Information on Loughborough

Chance for Leicestershire youngsters to get to grips with DNA

Posted on 02/03/09
University of Leicester

The University of Leicesters world class Department of Genetics will be holding three hands-on sessions on DNA technology for young people as part of the Universitys celebrations for National Science and Engineering Week.

On Monday March 9th (9.30am-1.30pm) sixth form students can live out a dream and become Forensic Scientists for a morning, amplifying and analysing DNA samples taken from a crime scene using pioneering technology and laboratory equipment.

Theyve seen it on television and theyve read about it in the press, but will they be able to solve the crime using the DNA fingerprints?

On Thursday 12th March (10.00am-2.00pm) eleven- and twelve-year-olds can try their hands at preparing DNA and seeing how scientists can use the information it holds. In a day packed with fun activities, they can also find out what enzymes do in our bodies - and what they can do in the laboratory.

Dr Cas Kramer, who is organising these events commented: "We always try to enthuse students about science, whatever their age. Youngsters are amazed to see they can extract DNA from a banana, while sixth formers are thrilled to be able to use high-tech equipment in a real laboratory.

Further information on these two events is available from Dr Cas Kramer, email ck53@le.ac.uk.

Also on Thursday March 12 (5.00-6.30pm), Caf Biotechnique offers sixth formers an opportunity to discuss topical breakthroughs in biomedical science with international scientists, in a session led by Leicester geneticist, Professor Mark Jobling. The issue under discussion is: "Personal DNA testing: curse, con or harmless fun? Pizza and refreshments will be available and the session will be informal.

Further information on this event is available from Annette Cashmore, Director of the Universitys GENIE Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in Genetics and Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences, email genie@le.ac.uk.

Professor Cashmore commented: "These events give exciting opportunities to really raise awareness of science to a cross section of the public. They also raise the awareness of academics of the need to showcase their work to the public !

All three events are run by GENIE, with the Department of Chemistry (March 12th).

GENIE (Genetics Education Networking for Innovation and Excellence) is a Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL). In March 2005 the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) agreed to fund 74 CETLs across all English regions as part of a 315 million programme to promote excellence in teaching and learning covering a wide range of subjects and aspects of higher education.

The University of Leicester is the lead institution for two CETLs, including GENIE, and is a partner in a third.

GENIE is based within the Department of Genetics, which is internationally recognised for its pioneering, revolutionary research and dynamic teaching by academics at the cutting edge of their discipline. The GENIE project creates a learning experience that is both innovative and intellectually exciting.

Latest Loughborough News

Libraries become more dyslexia-friendly

Created: Friday 19th of March 2010 05:30:01 PM

Leicestershire,Loughborough

Community Services19 March 2010Libraries become more dyslexia-friendlyLibraries across Leicestershire have signed up to a new set of guidelines designed to make them more dyslexia-friendly. Over the next few months, staff are being trained to ensure they understand the basic issues facing people with dyslexia....

Read More: Libraries become more dyslexia-friendly

Serving police officer dies following a collision in Leicestershire

Created: Friday 19th of March 2010 04:20:02 PM

police,constabulary,leicestershire police

Serving police officer dies following a collision in LeicestershirePC Phil TomaszewskiA serving police officer has died following a collision in the parish of Eaton, near Ab Kettleby, Leicestershire. The collision occurred at about 1....

Read More: Serving police officer dies following a collision in Leicestershire

Celebrated poet and writer visits the University of Leicester

Created: Friday 19th of March 2010 03:03:35 PM

Latest News

Bernardine Evaristo, acclaimed author of Blonde Roots and The Emperor s Babe, to speak at a free public event on Friday 26 March....

Read More: Celebrated poet and writer visits the University of Leicester

Donated furniture boosts good causes

Created: Friday 19th of March 2010 03:03:34 PM

Latest News

Good causes have received a boost thanks to donations of office furniture from Charnwood Borough Council. Items such as desks, filing cabinets and chairs are being distributed to good causes through Giving World Online, a scheme run by Leicester based charity Konnect9. ...

Read More: Donated furniture boosts good causes

Action packed week boosts community

Created: Friday 19th of March 2010 03:03:33 PM

Latest News

Around 10 tonnes of rubbish were collected, a buggy fit walk was held and health checks took place as part of a community action week in Mountsorrel. Organisations including Charnwood Borough Council, Leicestershire Police and Voluntary Action Charnwood worked with local residents to organise the busy week which aimed to improve the environment and boost residents fitness and wellbeing. ...

Read More: Action packed week boosts community

Related Loughborough News

Learning how to find life on Mars

Created: Monday 9th of March 2009 09:03:02 PM

News

University of Leicester to give young learners a hands-on experience of the science of exploring another planet and the search for evidence of life...

Read More: Learning how to find life on Mars

Cancer Awareness Evening at University of Leicester

Created: Monday 2nd of March 2009 10:03:59 AM

News

GENIE (Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning) and Hope Against Cancer event on Wednesday 11th March, 6-9pm....

Read More: Cancer Awareness Evening at University of Leicester

Science in the Community

Created: Tuesday 10th of March 2009 12:03:40 PM

News

As part of National Science and Engineering Week, the University of Leicester is involved in a community event to promote science....

Read More: Science in the Community

Packed programme of events for National Science and Engineering Week 2008

Created: Friday 26th of December 2008 11:35:09 PM

Loughborough University,Loughborough

Packed programme of events for National Science and Engineering Week 2008 Loughborough University has organised another packed programme of events for this year s National Science and Engineering Week (NSEW). Taking place from the 8 to the 14 March, the week aims to celebrate science and engineering and their importance to our lives, giving people the chance to participate in science and engineering activities and experiments, and to engage in related discussions in their local area....

Read More: Packed programme of events for National Science and Engineering Week 2008

Snibston recognised as a centre for regional learning

Created: Wednesday 31st of December 2008 02:30:02 PM

Leicestershire,Loughborough

Community Services 2 December 2008 Snibston recognised as a centre for regional learning Leicestershire County Council s Snibston Discovery Museum has now been officially recognised as a Satellite Centre for the Science Learning Centre East Midlands. Science Learning Centres are part of a national programme to provide high quality professional development and training for primary and secondary science teachers....

Read More: Snibston recognised as a centre for regional learning

Most Read Loughborough News (today)

Graffiti Workshops in Loughborough and Charnwood

Created: Friday 18th of July 2008 11:00:00 AM

graffiti

A SERIES of free graffiti workshops could help creative youngsters avoid a brush with the law. Charnwood Community Safety Partnership, of which Charnwood Borough Council is a partner, is staging the six-week programme of graffiti workshops in three neighbourhoods to give 11 to 16-year-olds an alternative means of expression rather than daubing slogans and images on buildings throughout the Borough....

Read More: Graffiti Workshops in Loughborough and Charnwood

Robot in Loughborough Town Centre

Created: Tuesday 27th of May 2008 03:50:00 PM

robot

Reports are coming in that Loughborough Town Centre was yesterday infiltrated by a giant robot. The robot which some eye witnesses say they saw in Market Place and Market Street at various times yesterday afternoon stood some 8ft tall, was metallic in colour, had blue glowing eyes and spoke in sound bites....

Read More: Robot in Loughborough Town Centre

Radical plans to personalise social care in Leicestershire

Created: Tuesday 22nd of July 2008 04:45:00 PM

social care

Radical changes to social care in Leicestershire will be outlined at a meeting next week. The County Council wants to personalise its social care and will update the Cabinet on the plans next Tuesday (29th July)....

Read More: Radical plans to personalise social care in Leicestershire

Sport Relief Arrives in Loughborough

Created: Friday 29th of January 2010 05:01:25 PM

News

Sport Relief is back and it s coming to Loughborough! The town is set to host one of Sainsbury s Sport Relief Miles - which kick off from Loughborough University at 10.30am on Sunday, 21st March. They include one, three and six mile challenges and need residents to show their support by entering now at www.sportrelief.com ...

Read More: Sport Relief Arrives in Loughborough

Ladybird Survey

Created: Tuesday 29th of April 2008 09:03:00 AM

ladybird

Ladybirds ( or ladybugs if you are American) are loved by the public but now help is needed to monitor local numbers as an invasive species called the harlequin ladybird spreads across England....

Read More: Ladybird Survey

Most Read Loughborough News (this month)

Loughborough Astra Zeneca Closure

Created: Tuesday 2nd of March 2010 04:03:15 PM

News

Charnwood Borough Council has today learned that the Astra Zeneca has decided to close its facility in Loughborough by the end of 2011. The announcement is a huge blow and a major loss of employment in the Borough and in Loughborough in particular. ...

Read More: Loughborough Astra Zeneca Closure

Action group to meet regarding Astra Zeneca announcement

Created: Wednesday 3rd of March 2010 11:03:57 AM

News

An action group consisting of local organisations is to meet on Friday to discuss yesterday s (Tue) announcement by Astra Zeneca. Charnwood Borough Council has organised the urgent meeting after the pharmaceutical firm announced it will close its operation in the town by the end of next year. This will mean a loss of nearly 1,200 jobs. ...

Read More: Action group to meet regarding Astra Zeneca announcement

Thirteen people arrested in 'Bling' crackdown

Created: Wednesday 24th of February 2010 10:20:01 PM

cannabis, weed, drugs

Thirteen people arrested in 'Bling' crackdownThirteen people have been arrested in the first phase of a Force-wide operation to crackdown on criminals living lavish lifestyles from the proceeds of crime. The ‘Too Much Bling? Give us a Ring’ campaign was launched on February 10, 2010, encouraging members of the public to call Crimestoppers anonymously to let police know of any people who may be living beyond their means from drug money or ill gotten gains....

Read More: Thirteen people arrested in 'Bling' crackdown

Appeal following incident at Loughborough University

Created: Friday 26th of February 2010 08:10:01 PM

police,constabulary,leicestershire police

Appeal following incident at Loughborough UniversityPolice are appealing for witnesses following the report of a serious sexual assault in Loughborough. The incident is alleged to have happened sometime between 1....

Read More: Appeal following incident at Loughborough University

EASTER ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES

Created: Wednesday 24th of February 2010 04:02:23 PM

News

Charnwood Borough Council s Easter Activity Programme for 0 16 year olds kicks into action on Monday 29th March until 5th April. ...

Read More: EASTER ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES