Leaping Away From Pollution

The ability to sequence DNA at low cost and high throughput has completely transformed the diagnosis of genetic diseases. By comparing the DNA sequence of an affected child with those of its family, it is possible to identify genes where sequences vary; these genes are called variants. In around half of all cases, the causative gene cannot be identified. Here we show Amphibian tadpoles have the potential to rapidly provide evidence that could inform both the clinical diagnosis and management of rare genetic diseases.

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is one of the most abundantly produced thermoplastics and is accumulating in the environment at a staggering rate. The useful properties possessed by PET such as strength, thermal stability and chemical resistance also confer it with an alarming resistance tobiodegradation. Recently, a newly discovered bacterium, Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6, was shown to exhibit the rare ability to grow on PET as a major carbon and energy source. Join us and explore the usefulness of this new digestive enzyme for future energy production and waste treatment.

The study of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has led to a better understanding of the interconnections between human and environmental health. This work focused on synthetic estrogens and their role in feminizing wildlife. With some countries reporting 1 in 6 people taking antidepressants, the focus has more recently turned to drugs that are used to treat depression, anxiety and anti-psychotics. This talk will focus on the latest effects reported in wildlife following antidepressant and antianxiety drug exposure and highlight some unusual ways this has been communicated in media!