Welcome to the School of Biological Sciences news page. Here you can keep up to date on our latest research news, events and seminars.
Latest News
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Norwich Research Park receives £4m for next generation of scientists
The University of East Anglia and its Norwich Research Park partners have been awarded £4 million to fund 39 new PhD studentships. Read more
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Using Cross-disciplinary Approaches to Communicate Global Goals of Sustainable Agriculture
An award from the UEA Alumni Fund set in place collaborative events between the School of Biological Sciences (BIO) and the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts (SCVA). Read more
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First step towards treatment for painful flat feet
A team led by the University of East Anglia has made an advance in understanding the causes of adult-acquired flat feet – a painful condition particularly affecting middle-aged women. Read more
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Ancient climate change has influenced where rare endemic species remain today
A new global study has found that species with small geographic distributions are concentrated in regions where little migration has been required to keep pace with past climate change Read more
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Female promiscuity can rescue populations from harmful effects of inbreeding
Females in inbred populations become more promiscuous in order to screen out sperm from genetically incompatible males, according to new study by the University of East Anglia. Read more
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BIO Research Colloquium 2011
The School of Biological Sciences holds its annual Research Colloquium on Monday 4th July at which researchers will present their latest work to colleagues and invited guests. Read more
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Discovery opens the door to electricity from microbes
Using bacteria to generate energy is a signifiant step closer following a breakthrough discovery by scientists from the School of Biological Sciences at UEA. Read more
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Seeking solutions to an international food crisis
East Anglia is set to lead the way with a new course exploring the cutting edge of farming techniques in order to feed a rocketing global population. Read more
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CMSB Spring Meeting 2011
The Centre for Molecular and Structural Biochemistry will be holding their spring meeting on Friday 6th May 2011. Read more
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New postgraduate degree will help dispel ‘frankenfood’ myth
A groundbreaking new course at the University of East Anglia (UEA) will explore the cutting edge agricultural techniques needed to feed a rocketing global population. Read more
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Arthritis drug could help beat melanoma skin cancer
A breakthrough discovery by the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Children’s Hospital Boston promises an effective new treatment for one of the deadliest forms of cancer. Read more
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The cues males use to detect mating rivals!
We often, consciously or not, act differently in different environments. Perhaps we modify our behaviour or speech, being more sedate in a coffee shop than in a night club. But what senses do we use to analyse our current social environment and respond to it? Read more
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National Science and Engineering Week 2011
The School of Biological Sciences will be taking part in National Science and Engineering Week on Saturday 19th March 2011. Read more
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The ocular lens: a classic model for development, physiology and disease
A themed issue of Philosophical Transactions B has been co-edited by Dr Michael Wormstone (BIO) that showcases the scientific knowledge of the processes involved in the development, physiology and pathology of the ocular lens. Read more
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Look Who’s Talking!
Students from UEA’s schools of Biological Sciences and Allied Health Professions are bringing a range of fun activities for children to Norwich Castle Museum - from making optical illusions to seeing how animals communicate through their poo. Read more
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World’s first forensic provenancing degree will help fill global skills gap
A unique scientific provenancing course offered by the University of East Anglia will teach the latest techniques required to investigate everything from food fraud to war crimes. Read more
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Basketry: Making Human Nature
An exhibition at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts has been put together with help from BIO staff and students. Read more
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Centre for Molecular & Structural Biochemistry Early Years Researchers’ Colloquium
The Centre for Molecular and Structural Biochemistry will hold its inaugural Early Years Researchers’ Colloquium on the afternoon of Wednesday 2nd March in EFRY 01.02 (14.00-17.00 hrs). Read more
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Blocking ‘rogue gene’ could stop the spread of most cancers
Scientists in the School of Biological Sciences at UEA have discovered a rogue gene which – if blocked by the right drugs – could stop cancer in its tracks. Read more
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BIO Alumni - Sir Paul Nurse presents Horizon – ‘Public Trust in Science’
This week's Horizon (the BBC flagship science program) addresses the issue of public trust in science. Read more
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Principles of Social Evolution
Professor Andrew F.G. Bourke, an evolutionary biologist within the School of Biological Sciences at UEA, has just published an important new book on the ‘Principles of Social Evolution’. Read more
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EUREKA! Enter the University of East Anglia Business Plan Competition for a chance to win a life-changing prize!
UEA students are being invited to ‘think creatively’ and come up with an enterprising business plan. UEA has joined forces with Hotel Chocolat to hunt for creativity and innovation through its EUREKA business plan competition, with a top prize of an all expenses paid internship in the Caribbean. Read more
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Garlic could protect against hip osteoarthritis
Women who consume a diet high in allium vegetables, such as garlic, onions and leeks, have lower levels of hip osteoarthritis. Read more
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Early career researchers gear up for London entrepreneurship battle
Entrepreneurial young scientists from Norwich Research Park will be out in force for the final of a prestigious national business competition. Read more
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Family Open Day
Check out the full version of the video from the School of Biological Sciences Family Open Day. Read more
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The plight of the bumble bee
A free public lecture on the plight of wild bees, organised by the University of East Anglia, will take place at the Assembly House on December 8. Read more
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University of East Anglia ornithologist honoured
University of East Anglia biologist Dr Jennifer Gill received one of ornithology’s top awards on Wednesday, at a ceremony held at the Royal Society in London. Read more
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Science café will focus on stem cells
Dr Mark Williams (BIO) will be presenting a science café event at the Maddermarket Theatre. Read more
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Postgraduate Open Day to take place this week
A Postgraduate Open Day will be held at the University of East Anglia on Wednesday, November 10, to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to consider studying at postgraduate level. Read more
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BIO Family Open Day Video
A video of one of our recent family open days involving lots of staff and students from BIO. Read more
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Pollinators in peril: bees, genes and conservation
UEA invites you to an evening of science and discussion with Professor Andrew Bourke. Read more
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University of East Anglia makes cancer breakthrough
Scientists at the University of East Anglia have made an important breakthrough in the way anti-cancer drugs are tested. Read more
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Undergraduate Studentship Programmes 2011
The John Innes Centre and Sainsbury laboratory provide students the unique opportunity to spend the summer on their research programme. Read more
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UEA Biochemistry Degrees Receive Official Recognition from the Royal Society of Chemistry
The UEA Honours Degrees in Biochemistry received official recognition from the Royal Society of Chemistry this month. The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) is the largest UK Professional Body for chemical scientists and the largest organisation in Europe for advancing the chemical sciences. Read more
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Biotechnology Yes Success for two UEA Teams
Biotechnology YES is a BBSRC organised competition that inspires and equips postgraduate students/postdoctoral scientists with the skills and knowledge needed for the commercialisation of bioscience ideas. Read more
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PhD Studentships now online
The list of available PhD Studentships/Research Degrees in Biological Sciences has now been published. Read more
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Key nutrient found to prevent cataracts in salmon
The role of a key nutrient which prevents cataracts in salmon has been revealed by eye specialists at the University of East Anglia. Read more
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Humane Research Trust Evening
On Thursday 17th June 2010, the Faculty of Science at the University of East Anglia (UEA) hosted a special ‘Humane Research Trust’ evening to showcase research funded by the Trust in the Schools of Biological Sciences and Pharmacy at the University. Read more
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Eating broccoli could guard against arthritis
Scientists From the school of Biological Sciences at UEA are launching a groundbreaking new project to investigate the benefits of broccoli in the fight against osteoarthritis. Read more
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Ecologists find new clues on climate change in 150-year-old pressed plants
Plants picked up to 150 years ago by Victorian collectors and held by the million in herbarium collections across the world could become a powerful - and much needed - new source of data for studying climate change, according to research led by the University of East Anglia and published in the British Ecological Society's Journal of Ecology. Read more
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Bridging the skills gap between school and university
The University of East Anglia is collaborating with schoolteachers to help students bridge the gap between school and undergraduate-evel education - and to address perennial concerns about standards. Read more
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Wild porcupine under threat due to hunting
Wild porcupine might be a tasty treat in countries around the world, but populations of the spiky rodent are coming under threat in Vietnam due to illegal hunting. Read more
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Ants found to use multiple antibiotics as weed killers
Scientists at the University of East Anglia, have shown that fungus-farming ants are using multiple antibiotics as weed killers to maintain their fungus gardens. Read more
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Centre for Molecular and Structural Biochemistry Seminar
The next Centre for Molecular and Structural Biochemistry Seminar will take place on Friday 3rd September. Read more
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Top results for Biology in the National Student Survey 2010
The results from NSS 2010 show that the School of Biological Sciences was ranked at the top of 54 biology departments in the UK. The survey asked final year students for their levels of satisfaction in 22 questions across 7 Themes (Teaching, Assessment and Feedback, Academic Support, Organization and Management, Learning Resources, Personal Development and Overall Satisfaction). Read more
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BIO Business Day
On Friday 17th September the School of Biological Sciences opens its doors to business at its first Business Day. In this morning session we’ll be raising awareness of some key areas of our research and associated facilities. Short talks are followed by lunch and networking, 1-2-1 sessions and tour of facilities. Read more
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Hands-on science fun for the whole family
From bugs, birds and bees to molecules, cells and plants, the University of East Anglia will be holding a Biology Open Day on September 18. Read more
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When female infidelity aids offspring survival
A team of researchers including Dr David S Richardson (BIO) have been studying the paternity of offspring of a seemingly monogamous species, the Seychelles warbler. DNA reveals infidelity among females paired with males that show relatively low genetic diversity. Read more
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High flying - UEA excels in Environment and Ecology
UEA has just been ranked 3rd in the UK (and 24th globally) for the impact of its work in the areas of Environment and Ecology (including fields such as biodiversity, plant sciences, fishery studies and zoology). Read more
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Molecular Interactions at the Interface between Chemistry and Biology
This Royal Society of Chemistry Regional Workshop will be held at UEA on Thursday Sept 23rd 2010. Read more
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Summer studentships in the CMSB
During the summer, the Centre for Molecular and Structural Biochemistry (CMSB) is hosting, within its research laboratories, 11 undergraduate summer students, who have obtained funding from a range of sources, including the Biochemical Society, the Wellcome Trust, the Nuffield Foundation, Society for General Microbiology and The Big C. Read more
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Four new Professors in BIO
The University has promoted four of BIO's faculty members (Julea Butt, Tracey Chapman, Matt Gage and Andrea Munsterberg) to Chairs from August 2010. Read more
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Understanding markets crucial to wildlife conservation
Work by a team of scientists including Dr Sharon Brooks and Dr Jennifer Gill (BIO) has shown that Between two and 12 million wild snakes are taken from Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia every year in the largest snake hunt in the world. Read more
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Old roosters still dominate sexual pecking order
A team of researchers including Dr David S Richardson (BIO) studied the relationship between the status of male birds, their reproductive performance, and female reproductive success, in a feral population of chickens in Sweden. Read more
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Grant awarded to BIO from the Insect Pollinators Initiative
Professor Andrew Bourke (BIO) and external colleagues (Dr Claire Carvell and Dr Matthew Heard, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, and Dr Bill Jordan and Dr Seirian Sumner, Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London), have been awarded a three-year grant of £665,000 from the Insect Pollinators Initiative to conduct research into why the UK's bumblebees are declining. Read more
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Inbreeding? How depressing
Inbred male sperm have been found to fertilise fewer eggs when in competition with the sperm of non-inbred males. Read more
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BIO Research Colloquium 2010
This years BIO Research Colloquium will take place on Friday June 25th. Read more
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Inbred sperm fertilize fewer eggs according to University of East Anglia research
Inbred sperm fertilise fewer eggs according to University of East Anglia research Inbred male sperm have been found to fertilise fewer eggs when in competition with non-inbred males according to a new study by the University of East Anglia. Read more
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Excellence in teaching awards
Dr Harriet Jones and Dr Helen James of BIO have been selected for UEA Excellence in Teaching awards, which will be presented to them at the BIO Congregation Ceremony. Read more
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Research Showcase funded by The Humane Research Trust
On Thursday 17th June 2010, the Faculty of Science is hosting a special evening of talks to showcase research in the Schools of Biological Sciences and Pharmacy which has been funded by The Humane Research Trust. Read more
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Leading Norfolk scientists plea over GM technology
A leading scientist at a world-renowned Norfolk food research centre has said that it's time 'to grow up' over the possible beneficial impact of GM technology. Read more
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BIO rises to 14th place in the UK for Biosciences
BIO has risen to overall 14th place in the UK for Biosciences in the Guardian University Guide – and is 2nd in terms of student satisfaction with teaching. Read more
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University of East Anglia celebrates biodiversity with Cathedral display
Researchers from the University of East Anglia are displaying their work on biodiversity at a two-week exhibition in Norwich Cathedral. Read more
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Critically endangered turtle sees eight-fold increase in numbers
A critically endangered breed of turtle has seen an eight-fold increase in numbers according to new research from the University of East Anglia. Read more
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Plant Short RNA Workshop
We are inviting UK plant scientists to a one day workshop on “Plant short RNAs” at the University of East Anglia on the 4th June 2010. This small meeting will give young scientists an opportunity for oral presentations and bring together experts in the field. Read more
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Ipk1 structure revealed in a collaboration between Spanish and UEA researchers
This collaboration was led by Beatriz Gonzalez, Instituto de Química-Física Rocasolano, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid in collaboration with Charles Brearley, BIO, and arises from BBSRC funded phytate research at UEA. Read more
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At the cutting edge of the fight against cancer
An article about the groundbreaking cancer research carried out by UEA and funded by Big C. Read more
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New centre will put Norfolk at vanguard of food and farming research
A new centre that promises to put Norfolk at the forefront of research into tackling global food challenges and promoting sustainable agriculture is to open. Read more
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BIO alumnus Sir Paul Nurse to be next President of the Royal Society
Sir Paul Nurse, the Nobel prize-winning geneticist, is to succeed Lord Martin Rees as president of the Royal Society, Britain's national scientific academy. Read more
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Nobel Prize winner Sir Paul Nurse calls for reform of science funding
Public funding of science should become more elitist, says the Nobel laureate nominated as next head of Britain’s national academy of science. Read more
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Colourful Caribbean fish could answer the mystery of why life on Earth is so diverse
Although evolution has been studied for nearly two hundred years, the process by which new species arise is still not fully understood. Now British scientists believe colourful Caribbean hamlet fish could provide some answers to why life on Earth is so diverse. Read more
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A Conservation Success Story
Dr David S Richardson has been involved in the study and conservation of birds on Cousin, and the Seychelles in general, for over a decade. Read more
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Election Manifestos
Following the release of the Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat manifestos, please find the points in the manifestos that are most closely related to the science/education sectors. Read more
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Lowestoft family fund cutting edge cancer research
Cancer researchers at the University of East Anglia have made an advance in our understanding of head and neck cancers - thanks to funding from a Lowestoft family devastated by the disease. Read more
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BIO on Facebook
The School of Biological Sciences now has its own Facebook page. The page will be constantly updated with relevant and exciting information for both BIO students and staff. Read more
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Biological Sciences and Sainsbury Laboratory Open Lecture
The second School of Biological Sciences and Sainsbury Laboratory joint open lecture will take place on Wednesday March 31st 2010. Read more
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Centre for Molecular and Structural Biochemistry – Spring Meeting 2010
This meeting which is sponsored by GE Healthcare will take place on Friday 19th March and as well as four excellent local speakers (please see the attached programme) we are fortunate to have contributions from two distinguished guests. Read more
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HMS Beagle Project comes to Norwich
2009 was one of the most significant anniversaries in science: it market the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin (12 February 1809), and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his book On the Origin of Species. Read more
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Free Colours of Life event for children
From how rainbows happen to why our blood is red, Biological Sciences students from the University of East Anglia will be helping youngsters explore the colours of life at a free event on Saturday, March 6. Read more
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Faculty of Science Video Prospectus
UEA has created a video version of our prospectus where you can learn more about life and study in the Faculty of Science. Read more
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‘Rock-breathing’ bacteria could generate electricity and clean up oil spills
A discovery by scientists at the University of East Anglia (UEA) could contribute to the development of systems that use domestic or agricultural waste to generate clean electricity. Read more
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Microbe Blogging
Dr Matt Hutchings (BIO) has joined forces with Wellcome Trust science writer and UEA alumnus Dr Ben Thompson to launch a new microbiology blog. Read more
