b'TRIPS&VISITSLIFE LESSONSWe assembled outside Birminghams Symphony Hall,and observations about the development and divisions eagerly awaiting the talks from a range of scientists.of minuscule cells into organisms just like us.We werent disappointed. First up was a rivetingAfter a well-deserved lunch break and another intriguing discussion from Professor Mark Miodownik (by far mytalk from the Chief Examiner, the day concluded with favourite lecture), an engineer and material scientist.a thought-provoking discussion from Professor Steve He discussed the damage plastic is doing to ourJones. He began with a challenging statement: Look environmenta significant global issue in our currentto the person to your left, and the person to your right daily livesand the shocking reality of greenwashed two out of three of you will die for reasons associated products that claim to be sustainable but, in fact,with the genes you carry. He then explored the amplify the pollution in the world. Considering it is aconsequences of our genetic make-up and the possible problem we face, it was really interesting to learn aboutresults from what resides in our DNA.biodegradable polymers and biodegradable plastics and how, in fact, different types of plastics cannot be mixedOverall our day at GCSE Science Live was a great as this reduces the amount of plastic that is able to beexperience.Im sure that Mr Jones would agreehe recycled. One thing that struck me was his concludingeven obtained a free coffee during the break!statement: There is no sustainable material, but thereDharam Rana 10Gare many sustainable systems.Im sure that many students found that particular discussion engaging, and the way it challenged us to come up with solutions to these problems.After a short break, the Chief Examiner, Stewart Chenery, stressed the importance of reading questions and understanding question types in examsquite valuable tips to enable us to achieve the best we can.Another one of my favourite lectures was from Robert Winston, who expressed his enthusiasm for aspects of the development of human life. Being a pioneer of IVF treatment and a renowned communicator of science, Lord Winston regaled the audience with witty remarks The Cutting EdgeTwenty A Level students attended the BiologyUniversity of Cambridge. He embedded humour in Science Live Conference at Birmingham Town Hall inhis talk on diet which really captivated the audience. November. We had the opportunity to hear lecturesFinally there were lectures by Dr Jenny Rohn on the delivered by scientists who are working at the cuttingfascinating and terrifying world of bacteria. Usefully, edge of their specialisms. there were A Level biology examiners who gave key Dr Robert Winston, a pioneer figure in IVF andtips to gaining the most marks in our biology exams, distinguished scientist, gave an interesting lecturemaking the event well rounded and more focused on exploring human reproduction and its manipulationA Levels.which helped to repaint the picture of the humanWe had an amazing time and gained some insight into story. We also had the pleasure of listening to Dr Gilesprospective degrees and careers that link to biology. Yeo, a Principal Research Associate at the MetabolicMany thanks to Mr Hussain for organising the trip and Research Laboratories and Director of Genomics/ Mr Alishah for accompanying us!Transcriptomics at the MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit,Aslan Chaudary 12ANI20'