The Science Communication Competition is now in its eighth year. As in previous years, it aims to find young talented science writers and give them the opportunity to have their work published in The Biochemist . In 2015, a new branch of the competition was launched to include video entries. Overall this year's competition attracted 47 entries and these were reviewed by our external panel of expert judges. The third prize in the written category was awarded to Corina Lagewaard from the University of Tasmania, whose article is presented here. The third prize in the video category went to Julia Schulz from the University of Kentucky. Julia's video, “The BloodBrain Barrier – Protecting the Body's Control Center”, can be viewed at bit.ly/scicomm32018 .

The Science Communication Competition is now in its eighth year. As in previous years, it aims to find young talented science writers and give them the opportunity to have their work published in The Biochemist . In 2015, a new branch of the competition was launched to include video entries. Overall this year's competition attracted 74 entries and these were reviewed by our external panel of expert judges. The second prize in the written category was awarded to Jenna Herbert from the University of Oxford, whose article is presented here; the second prize in the video category was Ellie Staniforth from the University of Glasgow. Ellie's video can be viewed at bit.ly/scicomm22018 .

The Science Communication Competition is now in its eighth year. As in previous years, it aims to find young talented science writers and give them the opportunity to have their work published in The Biochemist . In 2015, a new branch of the competition was launched to include video entries. Overall this year's competition attracted 74 entries and these were reviewed by our external panel of expert judges. The first prize in the written category was awarded to Victoria Bolton from the University of Glasgow, whose article is presented here; the winner of the video category was Jirayu Tanprasertsuk from Tufts University. Jirayu's winning video can be viewed at bit.ly/scicommvid2018.

Bacteria are everywhere, in your hair, your clothes, your body, your food, your pets, your house, your garden and even in the air surrounding you! They can survive almost anywhere on the planet. Some even survived a trip into space on the International Space Station. So how is it that something so small can live a happy life in conditions where humans don't stand a chance?

We live in an era where technology is embedded in everything we do. We use the Internet and various apps numerous times every day to order our favourite takeaway, keep in touch with friends and book GP appointments. In this digital age, technology is also deeply influencing education and learning, especially in science.

Hi there, I'm Neisseria meningitidis, N. meningitidis for short. You may not have heard of me before, but you will have heard about what I do. You see, I'm one of the bacteria that cause meningitis. Not always – you might have me living at the back of your nose and never even know it – around 25% of you do at any one time. But sometimes I don't just stay harmlessly in the nose and throat, I invade, first the bloodstream, and then the brain, causing septicaemia (you might know it as ‘blood poisoning’) and meningitis. They're not illnesses you want to have – meningitis means inflammation of the lining of the brain. Sounds nasty doesn't it? Well it is – about 1 in 14 people who get bacterial meningitis die from it. Inflammation means swelling and because your skull keeps the swelling inside, pressure builds up in the brain – not ideal, for something as delicate as your human brains. Obviously, your body doesn't want this to happen and tries to stop me invading, but I'm sneaky. I have lots of tricks and special skills to help me do what I do and I want you to appreciate how much effort I put in. Let me tell you how I get inside your brain.

Stress. What does it mean to you? We probably all refer to it after a long or strenuous day at work, during a particularly heated family argument, or when thinking about our finances. But what does the word really mean, and why is it so important in our everyday lives? Can it increase our risk of developing serious health conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and lung cancer? Is it something that can affect our children as they develop in the womb? Is it even something that can affect our children's children? It may seem surprising, but the answer to all of these questions is yes.

Within university chemistry departments, organic chemists are formulating reaction pathways which will yield a desired chemical product. In most cases, it is often found that the targeted product exerts some beneficial biological effect towards cellular activity. In my organic chemistry lectureship within the University of Salford, I too am involved in the synthesis of potential biologically active compounds; namely a range of anti-cancer compounds and anti-bacterial agents. Using my professional knowledge, I have developed an outreach project known as BORIS designed to show GCSE and A-level students what proteins look like, their importance and role within the body and how drugs interact with them.

Last November, the British Science Association held its inaugural Huxley Summit, titled Trust in the 21st Century. Named for Thomas Huxley (Darwin's Bulldog), who was instrumental in bringing Darwin's theory of evolution to the general public, the event aimed to capture the spirit of public debate, engagement, and interest in a high profile arena – and, crucially, involve people from beyond the boundaries of science. In a period of time when, apparently, “people in this country have had enough of experts” how do we as scientists rebuild this trust?

Cancer. It's an emotive word, and a dreaded diagnosis. We all know someone affected by this horrible disease, and quite understandably, we all want to know: what causes cancer, and is there anything we can do to stop ourselves from getting it?

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has the potential to affect everyone and it cannot be taken lightly. Drug resistant infections must be addressed as a priority, particularly in light of projections that 10 million people a year will die by 2050 if the problem isn't tackled now.

By now, at the time of writing, Major Tim Peake is on day 105 of his mission on the International Space Station (ISS). The main reason for his expedition is to perform a number of scientific experiments under the effect of weightlessness, as well as collecting samples from his own body for studies here on earth. He's blown into lung–function kits, collected blood, stool and urine samples, measured properties of his skin, given himself ultrasounds, conducted eye examinations and completed numerous health questionnaires, just to name a few!

The Science Communication Competition is now in its sixth year. As in previous years, it aims to find young talented science writers and give them the opportunity to have their work published in The Biochemist . In 2015, a new branch of the competition was launched to include video entries. Overall this year's competition attracted 62 entries and these were reviewed by our external panel of expert judges. The first prize in the written category was awarded to Donald Iain MacDonald from University College London, whose article is presented here; the winner of the video category was Joe Tickle from the University of Birmingham. Joe Tickle's winning video can be viewed on the Society's website: [ http://bit.ly/2a6Wq2l ]

Gaining laboratory experience is essential for students considering a career in research. Each year, the Biochemical Society awards Summer Vacation Studentships to support undergraduates doing just this. The grants are a stipend of up to £1600 over 6–8 weeks over the summer, with students being supervised by researchers who are members of the Society. In 2015, we funded 44 undergraduates, working in laboratories across the UK. Below are accounts from Connor Sampson and Simona Vatavu, outlining their experiences during their Summer Vacation Studentships.

The Science Communication Competition is now in its fifth year. As in previous years, it aims to find young talented science writers and give them the opportunity to have their work published in The Biochemist. In 2015, a new branch of the competition was launched to include video entries. Overall, this year's competition attracted 47 entries and these were reviewed by our external panel of expert judges. The third prize in the written category was awarded to Rosemary Chamberlain, University of Oxford, whose article is presented here; the runner up of the video category was Milana Trepetova, Imperial College London. Milana Trepetova's video can be viewed on the Society's website: http://bit.ly/1kxt8eH The Science Communication Competition will open again in January 2016. Please visit our website for more details: www.biochemistry.org/GetInvolved/ScienceCommunicationCompetition

The Science Communication Competition is now in its fifth year. As in previous years, it aims to find young talented science writers and give them the opportunity to have their work published in The Biochemist. In 2015, a new branch of the competition was launched to include video entries. Overall, this year's competition attracted 47 entries and these were reviewed by our external panel of expert judges. The second prize in the written category was awarded to Paul Brack from Loughborough University, whose article is presented here.

The Science Communication Competition is now in its fifth year. As in previous years, it aims to find young talented science writers and give them the opportunity to have their work published in The Biochemist. In 2015, a new branch of the competition was launched to include video entries. Overall this year's competition attracted 47 entries and these were reviewed by our external panel of expert judges. The first prize in the written category was awarded to Emma Yhnell from Cardiff University, whose article is presented here; the winner of the video category was Chris Morgan from the University of Birmingham. Chris Morgan's winning video can be viewed on the Society's website: http://bit.ly/1kxt8eH

“The time may come when penicillin can be bought by anyone in the shops. Then there is the danger that the ignorant man may easily under dose himself and by exposing his microbes to nonlethal quantities of the drug make them resistant.” (Alexander Fleming, Nobel Prize speech 1945).

Gaining laboratory experience is essential for students considering a career in research. Each year, the Biochemical Society awards Summer Vacation Studentships to support undergraduates doing just this. The grants are a stipend of up to £1600 over 6–8 weeks during the summer, with students being supervised by members of the Society. In 2014, we funded 66 undergraduates, working in laboratories across the UK. Below are accounts from Alexander Taylor and Claire Hutchison, outlining their experiences during their Summer Vacation Studentships.

How Biochemical Society-funded outreach activities have motivated students in Ghana to pursue molecular bioscience careers.

On the 22 September 2014, two researchers from the University of Edinburgh, Covadonga Huidobro and Asta Valanciute, arrived at the High School in Plateliai, Lithuania. There were plenty of educational resources, including bags of different coloured beads, cell organelles, tubes, pipettes, gloves and so forth. With the help of sponsorship from both the Biochemical Society, via an ongoing grant, and the IGMM, the mission was to organize educational activities during the week of 22–26 September in the High Schools of Plateliai and of the Old Town in Plunge. It was also hoped to discuss the novelties in molecular/cellular biology and biochemistry, and to increase interest and knowledge about bioscience and the importance of our research to children and teachers.

Young people who are at a relative socioeconomic disadvantage can find it hard to connect with certain educational and cultural experiences, meaning that a wealth of inspiring and enjoyable science activities may be inaccessible to such young people, with their main connection with science being mediated through formal schooling.

Earlier this year one of the first Biochemical Society-supported Training Days took place at the University of East Anglia (UEA). The opportunity to host a practical handson event based upon ‘Biophysical Techniques for Probing Biological Systems’ was provided by the well-established Centre for Molecular and Structural Biochemistry (CMSB). This centre which straddles the Schools of Chemistry and Biological Sciences at UEA offers world-leading research across a unique range of biophysical techniques including NMR, EPR, CD, MCD, protein electrochemistry and rapid reaction kinetics. Well over 30 students from around the UK attended and received hand-on experience and dedicated instruction from world-leading experts in all these techniques. One of the organisers, Fraser MacMillan, said “the event was an overwhelming success and plans are already afoot to repeat this training event, which also receives key CPD credits, on a regular basis”.

Blood is messy and children like mess, so what better way to teach children about the components of blood than letting them make it themselves?

With the current squeeze on research budgets, we are all looking for ways to make grant money stretch further. One significant recurring cost is the price of licences for basic software. I don't mean the exciting specialist software developed specifically for your research. I am talking about the dayto-day software that is essential but unexciting. This is the software that changes little over time, but needs updating every 2 or 3 years. The cost of this software can add up to thousands of pounds across a laboratory, but it is often ineligible for inclusion on research grants. Luckily, much of this commercial software can be replaced by free substitutes. In this article, I suggest a package of free alternatives to the typical contents of a laboratory computer.

The Science Communication Competition, launched in the Society's Centenary year, is now an annual event. It aims to find young talented science writers and give them the opportunity to have their work published, both online and in The Biochemist . The competition attracted lots of entries, and the second and third prize winners follow.

Sadly, I don't mean eating crap like pizza and chips, washed down with a fizzy drink and a deep-fried Mars bar – that will certainly not save your life. I'm talking about poo. Real, stinking, human excrement. Your faeces is composed not only of what you had for dinner last night – don't pretend you haven't seen the unnervingly whole-looking pea or piece of sweetcorn floating in the toilet bowl – but also consists of other organisms, microbes to be precise. It may surprise you to learn that over half of the dry weight of your faeces is actually microbial. The average adult human is made up of approximately 10 trillion cells, yet is associated with over 100 trillion bacteria, collectively called your ‘microbiome’. Therefore by number (but fortunately not by mass), you're actually more microbial than human! Bacteria cover every inch of your skin and every orifice, but the vast majority live in your gut. These bacteria help digest your food, protect against nasty, disease-causing, bacteria and in return get a nice, warm, nutrient-rich environment in which to live. Until they come out the other end that is.

Educating and inspiring future scientists is of vital importance to the future of scientific progress and innovation, and it will also play a key role in supporting the UK economy. Indeed, recent research from the Royal Academy of Engineering suggests that the UK must increase the number of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates by as much as 50% if it is to remain globally competitive.

The Plant Science TREE (Tool for Research Engaged Education) is an online teaching aid giving access to inspirational educational resources in the form of online lectures, lecture slides, movies, practicals and images from the research community, so that the excitement and potential for plant science can be disseminated to a wide student audience through educators worldwide.

BioPathways was a secondary school workshop funded by the Biochemical Society's Scientific Outreach Grant that aimed to enthuse students about science and demonstrate the link between higher education and possible careers in their future.

The Colworth Medal is an esteemed annual award for outstanding research by a young biochemist of any nationality who has carried out the majority of their work in the UK or the Republic of Ireland. Donated in 1963 by Unilever Research Colworth Laboratory, the award is made to a scientist who is 35 years of age or under, at the time of the awards nomination deadline. Interviews with past winners, carried out by Mark Burgess, will appear in The Biochemist throughout 2013; in this issue, the 1960s.

While studying at university, the thought of what to do after graduating can be daunting. With the changing job market and so many career choices available to bioscience graduates, it can be confusing to know where to start and whether it's the right path for you. Work experience while at university plays an essential part in making these decisions and bolstering your CV (résumé) to maximize your employability. For those who are keen to pursue a career as a scientist, such as carrying out a PhD and moving on to postdoctoral positions, work experience in a laboratory is essential.

After the success of the first Science Communication Competition, launched in the Society's Centenary year, it was decided that the competition would run as an annual activity. It aims to find young talented science writers and give them the opportunity to have their work published, both online and in The Biochemist . The competition attracted lots of entries, and the overall winner for 2012 was Vikramaditya Yadav (see the last issue of The Biochemist ). Articles from the runners-up, Nicole Antonio and Alexa Cleasby, follow.

The Society is exploring ways of expanding our reach internationally, and supporting developing countries through our charitable work. With this in mind, two members of the Education team – Gemma Garrett and Jane Thomson – embarked on a week-long visit to Uganda in April. The trip was designed to inform the development of appropriate educational resources and activities for Ugandan schools. Working closely alongside our excellent Ugandan Local Ambassador, Deus Tusibira, the itinerary included visits to seven schools, two universities, the Ugandan National Council for Science and Technology and the British Council.