Aston University

What is a membrane?

Science EN ↓ 6 episodes

Aston University's podcast, What is a membrane, is hosted by the Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME).It shines a spotlight on its latest research in fields as varied as water purification and drug discovery. AIME combines world-class expertise in membrane biology and polymer chemistry, bringing together scientists who wouldn't usually speak to each other, let alone work together. AIME supported by a £10m award from the Research England Expanding Excellence in England (E3) Programme.

Author

Aston University

Episodes

Jedi jam and bioprinting 11.04.2025 18:57

Jedi jam and bioprinting In this episode of What is a Membrane? , host Dr Matt Derry is joined by Dr Emma Shepherd, Dr Dominic Mosses, and Dr David Jenkins to explore the groundbreaking Quantum X bio printer at Aston University — the first of its kind in the UK. Installed in 2024 with support from the BBSRC, this cutting-edge bioprinter uses ultra-precise lasers to create intricate 3D structures o...

Simmering science for membrane protein production 10.04.2025 20:38

Episode 5 – Simmering Science: Engineering Bacteria for Membrane Protein Production In this episode of What is a Membrane? , host Dr Matt Derry sits down with Dr Doug Browning to explore how harmless strains of E. coli are being genetically engineered to supercharge membrane protein production. Membrane proteins play a vital role in biology and are the targets of top-selling medicines and major va...

Making safer, greener device batteries 24.09.2024 21:18

Dr Matt Derry, a polymer chemist and founding member of Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME), has spoken to AIME co-director Professor Roslyn Bill about his groundbreaking battery research in the latest episode of What is a membrane? His research aims to make batteries safer, greener and more recyclable, with the potential to impact portable electronics like mobile phones, electric vehic...

Explaining novel membrane separation through the medium of chocolate boxes 16.05.2024 20:24

In the latest Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME) podcast, three researchers discuss the international BIOmimetic selective extraction MEMbranes (BIOMEM) project and how it will feed into AIME’s work. BIOMEM will develop a bioinspired membrane technology to selectively extract compounds from water, using 50-75% less energy than current state-of-the-art nanofiltration technologies. The m...

Brains, dishwashers and dementia 15.05.2024 26:09

• Professor Roslyn Bill discusses her research into brain cell membranes with Dr Matt Derry • Serious brain injuries and dementia are affected by the flow of water through a protein called aquaporin-4 in brain cell membranes • Aquaporins are responsible for clearing the build-up of waste products in brain cells in a process Professor Bill likens to a ‘dishwasher for your brain’. Professor Roslyn B...

New research institute for Aston University 15.05.2024 14:38

Founders of Aston University’s newest research institute introduce themselves and their membrane research in new podcast • Professor Roslyn Bill, Professor Paul Topham, Dr Matt Derry and Dr Alan Goddard founded Aston Institute of Membrane Excellence (AIME) • AIME will develop biomimetic polymer membranes for applications such as water purification and drug development • The researchers discussed t...