MCSB Events
Exhibition by Star Lab
Thursday 24th May, Wolfson Link Courtyard
MCSB Seminars
Davidson Lecture Theatre, Tuesdays, 1-2pm
MCSB News
Fasciation of Plants Day
Friday 18th May marked the First International Fascination of Plants Day. The event was sponsored by EPSO and supported by a large number of universities and institutions around the UK, including Glasgow and the Botanic Gardens. The event was open to everyone and included plant artefacts and photo exhibition, video screening, tours and activities for kids. The University of Glasgow Plant Science group provided activities such as banana DNA extraction, painting with pigments extracted from fruits and vegetables, making funny face pots on which cress/sunflower seeds will be planted and make garden necklaces.
Well done, to Nia Bryant for running the Brighton Marathon Sunday 15th April! (pictured above)
Recent paper by Prof Hugh Nimmo published in high impact journal Science .
The paper was also highlighted in the Editors Choice!
Plant Physiology
Congratulations to Prof Mike Blatt on being appointed as Editor-in-Chief for Plant Physiology!
Recent paper by Prof Gareth Jenkins and John Christie, published in high impact journal Science.
In plants, the UVR8 protein senses ultraviolet-B (UV-B) wavelengths in sunlight, triggering changes in growth and development, including the production of a protective chemical sunscreen. Pyramids of tryptophan rings intrinsic to UVR8 create a built-in light switch; no separate chromophore is required. Understanding how plant growth varies with changes in sunlight becomes more important as we adapt to climate change.
Fruit flies get kidney stones too!
Professor Julian Dow has shown that fruit flies get kidney stones when exposed to certain dietary foods. This could help in the treatment of the condition in humans.
Promotion
The Institute would like to congratulate John Christie on his promotion to a Personal Professorship!
Research led by Profs Lee Cronin from Chemistry and Prof Richard Cogdell, Head of Institute
A special report which was broadcast on the BBC’s Newsnight Scotland into research from Professor Lee Cronin and Professor Richard Cogdell on the possibility of creating solar fuel from plants. The story also ran on Breakfast television and national radio, and was the third most watched BBC online story from around the world. Later in the month Professor Cogdell presented the research at the annual meeting of the American Advancement of Science in Canada, which led to additional reporting in more than 70 titles around the world.
Grants
Congratulations to all staff who have been awarded grants in this competitve climate.