- University of Edinburgh shed the light on human cells
- At the Filmhouse on Sunday
- Earth Hour dining
- Edinburgh Leisure opening new action attraction
- Argos Toy Exchange raises millions for Barnardo’s
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have been studying the way that human cells divide. They have now identified key steps which ensures that cells divide correctly as they repair and grow.
Cells make identical copies of our DNA and this is handed on to the next generation of cells (called daughter cells) when a cell splits.
The university believes that the findings will be invaluable when the process does not work as planned, which makes people susceptible to cancer and other conditions.
They have pinpointed a set of proteins which link up the cell’s genetic material to others helping the cell to divide into identical pairs.
This dividing machinery is associated with cancer, and the DNA’s connection to it must be firm and accurate to ensure equal distribution of DNA to the new cells, without loss or damage.
A team from the University of Edinburgh used yeast cells to study the molecular machines involved in cell division. They used chemical agents to spot proteins that interact, and then used molecular analysis to identify the proteins involved.
They found that two proteins – named Dam1 and Duo1 in yeast – help cell structures correctly attach to parcels of genetic material. These packages are drawn towards opposite ends of a dividing cell before splitting in two. While the yeast proteins are not identical in humans, cell division is common to many species, and the results aid understanding of the process in people.
Two other proteins – known as Ask1 and Spc34 – were found to help build these structures to enable the cell to divide correctly.
Dr Julie Welburn, of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Biological Sciences, who led the study, said: “This discovery helps clarify some of the detail involved in this very complex – yet fundamentally important – process of cell division, and resolves a longstanding puzzle.”
Their study, published in Open Biology, was supported by the Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK and the European Commission.
If you are a fan of the documentary film then you might like this South American film being presented with a Q & A afterwards on Sunday afternoon. Ticket details here.
The legendary Chilean filmmaker Patricio Guzmán explores the watery Patagonian Archipelago and its meaning in Chilean history – from its use by Chile’s Indigenous peoples to its function as a grave site for Pinochet’s desaparecidos – in this visually stunning follow-up to 2010’s Nostalgia for the Light.
Get ready now for Earth Hour on 19 March. At Kyloe they are turning the lights out for an hour during the evening. WWF encourage people across the world to turn out the lights for an hour to raise awareness of the many issues facing our planet.
The restaurant will turn off the lights inside for an hour, along with the Rutland Hotel next door which will also go dark both outside the building and in the reception.
General Manager of Kyloe and The Rutland, Steven Simpson, is thrilled to be involved, “It’s great to get involved with something on a global level, the full team are keen to get on board too and Alasdair the panda has taken up temporary residence and seems to be settling in well! It’s important that companies take part in such events and set example for others to follow. I am very proud of our participation and the teams’ enthusiasm and hope we get the opportunity to support other events in the future.”
Edinburgh Leisure is opening a new visitor attraction at Edinburgh International Climbing Arena just in time for the Easter holidays.
Clip ‘n Climb will offer a fun and accessible climbing experience on brightly coloured walls designed to offer a range of physical and mental tests. It is a £500,000 investment by Edinburgh Leisure to bring the challenge based attraction to the capital. The great news is that there are seven new jobs created as a result.
This means that you will be clipped onto an automatic belay system which allows you to start climbing immediately without the need for a partner. The system is safe for everyone from toddlers to octogenarians.
Remko Plooij, Director of Operations at Edinburgh Leisure said: “The beauty of Clip ‘n Climb is that unlike traditional climbing no previous experience or training is required, apart from our statutory 10 minute briefing at the start of each hour’s session.
“It offers the challenge of climbing in a safe, accessible environment and it really does appeal to everyone from 4 to 84 years and beyond – something the whole family can participate in. The introduction of Clip ‘n Climb at Ratho compliments all the other activities we have on offer: soft play, climbing in the amazing arena, a fantastic gym and let’s not forget the cafe and guarantees a great day out for the whole family.
“And we also see it as something that will have a huge appeal to adult groups including hen and stag parties and companies looking for a team building event.”
Clip ‘n Climb sessions last 1 hour, have a maximum of 20 people and are available to book at www.eica-ratho.co.uk
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[mc4wp_form id=”169103″]Argos have run a Toy Exchange which has raised over £4,000 for children’s charity Barnardo’s Scotland. Over four years the programme has raised a total of £2.5 million.
In Scotland the charity received over 6,000 bags of toys worth approximately £75,840 during the six weeks of the charity initiative.
Martin Crewe, Director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “Barnardo’s partnership with the Argos Toy Exchange has been a huge success, with our shops in Edinburgh receiving 356 bags of toys.
“The sale of these toys throughout the year will raise vital funds which will enable us to continue work with some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children in Scotland.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken part and donated their pre-loved toys and supported Barnardo’s Scotland.”
Amy Whidburn, Head of Corporate Responsibility for Argos, said: “As a family retailer, we are delighted that the money raised is going to help support some of the country’s most disadvantaged children.
“We know that the money raised can have a real impact in supporting Barnardo’s Scotland’s vital work and we would like to thank our customers for their generosity in raising £2.5 million across the UK over the last four years.”
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