HIGHLY magnified rats’ tongues, barley pasta and green tea ice cream were among the attractions at a special event showcasing Oxford Brookes University’s research work.

The event, on Wednesday, was part of Universities Week, and saw about 150 members of the science community and other community groups touring some of the projects going on at the university.

Nutrition and sport science student Ollie Stuart, demonstrated work going on at the human performance centre, as he pedalled furiously on a static exercise bicycle while wired up to a machine testing lung and heart capacity, monitored by applied sport and exercise nutrition student Kelly Richardson.

During the evening, scientists spoke about evolutionary biology and plants for food, shelter and fuel.

There were also demonstrations from some of Brookes’s spinout companies, including Oxford Bioscience Network and WildKnowledge, which has developed an information device using a global positioning system for use outdoors.

Prof Chris Hawes, director of the research school, said: “It was a great opportunity to bring people who are interested in science together to inform them of what’s new in life sciences at Brookes.”