Brilliant Biochemistry
Biochemistry isn’t just working in tiny tubes with clear liquids. From antibiotic resistance to (illuminated) zebrafish, biochemistry explores the chemical processes within, and related to, living organisms. Simply put, biochemistry serves to unlock the mysteries of life.
Detecting diabetes
Previously, doctors would taste the urine of their patients to determine if they had diabetes. Biochemistry in Bristol has a proud heritage of diabetes research and cell signalling – without drinking urine!
Clever chemistry
Our in-depth knowledge of chemistry allows us to make 3D ‘molecular cages’ to develop targeted drug delivery – a huge leap forward from having red hot pokers put on the ailing area.
Delightful DNA
One of the most important discoveries in the history of biochemistry was the famous Watson & Crick DNA model that had, allegedly, been thrown in a skip of the University of Cambridge. Rescued by the founder of Bristol Biochemistry (we have no idea what he was doing in a skip!), part of the model still resides in our teaching lab.
Brainy Bristol blood
There is a global shortage of donated blood. Drs Jan Frayne and Ash Toye have made more adult red blood cells in a test tube than anyone else in the world. Fabulous news for people who reject or need regular transfusions (and vampires) everywhere.
Chatty cells
When Hooke first looked at dead cork plants under a microscope he probably didn’t know that he was starting ‘Cell Biology’. How cells talk to each other is very important, particularly during growth or in fighting illness, for example, in understanding cancer. Our cell biologists are committed to understanding these molecular communications, through regular chats over mugs of tea.
Marvellous microscopy
In biochemistry, size matters. Our trip through the world of microscopy in this magazine takes us through all dimensions, from atoms to animals.
Article by Dr Caroline McKinnon