£8 million monsoon project launches in India
A project involving scientists from the UK and India to predict monsoon rainfall by studying ocean processes in the Bay of Bengal launches today. Scientists from the University of East Anglia (UEA) will release underwater robots to monitor how ocean conditions influence monsoon rainfall. Meanwhile collaborators from a partner project led by the University of […]
Latest figures highlight Brits support for local produce
The latest figures from YouGov show that 70% of Brits think it is important that they eat locally sourced produce. When asked what produce they would be most likely to buy if a locally sourced alternative was available 66% of shoppers said eggs (compared to only 30% in 2015). Whilst 58% said milk (22% in […]
Developing a more human approach to animal science
An SRUC PhD student will combine social science with animal genetics in an attempt to help African dairy farmers breed the ideal cow for their environment. Aluna Chawala’s innovative approach means he won’t just study the cows, he will be closely observing the humans too. Aluna’s PhD has been funded by the Bill and Melinda […]
Researchers find dissimilar forests are vital for delivery of ecosystem services
A team of ecologists from Royal Holloway, University of London has taken part in a large collaborative EU project to find out what the effects of forest tree species diversity are on ecosystem services. These services, which include timber production, carbon storage, and forest resistance to pests and diseases, are crucial to human well-being. One […]
Agri-EPI Centre secures funding
Industry and academics will work together to create a new global hub for agricultural engineering and precision farming using £17.5 million of funding over the next four years, awarded as part of the Government’s UK Strategy for Agricultural Technologies. The Agri-EPI Centre – which has just received official confirmation of funding from the Government’s Business […]
The cow’s digestive system could revolutionise renewable energy
A group of scientists are looking at the way relatively unknown fungi works inside the guts of herbivores, including elephants and cows, in the hope that it holds the key to revolutionising biomass technology. Professor Theodorou, leader of the Agricultural Centre of Sustainable Energy Systems (ACSES) at Harper Adams University, is among the group of […]
New research into full spectrum lighting for horticulture
Ampleon today announced that it has entered into a collaborative research project with the HAS University of Applied Sciences in Den Bosch, The Netherlands into the use of full spectrum lighting for horticultural applications. In addition the project will validate and summarize current research and investigations that are available. Lighting plays an increasing role in […]
New analysis of the H9N2 strain of bird flu could help prevent veterinary and human pandemics
A new study from a team at The Pirbright Institute, has enabled scientists there to better understand H9N2; a form of avian flu which poses risks to both poultry and human health. The mapping and analysis of the antigenicity of H9N2 avian influenza virus, will guide surveillance and ensure vaccines are more effective; helping prevent […]
Eating less meat might not be the way to go green, say researchers
Reduced meat consumption might not lower greenhouse gas emissions from one of the world’s biggest beef producing regions, new research has found. The finding may seem incongruous, as intensive agriculture is responsible for such a large proportion of global greenhouse gas emissions. According to research by University of Edinburgh, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and Brazilian […]
