Big data analysis shows weak link between badgers and cattle for TB transmission
The largest simulation to date of the numbers of cattle and badgers infected with tuberculosis (TB) casts serious doubts about the extent to which badgers cause TB in cattle, according to research from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). Using a mathematical model that combines a huge number of cattle and badgers that have TB, […]
DNA of banana fungus unravelled for more sustainable banana crops
An international consortium led by scientists from Wageningen UR (University & Research centre) has unravelled the DNA of Pseudocercospora fijiensis, the fungus that causes the much-feared black Sigatoka disease in bananas. The findings provide leads for increasing the sustainability of banana cultivation, for instance through the development of a resistant banana plant. The results […]
UBC research aims to help Canadian flax farmers
A UBC professor’s flax research could one day help Canadian farmers grow a car fender. In a recent study, UBC researcher Michael Deyholos identified the genes responsible for the bane of many Canadian flax farmers’ existence; the fibres in the plant’s stem. “These findings have allowed us to zero in the genetic profile of the […]
Plant molecule crucial to improving stress tolerance in cereal crops
Tiny molecules found in plants are being targeted to breed cereals with the potential to deliver high crop yields under stressful growing conditions such as drought and heat. Researchers from the University of Adelaide found small gene-regulating RNA molecules already present in plants could be used to understand why certain strains of cereals fared better […]
New project aims to raise lamb survival rates by 5%
Five focus farmers have been selected for a new “Live Lambs” project, facilitated by Scotland’s Rural College and aimed at improving lamb survival. It brings together sheep farmers, advisers, researchers, and members of the supply chain into a group that will tackle the causes of lamb loss, monitor on-farm performance and introduce improvements aimed at […]
Major study reveals steep decline in number of small family farms
A major new independent study commissioned by The Prince’s Countryside Fund into the future of small family farms across the UK, has revealed a steep decline in numbers since the beginning of the century. Over the last two or three decades, small family farms have experienced profound change. The report set out to explore the […]
Scientist’s maths formula offers improved yield for flour milling and massive global impact
Research by a University of Huddersfield scientist could aid the development of new strains of wheat that yield higher quantities of extra-nutritious flour. Professor Grant Campbell is a leading expert in cereal process engineering and is based in the University’s School of Applied Sciences. The milling of wheat and the complexities of its kernel are […]
Earlham Institute – Decoding Living Systems for a better world
The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC) will be changing its name to the “Earlham Institute” on June 27 2016. The Earlham Institute (EI) will build upon the research foundation developed as TGAC and continue to help answer the most fundamental questions in biological sciences today, from its home on Norwich Research Park. The institute’s genomics and […]
£2.8 million project to make new types of gel from waste food
Waste from potato crops could be ‘recycled’ into personal care products such as medical gels and beauty creams – thanks to a new UEA research project. The food industry throws away millions of tonnes of vegetables each year. Surplus supply, processing waste and the fact that many supermarkets only accept ‘perfect’ fruit and vegetables of […]
