Marine Biology Research Laboratories

Overview

The Marine Biology Research Laboratories consist of a suite of 8 modern research ready laboratories located within the Ridley Building. The laboratories are equipped to service a range of biological research activities including field-based sampling, analytical chemistry and molecular biology. The laboratories also house state of the art computer tracking systems and facilities designed for the development of novel anti-fouling technologies.

Computer controlled force gauge EthoVision® Video Tracking System

Specialist facilities

  • Computer controlled force gauge (Advanced Analysis and Integration Ltd):
    Measures the strength of adhesion of hard fouling organisms on coatings on microscope slide size surfaces.
  • Contact angle goniometer: Measures the spreading of a probe liquid on a surface providing data on surface chemistry and the relative importance of polar/dispersive and Lewis acid-base interactions. Here it is applied in the context of marine bioadhesion.
  • Molecular Biology Suite: We are equipped to perform the following molecular techniques; SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis; 2D-gels; Western and Northern Blotting; PCR and Column Chromatography.
  • EthoVision® Video Tracking System for automation of behavioural measurements.
  • Sperm Class Analyser® automates the analysis of sperm quality to provide rapid, accurate and objective results of motility, concentration, morphology and DNA fragmentation.
  • PlanerBiomed Cryopreservation System: For cryo-freezing of marine embryos.
  • Time lapse video microscopy and digital image capture.

Recent Projects

  • Endocrine-pheromone interactions in aquatic invertebrates.
  • Oocyte maturation and fertilization biology of marine invertebrates.
  • Growth of marine polychaetes in aquaculture.
  • Effects of algal toxins on invertebrate reproduction and development.
  • US ONR – Measures of barnacle settlement behaviour to facilitate the development of novel foul-release polymeric coatings.
  • EU AMBIO – Advanced nano-structured surfaces for the control of biofouling.
  • Importance of waterborne cues to larval settlement.
  • Modulation of barnacle and mussel settlement by physiochemical surface characteristics.
  • Marine Invertebrates: Biorhythmicity and molecular basis of tidal clock
  • Biosynthesis of fatty acids. Role of polychaete culture in relation to finfish and shrimp hatcheries.
  • Effects of ocean acidification on reproductive fitness of marine invertebrates.

Contact:
Enquiries should be made to:
Professor Matthew Bentley
Ridley Building
Claremont Road
University of Newcastle University
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU
Tel: +44 (0) 191 222 5350
Fax: +44 (0) 191 222 7891