News
Wobble Genomics at the forefront of RNA Sequencing
Midlothian Science Zone Business Forum took place on Tuesday 18th March 2025 led by Wobble Genomics, specialists in long-read RNA sequencing. This cutting-edge technique of next generation sequencing reads lengthy sequences of RNA molecules, which offers a more comprehensive view of genetic information in the detection of genetic variations, compared to traditional short-read.
Life story of 'beloved' PG Tips tea-drinking chimp revealed
The life story of the “beloved” chimpanzee star of a series of PG Tips adverts in the 1970s has been revealed in a new study.
Choppers, a Western Chimpanzee, played Grandmother Ada Lott in the well-known advertisements when she was still a juvenile.
Source: STV
Peatlands project to tackle greenhouse gas emissions
A major new project has been launched to tackle greenhouse gas emissions from drained peatlands.
SRUC is the UK lead in the EU-funded Horizon Europe project 'Socio-Economic and Climate and Environmental Aspects of Paludiculture' (Paludi4all) – the productive use of wet and rewetted peatlands.
Large-scale study focuses on fish health and welfare
An £8.5m, large-scale research partnership seeks to improve the welfare and productivity of farmed salmon in Scotland.
In a project led by the Roslin Institute partnered with the UK’s largest salmon farmer Mowi Scotland, experts will seek to understand how to limit the impact of chronic complex diseases, enabling better health and welfare.
Pig studies support ongoing Covid-19 research
Researchers from across the University of Edinburgh and Moredun Research Institute, are collaborating in a study of gene-edited pigs to better understand severe Covid-19, providing insights into disease progression and treatment development.
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.
What Was Life Like for Innovating UK Businesses in 2024
Innovate UK has released its State of Innovation 2024 survey, drawing on data from over 2,000 UK firms to provide a thorough breakdown of UK businesses’ innovation activities, including their priorities, challenges, and plans for the year ahead.
Source: Digit News
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.
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.
Exciting development in Equine Grass Sickness case reporting
Equine grass sickness (EGS) is a devastating and complex disease of equines, which unfortunately can occur anywhere in the UK, where sadly 80% of animals suffering from it will die. In a new approach for answers, the Equine Grass Sickness Fund (EGSF) and Moredun Research Institute (MRI) launched a new project three years ago.