Promiscuity of H3N8 flu virus raises concern as scientists demonstrate some strains can go undetected in pigs
Scientists have shown for the first time that two different strains of the H3N8 influenza A virus (IAV) are able to infect and replicate in pigs; one isolated from seals and an avian strain circulating in poultry in the US. The study, which was led by Dr Maria Montoya from The Pirbright Institute in Surrey […]
New research institute to improve productivity in agri-food sectors
Seeking to support and enhance productivity in the agri-food sectors, the University of Lincoln has today announced the creation of the Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology. The Institute will capitalise on the University’s growing research and educational activity in the agri-tech and food sectors, including food manufacturing, agri-robotics, agronomy and animal science. Professor Mary Stuart, […]
Badger persecution does not reduce bovine TB risk in cattle
Illegal persecution of badgers does not reduce infection risk of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in cattle and may play a role in maintaining epidemic hotspots according to researchers at Queen’s University Belfast. The Institute for Global Food Security collaborating with the University of Glasgow and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, found that illegal disturbance of badger […]
Two new barley plant genes discovered
A group of international researchers have discovered two new genes in the barley plant that will shed light on the history of agriculture and also bring new capabilities to barley breeding programs. The new genes, Btr1 and Btr2, are completely new genetic discoveries and according to Emeritus Professor Geoff Fincher from the University of Adelaide […]
Plants use animal neurotransmitters to send signals when stressed
Breakthrough research has shown that plants use an animal neurotransmitter as a chemical and electrical signal to regulate growth when stressed by harsh conditions. Published today in Nature Communications, the University of Adelaide research shows the mechanism by which plants use gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as a signal, despite the lack of a nervous system. GABA is […]
Second-generation strand woven bamboo technology allows any type of timber to be used
The Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science & Technology in South Australia is working with the Australian company 3RT to advance the concept of strand woven bamboo (itself an Australian invention), which is now a common flooring material around the world. 3RT was formed to commercialise the research and the South Australian Government has provided $1 […]
Faster, better, cheaper: a new method to generate extended data for genome assemblies
Scientists at The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC) have developed a new library construction method for genome sequencing that can simultaneously construct up to 12 size-selected long mate pair (LMP) or ‘jump’ libraries ranging in sizes from 1.7kb to 18kb with reduced DNA input, time and cost. Long range genetic data is an invaluable source for […]
Supplementary feeding of live insects as a source of protein for broilers
ForFarmers has launched a trial together with the Department of Entomology at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, to explore the impacts of live insects as a source of protein in the broilers’ diet. Leon Marchal, Nutrition & Innovation Director at ForFarmers commented, “The most important research question is whether the chicks are growing healthily and […]
New £1.1 million R&D call to improve biopesticide performance for protected and ornamental crops
A substantial investment into research that will improve the performance of biopesticide products for use in protected edible and ornamental crops has been launched by AHDB Horticulture (formerly HDC). The call for proposals announced today will see £1.15 million invested over five years, directly tackling the needs of growers. The resulting research will aim to […]
