Twenty-six Year 9 students had an interactive experience of research labs and the interesting roles that are available in the biomedical sciences, by visiting the So Cool Science event at Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry (PUPSMD) in Plymouth Science Park
The students extracted DNA, practised culturing human kidney cells for use in developing medicines and explored how the fruit fly can be used to model and understand human diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Students were amazed how different cells can be made to fluoresce in fly larvae, so that their roles can be studied in detail, prompting plenty of “that’s so cool!” comments.
Students also had the chance to speak to active researchers about their work and career paths, which inspired students and supports opportunities available to women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) careers. Thanks to Prof Parkinson for his continued support and organising So Cool Science for 2019.
