A cell is the common unit structure shared by all living organisms. But even simple prokaryotic cells are extremely complex chemical reactors, and we do not fully understand the basic underlying physical organic chemistry of the cell and we do not have a model system suitable for systematic studies. It is the broad aim of this research to construct a robust experimental platform to elucidate the precise influence that the particular physiochemical conditions commonly found in living systems have on model complex biochemical reactions. Monodisperse water-in-oil microdroplets, ~10-100um in diameter and surrounded by a monolayer of surfactant, allow for reactions to be studied systematically on a minute scale under idealized conditions. Droplets can be formed, fused, split, sorted and interrogated using fluorescence spectroscopy at kHz rates in microfluidic devices. The work is broadly divided into two main research projects and supported by technological developments in droplet manipulation and characterization. The first project will mimic prokaryotic cells and study the influence of global physical parameters on the in vitro transcription and translation (IVTT) of fluorescent proteins arising from a single copy of plasmid DNA in the droplets. A key part of this project will be the measurement of the level of noise present in the IVTT system (or level of fluctuations in rate of protein formation) and the influence of the physical environment on this noise. The second project aims to extend our approach to mimic eukaryotic cells, where a gel bead in a droplet represents the nucleus. In the first part of this project we will study communication between this cytoplasm and the co-compartmentalized bead containing DNA. To bridge the biochemical systems with more synthetic systems chemistry schemes, we also aim to study communications between trapped droplets, and emerging complexity in reaction diffusion networks that develop between droplet compartments.

Increasingly, our interaction with devices and services takes the form of a conversation. People conduct a conversation with a system to express their questions and needs; the system responds in a natural way, possibly asking questions for clarification, thereby meeting the needs of the user. How do we ensure that this chat technology is also accessible and usable for specialist tasks, new application domains and scenarios, with relatively little training material and computing power? LESSEN is focused on the development of efficient algorithms and solutions for the optimal use of written conversational data, in a secure and transparent way.

Micro and nanomotors, where an incorporated catalyst, enzymatic or inorganic in nature, ensures autonomous motion is a hot topic currently in multiple scientific disciplines. However, most catalysts are rarely biocompatible, preventing their use in human subjects. A superior method of motion is mechanical motion, where the rotation of flagella of organic cells causes propulsion. Herein, we aim to design a biohybrid micromotor through the encapsulation of microorganisms, such as the Escherichia coli (E. Coli) species. Harnessing these bacteria, and their ability to move towards food and thus responding to chemical gradients will directionally propel the motor using their flagella.

Learning to speak a foreign language as an adult can be hard as it involves learning new speech sounds and motor commands. In a speech learning environment, feedback from our own speech allows us to monitor and correct ourselves. This project addresses the role of feedback-based speech monitoring in speech learning. Although feedback provides a mechanism to adapt our behaviour, no research to date has directly investigated the relationship between speech learning and feedback. We will investigate this link using behavioural and electrophysiological measures that capture individual variability in speech learning and changes to the brains speech production systems.

People are very skilled at using tools. This ability sets them apart from other animals and has led to the suggestion that the human brain sees tools as an extension of the body. The researchers will study the fusion of body and tools in the brain using behavioral modeling and neuroimaging techniques.