Tiny But Mighty: Bugs, Birds and Plankton

Ever wondered if bacteria can tell the time? It may seem like a strange question, but we live on a planet that rotates every 24h, creating predictable daily challenges for life. We also share that planet with bacteria, which live in, on and around almost all other living things. We have long known that humans, plants and other organisms have biological clocks to predict and adapt to such daily cycles, but have only recently discovered that some bacteria that live alongside us also do. In this talk I will share cutting-edge research, from the John Innes Centre here in Norwich, on newly discovered bacterial clocks, what they do, and how bacteria and plants synchronise watches to help one another grow and survive!

Ever wondered if bacteria can shape how birds think, behave and cope with stress? This talk uncovers the microbes inside the gut of British garden birds (blue and great tits) and the influence of human activity on this microbial world. I’ll share my research on how specially selected “good bacteria” is helping us understand why microbes influence bird body function and behaviour, including problem solving and confidence. Expect a fun poop-themed quiz and a Build-a-Probiotic game where you create the ultimate microbe mix for city or woodland birds - with stickers for all!

At the very start of the marine food-web lie the phytoplankton. By exploring the whole algae community, from toxin‑producers to the tiniest cells we can discover who’s blooming, who’s shrinking, and who’s stirring up the ecosystem. Using tech like microscopes, FlowCam, and flow cytometry it’s a deep dive into microscopic drama that helps us understand, and try to outsmart, nature’s smallest mischief‑makers.