Search Results | Midlothian Science Zone

Encouraging levels of input to SRUC strategy discussions

Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC Professor Wayne Powell has expressed his thanks to the many individuals and groups who have given their views about SRUC’s new strategy over the last month.

Principal made Fellow of The Royal Society of Edinburgh

The Principal and Chief Executive of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has been made a Fellow of The Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Cereal trials event takes glass half-full approach

Ensuring that Scottish cereals remain “the supply of choice” for the whisky and gin markets will be among the topics discussed at a trials event delivered by SAC Consulting, part of Scotland’s Rural College.

New PhD projects to tackle rural issues

Farmers are set to benefit from 18 new PhD research projects being funded by Scotland’s Rural College to address a wide range of issues within the rural sector.

Launch of SEFARI - Leading ideas for better lives

The new collective will work across six of Scotland’s research institutes to improve the availability of information on, and connections between, areas such as the environment, land, food, agriculture and rural communities.

Edible insects could cut harmful emissions

Eating insects instead of beef could help tackle climate change by reducing emissions linked to livestock production, research suggests.

New pollinator project for Lothians

The Lothians Monitor Farm is working with researchers from the SRUC on a three year project which aims to increase the number of pollinators on farms.

Smartphone advice on potato yield showcased at keynote Scottish agri-food event

An innovation which allows farmers to get timely advice about potato yield and crop values on their smartphones was just one of the cutting-edge developments in Scottish Agri-food showcase event.

SRUC’s new mobile CT scanner takes to the road

The new mobile CT scanner run by Scotland’s Rural College will be providing livestock breeders, processors and researchers with unique insights into meat yields, fat distribution and other traits important for breeding programmes.

SRUC at the 2017 Royal Highland Show

The Royal Highland Show is one of the highlights of the SRUC year with an exciting pavilion packed with activities for all ages and levels of knowledge about farming and rural affairs.

New SRUC research validates traditional healers’ claims over parasite infections in Ethiopia

New research from SRUC has validated claims of traditional healers in Ethiopia that indigenous plants have strong anti-parasitic properties.

Over 400 ECPA2017 delegates discuss challenge of feeding growing world population from less land

The technical challenges of feeding a growing world population from less land is a key focus for over 400 delegates gathering in Edinburgh this week for a major conference.

SheepNet Update – the EU network on sheep productivity

In the last six months, there has been a series of interesting developments in the EU network on sheep productivity – called SheepNet – in which SRUC is one of seven core partners.

Here’s looking at ewe

Sheep are able to distinguish each other’s facial expressions, a new study has revealed.

Royal honour for Scotland’s Rural College

World-leading research carried out by SRUC recognised with Queen’s Anniversary Prize.

GreenCow seen and herd around the world

Scotland’s Rural College is making headlines around the world following a visit by Reuters to SRUC’s GreenCow facility at Easter Howgate.

New glasshouse reflective of world-leading research

A major renovation of SRUC’s glasshouse has provided scientists with a state-of-the-art facility in which to continue their world-leading research.

Blight on Scottish forests

Scientists from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and the University of Edinburgh have completed an in-depth study to show how exotic pine tree species planted next to native Scots pine forests should be removed to limit the risk of disease to native trees.

£4m for research to aid sustainable livestock production in Africa

Research to improve the health and productivity of farmed animals in tropical climates has received a £4 million boost from the UK Government.

SRUC helps cocaine fight in Colombia

Researchers from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) have been awarded more than £122,000 for a project that will help the Colombian government in its war against cocaine farming.

SRUC helps lead charge in fight against Bovine TB

SRUC is working with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board to embark on two new projects which will take the agricultural industry one step closer to eradicating Bovine TB.

World-renowned Professor to address Science for Life Lecture

A world-renowned professor of agricultural research will discuss the changing global landscape of agriculture at the upcoming Science for Life Lecture, given as part of the SEFARI PhD competition.

Penning a new chapter in sheep genetics

A new scoping study, to be led by SRUC, to drive the future direction of genetic improvement in the British sheep industry.

First phase of SRUC transformation plan announced

Proposals include new £35m facility in Dumfries & Galloway in SRUC transformation into Scotland’s new rural university by 2022.

A crash course on genomics for animal breeding

World-leading livestock scientists at SRUC will deliver a new course next month to bring vets up to speed on the fast-evolving field of genomics.

Women in agriculture make their voices heard

Women working in Scottish agriculture will be “making their voices heard” at this year’s autumn conference 'Women in Agriculture Scotland' event to be held in Edinburgh on 6 November.

SRUC research project to tackle lameness in dairy cows

Work has begun on a new £1 million research project to discover what causes lameness in dairy cows.

Plastics found in Britain’s marine animals

Microplastics have been found in the guts of every marine mammal examined in a new study of animals washed up on Britain’s shores.

Facial recognition technology aims to detect emotional state in pigs

State-of-the-art 3D facial recognition technology is being used in an attempt to detect different emotional states in pigs.

Cows’ brush with happiness

Dairy cows are as up for a bit of self-grooming as the most dedicated Instagrammer, according to farmers interviewed for research into positive animal welfare.

Innovation coming home to roost

The UK’s largest facility to improve avian nutrition, health and welfare has opened today in Midlothian, on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

Tickled pink

Researchers have discovered how to use smell to produce a positive emotional state in animals – by tickling rats.

Getting up to speed with smart farming

Smart farming technologies for precision agriculture to be highlighted at free event for farmers and agri-tech companies.

Improving welfare of laying hens

SRUC research will look at the sleep behaviour of laying hens in a multi-million pound European-wide project to improve the conditions.

Cutting antibiotics use in cows

Dairy farmers are being encouraged to practice selective dry cow therapy in a bid to minimise the use of antibiotics at drying off.

Raising the bar on positive animal welfare

SRUC researchers led a critical review of the literature on positive animal welfare – a concept which has developed over the last decade – to determine what it adds to the overall study of animal welfare.

Call for policy makers to protect pollinators

Pollinating insects could thrive if improvements are made to agri-environment schemes across Europe, a new study led by Scotland’s Rural College has found.

SRUC to research Covid-19 in rural Scotland

SRUC is one of 15 Scottish universities and research institutions contributing to global efforts to combat coronavirus and its wider effects.

‘Listening’ to chicks could improve welfare

‘Listening’ to baby chicks’ calls could help identify welfare problems at an early stage, according to new research involving SRUC.

Collaboration is key to adoption of agri-tech

Cross-industry collaboration is essential to the adoption of precision technology in agriculture

Scale of fish farm emissions revealed

Global aquaculture generates around the same amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as the sheep industry, according to new research.

Growing for gold

Cutting-edge research, led by SRUC, is developing a plant-based alternative for the recovery of gold, silver and copper nanoparticles from mining waste.

Tell-tail signs

New research by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has revealed that pigs hold their tails down against their body when tail biting is about to begin.

Carnevale exhibit at The Roslin Institute

The exhibit "CARNEVALE" by artist Andrea Roe, which explores pigs' enthusiasm for investigative play, is on display at The Roslin Institute until end June.

Queen’s Anniversary Prize reception

SRUC scientists, whose world-leading research has spanned nearly half a century of study into the Langhill dairy herd, were among guests at a reception to celebrate our Queen's Anniversary Prize.

Researchers tackle nitrogen pollution in Asia

Climate change researchers from Scotland’s Rural College are to help tackle nitrogen pollution in South Asia as part of a £20 million project.

Supercomputers target TB

Livestock scientists at Scotland’s Rural College have been awarded £337,000 for a project which will use highly advanced computers to predict the Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) status of dairy cows.

Deputy First Minister highlights key role of SRUC

The importance of Scotland’s Rural College to the current and future needs of the country’s economy has been highlighted at a parliamentary reception.

New £1.6m animal disease surveillance centre for SRUC

The SRUC Veterinary and Analytical Laboratory is based at the Moredun Research Institute at the Pentlands Science Park in Midlothian.

SRUC's Head of Research appointed President of BSAS

The Head of Research at Scotland’s Rural College has been appointed President of the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS).

New model for disease surveillance

SRUC to provide one-to-one advice to veterinary practitioners, leveraging big data and integrated testing in one specialist laboratory at the centre of a new model of farm animal disease surveillance.

Space Agency launches Lyme app

A new project that aims to prevent the occurrence of Lyme disease in the Northern Hemisphere launches in Scottish Highlands.

Funding for rural innovation

A digital system to monitor gluten-free oats is among several innovative SRUC projects to share in nearly £275,000 of Scottish Government funding.

Berry healthy

The trend for fermented foods and non-alcoholic soft drinks is being embraced by a Scottish social enterprise with the help of consultants from SRUC.

Seaweed is making waves in Scotland says top food & drink development team

Seaweed is one of the most popular products in development for our SAC Consulting Food & Drink team as consumer trends drive demand for food with health and nutritional benefits.

Leading dairy cow breeding expert scoops Royal accolade

Renowned SRUC researcher, instrumental in driving forward the genetic development of UK dairy cattle, is awarded the Princess Royal Award.

Opportunities for alternative crops mushrooming

Farmers in the South of Scotland are being encouraged to look at novel crops such as mushrooms, cut flowers and cannabis.

Magic beans

SRUC has assessed various farm technologies and practices which can reduce GHG emissions as part of the Scottish Government’s plans to meet a net-zero target by 2045.

SRUC courses well placed to meet climate challenge

New SRUC degree courses that explore everything from land management change to electric tractors will help to respond to the climate challenge.

From field to phone

A new app, created by the Veterinary Services team at SRUC, allows farmers to share real-time data with their vet.

SRUC projects will help farmers tackle climate change

Researchers at SRUC have been awarded nearly £95,000 to help UK farming transition to net zero and become more sustainable.

Project to reproduce sociable pigs

A new study, led by SRUC, will look at how positive forms of social interaction in pigs can benefit welfare.

Biomass crop trials support UK’s progress to net zero

The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology is leading new UK-wide trials of crops and trees which can be used to produce sustainable energy from plant material.

Scottish consortiums take giant leap forward for salmon gill health

Two Scottish consortiums, backed by Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre, to embark on ambitious initiatives to improve gill health and resilience in farmed Atlantic salmon.

SRUC proud partner of the world's first Centre for Agricultural Innovation

'Agrimetrics', the world's first big data Centre of Excellence for the whole food system, is officially launched.

Fifth of food lost to over-eating and waste

Almost 20 per cent of the food made available to consumers is lost through over-eating or waste, suggests a study by the University of Edinburgh.

£2.2m AgriTech funding offers new R&D opportunities

Special funding of more than £2.2m - just awarded to SRUC - means three exciting new research facilities can be built.

Converge Challenge cements position as leading opportunity for universities

The leading academic initiative had received 211 applicants when entries closed from 19 of Scotland’s universities and research institutes.

£5.5m bid to boost livestock health in Africa

Vet experts are delivering a £5.5 million initiative to improve the health and productivity of farmed animals in sub-Saharan Africa.

Award winning Scottish research could pave the way for ‘low-emission cattle’

A Scottish study that potentially paves the way for the breeding of low-emission livestock has won an internationally respected research prize.

World-leading livestock scientist honoured by SRUC

Professor David Hume, former Director at The Roslin Institute, has been presented with an honorary fellowship by Scotland’s Rural College.

Moredun Research Institute and SRUC establish ‘game-changing’ collaboration

Moredun Research Institute and Scotland’s Rural College announce a new strategic partnership, described as ‘game-changing’ in advancing livestock health, welfare production and resilience in support of Scottish and global rural development, food security ...

DNA study of cow stomachs could aid meat and dairy production

A study led by The Roslin Institute and SRUC paves the way for research to understand which types of microbe are best at helping cattle to extract energy from their food.

The animal feelgood factor

New research led by the SRUC and University of Edinburgh investigates connections between animals’ emotions and welfare.

Predicting lifelong health and productivity of cattle

A study by scientists at The Roslin Institute and Scotland's Rural College finds that microRNA levels in the blood could be used to predict the future health and productivity of dairy cattle.

Animal lovers’ empathy may be hardwired in their DNA

Scientists uncover a genetic difference in people who show greater compassion for animals.

Protein replacement poses challenge

A study carried out by Scottish scientists demonstrates the importance of a sustainable supply of lysine globally. Lysine is one of the amino acids essential for human nutrition.

Sea change in Scottish beach surveillance

Members of the public can play a vital role in helping marine scientists gather data on animal strandings and the condition of Scotland’s beaches with a new free app.

A third of UK marine animal strandings are on Scottish coasts

A total of 1,616 marine animals were reported washed up on Scottish shorelines in a seven-year period between 2011 and 2017, according to a new report.

The sheep of things to come

SRUC researchers are looking at ways of breeding sheep and goats to cope with climate change.

Scots scientists explore options on organic oilseed

Scientists have teamed up with farmers and industry to explore the possibility of growing organic oilseed rape (Canola) in Scotland for the first time.

Natural evolution for SRUC

A focus on the sustainable natural economy is at the heart of a refreshed vision and mission for Scotland's Rural College (SRUC).

SRUC joins global network

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has joined a network of universities across the world committed to sustainable, global development.

Project gets funding to develop digital dairy

New funding for an SRUC led project will help create a more efficient and resilient dairy industry.

Clean sweep for female entrepreneurs at Converge 2020 Awards

Female entrepreneurs have emerged as winners from the three main ‘Challenge’ categories in the 2020 Converge Awards, Scotland’s annual celebration of academic innovation and entrepreneurship.

Research consortium receives funding for Smart Sheep project

The UK research consortium, led by the Moredun Research Institute, brings together leading academic institutes, industrial partners and sheep health experts.

SRUC looks to add another string to its bow

SRUC is part of a £3 million research and development programme to explore ideas that could go on to become major UK festivals in 2022.

‘Unexpected’ number of resistance genes found on pig farm

New study by SRUC researchers highlights the extent of the AMR gene ‘pollution’ in livestock production.

Taking animal feelings seriously

Waitrose is rolling out a new SRUC-developed mobile application that will help the retailer assess and begin to understand the emotional wellbeing of its farm animals.

Novel vertical farm to accelerate skills, research and innovation

SRUC will be the first higher education institute in Scotland to open a vertical farm for research and education.

Farmers need to adopt agroecological practices

Scottish livestock farmers need to be supported to adopt nature-based farming practices which could contribute to climate and biodiversity goals, new research has found.

Positioning peatlands at heart of climate change debate

As part of COP26, SRUC will be co-hosting a Peatland Pavilion to highlight the importance of peatlands as major global stores of soil carbon over a variety of sessions with leading experts.

Top entrepreneurs join SRUC’s enterprise journey

Two entrepreneurs-in-residence have been appointed by SRUC as part of its drive to become an enterprise university at the heart of the sustainable natural economy.

SRUC joins the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest

SRUC has joined a voluntary partnership of more than 20 organisations which aims to protect and develop Scotland's rainforest.

SRUC celebrates ten years with Holyrood showcase

SRUC celebrates 10 years with a Scottish Parliament reception, looking at past successes and how they can deliver the knowledge, expertise, people and ambition to lead the way in the next 10 years and beyond.

Researchers foster ideas for large animal studies

Scientific and medical experts are considering possible projects for the forthcoming Large Animal Research and Imaging Facility.

Animal appetites on the bill at BSAS 2019

Scientists from around the world are gathering in Scotland’s capital from 9-11 April for the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) 75th anniversary conference.

Hannah Dairy Research Foundation awards three new research grants

The latest round of funding from the Hannah Dairy Research Foundation includes projects with two Midlothian Science Zone partners.

Prestigious award for Professor in animal behaviour and welfare

Professor Alistair Lawrence, Chair of Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Edinburgh and Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), has been awarded the title of Honorary Fellow of the International Society for Applied Ethology.

Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health: The Road Ahead

Over 70 CTLGH members, funders, key stakeholders and collaborators gathered in Edinburgh to discuss progress on improving tropical livestock productivity and resilience.

Consumers set to play role in livestock genetics

Consumers around the UK could soon be playing an important role in livestock genetics, thanks to a unique mobile sensory lab being unveiled this week by Scotland’s Rural College.

New poultry facility in Ethiopia explores genetic diversity

Cutting edge research and development programmes at the "Incubated Worlds" poultry facility will be lead by the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health - a strategic alliance of The University of Edinburgh (through The Roslin Institute), Scotlan...

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