Better health through functional foods

Professor John Cummings recently took a group of second and third year medical students on a visit to the Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI) in Invergowrie.

The students are taking part in a Student Selected Component of their course entitled 'Better health through functional foods and complementary medicines'.

John explains, "Part of this course involves students visiting the SCRI. They spend a day examining plant breeding, genetic modification of foods and other related issues, with a view to highlighting the possibilities for improving the nutritional profile of plant foods for health."

In charge of this initiative is Professor Howard Davies from SCRI. Course tutors Dr Elizabeth Magee and Miss Shiona Tasker also accompanied the students on their trip.

above: 19 second and third year medical students with Professor Howard Davies of SCRI, Professor John Cummings, course tutors Dr Elizabeth Magee and Miss Shiona Tasker and Sarah Stephens, the SCRI Science Communication Officer.