News
Fat recycling mechanism could boost salmon health
Aquaculture experts, in collaboration with the University of Glasgow, University of Stirling and Benchmark Genetics, have identified a fat recycling process in Atlantic salmon cells that could help enable healthier feed strategies and improved disease resilience.
This process helps break down excess fat inside cells, and its discovery could play a major role in tackling the challenges of modern salmon diets.
Data-driven programme designed to tackle global challenges
A flexible new postgraduate programme designed to tackle global challenges through genetics and data skills will launch in September 2025, supported by a dedicated e-learning team and aimed at training the next generation of experts in a range of industries and academic fields.
Artificial intelligence supports pig welfare
A combination of tracking technology and social mapping that reveals how pigs build relationships over time could inform welfare strategies. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been combined with techniques to map animals’ interactions, to gain insights into pigs’ social relationships. Scientists at the Roslin Institute, in collaboration with industrial partners PIC and an international research team, examined how pigs associated with one another over time by using technology to analyse their proximity during social interactions.
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.
Drug trial studies plant-based oral cancer therapy for dogs
Vets at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies will investigate the effectiveness of treatment derived from berries on canine oral melanoma. A clinical trial is set to test a new treatment for an aggressive form of oral cancer that affects dogs.
Science Insights 2024: Inspiring future scientists
The University of Edinburgh’s College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine has successfully concluded its annual Science Insights outreach programme. This year, the initiative provided school pupils with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of scientific research and exploration.
Mussel genome map enhances production and resistance
Aquaculture experts at the Roslin Institute have collaborated with industry partner Atlantic Aqua Farms to map the complete set of chromosomes for the blue mussel, an important commercial species in Europe and North America.
Study aims to produce lice-resistant salmon
Scientists aim to identify genes that could make Atlantic salmon resistant to sea lice, parasites that severely affect fish health and welfare, and cost the global aquaculture sector around £800m per year. Researchers aim to pinpoint key genes and associated biological processes underlying genetic resistance to these parasites.
Stem cell approach to aid study of pig infections
A method of producing immune cells from stem cells for research into pig infections is more affordable, practical and ethical than standard approaches, a study led by scientists from the Roslin Institute suggests.