Women enjoy the appliance of science (From Warrington Guardian)

Women enjoy the appliance of science

FROM cloning to contaminants, academics from the University of Chester are working with Warrington's WI to spread the work about science projects.

Although the women's institute (WI) may seem an unlikely choice to learn about the appliance of science, it turns out that they tackle far broader issues than you may think.

They have been hearing from the scholars at the university's centre for science communication (SciComm) who have circulated the details of expert speakers to Cheshire's 200 WIs and the Whitley group is one of those learning about all things science related.

The group has been on a forensic science workshop, focusing on DNA fingerprints, and have also attended an event by the institute of food science and technology exploring food additives and healthy diets.

The women also attended a talk which considered contemporary dilemmas ranging from stem cell research and ID cards to genetically modified produce and animals bred for human transplantation.

Sue Roberts, from Whitley WI and the science co-ordinator for WIs in Cheshire, said: "Everybody needs to know about these issues. The WI is made up of intelligent women wanting to discuss matters of the moment and there is a huge amount of interest in scientific matters.

"We didn't know where to go to get the information. It's all very well switching on the TV or reading the papers, but being in touch with the people at SciComm involved in researching many of these subjects means we have a wonderful resource on our doorstep."