An internationally recognised scientist will today give young biologists an insight into the incredible workings of bacteria.
Around 160 secondary pupils from schools across the North east are gathering at the University of Aberdeen this lunchtime for a talk being given by Professor Judith Armitage of the University of Oxford.
The Professor of Biochemistry will describe the mechanisms which allow bacteria to swim around. She will also explain how the technique could be harnessed by bionanotechnology to produce nanobots.
The University of Aberdeen is delighted that Professor Armitage is delivering their Annual Microbiology Lecture which is entitled Who Invented the Wheel? Bacteria – The Fastest Organisms on Earth.
Professor Ian Booth, Director of the University's Institute of Medical Sciences, said: "Knowing how bacteria swim helps us to understand how they find their way into places where modern drugs can't attack them.
"Swimming is one of the most important characteristics of pathogenic bacteria and it even helps them to stick to surfaces that are then difficult to clean.
"Professor Armitage is one of the leading scientists in this field and we are delighted that she has given up her time to come to Aberdeen to spread the message of the importance of microorganisms
Professor Maggie Smith, Professor of Microbiology at the University of Aberdeen, added:
"Professor Armitage is an outstanding scientist and communicator. I believe that the audience will be amazed and enthralled by today's lecture and maybe even motivated to study biology at university."
The pupils attending today's lecture are Higher and Advanced Higher Biology students from Albyn School, Aberdeen and Banchory, Kemnay, Meldrum, Peterhead and Turriff Academies.