14 May 2018

Education key to tackling Scotland’s apathy towards mental health

Education is critical to tackling apathy in Scotland towards mental health issues, two leading campaigners have said. Jonny Benjamin MBE and Neil Laybourn will talk about their work and the mental health hurdles facing society when they appear as the latest guest speakers at the University of Dundee’s Saturday Series. The pair, who met a decade ago as Jonny threatened to take his own life, will recall the event that brought them together and how that chance encounter changed both of their lives. Ahead of their appearance at the University’s Dalhousie Building on Saturday 19 May, Jonny said t...

14 May 2018

Degree Show students plot city’s future

From airports to urban farms, ferry terminals to tower blocks, performance art to ‘prole’ tourism, exhibitors at this year’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design and Architecture Degree Show have explored the Dundee of the future. As the city’s regeneration continues apace ahead of the V&A Dundee throwing open its doors this September, many of the graduating architects, artists and designers at this year’s Degree Show, which opens this weekend, have been examining the future direction of the city and their vision of how this development might be shaped. Seve...

13 May 2018

New grants mean 50 years of research for Sir Philip

Professor Sir Philip Cohen, one of the UK’s most respected scientists, has been awarded new research grants that will mean his work at the University of Dundee has been funded continuously for 50 years. Sir Philip is a biochemist who has made major contributions to our understanding of protein phosphorylation and its role in cell regulation and human disease. Phosphorylation processes are very important because they control almost all aspects of cellular functions. Abnormal phosphorylation is a factor in many diseases, including cancer, high blood pressure and Parkinson’s. Among his major fin...

11 May 2018

Public invited to discover the power of plants

The University of Dundee and James Hutton Institute will team up to celebrate the wonder of plants next week. Plant Power Day 2018 takes place at the University’s Botanic Garden on Sunday 20 May. The fun-filled family day will highlight how fascinating plants are and their importance to the past, present and future of humanity. Admission is free and activities include child-friendly science workshops facilitated by researchers from both institutions, music performances, a botany adventure trail, birds of prey and face painting.  Dr Jorunn Bos, one of the Plant Power Day organisers, said, &ldq...

11 May 2018

Neanderthal brought back to life with help from Dundee expert

An expert in facial reconstruction from the University of Dundee has helped bring Neanderthals back to life for a major new BBC series, which begins this weekend. Dr Christopher Rynn, from the University’s Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, will feature in Neanderthals: Meet Your Ancestors alongside Hollywood star Andy Serkis, co-founder of digital performance-capture studio The Imaginarium, when the two-part production premieres on BBC2 on Sunday 13 May. The show is presented by Ella Al-Shamahi, a rising star in the field of Neanderthal research who takes a fossil Neanderthal skull found...