Enjoy the Little Things!

On Friday 9th of August, Year 10 students were visited by Professor John Tagg. Professor Tagg talked about his research on vitamin k12 and the creation of his company, Blis Technologies; pioneers in producing oral probiotics. 

Professor Tagg began by explaining the microbiome in the human body and how it is affected by small changes like the breath of doctors in the maternity ward or the mother's microbiome. He then talked about his personal experience with Strep Throat  (Streptocous pyogenes) and how it inspired him to find a solution to the illness and stop it happening in the first place rather than treating it with antibiotics.

Then he told us about his research with Blis K-12, when he discovered it as a naturally occurring strain of Streptococus salivarius, in the mouths of primary school children at Kaikorai Primary School, that has the property to reduce and stop the growth of Streptococus pyogenes, the main cause of rheumatic fever. 

Lastly, he gave samples of his products to us, with instructions on how to use them and how they worked and we had a choice of either vanilla throat tablets or mint flavoured mouth probiotics to take home. Overall the experience helped us to understand our term's Microbiology theme for science, Friend or Foe.

We would like to sincerely thank Professor Tagg for giving up his time to speak to us.

Jacob McInnes, 10TSH.