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Award Winning Images of
Science:
12 March 08
MRC scientist James Sharpe has won a Special Wellcome Trust Image Award 2008, for his
ground-breaking image of an 11-day old whole mouse embryo. His winning image was produced
using Optical Projection Tomography (OPT), a wholemount imaging technology which he
developed whilst working at MRC Human Genetics Unit.
OPT produces 3D images and virtual sections from small biological specimens, giving new insights into the structure and relationships of tissue in normal and disease states. James has worked closely with MRC Technology to commercialise the technology, which is available from Bioptonics (www.bioptonics.com).
James was presented with his award at a ceremony at the Wellcome Collection on 11 March and his winning image will be on display in the Wellcome Collection Atrium from 12 March onwards.
Unit Students at
the Edinburgh International Science Festival: 1 April 08
PhD students from the Unit helped children develop their interest in science by running a
series of activities at the 2008 Edinburgh Science Festival. Children chose to Make a
Test Tube Baby, Build a Virus, Test their Reaction Time or Take the Chromosome Challenge.
Each activity reflects the research covered by the MRC's Units in Scotland.
In the Chromosome Challenge, the aspiring young scientists, dressed in lab coats and
safety specs, completed a cell which was missing a chromosome by adding base pairs to a
DNA strand, folding the DNA to form part of the chromosome, and finally putting the
chromosome in its proper place in the nucleus.The Chromosome Challenge was developed by a
postdoctoral research in the Unit, "It was great fun coming up with ideas then putting
all the parts together to make an exciting activity,"said Dr Marit Boot.
"The kids are really interested in genes and DNA, which they've heard about at school"
"The kids are really interested in genes and DNA, which they've heard about at school, and our activity helps them make sense of the terminology and to see exactly what goes where."
Links
- Full details on the Science Festival website
- View more images from the MRC stand at the International Science Festival 2008