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Posted: Wednesday 27 January 2010

Maggots to Manchester

Scott in DundeeSince he won the Scottish CREST competition last year in Dundee, Scott Griffiths [S2] has continued to develop his research into the biology of maggots.  

One area of his research is the clinical applications of maggot therapy in wound debridement (cleaning of dead and infected tissues). He recently visited the biosurgical company ZooBiotic in Bridgend, Wales, which specialises in the provision of medicinal quality larvae. Scott was able to see how maggots are farmed from the adults, through eggs and larvae, ready for shipping throughout Britain and further afield.  ZooBiotic is a centre of world excellence in the field and regularly hosts visitors to see their protocols and learn how the larvae of the greenbottle fly, Lucilia sericata are used. 

Scott Griffiths Maggots 3Scott's tour was conducted by the Microbiology Manager, Ceri Jones, who explained the process which starts in the "fly room" through to the "dispatch room."  Gill Davies, ZooBiotic's Director, facilitated the visit. 

"Scott was very fortunate to have had such enriching experience", says Biology teacher John Di Mambro.

No samples were brought home!

Scott will represent Scotland in the 2010 National Science & Engineering Competition finals, to be held at The Big Bang in Manchester in March. He will be joined by Douglas Oates [S4], who will present his research on the antibacterial properties of manuka honey and fifth-year pupils Timothy Hellis, Douglas Milton and Michael Williams, who present their project: "Are you telling the truth?"

Tags: Academic Success, Maths, Science

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