Chemistry News 2012

For more details about News items, please contact the School of Chemistry, or the Communications and Marketing Unit of the University.

Chemistry News - 2012

Innovative Learning Week

The School of Chemistry is to abandon traditional lectures and tutorials for one week in February. From the 20th of February we will explore new ways of teaching and give students a chance to expand their skills and confidence to prepare for employment.

School of chemistry Innovative Learning Week plan (pdf).

You can also find details of other Innovative Learning Week activities in the College of Science and Engineering.

February 16th 2012

EastBio Success for Chemistry

The School of Chemistry will benefit from a funding boost thanks to our involvement in the EastBio partnership. The investment will provide support for Docotral Training Partnerships and industrial CASE studentship awards. The programme is designed to provide research training in key bioscience areas, where the School of Chemistry is already a leading institution.Students will also develop excellent communication, public engagement and commercialisation skills.

Full details about EastBio are available on the university website.

February 1st 2012

Superbug Breakthrough

David Dryden recently led an international study investigating how superbugs such as MRSA become resistant to antibiotics.

The study looked at restriction enzymes and the role they play in controlling how bacteria acquire resistances. By mapping the molecular structure of these enzymes the study was able to gain new insights into their behaviour.

Dr Dryden said: "We have known for some time that these enzymes are very effective in protecting bacteria from attack by other species. Now we have painted a picture of how this occurs, which should prove to be a valuable insight in tackling the spread of antibiotic-resistant superbugs."

The research was published in Genes and Development and also highlighted in an article in the Scotsman.

1st February 2012

Scholarships Deadline Approaching

If you are thinking of studying at the University of Edinburgh to do a PhD, we strongly encourage you to apply for one (or more) of the Scholarships that are offered by the University and the School of Chemistry.

The deadline is the 3rd of February.

Principal's Career Development Scholarships are open to all students (UK/EU/International) and provide 3 year's funding covering stipend plus fees at the UK/EU rate.
ScotCHEM International Graduate School Scholarships are offered by the School of Chemistry, in conjunction with Principal's Career Development Scholarships, and provide an additional year's funding (to give a 4-year PhD programme, including a 6-month external placement) covering stipend and fees at the UK/EU rate.
Edinburgh Global Scholarships are open to International (not EU or UK) students and provide funding to cover the difference between UK/EU and International fees for 3 years. Overseas students may apply for one of these Scholarships in addition to a Principal's scholarship.
Tercentenary International PhD Scholarships are offered by the School of Chemistry to International (not EU) students only and provide a contribution of £5000 per annum to the cost of fees. International students may apply for one of these Scholarships in addition to other Scholarships.
China Scholarships Council/UoE Scholarships are open only to Chinese students, who are resident in China at the time of application or studying (but not working) outside China. Fees are covered, together with a stipend at the discretion of the China Scholarships Council. Note that PhDs in Chemistry are likely to lie in one of the following preferred areas:

Life Sciences and Public Health
Materials Science and New Materials
Energy and the Environment

For further information on all of these Scholarships go to our Funding page and follow the appropriate link.

26th January 2012

Health Check for Cells Could Help Monitor Progress of Disease

A test that measures the health of cells could be developed to diagnose and monitor diseases, including degenerative illnesses and cancer.

Colin Campbell's research has led to a sensor that measures tiny electronic signals in cells that help keep the cell functioning and are a key indication of health. These signals occur routinely to control everyday processes such as cell maintenance. When they are irregular, it can indicate that cells have been damaged by inflammation, toxicity, or disease.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have mounted a chemical sensor on a tiny gold platform that can be inserted harmlessly into cells. The sensor can be scanned with a laser to give a measure of electrical activity in the cell, indicating whether it is healthy or not.

The device could be used to monitor patient health. It may also be useful in drug development by giving insight into how cells respond to disease or therapy. Researchers say their device improves on existing techniques, as it has greater sensitivity, better accuracy, and does not interfere with the cell’s functioning.

Dr Colin Campbell of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Chemistry, who led the study, said: “Electronic activity in cells is strictly controlled and normally runs like clockwork – so when it goes wrong, it can be a sign of disease. Our device offers a safe, effective method to test the health of cells.”

The study, funded by EaStCHEM and the University of Edinburgh, was published in the ACS Nano journal.

11th January 2012