On my way to the Weddell Sea and Antarctica Flying into Cape Town Exactly nine days ago I left Nottingham and flew to Frankfurt to catch the 'group flight' from there to Cape Town S.A. About 75 of us, scientists and crew have been in strict hotel solitary isolation since. We have watched the glorious weather from inside our hotel rooms, catching up on work and getting ready for the adventure. The view from my hotel room - the mountains were ever changing. Four PCR tests down and one more day to go until we board RV Polarstern. The ship is already in port and will soon be ready for us, we are definitely ready here! Once we are aboard I'm looking forward to eight weeks of research and fabulous scenery with great 'sciencey' conversation. You can follow the expedition at https://follow-polarstern.awi.de/?lang=en#main-menu/
Lisa Chakrabarti and a small group of scientists are working on mitochondrial biology in the context of ageing, exercise, disease and other interesting areas. Here you will find some little updates, thoughts and profiles describing what we are up to.