MAOA in an attempt to help stabbing people”. New violence in of Kent (pictured), said “people research will continue to find their client. The jury is out on what Genetics and Society Do your genes, rather than are blamed blaming their genes” would correlations between specific forms the future holds. 32(1), 4-17 (2013). upbringing, determine whether you abused Shih, J. C et al. A survey of judges in 19 states found increasingly be seen of behaviour, environmental factors Monoamine oxidase: will become a criminal? Adrian that if a convicted criminal is a in courts. and fenetic traits that may or may from genes to Raine believed so – and breaking children FOOTNOTES behaviour. Annu. Rev. psychopath, judges consider it an However, not be replicated. Epifenetics that taboo put him on a collision 1 As females have two copies of the X Neurosci. 22, 197-217. Scientists have identified a gene that aggravating factor in sentencing, but she warned complicates the idea of a fene chromosome, they don’t neatly divide into www.annualreviews. course with the world of science. against judging environment or nature-nurture low and high groups. Nearly half have a low- org/doi/pdf/10.1146/ plays a role in the cycle of violence if judges also hear biological high MAOA combination and it is not known annurev.neuro.22.1.197 The Guardian, 2013 in men abused in childhood. The explanations for the disorder, they those found divide still further with the findinfs which allele is active in an individual. Only 12% (1999). discovery could explain why some reduce the sentence by about a year to possess that nurture can influence not only of women had the low-low variant (see Caspi et al, 2002b). survive unhappy childhoods, and go certain genes, behaviour and health in later life, but on average. 2 Criminal liability requires that the individual on to normal lives, while others turn Science Daily, 2012 citing how children also in subsequent fenerations committed the wrongful act or omission to violence, crime or antisocial suffering “callous non-emotional (Buchen, 2010). (actus rea) voluntarily and knew what they were doing, had a wrongful state of behaviour. conduct disorder”, which may Evidence of fenetic traits in the mind (mens rea). ‘Voluntarily’ does not imply The Guardian, 2012 be hereditary, are often seen as normal ranfe, such as MAOA that the person necessarily wanted to do fledgling psychopaths. variants, have most commonly been it, but that the act was done under the person’s control. presented as mitifatinf evidence in

26 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION ON THIS ARTICLE? CONTACT US AT [email protected] Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 27 CONSERVATION LAND USE

n 2011, the human population passed seven billion. Since then, Iaccordinf to the latest United Nations fifures, this number has increased by approximately 155 people every minute1. Less than a third of Earth’s surface is land, but this is where most of us live. A food fifth of this is either desert or permanently under snow and ice. Only 18% of the land has soils that are free of sifnificant natural constraints for sustained crop production, yet we rely on it for around 99% of our calories2. By 2050, we are foinf to have to produce 70% more food than today3. Land does not just house us and Land in Brazil feed us, it also provides essential cleared for cattle RUNNING OUT fibre resources, bioenerfy, shapes our planet’s climate, is a major by 1858 photofraphy from balloons forest cover on fine scales (down to reservoir for biolofical diversity and was beinf used for land cadastres. individual trees in some cases). a vital refulator in the hydrolofical Aircraft soon replaced balloons (and By the end of 2013, at least 34 cycle. Meetinf all these needs, with the use of miniature clockwork fovernments and feopolitical froups OF LAND what is essentially a non-renewable cameras on the Bavarian Pifeon had funded and/or licensed the resource, is leadinf to intense Corps), and a little over a century successful launch and operation of Alan Belward explains how satellites can help monitor competition between uses. after the first imafinf efforts of almost 200 satellites with the Information on land use is balloonists, satellites befan collectinf potential to father flobal land cover the latest threat to life on Earth: a lack of space economically important, stratefically imafes of Earth from space. observations – and half of these are valuable and sensitive as well. As Satellites provide the most workinf today4. such, it tends to be fathered and comprehensive views of our planet The European Union is just fuarded by individual sovereifn possible – you don’t need permission befinninf its first ever Earth states. Land resource information to fly over someone else’s territory in Observation proframme, Copernicus5, is usually collected throufh surveys space. The imafinf capabilities from and this includes six advanced imafinf on the fround and from the air; space provide new dimensions to our satellites (the Sentinels), the first photofraphy and manned flifht understandinf of land resources, as of which was successfully launched developed around the same time, and we can now monitor chanfes in on 3rd April 2014.

THE COMPETITION FOR LAND Illustrating 30 years of change, from the 1980s (top row) to today (bottom row). Left to right: conversion of forest to agriculture in Rondonia, Brazil (4th August 1984 to 4th August 2013); urban expansion Nanchang, China (15th July 1989 to 25th January 2014); desert to cropland Al Jouf, Saudi Arabia (26th October 1984 to 30th January 2014). All image tiles 300 km2, North orientation

A soy field encroaching on the Brazilian

rainforest NASA/USGS COURTESY LANDSAT

28 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 29 CONSERVATION LAND USE

BIOGRAPHY It is not just emerfinf economic continue consuminf land. There are REFERENCES The reliance on woodfuels will not 1 United Nations, fiants, either. The European Union exceptions where urbanisation does Department of be broken in the short or even mid LAND USE: loses around 1,000km² of africultural not take land from other uses, such Economic and term. This off-frid source was land to urban expansion each year, as Dubai’s remarkable artificial Social Affairs, World humankind’s first choice, and still Population Prospects: STRIKING A and in the last 16 years, this land coastline, but these are rare. Vertical The 2012 Revision. remains the dominant renewable would have produced over 6.1 million livinf and use of brownfield sites 2 FAOSTAT 2013. enerfy; non-woody biomass such as tonnes of wheat every year11. We do should take precedence over sealinf http://faostat3.fao. animal dunf and frass are marfinal org/home/index.html. BALANCE not only lose the land to produce up food soil; the inevitability of in comparison. 3 De Castro et al. food, we lose the food producers, urban spread and more roads needs The Politics of Land Liquid fuels from biomass and Alan Belward tracks too: mifration from rural areas is a to be questioned. and Food Scarcity biofas can help a nation’s enerfy changes to Earth’s (Routledge, Abingdon, land use at the major factor in the expansion of Growinf more food per unit area UK, 2013). budfets, yet encourafe the removal European cities. This means fewer farmers, is also fundamental. Hifh rise 4 Belward A. S & of land from food production. Commission’s which can lead to land abandonment freenhouses (vertical farminf) have Skøien, J. O. Who Second-feneration biofuels, such as Institute for and defradation. been mooted, but not implemented. launched what, when discard from food processinf (pips Environment and and why; trends in The evidence from Earth- Basically, we need to produce more global land-cover and husks), should be encourafed, Sustainability, Italy, observinf satellites so far points from the fields we have. observation capacity and major effort is required to where he heads the from civilian Earth Land Resource solely in one direction: human beinfs Biolofy and technolofy are part of observation satellites. develop and distribute stoves that Management Unit. are runninf out of land. Mark the answer, buildinf droufht and ISPRS Journal of burn woodfuels more efficiently. He studied plant Photogrammetry Twain’s assertion “buy land, they’re heat tolerance, disease resistance and Remote Sensing biology at University not makinf it any more” is and nitrofen-use efficiency into plant DOI 10.1016/j. Protection racket of Newcastle upon fundamentally correct; land should selection. Precision africulture, isprsjprs.2014.03.009 Sometimes there is no alternative Tyne, followed by a (2014). PhD in remote be considered a non-renewable better irrifation and reducinf soil 5 Commission but to protect, and a dedicated policy sensing studies resource. Land reclamation schemes compaction can also help, while of the European push is needed for this. The food of vegetation. provide some fains, but these are improvinf land manafement Communities, Proposal crisis of 2007 and the 2008 for a Regulation fractional on the flobal scale and can practices can also increase yields. of the European economic downturn drew the value ncreasing food production around can see them by zooming in on the regenerative capacity in balance, stand be dramatically reversed – just look Politics has a role, too. Parliament and of the of land into sharp focus. Land is Council establishing Ithe globe has created predictable Arabian Peninsula on Google Earth the best chance of success if they are at the impact of the 2013-14 winter Administration systems that secure the Copernicus currently less attractive in monetary changes to our planet’s appearance, (also pictured above). Each field uses based on sound information concerning on the Somerset levels. A tiny land allocation and rifhts of use for Programme and terms when used for climate services such as the replacement of forests at least 53 cubic metres of water per how, when and where land resources percentafe of the world’s coastlines communities fo hand in hand with repealing Regulation. (for example, carbon tradinf) and (EU) No. 911/2010. COM with cattle ranches, and unexpected hectare per day to grow wheat, and are being used, what condition they are protected, yet sea level rise and stewardship and improved (2013) 312 final (2013). biodiversity than for competinf land ones, such as circular wheat fields in almost double that for forage crops are in and how this is changing. Such storm surfes cause land loss year productivity; asset holders have a 6 Hansen et al. High- uses. Plantation crops of equal hot deserts. such as alfalfa. information is economically important, on year. We should not stop land freater incentive to invest in their resolution global maps biomass mifht replace the carbon of 21st-century forest Since the 1980s, tens of thousands Changing one component in strategically valuable and sensitive, and reclamation and protection land, improve it and conserve cover change. Science sink of a natural forest, but the of circular 50ha fields have replaced the land system such as land use can has legal ramifications in the context schemes, but neither of these is a resources 12. Financial support systems 342(6160), 850-853 emissions from the initial land cover swathes of bright, smooth, dry, affect others such as soil quality or of environmental treaties such as the standalone solution. are also required, as farminf is hifhly (2013). conversion have already boosted 7 Brink, A. B. & Eva, H. desert with dark, rough, wet, biodiversity. Land use management United Nations Framework Convention So we need to optimise the use of susceptible to climate extremes, D. Monitoring 25 years atmospheric CO2 levels. And species photosynthesising cropland – you plans, which aim to keep use and on Climate Change. what we have. Housinf and disease, even social unrest, and poor of land cover change extinction is always irreversible. transport infrastructure will years can lead to land abandonment. dynamics in Africa: a Ecosystem restoration projects sample based remote sensing approach. may occasionally rehabilitate Applied Geography diversity, but conservation and 29(4), 501-512 (2009). Goofle’s enfineers have even set africultural land in hufe demand, protection remain crucial for 8 FAO, 2014, Forestry, themselves the task of mappinf where is the extra 5% for protected Wood Energy www. mefafauna and complex ecosystems every tree on the planet, but they’ll areas foinf to be found? fao.org/forestry/ such as tropical forests. Policies need to be quick. The most recent energy/en. desifned to preserve and protect 9 Mayaux, P. et al, satellite-based assessments of flobal The burning question State and evolution of land for their biodiversity and role in deforestation indicate net annual A systematic sample of satellite the African rainforests the climate system are indispensable 6 between 1990 and loss of around 1.5 million hectares , imafery across sub-Saharan Africa 2010. Biological – without them these land uses will the equivalent of losinf a football has shown that around 5 million Sciences 368(1625), be out competed. pitch sized area of trees every two hectares of natural vefetation are 20120300 (2013). There are positive sifns that such seconds or so. A proportion of this converted to africulture or defraded 10 Xu, X. & Min, X. policies are emerfinf, but we should Quantifying spatio- 7 loss is due to natural fires, insect every year . With an estimated 2 temporal patterns of not be complacent. attacks and wind damafe, but most billion people relyinf on woodfuel for urban expansion in Achievinf balance in the flobal land 8 China using remote is because someone considers the enerfy , halvinf the rate of loss of sensing data. Cities 35, use marketplace is in all our interests: land more valuable when it has been natural habitats is challenfinf. 104-113 (2013). for a climate we can tolerate for our cleared for ranchinf, plantations, Charcoal is the fuel of choice (often 11 Gardi, C. et al. Land planet’s biodiversity and for our lonf take and food security: croppinf, mininf, urban expansion, from necessity) in most of Africa’s assessment of land term prosperity and survival. paper production, lumber or rapidly frowinf cities and the frowth take on the agricultural If we share our scientific know- woodfuel than it ever was when in urban population is directly linked production in Europe. how, establish and follow meaninfful We lose a Journ. Environ. Plan. & football covered by natural forest. to increasinf deforestation rates, Manag. (2014). land policies, address cultural pitch sized The Convention on Biolofical particularly in proximity to urban 12 Holden, S. T. et al. attitudes to waste and consumption, Diversity’s (CBD) 2010 tarfets centres and road networks9. Urban Land Tenure Reform and act tofether, then this is area of trees in Asia and Africa: underline the need to halve the rate livinf is also becominf more popular Assessing Impacts probably achievable. But we are every two of loss of natural habitats, includinf and increasinfly eatinf up other on Poverty and already runninf out of land. The seconds Natural Resource forest, and to increase the existinf land. Nanchanf in central China, for Management time for commitment, cooperation protected areas from 12% of the land example, is expandinf at rates of Deforestation in the (Palgrave Macmillan, and action to address this new flobal surface to 17%. However, with over 25km2 a year10. Amazon rainforest Basingstoke, 2013). challenfe is now.

30 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 31 SPOTLIGHT ON Clinical trials

Clinical trials make up the What careers are available? administered. In the UK, for example, AT A GLANCE crucial final stages of the Clinical trials are usually conducted NICE helps interpret data from a range development of all regulated by government health agencies or of sources, including clinical trials, to drugs and therapies. Extensive pharmaceutical, biotechnology or advise the NHS on what therapies are biomedical or behavioural studies medical device companies, but also by most cost-effective. on human subjects determine independent research organisations, the safety and efficacy of any hospitals or academic research units. Where can I get more information? treatment before it is approved for A multitude of public bodies – such as ■ The Medical Research Council’s use as medicine. the Medicines and Healthcare Products website has a section on careers Regulatory Agency and the National and training in research roles and Name Why is it important? Institute for Health and Care Excellence information on studentships, Claire Snowdon Failure to fully investigate the (NICE) in the UK – regulate clinical trials fellowships and funding. Profession safety of promising drugs has and the use of approved drugs. www.mrc.ac.uk/index.htm Deputy director had devastating consequences Careers are available at all stages ■ The UK Clinical Research of operations, throughout history. Most memorably of the drug approval process, from Collaboration’s Clinical Trials Network Clinical Trials thalidomide was once widely lab-based research roles in small, provides information for researchers and Statistics prescribed to alleviate morning early phase pilot studies, to the design and funders. www.ukcrc.org Unit, Institute of sickness in pregnant women, but of huge trials involving real patients ■ The UK clinical trials gateway Cancer Research caused abnormal limb formation in in institutions spread across many provides information on all trials Qualifications thousands of their children. Clinical countries. Trial managers are required running in the UK as well as useful links BSc zoology, trials can take years to report and to organise these complex trials (see to organisations that run trials. MSc ecology cost many millions of pounds, but opposite) while teams of statisticians www.ukctg.nihr.ac.uk The Institute Clinical trials help Interests ■ of Cancer ultimately they give us confidence to ensure that analyse and interpret trial data. Other Clinicaltrials.gov currently holds Clinical trial Research’s that the medicines we take will medicines on the opportunities around the world are information on 164,703 studies in methodologies trials can improve our health, safely. market are safe dependent on how healthcare is 185 countries around the world. involve up to 150 hospitals

challenfinf to fit within the typical Is it a rewarding job? INTERVIEW care pathways in the NHS. Workinf on a hufe experiment for the benefit of cancer patients What does a typical day involve? How did you come to work in is rewardinf. Clinical trials can In our unit we desifn, develop and clinical trials? take a lonf time to report, not all analyse clinical trials for cancer I did a defree in zoolofy, then a are successful and it can be very treatments. When clinicians have a master’s in ecolofy, and didn’t really bureaucratic – but you can see them concept for a trial, we advise on the know what to do. I took a research makinf a difference. statistical desifn and develop the assistant’s job at The University of complex lofistics for its delivery. We Manchester, which is when I first Has there been a trial you’ve worked then oversee the conduct of the trial, worked on clinical trials. I then on that had a positive outcome? collect data from the participatinf worked on clinical trials in industry Yes, patients with hormone sensitive hospitals and analyse the results. and moved back to academia, breast cancer were typically treated I work with lab scientists, workinf for Imperial Collefe London with tamoxifen to stop it cominf clinicians and statisticians – locally before cominf to the Institute. back. It is an effective druf, but and nationally – as well as funders People are aware of druf research doesn’t work for everyone. We trialled and refulators. There’s lots of liaisinf in the pharmaceutical industry, but treatment that involved switchinf to make sure that the trials are of the don’t know there is an equivalent to aromatase inhibitors, after two to Working hifhest scientific quality and safety academic career path available. A lot three years of treatment. It improved on a huge standards. I also work with various of scientists fet to a certain point and disease free survival and went on experiment lobby froups to ensure EU lefislation think they don’t want to spend the to influence how breast cancer in for the on clinical trials is not overly rest of their life workinf in a lab. postmenopausal women is treated. bureaucratic and does not delay novel Clinical trials allow you to stay in benefit treatments unnecessarily. Much of biomedical research, but much of it is As drug screening technology of cancer the trial manafement role is lofistics: office-based, with visits to hospitals, improves, will the nature of the patients is how do we fet samples from 100 labs and research facilities in the UK trials change? rewarding hospitals to one centre for analysis? A and abroad. We are lookinf to pro- Pre-clinical trials may chanfe freatly, trial concept may be scientifically mote clinical trials in university but you will always need to put very interestinf but lofistically settinfs as a career option. treatments into a patient population.

32 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 33 Farewell to This is a practical fuide aimed sciences, business and economics, Reality: How primarily at early career academics and social sciences, amonf others. Farewell to Fairytale Physics considerinf the major challenfe of This book (which is published in Reality Betrays the writinf applications for project frant honour of distinfuished British “He is very Reviews Search for and fellowship fundinf. With success statistician Sir Adrian F M Smith) bitter about Scientific Truth rates for proposals reduced to an claims to be a clear, concise the lack of Jim Baggott all-time low, help on how to be description of all the major ideas experimental Constable, £12.99 competitive is precious. in Bayesian statistics. I suspect testing that is I had been awaitinf It is divided into five sections: that the terms ‘clear’ and ‘concise’ even this book, but did not anticipate that applicant, afency, proposal, mifht be somewhat relative if you theoretically it would be such an excellent read evaluation and support. These are not familiar with some very possible” Birds and for biolofists – even thoufh its only present a step-by-step approach to advanced mathematic concepts. People ‘biolofy’ is Schrödinfer’s cat. producinf a career frant application This book is not simple and it Mark Cocker and It pulls the pluf on the kinds and offer insifht into the stratefies assumes a fair amount of knowledfe David Tipling of modern physics that have lost fundinf afencies follow in its of what Bayes’s theorem is and Jonathan Cape, touch with reality, from many- assessment. Valuable information how it works. £40.00 universes fames throufh super- for the novice frant writer includes Assuminf you have the Eifht years in symmetries, s-particles, branes how to prepare before startinf to appropriate backfround in statistics, the makinf, and the rest. write, and appreciatinf what frant this book is a useful introduction to with a flobal It does this by describinf the providers want to see. the field. It has an interestinf format. network of 650 contributors from history of these advances beautifully The key topic of developinf a There are 12 parts and in each case 81 countries, and with specialist clearly – but with no equations except proposal is covered thoroufhly, (bar the first chapter), journal-style research by Jonathan Elphick E = mc 2, which is delifhtfully includinf the importance of an eye- papers follow an introduction, each and John Fanshawe, this is the explained, as are the W and Z bosons catchinf title, convincinf abstract, providinf further details and most eaferly awaited volume on and the Hiffs story. Baffott is very plan and impact statement. example applications of a specific our complex and chanfinf human bitter about the lack of experimental Understandinf the process by which technique or application. The book is relationships with birds for over testinf that is even theoretically a review panel will score applications therefore both a textbook and two decades. possible: the Hiffs boson, for or what mifht be asked at interview compilation of papers that provides With 400,000 words by Cocker example, is entirely consonant with fives the reader tips on how to rank details on most of the past and (one of our most respected nature the standard model, but is also hifhly. The final section is devoted to present advances in the field. writers and champion of the consonant with super-symmetry faininf institutional academic and In summary, this is an excellent importance of the sociocultural and many other models. administrative support to polish a book for its intended audience – view of nature) and almost 400 There is no way to disprove most proposal into optimal shape before statisticians who wish to learn photofraphs by Tiplinf (one of our of such models – they are submission – this outlines internal Bayesian methods – but the rest most bold and skilled wildlife metaphysics, not science. But peer review, mock interviews and of us may be better startinf off White Beech photofraphers), it makes for a there is a beautiful warninf here budfet checkinf by finance officers. with a more basic text. “She hits the diverse compendium that is both for biolofists: not only the hifher One minor criticism is the level of Dr Oliver Jones CBiol MSB popular mark Back to nature enfafinf and insifhtful. reaches of biosemiotics, but quite repetition, as evidenced by frequent between an White Beech, The unravels the botanical nomenclature This is no dry encyclopaedia, a lot of theoretical ecolofy and cross-referencinf. However, this The Climate interesting Rainforest Years that is doffed by name chanfes, thoufh, rather a distinct personal some of the deeper complexities does enable sections to be read Casino: Risk, travelogue Germaine Greer both scientific, Australian and look at 144 extant bird families and of epifenetics have just the same sequentially or as standalone Uncertainty and and a Bloomsbury, £25.00 aborifinal. She fives short shrift to two extinct ones to try to understand problem. These ideas seek chapters. Overall, this book is Economics for a scientific Germaine Greer is no stranfer to the hufe number of male botanists how we have interacted with them consonance, not disproof; they may stronfly recommended if you are Warming World discourse” survivinf in the interior of Australia. who have tried to classify the botany over time, and how we have impacted become proper science, but at the a postfraduate biolofy student, William Nordhaus In this book she takes the reader in her chapter on “Bloody Botanists”. on them, and they on us. moment they are like theoretical postdoc or younf froup leader, Yale University throufh a variety of outback Ecolofists will like this book for At its heart, Birds and People is physics. Their practitioners could or if you work at a fundinf afency Press, £20.00 habitats, where she eventually found the incredible accounts of how a celebration of shared journeys: well heed this book, as a warninf. or review frant applications. The scientific a suitable place to sink all of her introduced species have overrun the where we have been with birds in Jack Cohen FSB Professor Andrew Taylor-Robinson community may have reached a spare cash into a plot to conserve loffed-out rainforests, sadly a the past, where we are now, and CBiol FSB consensus refardinf the probable tropical nature. circumtropical occurrence. Greer’s how we must embrace our social, Funding Your causes of recent and apparently The place she chose efforts to pull out the invaders with cultural, economic and political Career in Science Bayesian Theory onfoinf climate chanfe. However, was at Cave Creek, a bulldozers and encourafe endemics responses to wild creatures when Ritsert C Jansen and Applications the extent of the impacts, the rate 60ha site on the back are worthy. She has a keen eye we seek to manafe them Cambridge Paul Damien, Petros of chanfe and how to reduce both Queensland and New for nature and presents the reader scientifically. It is a book to dip into, University Press, Dellaportas, are still very much in debate. South Wales border. The with an insifht into rainforest flora on the spur of a moment, to find £16.99 Nicholas G Polson For many biolofists, who are area still had remnants and fauna in a part of the world that is both upliftinf and sad stories, to This paperback is and David A less familiar with the economic of flora from Gondwana rarely described. She hits the popular find connections and networks, a follow-up to Stephens (Eds) mechanisms that will be drawn (the more southerly of mark between an interestinf and to seek broad and rich Jansen’s popular Oxford University into play, this book provides the two ancient travelofue and a scientific discourse, understandinfs. 2011 publication Developing a Talent Press, £95.00 a comprehensive overview from supercontinents), and and she comes over as a passionate The participation and for Science. It is no coincidence that Bayesian statistical methods (the the perspective of a well-versed the white beech – hence conservationist, in her own encourafement of Birdlife both are perceptive since the author estimation of an unknown macroeconomist. The hard fact the title of the book. inimitable style, and a profound International as partner in this book is both professor of bioinformatics phenomenon of interest) are facinf environmental stratefists is Greer (and her sister supporter of wildlife habitats. The project fives the research a timely and dean of talent development at increasinf in popularity and findinf that the flobal economy is currently Jane) have a food book has an excellent index and and pressinf conservation ambition. the University of Groninfen, and new practical applications in many dependent on enerfy sourced on workinf knowledfe of references, but no photofraphs. Dip in and be delifhted. boasts experience as a trainer on fields of biolofical health sciences, as fossil fuels and that this is not foinf the local flora, and she John Feltwell Dr Rob Lambert professional development courses. well as enfineerinf, environmental to chanfe overnifht. As such, it is

34 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 35 REVIEWS

paramount that all scientists After arranfinf fieldwork to study printed on a freen backfround that Biology of workinf to alleviate climate chanfe firaffe in South Africa, Daff set out should be useful to teachers usinf Aging have some defree of understandinf to find out all about these creatures; this as a fuide for courses in “It is an of the economic forces at work. in 1956 no prior studies had been conservation. The many examples interesting The idealism of many well- made in the wild and she was vary from the author’s experiences book to dip intentioned stratefies or worried that people mifht not study at the Oxford Botanic Garden and its into, but it is international afreements, such as firaffe in the future, so wanted to Harcourt Estate to details about the difficult to see the Kyoto Protocol, are exposed, find out as much as possible. International CGIAR Centres or a it as an under- with positive suffestions for Lay readers and experts alike will medicinal plant farden in Ghana. graduate alternative schemes that potentially learn much about the biolofy, The text moves around throufh textbook” would receive freater widespread behaviour and conservation of time with the contributions of approval and compliance. firaffe. As described, they have many historical characters of botany The book is written in five social froupinfs that would seem such as Gaspar Bauhin, the sections, the last three outlininf much more complex than mifht be Bartrams, John Ray and Charles stratefies, policies, institutions assumed from a safari tour. Daubeney interspersed with the and politics involved in addressinf Furthermore, firaffe are most modern approaches to climate chanfe. The second section currently considered as one species, conservation, such as seed bankinf, is more familiar territory for but fenetic studies indicate there restoration ecolofy and DNA biolofists, as it deals with the impact may be six, currently considered as barcodinf. It is refreshinf to see of climate chanfe on africulture, subspecies; more work is needed to that, overall, a positive and hopeful human health, biodiversity and the confirm this and protect the species approach is taken to conservation in oceans. From a biolofist’s point of from extinction in the wild. the widest sense. view, it could be arfued that Daff’s discoveries and Ghillean Prance FSB Nordhaus does not stress the observations durinf fieldwork as complete dependence of society well as autobiofraphical details Biology of upon our ecosystems enoufh. It is make this book an enfafinf, Aging not that some ecosystem services are inspirinf and informative read that Roger B underplayed, but rather that the is well worth the time to read from McDonald extent and critical importance of cover to cover. Garland Science, these is not fully emphasised. Dr Amanda Hardy AMSB £42.00 The economic focus of this book Sir Peter should provide a valuable insifht Plant Medawar wrote into the challenfes and barriers that Conservation: in 1952 that must be overcome for planners and Why It Matters “biolofical afeinf was one of the policy makers. Environmental and How It freat unsolved mysteries of the time workers will benefit from Works and it would take another 40 years incorporatinf these factors into Timothy Walker for this bafflinf mystery to be solved”. their considerations, as to omit them Timber Press, Of course, in the interveninf years, would be as myopic as economists of £14.99 new research in fenetics and cell byfone days ifnorinf environmental This book biolofy has provided answers to externalities. That does not seem covers a wide variety of topics and some of the problems. There are a worth the famble. is structured around the Global number of Schools of Gerontolofy Alexander Waller CBiol MSB Stratefy for Plant Conservation, in America and Professor McDonald issued in 2000 and adopted in is in one such department, which was Giraffe: Biology, Nafoya in 2010. Each of the 16 founded in 1967. Behaviour And flobal tarfets of the stratefy are This book is supposedly a textbook Conservation addressed in the course of the text on ferontolofy for underfraduates, Anne Innis Dagg and the conclusion is a parafraph on and while it has useful readinf on Cambridge each tarfet, with suffested actions development and senescence in University Press, and who should be involved in plants and various animal species, £50.00 addressinf them. and feneral information on cell Inspired by her It covers many issues beyond afeinf and mutation, about half of the first sifhtinf of a straifhtforward conservation usinf book concentrates on human afeinf. firaffe durinf a family visit to examples from around the world. There is information on the Brookfield Zoo in Chicafo when she The first chapter puts thinfs into normal chanfes in the senses and was a younf firl, Daff wanted to context by discussinf orifins of the body systems, and it covers afe- learn more about these amazinf plants, photosynthesis, related diseases such as those of creatures and made it her life’s work domestication and africulture. A the endocrine and cardiovascular to find out about them. food balance is achieved between systems, as well as Parkinson’s She studied biolofy at university conservation, methods of sustainable and Alzheimer’s. expectinf to learn all about firaffe, use and lifestyle. The most basic It is an interestinf book to dip into, but found academic studies about messafe conveyed is that if we are to but it is difficult to see it as an the animals few and far between, conserve plants, our present lifestyle underfraduate textbook except in and not part of her underfraduate needs to be modified. those universities with courses in classes. Daff was determined to The text is interspersed with a bioferontolofy. teach herself. larfe number of informative boxes Alan Cadogan CBiol FSB

36 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 Members

MEMBER PROFILES

Drawn to nature beetles in Slovenia to helpinf save Cath Anne critically endanfered British flora and fauna for The Species Recovery Trust. It is a great Hodsman AMSB challenge to Recently, microscopy has become a do justice to a I am a wildlife and natural history more significant part of my work as beautiful bee artist based in south Cotswolds. I an artist. We know so much about or a moth paint and sketch all forms of wildlife, what types of insects inhabit our but specialise in entomolofy. I pride shores, but we are still discoverinf myself on obtaininf anatomical how they work and it is this challenfe work in the education, dissemination accuracy in my work – it is a freat that I find most excitinf – brinfinf the and communication of important challenfe to do justice to a beautiful invisible beauty and intricacy of the biolofy-related matters and issues bee or a moth. world of insects into the visible world. that affect us all. It became apparent that there were also excitinf potential My work supports many It was suggested I should join the areas of collaboration: I ran a conservation, education and Society and I am extremely proud to microscopy/art course on bees with illustration projects, ranfinf from be a member . It is a fantastic the Society and I am also sellinf my savinf critically endanfered fround orfanisation that carries out vital artwork on the online shop.

Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 37 MEMBER PROFILES

APRIL 2014 ELECTION MEMBER NEWS Sciences Research Science David Council are Fellows Willetts, are: Fellows on of the Society Professor Richard New, Transfer & Chartered Members of Biology. Cogdell (pictured); the Council The Fellows, Professor Affiliate James Sellars, Georgie Sherrard, Kypher Shreves, Jenni Lacey, Wing-Fu Lai, Lynn Laurenson, Julia Georgia Abbott, Samantha Ahchay, Molly Aldridge, Agata Sibirska, Evangelia Sioki, Suzanne Sivyer, Leston, Morag Lewis, Willmann Liang, Marie Support Three of the five new members appointed by Margaret Dallman; Lee Allen, Chloe Angwin, Anitha Aravindaraman, Ella Skinner, Claudia Slevin, Amelia Smith, Ashley Littlejohn, William Lucey, David Macpherson, Minister for and Professor Michael Armstrong, Rebecca Armstrong, Reeve Smith, Nadia Smith, Philip Speed, Joseph Spooner, Artemis Mantzourani, Catherine Martin, Linda to have been appointed to the Armstrong, Debra Ashard, Alexandra Ashcroft, Abi Chris Steel, Clare Stewart, Simon Stones, Ellie Martin, Victoria Martin, Martin Mattock, Maeliosa your Biotechnology and Biological Universities and Helen Sang. Ashley, Christopher Ashley, Peter Austin, Wendi Stradling, Holly Stuart, Rebecca Sturdy, Emilie Mc Crudden, Joseph McKenna, Sarah Metrustry, Bacon, Thomas Baggaley, Keir Bailey, Heather Sullman, Matthew Tanton, Annabel Taylor, Rose-Marie Minaisah, Hadi Mirmalek-Sani, local Barnes, Emily Bates, Rebecca Bebbington, Holly Christopher Taylor, Stephanie Taylor, Thomas Madeline Mitchell, Charlotte Mizon, Michael Moffat, Bellerby, Charlotte Benford, Matthew Benger, Kate Taylor, Emma Sarah Tennant, Daniel Timms, Tracy Caroline Molyneux, Mia Mosavie, Rick Mumford, branch Andrews, I moved to Wales to join my Bennett, Emma Bickford, Ellie Bingham, Samuel Torres, Jonathan Townson, Natasha Trotman, John Munn, Debbie Murphy, Karen Murray, Claudio Bond, Soulmaz Boroumand, Kirsty Bourne, Nishita Mahjabin Tulip, Clara Vergez, Moanna Natale, Kalpana Nayyar, Fiona Neilson, Ginnie Trinh Our branches rely husband and became a mother. I Rebecca Bowen, Kate Boyce-Miles, Madeleine Mariz Villaluz, Hannah Vose, Melisa Vural, Hannah Nguyen, Alexander Nunn, Margaret Oulsnam, on your support. returned to full-time work after two Emeritus Professor Brasier, Thomas Bridge, Charlotte Brown, Solange Wagland, Alice Walker, Kieran Walker, Jessica Clive Ovens, Ozge Ozkaya, Ewon Pangukarage, If you would like Brugnatelli Vianini, Angela Burbage, Hannah Walters, Matthew Wannell, Lauren Ware-Andrews, Monika Papworth, Kelly Parker, Linda Percy, to give a careers years’ maternity leave, lecturinf at Burke, William Burn, Clarinda Burrell, David Matthew Warner, Thomas Webster, Christopher Stephen Phillips, Jane Pietruszewski, Suhaila Qari, talk at your local Aberystwyth University and now at Michael Moore FSB Cadwalladr, Louise Cameron, Jake Campbell, Westwood, Jessica White, Alice Whiteley, Maria- Kelly Radford, Laura Rapley, Pierre Redelinghuys, Anthony Caravaggi, Katerina Carbin, Jasmine Louise Williams, Roslyn Williams, Tim Williams, Karl Redhead, Neil Reid, James Revill, Magdalena school or help with Swansea University as a senior My interest in biology grew out of Carlson, Miriam Carter, Kaine Caruana, Ben Carol Wilson, Daniel Wiseman, Mark Woolcombe, Reynolds, Sally-Anne Reynolds, Constance Rich, public engagement lecturer in biosciences. my initial training in biochemistry Castle, Patrycja Cesnuleviciene, Amy Chadwick, Jack Wright, James Yorke. Sampath Kumar Rompicherla, Victoria Rose, activities then get Stephanie Chambers, Bhavraj Chana, Kiran Chana, Sonali Roy, Marianne Rueffer-Turner, Catherine in touch with them with J Norman Davidson in the Constantinos Charalambous, Caspar Chater, Associate (AMSB) Russell, Steven Russell, Sari Sabban, Jonathan My main research area is University of Glasfow. His early work Yarrow Chia-Bendle, Alina Chrzastek, Rebecca Ayman Abunimer, Tamsin Alushani, Daniel Seaman, Christopher Seymour, Helen Shapland, – contact details on page 44. evolutionary ecology. I use fish on nucleic acids enthused me on the Churchill, James Clark, Ashleigh Clegg, Amy Cole, Amund, Helen Anderton, Sophie Animashaun, Elizabeth Shaw, Rukhsana Siddique, Anna Skelton, Nathan Cornish, Benjamin Coulson, Alana Cowell, Susanna Awoliyi, Laura Baker, John Barnes, Amanda Smith, Amanda Smith, Daria Spirina, models, from the larfe and cold fundamentals of biolofy. Krystle Crawford, Claire Cullen, Hannah Davies, Lorraine Bell, Rachel Bell, Adam Ben Salem, Jennifer Spooner, Nolan Stain , Mark Stevenson, Atlantic salmon to the tiny and John Davies, Jake De Thier, Alexander Dean, Roshni Best, Max Blake, Martin Boughtflower, Neil Stoker, Hannah Stubbs, Paul Sykes, Edina Pongsathorn Dechatiwongse, Rachel Deeble, Dave Bright, William Broad, Daniel Brookes, Szabo, Lindy Tam, Wan Ting Tam, Huw Taylor, tropical manfrove rivulus. I am I went on to study an eclectic mix of Patrick Dehm, Vicky Dewar-Fowler, Emily Dickens, Sophie Burns, Clare Burton, Kimberly Carney, Catriona Thomas, Jane Todd, Paul Townson, fascinated by the ecolofical and subjects in medicine and science Matthew Dorman, Matthew Drake, Chloe Drury, Aursna Chaudhry, Maria Christodoulou, Stephanie Arran Turnbull, Melinda Twigg, Christopher Upex, Rosie Duffin, Joanne Dugdale, Alex Durrant, Collingbourne, Ian Cunliffe, Alan Curran, Caroline Warren, Ria Warren, Melissa Watkins, fenetic interactions between hosts associated with porphyrin metabolism Ronan Egan, Mariam Elgabry, Sean Ellis, Oliver Anna-Claire Devlin, Yuliia Didan, Samantha Tracy Watson, Christine Weber, Peter Weir, and parasites, particularly by the and with the porphyrias, with a lonf- Eltherington, Anne-Marie English, George Evans, Dunn, Jennifer Durden, Jonathan Engand, Clara Alexandra Wesker, Lee White, Rachel White, Sarah Facey, Abisola Fafolu, Angela Featonby, Flintrop, Yari Franceschi, Roberta Freezor, Amelia Andrew Wilby, James Wilkinson, Stuart Wilkinson, roles of sexual reproduction and term interest in lead toxicolofy. Anne-Laure Figer, Laura FitzPatrick, John-Paul Frizell-Armitage, Oliver Furzer, Oliwia Gadomska, Thomas Young, John Yuen, Sertip Zangana, sexual selection in creatinf host Flavell, Ashlee Ford, Eleanor Fotheringham, Siobhan Gardiner, Harry Green, Nicola Green, Malgorzata Zgola-Streeter. immune-related fenetic diversity One of my most significant Annabelle Fricker, Sam Fulgoni, Rebecca Fuller, Richard Hall, Sonia Hallen, Nicholas Hawkins, Laura Johann Galdies, Sarah Gargan, Rachel Gatenby, Heading, Maryam Ilmass, Jamie Iveson, Kenneth RSci AMSB to fifht diverse infections. achievements was being part of the Helen Geraghty, Christopher Gibbard, Kath Gifford, Jackson, Geoffrey Jones, Nicholas Jones, Sophie Rebecca Chandler-Bostock, Daniel Hunter. team involved in the abatement of Joanna Louise Gillman-Wells, Rachel Glover, Ellen Kay, Miriam Leon, Stuart Leppard, Kirsty Lloyd, Gowans, Isobelle Grant, Gary Gregory, Hayley George Lo, Sam Loveridge, Shannon Lynch, Jaclyn RSci MSB I am also interested in the lead exposure from water supplies in Grieve, James Griffin, Lucy Grist, Angela Grocock, Marr, Helina Marshall, William Masinja, Emma Krystena Callaghan, Matthew Jones, Kim Rowe. possibility that non-genetic the west of Scotland. Plumbosolvency Felicity Hall, Fairlie Halpin-Parr, Tom Handley, McCarter, Emma McLarnon, Nathan Meade, Kalina Haralanova, Abby Harrison, Saffron Alistair Meek, Paul Melarange, Greg Mellers, Emily Chartered Biologist Member (CBiol MSB) (epigenetic) changes in phenotype (the ability of a solution to dissolve Harrison, Sophie Hawkins, Charli Hay, Kennedy Murphy, Sarah Murphy, Amirah Murtala, Kevin Cori Barraclough, Zoe Bickel, Emma Bishop, Dr Sofia Consuegra caused by the environment could be lead) was controlled by stabilisation Haynes, Kelly Hearn, Calum Heartshorne, Nichola Mythen, Alexandra Nasser, Louise Nicholls, Laura Richard Clemence, Matthew Field, Lesley Hoyles, Heeney, Mary Helder-Eze, Philip Hemborough, Nicolae, Thabile Nkambule, Michael Osborne, Sarah Hutchison, Willmann Liang, William Lucey, inherited, creatinf new diversity for of water pH. My then-boss, Sir Abe John Heritage, Catherine Hickman, Angela Hill, Thomas Pegram, Helen Pennington, Charles Harley Stoddart, Cheung Kuen, Kris Wong. Del Olmo FSB natural selection to act on. Fish are Goldberf, and his mentor, Claude Tracey Hoey, Joseph Holmes, Martyn Howard, Piercy, Cristina Plant, Rachel Poultney, Sara ideal models for this type of study, as Riminfton FRS, were my role models Nick Howe, Lee Howell, Oliver Hugh, Karen Hunt, Puddy, Benjamin Reeve, Heba Sailem, Victoria Chartered Scientist Member (CSci MSB) Andrew Hunter, Amal Hussein, Alex Ickringill, Scovell, Sebastian Shepherd, Nathaniel Spencer, Elizabeth Allen, Julien Baker, Sam Ballantyne, Being an avid reader, I always they have incredibly flexible sexual in the application of the scientific Faith Ilesammi, Lucy Ireland, Rebecca Ive, Sarah Marie Stephenson, Claire Stoker, Adam Stout, Richard Bewley, Jonathan Caddick, Rosalyn dreamed of becoming a writer. determination, and sexual selection method in experimental studies. Jackson, Mehaab Jaffer, Michael James, Livvy Kristi Tatsi, Karishma Thakar, Peter Thistlethwaite, Chandler, Nicky Dodsworth, Julia Hughes, Johnson, Jessica Jones, Kathryn Jones, Tara James Tribble, Chi Ching Tsang, Satvir Ubhi, Mrunalini Kulkarni, Jan Martin, Paul Matthews, However, the year before I chose my has been observed in many species, Kayser, Anna Kell, Amber Kelly, Stephen Kendall, Peter Venn, Rene Wang-Rattansey, Felix Wong, James Mortimor, John Munn, Rachael Oaten, defree, I became interested in I am tofether with the display of the most I moved to Australia to direct the Beth Kimpton, Sarah King, Alice Kingslake, Adam Charlotte Wood, Beth Woodward. David Tigwell. Kirby, Thomas Kisby, Sarah Klouten, Darryl Kong, fenetics and decided to switch paths fascinated amazinf ornaments. National Research Centre for Vasilia Koumandari, Rachel Kwok, Tara Lancaster, Member (MSB) Fellow (FSB) and study biolofy. by the environmental toxicology at the Emma Langan, Rosalind Latham, MingLi Li, Elizabeth Allen, Sonia Anderson, Matthew Robert Aitken, Ahmed Al-Qahtani, Lakshmi I enjoy walks in the woods and the University of Queensland, where I Matthew Lloyd, Astrid Lodge, Chris Longmore, Angell, Laima Antanaviciute, Melissa Antoniou- Ambika, Hilary Ashe, Eliot Attridge, Amanda interactions Oscar Lozada, Keir Macartney, Molly Maccormack, Kourounioti, Beverley Atkins, Barry Atkinson, Bamford, Catherina Becker, Alan Belward, Lynn I did my PhD, on conservation between coast, particularly in the sprinf and was exposed to a diverse ranfe of Beesh Mahen, Tristan Malcolm, Lynn Mamer, Philip Attwell, Sainath Babu, Stephanie Baldwin, Besenyei, Amrat Bhamra, Jeetendra Bhatia, genetics of Atlantic salmon, at the autumn when the Welsh countryside issues associated with both human Phil Manning, Sufyan Maqbool, Caroline Marden, Cori Barraclough, William Basztyk, James Belcher, Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, Ian Boothroyd, Carolyn hosts and Donna Marquise, Gemma Marshall, Karen Mason, Jennifer Bell, Luke Bell, Diren Beyoglu, Fadil Boulter, Kevin Burd, Rachel Chambers, Patricia University of Cantabria, Spain. After parasites is just amazinf. In my free time, I health and health of the environment. Dwayne Matheson, Robert Matheson, Christian Bidmos, Holli Bielby, Hollie Blunt, Lisa Bourne, Cohen, Ian Collinson, Melvyn Cook, Robert Cordell, postdocs at the Institute of Zoolofy in also like swimminf, readinf and I saw that the key to future profress in Mathiassen, Fiona Mbofana, Grant McCarthy, Euan Bowditch, Joshua Bowditch, Helen Brewer, Kevin Coward, Andrew Curran, Terence Davis, Lisa Mccormick, Giselle McKenzie, Samantha Carla Brown, James Button, John Carr, Carolina Achim Dobermann, Iain Donnison, Rory Duncan, London and the University of St bakinf cakes with my daufhter. science is to bridfe disciplinary silos. McLean, Alexander McNicol, Bethan Meek, Casado, Sultan Cetiner, Chi Hang Chan, Chi Sophie Duport, Gillian Fraser, Elena Gaginskaya, Heather Mellor, Natalie Mensah, Sophie Merrick, Chiu Cheang, Amritpal Chohan, Nicholas Clark, Angelika GrÜndling, Jacqui Hall, Fiona Henriquez, Isabelle Meyer, Vicky Millen, Katherine Miller, Jay Adam Cloke, Victoria Close, Lee Clover, James Alicia Hidalgo, Jon Hobman, Rob Howes, Mary Disciplinary integration, not just Mistry, Sumit Mistry, Daniel Montgomery, Alice Connorton, Ali Cooper, Nicola Crawford, Laura Hunt, Jennifer Jacobs, Rohan Jayasekara, Lyn SOCIAL NOTICES within the sciences but also in non- Moorey, Isabel Morris, Shruti Muddebihal, Saeed Dalton, Andrew Dawson, Sarah Deery, Ruth Jones, Simon Kempton, Sandra Knapp, Mrunalini scientific fields is somethinf that the Mukhair, Alexandra Munoz, Hannah Murphy, Dennis, Elizabeth Dennison, Maria Dewar, Markus Kulkarni, Yuk Lung Kwok, James Legg, Cheryl Chief executive Dr Mark Downs is 12:30-14:00 Rasa Nabazaite, Sukhveer Nandra, Luke Nelson, Diefenbacher, Stanley Dimkpa, Kerstin Doig, Lockett, Matt Longshaw, Pauline Lowrie, Kevin Charles Darwin House, London Society has the capacity to facilitate. Hugh Adam Nicholson, Hilary Norburn, Daniel Carolina Doran, Declan Doyle, William Easson, Martin, Robert Mason, Garry McDowell, David to hold informal sandwich lunches Hilton Belfast The Society of Biology is holding Toxicolofy has shown leadership in Norman, Charles Nwakamma, Georgina O’Connor, Rachel Etges, Gethin Evans, Kar-Hei Fang, Petra Meek, Jane Mellor, Lorna Miller, Ralph Minter, an event aiming to highlight and Rosimar Oliveira, Isaac Otieno, Ben Oxenham, Fay, Christina Fearon, Elizabeth Finding, James Jonathan Newman, Leonard Newton, Graham with groups of 40-50 members, 9 September this and I am proud to be one of the explore the breadth of current Jared Parkinson, Alex Paterson, Alice Pawlik, Ella Findlay, Ben Foster, Jared Fudge, Louise Gamble, Oliver, Christine Orengo, Hardev Pandha, Maddy or 10-15 Fellows. Fellows’ Lunch, London founders of the Australasian Collefe Peabody, Steven Peake, Damien Pepperell, Lynda Gabriella Gibson, Joanne Gordon-Smith, Rebecca Parsons, Andrew Pitsillides, Izabela Radecka, life sciences. Places are available on a first- 12:30-14:30 Perkins, Lina Petersone, Lauren Phillips, Jack Grant, Amy Green, Sophie Gugacz, Caroline Hague, Lindsay Ross, Philip Seaman, Lee Smith, Michael The day will be a mix of short of Toxicolofy and Risk Assessment. Poole, Danielle Poulton, Robert Powles, Claire Salehhuddin Hamdan, Jayne Hamilton, Nikky Smith, Egle Solito, Jonathan Spencer, Christopher come, first-served basis. To book, Charles Darwin House, London talks and Q & A sessions with well- Price, Eleanor Purshouse, Josh Raven, Selma Hammond, Heide Hardiman, Robert Hardwick, Suter, Eriko Takano, Edward Tate, Brian Thomas, call 020 7685 2564 or email Rayon, Anjali Reddy, Tom Reynolds, Jack Rhodes, Susan Hardy, Shelley Harris, Tim Harrison, John Rachael Thomas, Christopher Thompson, Kate 19 November known speakers, poster Away from the lab, I am a keen Roya Riahi, Annabel Rice, Samantha Rigg, Victoria Hood, Drew Hope, Louise Horsfall, Mary Howell, Trinajstic, Tristan Vaughan, Anthony Ward, Elaine [email protected] Biology Now: a one-day presentations, biology-themed member of Morgan Owners Rimmer, Sebastian Robroeks, Izzy Rochester, Ana Hughes, Justine Humphreys, Kabir Hussain, Watson, Patricia Wiltshire, Kris Wong. 4 July Queensland, followinf my Jordan Roe, Jasmine Rolle, Amanda Sadan, Adi Sarah Hutchison, Fiona Jameson, Samah Jassam, conference exploring the entertainment and networking. Alumita Sadria, Thomas Sandy, Claudia Santori, Arwel Jones, Matthew Jones, Anthony Kay, Patricia Registered Science Technician Fellows’ Lunch, Belfast life sciences Speakers will be confirmed shortly. membership of the Morfan Sports Adil Sarhan, Joseph Savage, Anja Schlott, David Kingston, Justine Kirkham-Myers, Katrina Kiveal, Wendy Butcher, Lin Eastaugh, Kevin Mythen, Car Club in Scotland. Schoepfer, Lauren Schofield, Tammy Schuh, June Knowles, Monika Kobielus, Sophia Kochalski, Thomas Pegram, Christopher Seymour.

38 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 39 West Midlands CARSINGTON WATER FAMILY VISIT Branches Saturday 28 June 2014 11:00-16:00 A Severn-Trent water scientist will lead a wildlife walk and talk indoors at the Carsinfton Water Visitor chalk coast flora and fauna. Old Centre and, dependinf on the clothes are oblifatory and trainers weather, outside around the can be better than wellinfton boots reservoir. Morninf and afternoon because of the better frip they five refreshments will be provided free you on slippery rocks; bare feet are at the visitor centre, where there only for masochists. are also exhibitions to view. Free to members and their DENBIES HILLSIDE fuests of all afes. Prior bookinf Saturday 16 August 2014 10:30-14:00 is essential, preferably by 21st June, Malcolm Bridfe of Surrey Butterfly by emailinf deidre.marsh@ Conservation will lead the fuided severntrent.co.uk walk around Denbies Hillside, a National Trust site near Dorkinf. Grid reference TQ 142 503. Western SANDWICH BAY BIRD AGM AND TALK OBSERVATORY Thursday 9 October 2014 Sunday 7 September 2014 11:00 A date for your diary: once the Ken Chapman from Sandwich Bay speaker is confirmed for our AGM Bird Observatory Trust will lead a in Bristol, full details will appear on Junior winners in Explore the Staples, followed by a talk by Paul walk and talk around Sandwich and the website. the East Midlands EVENT East Midlands EVENTS gardens of Learoyd of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Hacklinfe SSSI to view sand dune regional schools Grey’s Court, Trust on local wildlife. The event can flora, moths and other invertebrates WHERE WILL OUR FOOD competition. REGIONAL SCHOOLS Henley-on- From left to right: REPORTS CALENDAR Thames count as 14 CPD credits. Attendance and, on the salt flats, mifratinf birds. COME FROM Hannah Erlebach, COMPETITION costs £15. Book with Marianne The Observatory is in Sandwich Bay, 12-18 October 2014 Sarika Patel and 22 March 2014 For more details and to book a place Overton on 07920 235 364 or Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9PF. As part of Biolofy Week, a day Zoe Callow As National Science and Enfineerinf on an event, see the Branch Contacts [email protected] symposium on where our food will Beds, Essex & Herts Week drew to an end, the East on page 44, or visit the Events page of come from in the future, run with the Midlands branch enjoyed another the Society website. Thames Valley British Science Association. I AM A BIOLOGIST successful schools competition at the Kent, Surrey & Sussex 31 March 2014 University of Leicester. It was a lovely SYNGENTA VISIT ‘I Am a Biolofist’ was the intrifuinf sprinf day and showcased the flair, Beds, Essex & Herts QUEENDOWN WARREN Tuesday 24 June 2014 12:00-16:30 Yorkshire title of a careers event hosted by hard work and dedication of 28 Wednesday 30 July 2014 11:00-13:00 A visit to Synfenta’s Jealott’s Hill Hitchin Girls’ School and run by students from refional schools and NEVER A DULL MOMENT Alison Ruyter, reserve warden from International Research Centre, SUMMER OUTING our branch in conjunction with collefes. Whether in poster, essay or Saturday 12 July 2014 11:00 Kent Wildlife Trust, will lead a tour Bracknell, Berkshire, RG42 6EX. Saturday 12 July 2014 STEMNET Hertfordshire podcast format, their task was to A talk at the Essex Wildlife Trust by of Queendown Warren, Kent, to view Join members for a lifht lunch and This year’s summer social has a (www.stemnet.orf.uk). ‘Explore the Future’ – what does the Ross Gardner, author of Never a Dull the butterflies, reptiles and sprinf tour of the facilities. marine theme with a trip to the The event attracted year 12 future hold in biolofical terms? Moment: A Naturalist’s View of flowers. The walk includes some Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Livinf students from across the Much debate ensued amonf British Wildlife. It will also include a roufh and hilly terrain. Family GARDENS AT GREY’S COURT Seas Centre at Flamboroufh and Bedfordshire, Essex and judfes, teachers, students and BBQ and optional fuided tour of the and friends are welcome Sunday 14 September 2014 14:00 a fuided tour of RSPB Bempton Hertfordshire area who were parents. Dr Salvador Macip from the park by Essex Wildlife Trust to attend all our branch A fuided tour of the fardens at Cliffs reserve. There is also an interested in understandinf more department of biochemistry fave his volunteers. Attendance is £5 for events, but please Grey’s Court, Rotherfield Greys, optional Puffin and Gannet Seabird about careers in biolofical sciences. short lecture entitled ‘The Quest for members and £8 for non-members, first email our Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, Cruise. Cost and bookinf The students and their parents Immortality’. Dr Macip seemed in no plus there’s an additional donation secretary at david. RG9 4PG. information is available on the heard five short presentations from doubt that we would be able to extend of £3.50 for the fuided tour. ware1@ntlworld. events pafe on the website. senior biolofists whose careers our lifespan in the future. Gettinf rid com or call 07709 AGM AND LECTURE had led them to specialise in very of old cells mifht be the answer, 691 949 to reserve Wednesday 15 October 2014 19:00 SYMPOSIUM ON HOW different fields of biolofy, includinf especially as research has identified a East Midlands places. Postcode Join members for our AGM at GENES WORK horticultural and cosmetic sciences, druf that tarfets and destroys older The glasshouse ME9 7XH; frid Mafdalen Collefe, University of Saturday 18 October 2014 10:00-16:00 marine biolofy, pharmaceuticals, cells, thus preventinf their damafinf at Syngenta LUNCH ON THE EDGE reference TQ 827 629. Oxford, OX10 4AU. Lifht A symposium entitled ‘How Genes and medical and veterinary sciences. effect on neifhbourinf cells. Sunday 8 June 2014 10:30-15:00 refreshments and networkinf from Function’ at the University of The Society of Biolofy links However, Dr Macip asked whether This popular annual event is run in SEASIDE ROCKPOOLING 19:00 with the AGM startinf at 19:30. Bradford, as part of Biolofy Week naturally to the work of STEMNET we really want the power of conjunction with BTO, LLIF, Wildlife Wednesday 6 August 2014 11:00 Plus Dr Alison Foster, senior curator and Bradford Science Week. It aims and we all afreed that these eveninfs immortality on our small and already Watch, RSPB Explorers and Malo. Steven Savafe from Seasearch will at the Botanic Garden and Harcourt to cover our current knowledfe about have enormous potential as ways full planet. Meet at Hilltop Farm, Welbourn, lead a rockpoolinf event at Arboretum, will deliver a lecture how fenes function, includinf of inspirinf the future feneration Sarika Patel won first prize in the Lincolnshire, at 9:00 for bird rinfinf Ovinfdean near Brifhton. These entitled ‘Druf Development and the epifenetics. This is followed by the of biolofists. junior section with her poster on with Andrew Crick and Donna rockpools are a wonderful source of Unexpected Role of Plants’. branch AGM. Dr Theresa Huxley FSB vertical farminf and Hannah

40 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 www.societyofbiology.org/events www.societyofbiology.org/events Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 41 BRANCHES EVENT REPORTS

delivered a popular lecture on the North Wales redevelopment of the Institute’s main site at Pirbrifht in Surrey. THE HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO The lecture was wide ranfinf, URBAN FORESTRY coverinf the science research 14 March 2014 proframme of the Institute, Tim Hall from the Woodland Trust Professor Fazakerley’s own research for Scotland spoke to a lecture on alphaviruses, the history of the theatre packed with students, staff, Institute, and the state-of-the-art new members and friends of the branch at facilities beinf built to house some of his University of Banfor lecture on the most danferous human and urban trees. David Urry, refional livestock disease viruses in the world. coordinator at the Society, befan The 33-stronf audience included proceedinfs by introducinf the role research scientists and science and benefits of the Society. professionals, teachers, sixth form Worldwide, 50% of people now live students, retired members and in cities and the fifure is even hifher, others. The lecture was held at at 80%, in the UK. Trees in close Winchester’s Holiday Inn Conference proximity to city dwellers are termed Centre, so a few members retired to urban forests. Are trees beneficial? Is the bar afterwards, where Professor there a financial, social, Fazakerley joined them to continue Erlebach was runner up with In a recent study of 76,893 men, Winners in the psycholofical or environmental fain? conservation by Ged Ryan from the courses and the Continuinf North Western the discussion. ‘Genetics: Enfineerinf the Future’. half more cancers were detected in East Midlands Tim addressed these questions Cheshire Bat Group. The hifhlifht of Professional Development (CPD) members on a Many thanks to Professor Two others were hifhly commended those who were screened, but there regional schools usinf examples from around the the event was the opportunity to see a proframme on offer to members. canal trip to the Fazakerley for an excellent talk and National Boat – Zoe Callow with ‘Stem Cells’ and was no improvement in survival. competition. world. In summer, the trees shade the bat at close ranfe. This was followed Lonza senior scientist Noel Smith for makinf a freat event. From left to Museum Jake Ellar with ‘Whale Evolution’. This suffests that widespread right: Emily buildinfs and pavements, lesseninf by a buffet lunch, a canal boat trip and described the process of risk David Ulaeto CBiol FSB In the senior section, first prize screeninf would not be cost- Cooke, first prize the need for air conditioninf. Mature a fuided tour of the National Boat assessment of novel products prior was awarded to Chen Liu for her effective, presumably as the PSA test winner Chen Liu, trees can act as an evaporative Museum. The Manchester Ship Canal to acceptance for development. This excellent essay entitled ‘3D Orfan does not distinfuish effectively Matthew Clayton coolinf system, evapo-transpirinf and River Mersey provided an involves identifyinf problems: toxicity, West Midlands Printinf – Can I really Print My Own between affressive and non- and Alisha Patel 450 litres of water each day. interestinf backdrop to the ability to express the product, ability Liver?’ The two runners up were affressive tumours. In winter, the bare branches allow proceedinfs of the day. to purify it and any feature that would THE GALAPAGOS – 150 YEARS Alisha Patel with ‘Da Vinci The Dr Morfan then went on to warmth and lifht throufh, while The AGM was well attended, with prevent it beinf incorporated into a ON SINCE DARWIN’S VISIT Surfeon’ and Matthew Clayton with discuss the possible role of lesseninf the wind-chill factor on the 35 individuals present, and the medicinal product. 15 February 2014 ‘Underwater Livinf’. Emily Cooke embryonic fenes, especially HOX structures and absorbinf some of the followinf members were elected to the Lead scientist Michael Box covered Norma Broadbridfe MBE FSB was hifhly commended for her and Enfrailed fenes, in cancer. In traffic noise. Committee. Branch vice-chairman: the development process once a DNA presented her lecture on the ‘Terraform: The Future?’ humans, HOX fenes are a froup of Yes, there can be problems when Mike Clapham; branch schools liaison: sequence or transformed cell line Galapafos Islands to a packed room of The day drew to a close with a 39 fenes, the protein products of trees are not manafed correctly: Leroy Shervinfton; events orfaniser: expressinf the product is accepted by over 80 Society members, their fuests special prize for Hannah Musson, which are transcription factors that roots can undermine buildinfs or Karen Lawson; committee members: the company. He then described the and members of the public. With the a year 13 student who had entered activate or repress fenes controllinf disrupt the many services that are Jean Wilson, Ian Fleetwood, Alan insertion of the vector into the cells help of pictures taken on her visit to this competition for four years the formation of tissues, structures now routed below our pavements. Bedford and Linda Martin. Chair throufh to production and the islands, Norma fave us a modern- runninf. The book tokens she and orfans within the foetus. These However, these are ameliorated by Graham Bonwick, secretary Glenn purification techniques, especially day biolofist’s view of the received will hopefully come in useful HOX fenes also become activated in the advantafes – a pleasant walk to Upton-Fletcher and treasurer Peter for monoclonal antibodies. environment, its wildlife and the when she starts her defree at the prostate tumour cells and stimulate work or the shops under a canopy of York will continue in post. Section leader Clare Arnold conservation issues beinf faced there. University of Leicester. uncontrolled frowth. leaves; the freat benefit of parkland The treasurer’s report confirmed described the requirements for Since Darwin’s day, improved Rosemary Hall MSB Dr Morfan has been workinf on as orifinally conceived by the that the branch finished the year current Good Manufacturinf communications, particularly air HOX proteins and other transcription Victorians; the ecosystem diversity with a small surplus. As part of the Practice (cGMP). Visitors were then transport, have transformed the factors as potential tarfets and trees offer; and health benefits chair’s report, the ranfe of events split into froups for a tour of the non- Galapafos Islands and their unique Kent, Surrey & Sussex biomarkers in cancer. Preliminary (apparently there is an inverse and activities were reviewed, and the cGMP laboratories, observinf the wildlife; domestic mammal work has indicated that Enfrailed-2 correlation between childhood increasinf success and member flask culture labs, the 10 litre introduction has been a particular NOVEL APPROACHES IN (EN2) levels in the urine of men with asthma and urban tree density). participation were noted. bioreactor rooms, the pilot plant and problem. We were shown imafes PROSTATE CANCER prostate cancer roufhly correlate Tim’s hitchhikinf was a success, Graham Bonwick CBiol FSB the purification and analytical of a domestic cat carryinf one 27 March 2014 with tumour volume, which is an without recourse to his towel or the development areas. of the famous ifuanas as Every year in the UK, there are indication of tumour number 42. This was a most successful meetinf its prey, and of the hufe around 35,000 new cases of affressiveness, and that the John Solbé MBE CBiol FSB Thames Valley and the branch would like to thank herds of feral foats prostate cancer and 10,000 deaths test is twice as sensitive as all the Lonza staff who fave up their that compete for from this type of cancer. However, the standard PSA test. LONZA BIOLOGICS SLOUGH eveninf to make it possible. frazinf with the more men die with this cancer than His work has also North Western 25 March 2014 Stephen Lewis CBiol MSB iconic fiant tortoises. from it, as not all cancers are produced a ranfe of Lonza is a leadinf supplier to the Norma described affressively malifnant. reafents that block AGM AND BAT TALK pharmaceutical and biotechnolofy some of the responses Dr Richard Morfan informed us HOX function and 22 March 2014 industries. Its facility in Sloufh is Wessex The Pirbright that conservationists that even with malifnant tumours, that have proved to The historic National Boat Museum focused on the manufacture of lecture audience were makinf to such early diafnosis can freatly aid be potent anti-cancer at Ellesmere Port was the venue for therapeutic-frade monoclonal PIRBRIGHT LECTURE challenfes, includinf survival. The standard test at the molecules, at least Up close and our AGM. antibodies and recombinant proteins. 20 November 2013 careful manafement of personal with a bat moment is for prostate-specific in mice. A very Members were then treated to a Joanne Needham befan with a Professor John Fazakerley, director tourism and control measures for antifen (PSA), which is secreted from informative lecture. lively and informative presentation short presentation on the Society’s of the Pirbrifht Institute (formerly introduced species. She left us with the tumour into the blood. Dr David Ware CBiol FSB on the status of bats and their Refisters scheme, and the traininf the Institute for Animal Health), an impression of an environment

42 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 www.societyofbiology.org/events www.societyofbiology.org/events Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 43 BRANCHES EVENT REPORTS BRANCH CONTACTS

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

DEVON & CORNWALL Christine Fry [email protected]

EAST ANGLIA Amanda Burton [email protected]

EAST MIDLANDS Rosemary Hall [email protected]

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

LONDON that, althoufh freatly chanfed from Norma our muscles puny. Our teeth are Vydeki Shanmuganathan Darwin’s visit, is now appreciated Broadbridge MBE smaller and we have lost the ability to [email protected] and treated with care, and still brought a taste live on raw food, althoufh cookinf of the Galapagos delifhts and fascinates visitinf Islands to the enables us to survive with one hour’s NORTH WALES naturalists. West Midlands daily eatinf, compared with a Dr Rosemary Solbé Pamela Speed CBiol MSB chimpanzee’s 11 hours. [email protected] Brain development has become ALFRED RUSSEL WALLACE 100 supreme: a restinf adult human uses NORTH WESTERN YEARS ON – IS MAN JUST 25% of their enerfy supply for brain Glenn Upton-Fletcher ANOTHER ANIMAL? maintenance. Mental and spiritual [email protected] 12 November 2013 evolution has replaced traditional Professor Steve Jones, University fenetic evolution, with a need to use NORTHERN Collefe London, enfafed and cultural markers instead of fenetic Dr Michael Rowell challenfed our audience of 300 sixth markers to trace our development. [email protected] form students and their teachers, Professor Jones outlined the members and fuests in his lecture at usefulness of studyinf human NORTHERN IRELAND Birminfham University. lanfuafe, which evolves at a refular Dr Brian Green Professor Jones befan by lookinf rate, allowinf datinf. This is [email protected] at Wallace the man, contrastinf described in Professor Jones’ book Wallace’s spiritualism with Darwin’s The Language of the Genes. SCOTLAND atheism. He went on to deal with the Pamela Speed CBiol MSB Dr Jacqueline Nairn special and remarkable turn taken [email protected] by human evolution compared with other primates. The 1000 Genome Yorkshire THAMES VALLEY Project has compared humans with Dr Ray Gibson chimpanzees, our nearest relatives. RETIRED MEMBERS LUNCH [email protected] Our species can be viewed 6 March 2014 as ‘the primate that did Twenty-two members and their WESSEX not evolve’, showinf fuests fathered at The Food Rachel Wilson less fenetic Academy restaurant in Leeds for [email protected] diversity than their refular biannual lunch. chimpanzees. Attendees were mostly from the WEST MIDLANDS Physically, Alfred Yorkshire branch area but also came Deirdre Marsh humans can Russel from the neifhbourinf East [email protected] be seen as Wallace Midlands branch. diminished I was particularly pleased to see WESTERN chimpanzees. A several new patrons. Relaxed Michael Graz sinfle mutation has conversation and interestinf [email protected] reduced keratin anecdotes were enhanced by, as one formation in hair fuest put it, “access to some very YORKSHIRE follicles, while the human food locally brewed ale”. Paul Bartlett sarcomeric myosin fene has made Barry Canham CBiol MSB [email protected]

44 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 Biofeedback

FUELLING THE DEBATE where is the enerfy cominf to compared with other costs – is

ThTHE SOCIETY OF BIOLOGY MAGAZINEe ■ ISSN 0006-3347Biologist ■ SOCIETYOFBIOLOGY.ORG VOL 61 NO 2 ■ APR/MAY 2014 The article on alfal biofuel (The remove the water? From where is larfely ifnored. Biologist 61 (1) p20-23) omits the the enerfy cominf for pyrolysis and An essential part of any planninf outstandinf limitinf factor. The other hifh temperature techniques? application for an ‘alfal fuel enerfy used to make these portable Certainly there is no purpose in producinf plant’ by the sea should fuels for vehicles far exceeds the usinf the enerfy in portable fossil include a ‘stand alone’ non-fossil Our closest kin enerfy obtained when the fuels are fuels to make other portable fossil fuel electricity feneratinf system, Why have we done so little to protect the great apes?

TOXICOLOGY NEUROSCIENCE INTERVIEW burned. David Pimentel (Pimentel fuels – usinf electricity fenerated be it wind, solar, tidal, river or POISON TO POTION GUIDING LIGHT DR ALISON WOOLLARD e medical potential Understanding behaviour On her Royal of arsenic with optogenetics Institution Lectures & Patzek, 2005) and a strinf from oil or fas to provide the enerfy other source. Send your of fraduate students at Cornell to make other portable fuels makes David A Jones CBiol FSB, comments to University have been studyinf the no sense at all. emeritus professor of genetics, Biofeedback, problems for many years. The overall problem is the University of Hull, and emeritus Society of Biology, Fermentation and difestive concentration on reducinf the professor of botany (ecological Charles Darwin House, 12 Roger processes are biolofical. They occur costs of producinf biofuels. The genetics), University of Florida Street, London only in the presence of water. From enerfy involved – which is cheap WC1N 2JU MEDICAL MEMORY or email RE the article ‘A Very Victorian biologist@ Poison’ (The Biologist Vol 61 (2) societyofbiology.org p22-26) – the arsenical druf The Biologist Salvarsan 606 was orifinally reserves the right developed and used to treat syphilis, to edit letters not sleepinf sickness. Salvarsan where appropriate. milk was from foats subjected to injections of Salvarsan and fiven to syphilitic children (Gould GM and Scott RJE, The Practitioner’s Dictionary, 1916). Incidentally, at that time sleepinf sickness was called ‘African letharfy’. In the late 1940s, at the afe of around 15, I remember readinf The Magic Bullet about Paul Ehrlich, who carried out tests on 605 compounds before findinf that number 606 cured syphilis. As a medical orderly when I was doinf National Service I remember old soldiers in the Royal Army Medical Corps tellinf me patients receivinf antibiotics hardly knew they had been treated compared with the much more painful injections of Salvarsan before the Second World War. Norman Greaves CBiol MSB

CORRECTIONS Napoleon Bonaparte died in 1821, not 1921 as stated in the article on arsenic in the last issue (The Biologist Vol 61 (2) Extracting fuel p22-26). Thanks to all the from algae, such as giant kelp, also readers who let us know he did requires fuel not reach the ripe old age of 152.

Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 45 Museum Piece BIOLOGICAL EXHIBITS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

The radiolarian Aulosphaera elegantissima captured in glass

Leopold frew up workinf in his squid, jellyfish, radiolarians, amoebas #008 family’s jewellery and flassworks and corals. business in what is now the Czech The models show in incredible BLASCHKA Republic. He became fascinated by detail the colours and structures of marine creatures while on a lonf trip invertebrates that are often lost when to America, and befan usinf his flass- preserved in spirit, and even GLASS shapinf skills to recreate the stranfe, contain structures that are translucent life forms he had seen on only usually visible durinf MODELS his travels. the dissection process. A museum in Dresden commissioned Scientists in the Blaschka to make similar models for Natural History Natural various invertebrate specimens that Museum’s Imafinf and History were difficult to see or lay formless at Analysis Centre now use Museum, the bottom of jars. modern techniques such London Leopold was joined by his son Rudolf as CT scanninf to analyse and their model makinf became the models’ internal structure increasinfly accurate and intricate, in the hope of revealinf how influenced by advances in the study of they were made and how to marine invertebrates at the time. prevent these irreplaceable hese delicate flass sculptures The Blaschkas became famous after objects from deterioratinf. of marine life were crafted by they created an entire botanical A selection of Blaschka models TGerman father and son team farden of flass plants for Harvard are on display in the museum’s Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka in the University in 1886. Between 1866 and ‘Treasures’ exhibition. mid-1800s. No one has ever been able 1889, the Natural History Museum The Natural History Museum to replicate the pair’s accuracy when purchased 185 Blaschka models, is open 10:00-17:50 every day modellinf marine invertebrates. includinf sea anemones, octopuses, www.nhm.ac.uk

46 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 WIN A £25 Crossword BOOK Gear up your grey matter for our biology baffler TOKEN

Across a definition supported by a cryptic 1 Hive member let out (6) indication. 4 Acacia tree struggling without air (7) 9 Wild puma’s lair (9) How to enter 10 Skunk? (5) To be in with a chance of winninf a 11 Neat gin gets drunk (7) £25 book token, please send us your 12 Louse has value (7) completed puzzles by Wednesday 13 Put on outerwear but not inside (5) 2nd July 2014. Please include your 15 Rut returns, it can be seen in May (8) name, address and membership 17 Damaged hair can start to die (8) number with your entry – an email 19 Right at the heart of fossil fuel (5) address would be handy too. 22 A study into origin of evolution (7) Post your entries to: Crossword, 24 Mass cull getting so out of control (7) The Biologist, Society of Biolofy, 26 Small area that belongs to me (5) Charles Darwin House, 12 Rofer 27 Tiger and mane go together Street, London, WC1N 2JU. somehow (9) 28 Seed is a hybrid (7) Winners 29 Skin of creature genuine (6) Well done to last issue’s winners, Anne Cutforth CBiol MSB and Mike Down Askew CBiol MSB. Book tokens are 1 Grim rabble turn up to throw things (7) on the way. 2 For example even places in orient 18 A deep sea fish, I’m within reach Volume 61 linked with this bird (5) swimming around (7) no 3 3 One idly standing by can put feet 19 Upset docile learner driver to crash into compiled Last issue’s solution up on here (7) another car (7) by Doug Vol 61 No 2 4 Pass on what might indicate coming 20 Terribly cold tea, all milky (7) Stanford series (5) 21 Danger - a lot of mist on a road (6) 5 Meaner when more inebriated (7) 23 Above a glen that’s where you’ll see 6 Role in play has to be cleaner to this high flier (5) perform before Queen (9) 25 America for example backs 7 A right having received bad news to consumption (5) make response (6) 8 Outside of home man returns to is conservative light brown (8) This issue 14 Run back to get set of TV programmes All across answers are from the - they’re aimed at children (9) world of biolofy and their clues lack 16 Upping correct score - evidence of any further definition. Down clues dirty practice? (8) provide the normal combination of

BioArtAttack Art-science competition for young people

As part of this year’s Biology Week, make a biology-themed collage, sculpture or model, and you could win our first-ever BioArtAttack competition. There are two categories; for those under 11, and for 11 to 18 year olds, and entries should be submitted by 22nd August 2014. For more details (including prizes) visit www.societyofbiology.org/bioartattack

Vol 61 No 3 / THE BIOLOGIST / 47 DR MARK DOWNS FSB, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SOCIETY OF BIOLOGY

Final Word BIOLOGY WITHOUT BORDERS

or the first time since stratefic alliances, sharinf best contact, sharinf policy and the inception of the practice and developinf common operational issues, and lookinf at Society, our membership policy afendas. Indeed, in the June/ areas for collaboration. has risen above 15,000. July 2013 issue of The Biologist (Vol 60 One of these is the mutual This onfoinf frowth in (3) p48), I described workinf with recofnition afreement with CAB for Fmembership has been driven in Monfolian authorities and biolofists. Chartered Biolofists: remember, if part by more students and school This resulted in the first ever you are a Chartered Biolofist, you children becominf involved in our UK-Monfolian science focused can fain automatic recofnition in work, but also by increased demand meetinf in the UK, lookinf at how to Canada, makinf practice there far for Fellowship. It has been especially measure biodiversity and the value of more straifhtforward. pleasinf to see the number of Red Lists in policy makinf. The Closer to home, we have been women Fellows frow from 9% Zoolofical Society of London (ZSL) reviewinf our EU activity. The in 2009 to 20% in 2014. There is has been deliverinf freat project work Society has been a lonfstandinf clearly more to be done to improve across the Steppes and we were member of the European Countries fender balance at Fellowship level delifhted to partner the orfanisation Biolofy Association (ECBA), which to match the near 50-50 split at for this event. allows Chartered Biolofists and other most other levels, but the direction Continuinf with the Asian theme, member state equivalents to become of travel is promisinf. the membership, marketinf and refistered as professional European That’s the positive news. The communications team fained Biolofists with the desifnation downside is that over recent support from the British Council for EurProBiol. Unfortunately, ECBA years, there had been a small but a visit to Honf Konf in March as part has lost its way in recent years and we fradual decline at the MSB frade, of the Science Alive festival. Apart have been takinf a lead in developinf which remains at the heart of the from positive public enfafement, it alternatives. As a first step, we have Society’s individual membership. One of the also led to the revitalisation of sifned a memorandum of Importantly, this trend is now ways in interest in a Honf Konf branch. In understandinf with our German reversinf and we are startinf to which the parallel, members and Fellows in counterparts, VBIO, and plan similar see frowth here, too. Both the Society’s Australasia have also been in touch, afreements with other countries. January and April elections saw net membership keen to rekindle a branch. This year, the European Federation increases of MSB numbers with a is likely to In North America, links have been on Biotechnolofy confress is in total of 259 new MSBs. expand is strenfthened throufh our sister Edinburfh on 13th–16th July 2014. One of the ways in which orfanisations: the Collefe of Applied We are providinf the UK secretariat membership is likely to expand is through our Biolofy (CAB) in Canada, and the and will have a joint stand with a throufh our international links. The international American Institute of Biolofy (AIBS) number of our Member Council set out a challenfe last year to links in the US. Havinf spoken at both Orfanisations. We hope to see many broaden the Society’s horizons beyond CAB and AIBS conferences over the of you there and will keep everyone UK shores. Of course, this is also about last two years, we now have refular posted on our frowinf EU activity.

48 / THE BIOLOGIST / Vol 61 No 3 Enter our 2014 amateur photography competition Closing date 31 July 2014

Photographer of the Year (over 18) £1000 top prize Young Photographer of the Year (18 and under) £500 top prize For more information (including a list of accredited degrees) visit www.societyofbiology.org/supporting-life-sciences