Development of a whole cell biochip for toxicant detection.

In the development of biosensors for ecotoxicity testing it is desirable to produce a small, portable system that can be used in the field. Toxicity testing using bioluminescence is widely used in the laboratory utilising natural and genetically modified (lux/ luc-marked) bacteria and other microorganisms. It is currently not possible to use genetically manipulated microorganisms in field testing and a biosensor, therefore, that incorporates naturally luminescent organisms may be preferred. In the development of a biosensor it is aimed to use the naturally luminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri as a toxicity detection system on a chip. The bacterium will be immobilised in a polymeric matrix. Current work deals with the optimisation of light output and light preservation within the bacterium prior to immobilisation in polyvinyl alcohol. An examination of a range of physicochemical conditions within the polymer will be made, including cell density, thickness of polymer film, growth and light induction environment, and, preservation conditions, in order to develop a testing system giving consistent results over the lifetime of the biosensor. Data will be presented on light production using different culture media for the growth of V. fischeri and retention of light under immobilised conditions. .

You play your part – participatory media and older women.

This chapter will examine participatory and collaborative production strategies that create opportunities for older women to participate in media production. It draws on practice-led research in participatory and community-based media in the Govan area of Glasgow, Scotland. In particular, it examines the production process of a participatory documentary I produced and directed with senior citizens who are members of the Govan Seniors Film Club, based at the Portal Arts Centre in Govan.You Play Your Part is a 20-minute documentary about campaigning women in and around Govan.