This collection of short interviews with scientists introduces contemporary science topics through conversation with some of the UK's leading researchers.
Each of the videos is accompanied with a teachers' summary, plus student questions and answers.
Computer modelling, ecology and climate change |
Coffee history and survival |
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In this 5-minute video interview, Dr Drew Purves discusses how his research can help us predict the effects of climate change on natural ecosystems, and develop strategies to address it. This video introduces the concept of mathematical modelling in biology, and explains its uses in a clear and relevant context. |
This 5-minute video interview introduces students to the history and economics of coffee and the impact of a plant pathogen on coffee production. Dr Charlie Clutterbuck discusses the long and strange history behind coffee – how a small plant from Ethiopia dominated the world, and why it’s under threat today. |
GFP and reporter proteins |
Genetics, genomics and food security |
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This video interview with Professor John Christie of the University of Glasgow, introduces students to fluorescent reporter proteins and their importance to our understanding of cell biology. GFP – the protein that allows jellyfish to glow their astonishing luminescent green – changed the way we understand biology. Transferred into plant, bacterial or animal cells, GFP allows them to glow when illuminated by blue light. But what are the limitations – and where next for ‘reporter proteins’? |
This video interview with Dr Cristobal Uauy of the John Innes Centre introduces post-16 students to contemporary genomics and food security. Dr Cristobal Uauy is passionate about helping the world’s poorest farmers increase the amount of crops they get from their fields. He’s moved from South America to Norfolk to use the new understanding of the wheat genome to create higher yielding wheat varieties. In this video, he explains how his group may be on the verge of a breakthrough. |
