Brains in bloom: Sainsbury Laboratory debuts at Chelsea Flower Show
It is showcasing its quantitative plant science research at the world's most famous horticultural show – the first time the University has appeared at Chelsea.
The lab is partnering with the University's Department of Engineering to build the exhibit infrastructure and a small independent family-run plant nursery, Oakington Garden Centre which is designing and growing plants for The Pollinator Patch that forms part of the exhibit.
The team will unveil an interactive plant science exhibit, Blooming Numbers, as part of the GreenSTEM section highlighting research, innovation and technologies.
The exhibit will take visitors on an interactive journey through the latest discoveries in quantitative plant science research beginning with the flower and exploring everything from molecular biology and genetics to advanced imaging, computational modelling, and the role of mathematics in shaping our understanding of plants.
Dr Edwige Moyroud, who heads a research group at the Sainsbury Laboratory studying pattern formation in petals, said the exhibit will provide an insight into how researchers study plants in the 21st century: “We are excited to share our passion for plant science with the public at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Plants are both incredibly familiar but also completely alien to us. Although we depend on plants for our survival, we still know so little about them!
“It’s a fantastic time to be a scientist as we now have access to cutting-edge tools like computational modelling, machine learning, biosensors and experimental design that are transforming the way we study plants.
“Our exhibit is an opportunity to not only showcase the amazing discoveries of our research but also to ignite a sense of wonder about the complexity and beauty of plants – hopefully, visitors will never look at plants the same way again.”
The exhibit, Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge: Blooming Numbers, will present visitors with an opportunity to explore plant life through interactive activities. Highlights include:
- Photographing your favourite flower under a scanning electron microscope
- Using a mini-UV camera to see flowers like a bee
- Learning about a research project to create a 4D virtual flower
- Discovering how plants move without muscles
- Exploring how flowers use an invisible blueprint to attract pollinators
- Hearing about new insights into the specialised floral structures of grasses
- Investigating how noisy genes could help plants survive extreme conditions
- Observing plant hormones orchestrating growth in real time through advanced biosensors
- Building your own plant mini-genome to explore plant evolution through computer modelling
Dr Sarah Robinson leads a research group exploring the role of biomechanics in plant growth and development: “I am thrilled to share some of the incredible microscopy work we do at the Sainsbury Laboratory,” she says.
“Our advanced microscopy facilities are uncovering previously undetectable plant hormones that regulate growth, as well as revealing how mechanical properties and stresses in plant cells and tissues influence development.”
Dr Madelaine Bartlett’s research team is investigating the molecular underpinnings of plant diversity – with a focus on grasses: “Often the overlooked flower, grasses have specialised flowers that have helped them dominate natural and agriculture ecosystems the world over.
“The form and function of specialised floral structures in grasses, including in cereals, is fascinating, with the development of complex floral organs directly impacting plant fitness and yield.
“I’m looking forward to sharing just how fascinating and unique grass flowers are with visitors to the RHS Chelsea Glower Show and discussing the diversity of research happening at the Sainsbury Laboratory.”
• The Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge: Blooming Numbers exhibit is made possible through the generous support of The Gatsby Charitable Foundation and in collaboration with Oakington Garden Centre and the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge. You can join them at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in the Great Pavilion 20-24 May.