The Biosciences Research Group
Biosciences Research at Northampton
There is active bioscience based research at the University. The Park Campus is home to a number of research laboratories that are well equipped to support work both in on-going areas and emerging ones.
The main research themes are described below:
Microbial Survival mechanisms and food spoilage - Professor Carol Phillips
The fact that micro-organisms survive in the environment and in food is important because of the risk of pathogens entering the human food chain and causing illness and also in terms of food spoilage which has major implications for the food industry.
The research group at The University of Northampton has links with local and national industry and welcomes further links and enquiries from both individuals and companies.
Current projects include:
- Survival mechanisms of Arcobacter butzleri in water
- Survival of micro-organisms in waste management facilitites
- Emerging food spoilage bacteria and the effects of preservatives on their growth and survival
- Novel natural anti-microbial compounds, particularly essential oils
For further details contact Professor Carol A. Phillips at carol.phillips@northampton.ac.uk
Molecular genetics of cardiovascular fitness/physical performance -Dr Stuart Raleigh
Work in this area focuses on candidate genes that may have a role in both blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular fitness. Some of these genes are thought to impact on certain exercise phenotypes like speed, endurance, trainability and strength. To investigate this further, we are commencing work that will establish whether natural variations within emerging candidate genes are important in the 'athletic' phenotype. We welcome enquires/collaboration from other research groups interested in this area.
For more information contact Dr Raleigh on 01604 892306 or stuart.raleigh@northampton.ac.uk
Diet and developmental origins of renal function -Dr Mike Marchand
The composition of maternal diet is known to play an important role in the organogenesis within the developing foetus. This has been associated with early onset of diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes and premature death. Work in this area is focusing on the effects of a marginal nutrient deficient maternal diet and its effects on offspring renal development and glomerular ultra structure. It is anticipated that the work will extend to specific aspects of dietary induced gene expression and its consequence for maintaining health.
For more information contact Dr Mike Marchand on 01604 892306 or mike.marchand@northampton.ac.uk
Ethical, legal and social impact of new genetic technologies -Dr Merryn Ekberg
Building on social theories of risk, Dr Ekberg's research explores the ethical, legal and social risks emerging from the new genetics and stem cell research. She has previously published articles on the risks emerging from the non-medical uses of genetic testing; the risks associated with prenatal genetic testing; the risk of eugenics and the risks associated with the commercialisation of science and intellectual property rights. She is currently working on a book that explores Genetic Expectations.
For more information contact merryn.ekberg@northampton.ac.uk
Biological energy balance in relation to lifestyle and chronic disease -Dr Alexander Lehner
My research interests revolve around biological energy balance in relation to lifestyle environments and chronic disease. My laboratory research attempts to answer questions at the level of the mitochondrion with regard to energy efficiency and the regulation and dysregulation of oxidative stress. How dietary components, both nutrients and contaminants, affect mitochondrial function, resulting in homeostasis or disease, is a key question behind my studies. My main diseases of interest at this time are Obesity, Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease. I have worked on a large clinical trial to determine the effect of Vitamin E on exercise induced oxidative stress in relation to CVD, explored the effects of oxidation on specific enzymes, and have investigated how certain proteins regulate mRNA export from the nucleus. Outside of the laboratory we are currently engaged in a study to evaluate the effectiveness of government funded school based interventions on children's eating behaviour including drama based interventions. The study includes investigating drama based interventions and assessing body composition.
For more information contact alex.lehner@northampton.ac.uk
Molecular biology of cell division - Dr Stuart Allen
A major area for control in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe is at the point of cell division. Using Sz. pombe as a model organism, this line of research involves analysis of a particular family of proteins. Strains harbouring genetic alterations in the genes encoding these proteins show an altered cell division phenotype. Our research aims to address this phenomenon by means of expressing mutant proteins with altered activity to establish the mechanisms involved in the regulation of cell division conferred by these proteins. This research is in collaboration with the University of Warwick.
For further information please contact stuart.allen@northampton.ac.uk
