20 Oct 2017
Animator brings missing-link back to life
An animation lecturer from the University of Dundee has used a 150-year-old fossil cast to bring the missing link between birds and dinosaurs back to life. Using the fossil cast of an archaeopteryx which belonged to the world-renowned biologist and polymath D’Arcy Thompson, the work of animation expert Brendan Body has proved a hit on social media amongst paleontologists. Brendan’s clips on social media, showing how the Archaeopteryx may have moved – went viral among dino-enthusiasts and designers alike. Brendan said, “I got a lot of instantaneous feedback from dinosaur experts ac...
19 Oct 2017
Why "Connections matter" – from conception onwards and in a digital world
The connections we make from conception through our life spans, in a digital world and through disabilities and communication disorders, will be explored at an international gathering of researchers at the University of Dundee tomorrow. The `Connections Matter’ workshop gathers leading experts from across the fields of foetal, neonatal and infant psychology, autism and communication disorders, and intelligent computing. They will investigate how we connect with other human beings from conception through our lifespans. Presenters will discuss how the inherent ‘poetry and kindness’ of our...
17 Oct 2017
Barley scientists discover path to improved grain quality
Scientists from the International Barley Hub have discovered a genetic pathway to improved barley grain size and uniformity, a finding which may help breeders develop future varieties suited to the needs of growers and distillers. In the latest issue of Nature Communications, cereal genetics researchers working with Professor Robbie Waugh and Dr Sarah McKim, at the James Hutton Institute and the University of Dundee’s Division of Plant Sciences, examined the genetic control of grain formation in barley, specifically the role of a gene called VRS3. Researchers found that a mutation in this gene impro...
17 Oct 2017
Students set to shine for Diwali
Hundreds of festival-goers are expected to bring dazzling light to the middle of Autumn this week as they celebrate Diwali at the University of Dundee. Organised by the University’ Indian Society, students and locals will be lighting up campus green for the Festival of Lights from 6.30pm until 10.30pm on Wednesday, 18th October. Simran Chopra, President of the Indian Society, said, “Namaste Dundee! We are absolutely delighted to invite the whole Dundee community to celebrate this auspicious festival with us. We are grateful to our sponsors Taza, the Indian Buffet Restaurant, who are kindly pr...
17 Oct 2017
Business students to benefit from CMI partnership
The University of Dundee School of Business (UDSB) has entered into a partnership with professional management body the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), which will significantly boost the employability of graduates while aiding the professional development of staff. The UDSB is now a CMI-accredited centre and an approved higher education partner. This means up to 360 undergraduate and postgraduate business students will work towards CMI leadership and management qualifications each year as part of their degrees. Having obtained an industry-recognised professional qualification as part of their studie...
