Year 12 Biology students recently attended our Biology in Action online lecture day which included five lectures and an exam technique talk.

We started off the day with “Can You Smell What I Smell?”, a lecture about how genetic mutations can affect perception of scents and flavours, answering the age-old question of why people either love or hate marmite.

Staying on the topic of genetics, we discussed the problems with DTC genetic testing, such as 23andMe.

Our next lecturer, ironically named Dr Scales, covered “Exploring the Wonders of the Deep”, ranging on topics from bioluminescence to trenches caused by tectonic plates.

After lunch, Andrew Steele explained since ageing isn’t a law of biology there is research underway to slow the decline of the human body, by far the most popular lecture of the day.

Lastly, Greg Foot, Natural Scientist from Cambridge, entailed his journey to the highest pop-up lab: Everest Base Camp, and how hypoxia was researched there.

Overall, a very successful and educational day that inspired us to think ahead to our futures in the field of Biology. 

Bethan and Lisa Year 12