One theory is that a specific Omega-3 fatty acid called Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) makes the membrane that holds these channels more elastic, making it easier for ion channels to change shape. If there is not enough DHA available, the membrane substitutes it with a molecule called DPA (n-6), which cells regard as the next best thing. DPA (n-6) is almost identical to DHA, but a tiny difference in its molecular structure makes DPA (n-6) vastly less flexible.

Interestingly, the fast magnocellular neurones (which we look at below) are especially vulnerable to lack of highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs). Their fast ionic channels expand when they open; so they need flexible HUFAs in the surrounding membrane.

We propose employing a nutrionist to use as much of this research as possible in designing menus for the children. In particular, we want them to have a high percentage of the diet made up of organic food, some of which we would like to grow on site. We plan to have a small herb garden (parsley, thyme, rosemary, coriander, chives, sage, mint, dill, lovage), a greenhouse (tomatoes, peppers, aubergine, apricots), a kitchen garden (runner beans, leeks, cabbages, lettuces, onions, garlic, spinach, courgettes, carrots and potatoes), an orchard (apples, peaches, plums) and a small hen run, such as the much-discussed Eglu (from www.omlet.co.uk):