Biology Department Newsletter Issue 1: week commencing 23 March 2020
…with Mr Bagguley! Direct from the potting shed, expert information from our resident horticulturalist
This plant is called a hydrangea. Its leaves are part green, part white. What is this condition called? Why might this type of leaf be a disadvantage to the plant?
Dahlias like these can be grown from cuttings. What do you know about making cuttings? It’s really easy, and is a clever way of cloning your plants. These plants are growing in a greenhouse protected by fleece....but why?
Highlight of the week… Birds are starting to build their nests! If you are lucky enough to have a nest box, spend a little time watching the birds bring twigs and other materials back and forth.
The virtual classroom So many opportunities to learn from the experts on social media at the moment. This week’s recommendation:
Tip: Remember to wear suncream if you’re out and about, even at this time of year
Medicine in the news Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold, in people. However, three times in the 21st century coronavirus outbreaks have emerged from animal reservoirs to cause severe disease and global transmission concerns. Check out this Nature article which investigates the origins of SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) – courtesy of Mr Lynch
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-0820-9.pdf