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An embryonic kidney grown in culture for 72 hours. The ureteric bud and branches are shown in green (calbindin); the developing nephrons are red (laminin). Image provided by Dr S.Burn

Current News within the Unit

Recent Stories in 2010

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Unit PhD students at Scottish Parliament event:

1 July 2010

Three PhD students from the MRC Human Genetics Unit took part in a 'Celebration of Science' event held in the Scottish Parliament in June. Emily Pritchard, Niki Wyatt and Natalie Reynolds, spoke about their research projects with guests and demonstrated the 'make your own virus' and 'DNA bracelet' activities usually more familiar with young science festival visitors. The event was organised by the Scottish Science Advisory Council and attended by Members of the Scottish Parliament, research scientists and representatives from the biotechnology industry.

Hazel Lambert, MRC's Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, said:

''I'm grateful to the HGU PhD students who gave up an evening to talk to MSPs about their work. Science and research make a vital contribution to the Scottish economy, by sharing their enthusiasm and expertise the students have helped MSPs to learn more about how scientists work and are educated.''

Scotland is the most successful of the home nations in securing MRC funding; it received £64.7million, or 11.5 per cent, of 08/09 investment but is home to only 8.5 per cent of the UK population. If you'd like to know more about the science MRC invests in in Scotland please download the MRC Funding in Scotland PDF.

4th Mammalian Genes, Development and Disease Meeting:

2 July 2010

Judith Reichmann, a second year PhD student in the laboratory of Dr Ian Adams, has been awarded a prize for her talk at the 4th Mammalian genes, development and disease meeting in Cardiff on 2nd July. Judith presented data concerning the role of the Tex19.1 gene in maintaining genetic and chromosomal stability in mouse germ cells.

The meeting is held annually in the South West of Britain and covers a broad range of topics. The organisers particularly encourage early career researchers to present their data at this meeting.