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Spotlight on: Epigenetics
The Biologist Vol 61(1) p32-33 Epigenetics is the study of any changes in gene activity not caused by changes in the DNA sequence. Why is it important? Epigenetics explains almost any change in DNA function that is not caused by a mutation. The...
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85 degree programmes awarded RSB Accreditation for outstanding bioscience education delivery
85 degree programmes awarded RSB Accreditation in recognition of their outstanding bioscience degree programmes 85 degree programmes have been awarded Accreditation this year by the Royal Society of Biology in recognition of the high standards of...
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A Meaty Mystery
Cases of a bizarre allergy to products made from mammals – including red meat, woollen clothes and some medicines – are on the rise. Maryn McKenna explains how researchers are piecing together the puzzle of its unlikely cause The Biologist 66(3) p18-21...
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Iconotypes: A Compendium of Butterflies and Moths. Jones' Icones Complete
Richard I. Vane-Wright (Ed.) Thames & Hudson, £65.00 William Jones (1745-1818) is not well-known amongst the pioneering lepidopterists of the 18th and early 19th Centuries, but he surely deserves to be. Jones was a wealthy London merchant who, upon...
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First ever recipient of the RSB’S Apprentice of the Year Award announced
The RSB has announced the recipient of the first ever Apprentice of the Year Award, in recognition of outstanding individuals and the contributions apprentices make to the workforce. The RSB has announced the recipient of the first ever Apprentice of...
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Eight Master Lessons of Nature: What Nature Teaches Us About Living Well in the World
Gary Ferguson Doubleday, £9.99 In the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions many of us became abundantly aware of how much we missed the freedom to be out enjoying, exploring and experiencing our natural environments. The times we were able to get exercise in...
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The Royal Society
The Royal Society is a Fellowship of many of the world's most eminent scientists and is the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence. Have you ever wondered if you can grow plants without soil? Or wondered what effect exercise has on your...
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Reduction and Mechanism
Alex Rosenberg Cambridge University Press, £15.00 The Elements book series from Cambridge University Press provides an introduction to central ideas in the philosophy of biology. While some scientists are sceptical of the utility of philosophy of...
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Who was… Peter Kropotkin?
The Russian nobleman-turned-anarchist was also a biologist whose research in Siberia laid the groundwork for modern biological studies of co-operation and altruism, writes Tom Ireland The Biologist 66(3) p26-31 Peter Alexeyevich Kropotkin was born in...
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Council Members
The Royal Society of Biology Council act as the Trustees of the Society and consist of three Honorary Officers: President, Secretary and Treasurer. Four members are elected from the College of Individual Members and four are elected from the College of...
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Nichola Raihani FRSB: The Social Instinct
Nichola Raihani FRSB talks to Tom Ireland about her new book, The Social Instinct – which explores how all life on Earth – from genes to nation states – is built upon cooperation 8th June 2021 Hi Nichola. Can you tell me a bit about your research...
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Reports
Unearthing the buried soul: Homo naledi and the evolution of hominin mortuary practices 19 July 2021 How have awareness of mortality and the rituals associated with death and treatment of human remains evolved over time? Is modern Homo sapiens unique...
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The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Social Equality
Kathryn Paige Harden Princeton University Press, £25.00 Do genetic differences impact upon social outcomes and complex human behaviour? Should policy-makers pay more attention to genetic research? These are some of the questions that psychologist...
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Member profiles: biology journalism, One Health and social media
Our latest member profiles explore the working lives of The Biologist's editor Tom Ireland MRSB; Dr Simon Doherty FRSB, senior lecturer in animal health and welfare; and communications officer Danae Dodge MRSB These profiles appeared in the Spring 2022...
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Interview: Sunetra Gupta
Theoretical epidemiologist professor Sunetra Gupta talks to Tom Ireland about alternative models of how and when COVID-19 could have spread through the UK Sunetra Gupta is professor of theoretical epidemiology at Oxford University’s Department of...
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"All I'm presenting is a range of possibilities"
Theoretical epidemiologist professor Sunetra Gupta talks to Tom Ireland about alternative models of how and when COVID-19 could have spread through the UK Sunetra Gupta is professor of theoretical epidemiology at Oxford University’s Department of...
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The Motorcycle Diaries
For the last five years Janelle Kaz has combined her love of nature and motorcycles on a two-wheeled intercontinental conservation adventure. She gives The Biologist a taster of the latest leg of her trip, across Chile and Peru, where she meets groups...
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Six Legs Walking: Notes from an entomological life
Elizabeth Bernays Raised Voice Press, £12.99 Some people are born entomologists and some have entomology thrust upon them. Elizabeth Bernays belongs very much to the former category. In this series of essays, many of which have been published before...
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RSB voices concern as findings reveal that researchers face “shocking” levels of stress
A new survey has revealed the impact the research environment has on the levels of stress and mental health issues experienced by researchers, which RSB chief executive has described as a real cause for concern. A new survey has revealed the impact the...
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“The mobilization of our country’s scientists has been impressive”
Professor Sophien Kamoun, group leader at the Sainsbury Laboratory, discusses how he and his colleagues have pivoted from studying plant pathogens to tracing a human pathogen at the heart of a global emergency, and how scientists unable to access wet...
