8S were afforded a unique opportunity to visit the Bateson Centre at the University of Sheffield. Upon arrival, the pupils were warmly welcomed by Cat Loynes, a Research Associate at the University. The visit commenced with an insightful presentation by another research associate, focusing on Tuberculosis and other diseases. This presentation highlighted the important work being conducted at the university to discover cures for these illnesses, utilizing zebrafish as a key component of their research.
A third-year PhD student then elaborated on the use of zebrafish in their studies, emphasizing the ethical considerations and safety measures in place to ensure the well-being of these animals. This introduction provided the pupils with a comprehensive understanding of the ethical framework guiding scientific research at the university.
Following the introductory talks, the pupils were taken to the university’s aquarium, which houses thousands of zebrafish. Here, they were given a hands-on demonstration of how to extract zebrafish eggs from the tanks. The excitement continued as they transported these eggs to the lab, where they had the opportunity to observe them under a microscope, gaining a closer look at the early stages of zebrafish development.
One of the primary research focuses at the university is the study of neutrophil migration to wound sites, using zebrafish as a model organism. The pupils were actively involved in performing tailfin dissections, allowing them to observe firsthand how neutrophils travel to the wound site using fluorescent microscopy. This practical experience not only illustrated the dynamic nature of scientific research but also underscored the importance of zebrafish in modeling human biological processes.
This visit was an invaluable experience for the pupils, offering them a unique glimpse into the world of scientific research. It provided them with a deeper appreciation of the diverse career paths that science can offer and inspired them to consider the myriad possibilities that a future in science might hold.
