Marvellous Microbes

How did a water bear (Tardigrade) end up stranded on the moon? We will explore the microscopic world of these fascinating microinvertebrates, from their natural environments of deep seas to your garden shed, and their space exploration. We will look at the strategies tardigrades use to survive in some of the most extreme conditions on and off the planet, and how we could look to utilise them for uses in medicine and to further our understanding of many areas of science.

There are emerging threats of infectious diseases, and a dangerous role played by pink bacteria. Where do infectious diseases emerge? Which foodborne bacterial clones have emerged in the UK? How do they spread? Why should you care about antimicrobial resistance, and how can we protect ourselves?