This booklet focuses on research funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) into stem cells, including the exciting potential these have for repairing damaged body tissues and replacing them with healthy new cells. It also discusses challenges surrounding stem cell research and what the MRC is doing to address...

Produced in 2015, these resources look at research involving the use of nanoparticles and fluorescent proteins to track transplanted stem cells in living organisms.

They can be used to tackle a range of topics in post...

A collection of resources about stem cells.

Produced by Science & Plants for Schools (SAPS), this investigation looks at stomatal opening and closing in Commelina communis (Asiatic dayflower). This is achieved by varying the turgor of the guard cells by bathing lower epidermal peels in solutions of different osmotic strengths. Changes in guard cell...

This podcast from the Natural Environment Research Council's (NERC) Planet Earth collection looks at why scientists are working with the National Trust to restore the chalk grasslands around Stonehenge; how scientists are using satellites to study microscopic plants; and the etiquette of dining and bullying in...

Stop the spread is a new STEM challenge for students aged 7 to 16. Highlighting the global issue of infectious disease students design, build and test a model of a hand washing device and produce educational materials for children in Kenya to encourage hand washing. It is accredited for the British Science...

A series of case studies from the Medical Research Council (MRC) which demonstrate the impact of research on society.

There are many factors that influence the healthcare we receive at the doctor's surgery - the story usually begins with discoveries by scientists working in laboratories. Once scientists spot...

From Science & Plants for Schools (SAPS), these practical activities allow students to investigate how woody and herbaceous plants support their shoots, branches, flowers and fruits and shed them at the appropriate time.

A number of investigations are suggested that can be adapted for students over a...

The Young Scientist Investigates topic book on Structures was published in 1984 and gives information, illustrated by full colour drawings and photographs, about structures of living things, buildings, bridges and roads. It is intended for children aged 8-11 to read and then to answer question and carry out some...

A Catalyst article about the inner surface of lungs, which is coated with surfactant, allowing oxygen to enter the bloodstream. When babies are born very prematurely they can lack this surfactant, and this can make it very difficult for them to breathe. This is called Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). This...

Aimed at Key Stage One, this resource looks at activity levels and how, through practice, the body may perform better. Linked to Pe and the topic of animals including humans, it also aims to develop enquiry skills. Meet the character Fizzy and her dog Dizzy, who want to learn more about the human body and set...

This animation shows the major stages of subcloning. This is the process of breaking up fragments of DNA from BAC clones into smaller more manageable pieces for DNA sequencing. This process was very important during the Human Genome Project. Subcloning involves several standard molecular biology techniques...