News
Red squirrels' low genetic diversity poses disease vulnerability
Worryingly low levels of genetic diversity make Scotland’s red squirrels especially vulnerable to disease, a study has shown.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh said this could explain why the mammals are so slow to develop resistance to the squirrelpox virus, which is carried by non-native grey squirrels and fatal to reds.
Source: The National
Moredun Nominated for Place-based Impact Award
Moredun has been shortlisted for the Place-based Impact Award at Interface’s 10th Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards for its role in the Scottish Government-funded Sheep Scab Control Programme on Lewis & Harris. This nomination recognises the project’s outstanding success in disease control through coordinated community collaboration.
Application of new technology to make an affordable anti-parasite vaccine
Scientists at the Moredun Research Institute, in Midlothian Science Zone, and the Pirbright Institute, in Surrey, have been awarded a £1.7 million grant over three years by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a vaccine against a life-threatening parasite of sheep and goats.
Experts Convene to Discuss the Role of Livestock Production in Future Food Security
The Moredun Foundation host a landmark panel discussion with over 100 representatives from the agricultural and food sectors gathered to discuss the essential role livestock plays in producing sustainable, affordable, and high-quality food while addressing environmental and economic challenges.
Moredun and James Hutton Institutes combine forces for Science in Shetland
In the remote Shetland Islands, finding hands-on lab science educational opportunities can be challenging. However, thanks to Scottish Environment, Food and Agriculture Research Institutions (SEFARI) funding, teams from the Moredun and James Hutton Institutes recently brought an exciting week of animal health science to Shetland’s Junior High Schools and local communities.
Genomics study to help retain diversity in UK sheep
Insights into the genetic makeup of UK native sheep breeds can help to preserve their beneficial traits, especially of rarer native breeds, which have fallen to low numbers, a study has shown.
The outcomes could help preserve a diversity of characteristics found in sheep breeds from the UK, including many versatile types of fleece, the ability to seasonally shed, and the hardiness to thrive in harsh environments.
Discover the new Agri Hub on Easter Bush Campus
Midlothian Science Business Forum guests received an introduction to the new Agri-Tech Hub for Data-Driven Innovation (DDI), part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Deal, and learned how this has evolved as well as the exciting opportunities for future development, collaboration, innovation and talent building.
Biotangents set to revolutionise dairy farming industry as investment round announced
Technology developed by Scottish biotech Biotangents, which has announced its latest investment round, is set to revolutionise the dairy farming industry with the world’s fastest on-farm, point-of-care diagnostic device aimed at addressing disease in dairy cows. Bovine mastitis alone is estimated to cost the global dairy farming industry around £20 billion every year, costing the average UK dairy farm up to £25,000 per annum.
Scottish biotech secures £2.3 million investment
Biotangents has secured £2.3m in a funding round led by Eos and British Business Investments, alongside existing investors Kelvin Capital and Scottish Enterprise and will commence on-farm trials across the UK and internationally later next year.
Based on the Pentland Science Park in Midlothian Science Zone, the innovative animal health diagnostics company claims to be developing the world’s fastest on-farm, point-of-care diagnostic device for addressing disease in dairy cows.
Source: Business Insider
New report launched on potential interventions to tackle foodborne pathogens on livestock farms
A new report has been launched looking at the risk factors for foodborne pathogens on livestock farms and the potential interventions that may be applied to reduce the risks. The report has been produced by Moredun Research Institute and commissioned by Food Standards Scotland and Scottish Government.