Life Sciences News
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Appetite can be increased by cells in the brain
Tanycytes are glial cells, which communicate with neurons in the brain to inform it of what we have eaten. Professor Nick Dale and colleagues have found when tanycytes are selectively stimulated appetite was increased.
New University of Warwick modelling supports cautious reopening of schools if other lockdown measures continue to control the coronavirus
The gradual reopening of schools, starting with primary schools, is unlikely to lead to a second wave of infection, according to new mathematical modelling of the COVID-19 outbreak from University of Warwick researchers, but we should be prepared to reintroduce lockdown measures should there be a significant rise in the number of new cases.
Students have answers to the questions about September
Beth Hill, a third year Biomedical Science student, has written a blog highlighting how the pandemic has had an impact on higher education.
Read Wonkhe blog (28 May 2020).
Warwick scientists discover how cells respond to fasting
A team of researchers led by Professor Ioannis Nezis, discovered how cells activate autophagy genes during fasting.
Expert comment: Scientific advice on schools reopening
Dr Mike Tildesley provides his expert analysis on the potential reopening of schools.
Read Metro article (21 May 2020).
A new understanding of everyday cellular processes
We use cells to breathe, to moderate body temperature, to grow and many other every day processes, however the cells in these processes are so complex its left scientists perplexed into how they develop in different environments. Professor Orkun Soyer and colleagues say future research needs to look into the bioelectrical composition of cells for answers.
The need for a measured approach for relaxation of lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic
New research, led by Professor Matt Keeling, finds the need for a measured approach to relaxing lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic - which may mean regional social distancing until mid-2021.
Press Release
Lockdown staff and students at University of Warwick to help with wildlife surveys
Members of the Warwick community who are living on campus during lockdown have the opportunity to help survey wildlife for a biodiversity project.
Dr Tildesley talks to BBC News about plans to ease lockdown
Dr Mike Tildesley talks to BBC News about the UK government's plans to ease the lockdown, the need to maintain social distancing and the importance of the R number to stopping the spread of Covid-19.
(BBC News Channel - 10.05.2020)
Minimum energy requirements for microbial communities to live predicted
A microbial community is a complex, dynamic system composed of hundreds of species and their interactions, they are found in oceans, soil, animal guts and plant roots. Each system feeds the Earth’s ecosystem and their own growth, as they each have their own metabolism that underpin biogeochemical cycles.
Professor Orkun Soyer and colleagues have produced a thermodynamic model for simulating the dynamics of microbial communities.
UKRI fellowships awarded to Life Sciences Academics
Two academics from Life Sciences have been awarded a UKRI Future Leader Fellowship.
- Dr Byron Carpenter for his project titled: Developing a synthetic signalling system capable of the precise spatial and temporal control of protein function in living cells.
- Dr Erin Connelly for her project: Datamining medieval medical texts for modern medicines.
The fellowship scheme is awarded to the best researchers in the UK, keeping research and innovation in the UK world class.
Warwick Researchers to provide COVID-19 Intervention Modelling for East Africa (CIMEA)
A £1m grant from the Wellcome Trust has enabled researchers to work with East African countries in their emergency preparations for COVID-19 as the pandemic spreads across Africa. Press Release
Professor James Nokes comments:
'We hope that by closely combining our efforts with in-country expertise in modelling, epidemiology, health economics and systems and vulnerability mapping we can develop models appropriate to each setting with results that will immediately feed into the policy making process to have the greatest impact.'
Impact of marine carbon on climate change to be investigated by Warwick Scientists
185 scientists won part of the European Research Council’s (ERC) €450 million for Europe’s long-term frontier research, one of which was Professor David Scanlan, from the School of Life Sciences.
Researcher discusses slime mould on The One Show
On Tuesday 31 March, Ian Hands-Portman took part in The One Show discussing the networking ability of slime mould.
Watch on BBC iPlayer (item is 11 mins in).
Learn more about Slime Moulds.
Professor Andrew Easton discusses the potential development of Covid-19
Andrew Easton, Emeritus Professor of virology from the University of Warwick's School of Life Sciences, discusses the potential development of COVID-19 (coronavirus) vaccines live on anews (19 March 2020).
Dr Mike Tildesley discusses the coronavirus pandemic
Dr Mike Tildesley, Associate Professor of Life Sciences, discusses the coronavirus pandemic and what lessons can be learned from previous outbreaks of flu (TRT World Now, 18 March 2020).
Young Coventry performers use Warwick experts to help with climate science in new production
University of Warwick researchers have shared their knowledge in the development of a new play showing at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry this week.
Dr Erin Dilger, a researcher in tropical disease, spent time with the cast and writers of the new production to help feed in and break down scientific facts about climate change and environmental issues. On Friday 13 March, Dr Dilger and other Warwick academics will join in a panel discussion after the performance.
Microbial interactions in aquatic environments to be investigated
The microbes found in aquatic environments and their interactions will be investigated by Warwick researcher Professor Orkun Soyer, thanks to an investigator award from The Gordon and Betty Moore foundation.
Coronavirus:Your Questions
Dr Mike Tildesley answers viewers' questions about coronavirus on the BBC News Channel (Broadcast 09.03.2020).
Arctic's Global Seed Vault to receive 1000 types of seeds from Warwick's Vegetable Genebank
Just under 1000 seed samples from different crop species including kale, carrots and cauliflower are to be deposited at the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Arctic Norway on Tuesday 25 February 2020, from the UK Vegetable Genebank (UKVGB) at the University of Warwick Wellesbourne campus.