As the issue of antimicrobial resistance continues to grow, there is a renewed interest in deriving antimicrobial products from natural compounds, particularly extracts from plant materials. This paper describes how essential oil can be extracted from the common herb, thyme ( Thymus vulgaris ) in the classroom. Subsequently, the extract can be tested for its antimicrobial activity. A number of variables are suggested.

A survey of secondary school teachers investigated practical microbiology in the classroom. The results were heartening (practical microbiology was common), but concerns were expressed regarding equipment, time, cost, and expertise. Microbiologists should engage more with school education to support teachers and maintain the health of microbiology for future generations.

School science laboratory classes and hands-on public engagement activities share many common aims and objectives in terms of science learning and literacy. This article describes the development and evaluation of a microbiology public engagement activity, 'The Good, the Bad and the Algae', from a school laboratory activity. The school activity was developed as part of an educational resource which aimed to promote practical microbiology in the classroom. The public engagement activity was derived locally for National Science and Engineering Week 2011 and was subsequently adapted for a national science and engineering fair (The Big Bang 2012). The aim of the session was to raise awareness of the importance of algae and to encourage handson laboratory examination in a fun and informal manner. Evaluation of the first event, delivered in a workshop format, helped shape the educational resource before publication. The second event was modified to enable delivery to a larger audience. Both events were successful in terms of enjoyment and engagement. Over 2200 people participated in the Big Bang activity over three days, with evaluation indicating 80% of participants had increased awareness/knowledge of algae after the event. The success of both iterations of the activity demonstrates that it is possible to transform a simple school activity into an exciting and effective public engagement activity.

A resource for schools focusing on algae was developed subsequent to a review of the UK National Curriculum and teaching specifications, which revealed a significant opportunity for practical microbiology in schools. The five practical activities and the entire resource were trialled and refined so that the final publication provided valid, interesting and educational activities. After distribution to 750 schools, post-publication (summative) evaluation demonstrated a need to heavily emphasize curriculum links, and to remind teachers about resource on a regular basis. We believe that this process (from initial idea to final evaluation) provides an example of best practice in developing a practical microbiology educational resource.

Welcome to the Autumn 2021 edition of Physiology NewsCover image: Designed by Sophie Minto. To view more of her work, visit sophieminto.co.uk/. The image was inspired by the feature article in this issue entitled "Nothing about us, without us: Are we asking the right questions in transgender research?" 6 President's View: Launch of The Society's new blue plaque scheme 7 Chief Executive's View: An exciting start to 2021 for The Society 8 Letters to the Editor News and Views 10 Reports of The Society's recent committee meetings 11 How can we make the STEM workforce more equitable? A new report suggests next steps 12 LGBTQ+ STEM @UCL Network: Fostering an inclusive and visible community 13 Wiley's new author name change policy 14 New colour accessibility policy for The Society's journals Features 16 The diversity of sex development: What do conditions affecting sex development teach us about sexual diversity? 20 Regard the end: Harnessing physiology to provide better understanding of the mechanisms underpinning frailty 24 Nothing about us, without us: Are we asking the right questions in transgender research? 28 Diversifying the case study: How far has physiology education come in integrating equality, diversity and inclusion into the curricula? 32 Tackling underrepresentation to aid understanding of Parkinson's disease: Progress and further opportunities Events 35 Future Physiology 2021: For early career physiologists, by early career physiologists 36 Conference for Black Physiologists 2021 Membership 38 Diversity and Inclusion Task Force: Introducing the members leading The Society's EDI work 42 My life journey as a physiologist in a developing country: Q&A with a Fellow Member 44 Thinking a little differently: A member reflects on life as a neurodivergent physiologist