Name: Scaling Up
Start: 2026-05-19T19:30:00
End: 2026-05-19T21:30:00
Location: Monkey Barrel (Room MB1)

“Scaling Up” brings together cutting-edge biological research to explore how advanced genetic and cellular technologies are transforming our understanding of development, disease, and regeneration. Through fascinating studies on zebrafish pigmentation and axolotl tissue regeneration, the event highlights how insights from these model organisms could unlock new possibilities in human health and medicine.

Back in Black: what zebrafish models can tell us about melanocyte development and disease

Stephanie MacMaster (PhD student at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer at the University of Edinburgh)

The iconic black stripes of the small, tropical zebrafish are the result of specialised pigment cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce a wide array of the colours and patterns we see in nature, and when they misbehave the consequences include skin cancers, pigmentary disorders and hair greying. Come and find out how we can harness cutting edge genetic technologies to build new zebrafish models that give us insights into melanocyte development and disease.

Axolotls and the quest for unlocking regeneration

Laura Arbanas (PhD student at the Institute for Regeneration and Repair)

Why is it that axolotls can regenerate parts of their brain, heart, limb and spinal cord but humans cannot? For over 250 years, scientists have been fascinated by the axolotl’s ability to regenerate tissues with remarkable precision. Today, new technologies allow us to look at what happens in each individual cell at the DNA level after injury. How do cells of the axolotl spinal cord respond to injury and what molecules guide them to regenerate? Join me for an insight into axolotl research and the quest for unlocking regeneration.

[{"lat":55.9493904,"lon":-3.1878409,"title":"Monkey Barrel (Room MB1)","html":"<div class=\"location-tooltip\">\n    <h6>Events at Monkey Barrel (Room MB1)<\/h6>\n\n    <address class=\"mb-1\">9 Blair St, Edinburgh, EH1 1QR<\/address>\n\n    <div class=\"mb-3\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.google.com\/maps?daddr=9+Blair+St%2C+Edinburgh%2C+EH1+1QR\" target=\"_blank\">\n            Get directions <i class=\"fa fa-external-link\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <ul class=\"lt-events\">\n        \n        <li>\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/pintofscience.co.uk\/event\/food-for-thought-7\">\n                <span class=\"lt-event-name\">Food for Thought<\/span>\n                <span class=\"lt-event-date\">(18 May 2026)<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/li>\n        \n        <li>\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/pintofscience.co.uk\/event\/scaling-up\">\n                <span class=\"lt-event-name\">Scaling Up<\/span>\n                <span class=\"lt-event-date\">(19 May 2026)<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/li>\n        \n        <li>\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/pintofscience.co.uk\/event\/cure-from-code\">\n                <span class=\"lt-event-name\">Cure from Code<\/span>\n                <span class=\"lt-event-date\">(20 May 2026)<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/li>\n        \n    <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","zoom":15,"icon":"https:\/\/pintofscience.co.uk\/assets\/Topics\/body-map__ScaleWidthWzMwXQ.png"}]

Other Edinburgh events

Other Monkey Barrel (Room MB1) events

18 May

Edinburgh

Sold Out!

Food for Thought

20052026 Food, Fitness and the Fountain of Youth

20 May

Edinburgh

Sold Out!

Cure from Code

Event 1 Monday 18th Drugs Discovery, Design, Delivery (resized)