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Food
Heidi de Wet
I received my first degree in botany and biochemistry at the University of the North-West in South Africa and moved to the University of Cape Town for my doctoral studies in Chemical Pathology. Currently, I am a University Lecturer and a tenured Associate Professor of Physiology. Ironically, I have never officially studied physiology, but...
Changing plant chloroplasts to improve crop performance
Chloroplasts are tiny protein-filled units within plant cells. As well as being responsible for photosynthesis, they are critical to a plant's ability to respond to its environment (for example, to the intensity of light or the threat of disease). They do this by importing the proteins they need - and getting rid of those they don't need....
Senses 1 - When the senses collide
Can sounds change how things taste? How can we alter our experiences by taking advantage of how our senses mingle?
Morgan Wade
I am a PhD student studying plant immunology and agricultural biotechnology. My work focuses on the use of essential oils as biocides against bacterial plant pathogens. I am also passionate about science education, communication, and outreach.
How garlicky is your garlic?
When it comes to mass-producing food, it’s important to make sure the taste is consistent, and good! But how can we detect the taste of something without eating it ourselves? Prof Richard Compton and his team in the Department of Chemistry are experts in electrochemical sensors, and in this episode of the Big Questions podcast he tells us all...
Richard G. Compton
I chose chemistry as a career partly because, when I was a schoolboy at a state school in rural Somerset and when I was a student both at Oxford University and at Imperial College London, I had wide interests - especially in chemistry, mathematics and geology. Becoming a physical chemist has allowed me to be active in all three areas. For...
How do you grow rice faster?
Currently over three billion people depend on rice for survival, and, owing to predicted population increases and a general trend towards urbanisation, land that provided enough rice to feed 27 people in 2010 will need to support 43 by 2050.
In the hopes of meeting the food needs of billions of people around the world, scientists have...
Gunge for Grown Ups - Bug Banquet
For ages 18+
Move over young scientists, it’s time to give the big kids a go… Join us for an evening of grown-up bug grub science and anarchy, as we lock the kids out and get hands-on with insects, beetles and creepy crawlies. Try out your creative culinary skills, challenge yourself to a bug tucker trial, and delve deeper into insect...
