Pint of Science - Biology in Bloom: Cutting-Edge Research Unveiled

Eat Well + Move Well -> Feel Well + Live Well – a science exhibition.

• Dr Florence Sheen (Vice Chancellor Independent Research Fellow)

You’ve probably heard about eating five a day – but how do we choose a balanced diet while still enjoying what we eat? And, you probably know that we should all get active – but why is movement so important to supporting our happiness and health? We are trialing a science exhibition to take to Cheltenham Science Festival in June 2024, and want YOU to try out our activities and give us feedback. Our fun activities will help children find the answers to these two important questions and have been designed to be inclusive so that everyone can take part.

Biology isn’t flat! Taking cancer research to the next dimension

• Lisa Barrett Wheatley (Doctoral Researcher)

Since the 1990s, most biological research has been carried out using cells grown on a flat, plastic surface. Whilst this simple technique has allowed scientists to make countless advances and discoveries in biology and medicine, cancer is anything but simple!
Being able to replicate a tumor in the lab is vital for finding cancer-fighting drugs. Scientists are now exploring new ways to grow cancer cells in 3D to mimic the complexity of a tumor as it would be in the body. This talk will explore how we can take cancer research to the next dimension!

Biomanufacturing breakthrough: Growing protein crystals inside cells!

• Dr Huaiyu Yang (Senior Lecturer) and John Turner (Post Doctoral Reseacher)

Introducing the latest biomanufacturing breakthrough: a next-gen technology revolutionizing therapeutic protein and enzyme production. Streamlining processes, it slashes costs, time, and overheads. By cultivating high-purity crystals within living cells, it tackles bottlenecks that hinder current methods. This innovation promises efficiency and affordability, addressing critical purification issues and enhancing yield. It's a serious game-changer, promising practical solutions for making medicines cheaper.