Microbes and Pathogen Biology

Overview: These include overlapping themes in Biochemistry, Food Safety and Nutrition, Microbiology, Parasitology and Plant/Soil Science, with a broad research ethos that encompasses research in molecular biosciences from molecules to ecosystems. Biochemistry explores basic facets of cell signalling, molecular interactions and enzymology in the healthy and diseased organism. Food Safety concentrates on the detection of toxins, drug residues, endocrine disruptors and pathogenic micro-organisms in foods with a view to the improvement of food safety and integrity using diverse systems biology approaches Nutrition research aims to improve life quality through the reduction of oxidative stress. Microbiology explores fundamental microbial processes related to the functions of micro-organisms in the environment and their use in biotechnology. Parasitology aims to improve parasite control and agricultural sustainability through the exploration of drug resistance, the development of drug target discovery and validation methods, and the development of vaccines to control parasite infections. Plant & Soil Science focuses on improved quality (more nutrients, less toxicants) and efficiency of growing (reducing fertiliser inputs, novel field management) of grains/vegetables/fruits, by integrating soil chemistry and microbiology with plant physiology. RESEARCH STRENGTHS Bio-imaging Bio-screening for beneficial natural compounds Emerging microbiological and chemical threats to food and water Human dietary intervention studies, especially related to satiety and obesity Identification of cellular and systemic receptors and targets for novel therapeutic drug design related to diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular disease Microbial biochemistry, genomics, stress metabolism and bioremediation Molecular biology, cell biology, cell signalling and regulation New sensor-based...