News archive: 2012

May
- BBSRC statement on damage to Rothamsted Research GM field trial “We were disappointed to hear that an individual has caused damage… - News - 21 May
  Professor Douglas Kell, BBSRC Chief Executive, said:
- BBSRC launches new public engagement training - News - 17 May
  BBSRC has launched a public engagement training course to support BBSRC-funded researchers to carry out effective public engagement…
- A new dimension to DNA and personalised medicine of the future - Feature - 17 May
  By investigating the existence of an unusual four-stranded structure of DNA in human cells, scientists have opened the door to novel cancer therapeutics…
- UK Bioscience Sector Coalition response to protection of animals used for scientific purposes - News - 17 May
  BBSRC joined 11 other research organisations, as part of the UK Bioscience Sector Coalition, in welcoming today’s Home Office announcement…
- Funders join forces to develop biomedical entrepreneurs - Press release - 16 May
  Researchers in the biomedical sciences are being offered the chance to sharpen their business skills in a new national competition…
- From humble beginnings - Feature - 16 May
  This is the story of a quirky little peptide sequence whose discovery led to the development of a crucial tool for today’s biotechnology industry…
- Plans for China-UK Centre of Excellence for plant research - Press release - 16 May
  A new centre of excellence for plant research is planned in China following a joint symposium in Shanghai between researchers from…
- Big advances from tiny technology - Feature - 15 May
  Is a game-changing device in DNA sequencing about to revolutionise the business of decoding genes?
- Virus ‘barcodes’ offer rapid detection of mutated strains - Press release - 14 May
  Researchers funded by BBSRC and others are developing a way to 'barcode' viral diseases to rapidly test new outbreaks for potentially lethal mutations…
- £6.8M phenomics centre opens - Press release - 14 May
  Today the new National Plant Phenomics Centre, which features the most advanced research greenhouse in the UK, will be formally opened…
- BBSRC Chair elected Honorary Fellow of Society of Biology - News - 14 May
  Professor Sir Tom Blundell, BBSRC Chair and founding Chief Executive, has been elected an Honorary Fellow of the Society of Biology in recognition of…
- Scientists identify protein that stimulates brown fat to burn calories - Press release - 11 May
  Protein highlights ‘ideal mechanism’ for development of new therapies to fight obesity…
- Appointment to BBSRC Strategy Advisory Panels, Follow-on Funding Panel and Pool of Experts - News - 11 May
  BBSRC is looking to appoint high calibre, committed individuals…
- Barley takes a leaf out of reindeer’s book in the land of the midnight sun - Press release - 10 May
  Barley grown in Scandinavian countries is adapted in a similar way to reindeer to cope with the extremes of day length at high latitudes…
- Scientists find new pieces of hearing puzzle - Press release - 9 May
  Researchers have gained important new insights into how our sense of hearing works. Their findings promise new avenues for scientists to understand…
- How a study of walking in high heels could help improve prosthetic limbs - Press release - 9 May
  People walking normally, women tottering in high heels and ostriches strutting all exert the same forces on the ground despite very differently-shaped feet…
- Mystery of the domestication of the horse solved - Press release - 9 May
  Research reconciles competing theories about the origin of the domestic horse…
- Innovators 2012 part three – Jim Murray - Feature - 9 May
  Professor Jim Murray of University of Cardiff describes how new DNA detection technology using light could improve on-the-spot medical and food diagnostics…
- Chinese delegation visit Roslin Institute - Press release - 2 May
  The Roslin Institute's links with China continue to go from strength to strength with the visit of Shandong's Vice Governor Jia and his delegation…
- Courtship in the cricket world - Press release - 1 May
  Everyone wants to present themselves in the best light - especially when it comes to finding a partner…
- Breathing life into signalling pathways - Feature - 1 May
  Understanding how the body senses oxygen leads to major spin-out success…
- High-powered microscopes reveal workings of yeast cells - News - 1 May
  Using high-powered microscopes, scientists have made a stunning observation of the architecture within a cell – and identified for the first time how…
April
- Open access publishing update - News - 30 April
  Research Councils have been working together on the transition to greater open access to research publications, and we are now looking at how this is working…
- Doubling the information from the Double Helix - Press release - 27 April
  Novel regulatory molecules called mirror-microRNAs control multiple aspects of brain function…
- Scientists demonstrate new technique to help understand how cells develop and function - News - 27 April
  Scientists have demonstrated a new technique that will significantly improve scientists’ ability to perform epigenetics research and help unlock…
- Funding fuels development of bioenergy crop - Press release - 26 April
  New single, integrated Miscanthus breeding programme to speed commercial advances…
- BBSRC Chief Executive elected as Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales - News - 26 April
  BBSRC Chief Executive Douglas Kell has been elected as a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales…
- BBSRC welcomes bioenergy strategy - News - 26 April
  BBSRC welcomes the publication of a bioenergy strategy that sets out a framework for ensuring that biomass powering our homes, businesses…
- Fine mapping wheat genes - Press release - 25 April
  The use of new genomic techniques and increased sequencing power promise to help breeding crops, but for wheat the pipeline from the laboratory to the field…
- Plant perfumes woo beneficial bugs - Press release - 25 April
  Scientists funded by BBSRC have discovered that maize crops emit chemical signals which attract growth-promoting microbes to live amongst their roots…
- Salmonella infection, but not as we know it - Press release - 25 April
  BBSRC-funded researchers at Cambridge University have shed new light on a common food poisoning bug. Using real-time video microscopy…
- Science and industry club together to deliver better crops - Press release - 24 April
  Today, BBSRC is announcing nine new industry-relevant crop science projects as part of the Crop Improvement Research Club (CIRC)…
- New insight into pain mechanisms - Press release - 24 April
  Researchers have made a discovery which could help the development of analgesic drugs able to treat nerve damage-related pain…
- Innovators 2012 part two – Russell Foster - Feature - 24 April
  Professor Russell Foster explains how discovering an entirely new class of photoreceptor in the eye transformed our understanding of how body clocks…
- Neuroscientists discover key protein responsible for controlling nerve cell protection - Press release - 23 April
  Findings could lead to new therapies for stroke and epilepsy…
- BBSRC congratulates new Fellows of the Royal Society - News - 20 April
  BBSRC wishes to congratulate all of those scientists who were honoured today by being elected Fellows of the Royal Society…
- RCUK Capital Investment Consultation - News - 19 April
  RCUK are consulting with research organisations, industry and others to inform the development of a Capital Investment Roadmap…
- Prize for outstanding young neuroscientist - Press release - 19 April
  Dr Joanne Bailey, a BBSRC CASE student, has been awarded the Mark A Smith prize by the editors of the Journal of Neurochemistry…
- Last remaining places for free media training in May - News - 19 April
  There are still a few places left on our next media training course which is being held on 10 May in central London…
- Data mining for neurodegeneration leads - Feature - 19 April
  Professor Bob Burgoyne and Xi Chen reveal how a literature search gained momentum and led to a highly accessed paper…
- Findings on aphid symbiosis could provide new insecticide targets - Press release - 18 April
  Research led by biologists at the University of York reveals potential new targets for aphid-specific insecticides…
- New global assessment on soil biodiversity - Press release - 16 April
  The Department for Sustainable Soils and Grassland Systems at BBSRC-funded Rothamsted Research is launching a new global scientific sssessment…
- Feeling the heat - Feature - 16 April
  Plant scientists are gathering evidence on the precise ways in which plants are affected by rising temperatures and falling rainfall levels…
- Study resolves debate on human cell shut-down process - Press release - 13 April
  Researchers at the University of Liverpool have resolved the debate over the mechanisms involved in the shut-down process that halts cell division…
- Pan-European programme launches first food security initiative - Press release - 12 April
  Impacts of climate change on European agriculture and food security…
- Tackle fungal forces to save crops, forests and endangered animals, say scientists - Press release - 12 April
  More than 600 million people could be fed each year by halting the spread of fungal diseases in the world's five most important crops, according to research funded by BBSRC and others published today in the journal Nature…
- BBSRC announces new Council members - Press release - 11 April
  Three new members have been appointed to the Council of BBSRC by the Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts…
- Innovators 2012 part one – George Lomonossoff - Feature - 10 April
  Professor George Lomonossoff of the John Innes Centre explains how a safe and accessible way to make proteins in plants…
- Feeding wild birds shown to reduce insect pests - Press release - 4 April
  The common British past-time of feeding wild birds has been shown to reduce…
- Exposure to stomach acid primes Campylobacter for intestinal infection - Press release - 4 April
  Campylobacter is a major cause of foodborne gastroenteritis, with an estimated 500,000 infections annually in the UK…
- Plant research reveals new role for widespread protein - News - 4 April
  Researchers looking at Arabidopsis plants have discovered a new role for a widespread protein…
- Unique garden experiment changes understanding of behavioural mechanisms - Press release - 4 April
  A unique experiment carried out in a Leicester garden, and concurrently in a garden in Italy, has yielded surprising results that has changed scientific knowledge…
- Genes in worms could play a role in human ageing and disease - Press release - 2 April
  Scientists have identified a gene in a simple water-dwelling worm that might play an important role…
March
- Aphid-resistant wheat trial begins - Press release - 30 March
  Rothamsted Research are conducting a controlled experiment to test whether wheat that can repel aphid attack works in the field…
- Vaccine production in plants nets scientist Innovator of the Year 2012 - Press release - 29 March
  Professor George Lomonossoff has been named BBSRC Innovator of the Year 2012 for his work with Dr Frank Sainsbury…
- A new strategy for UK regenerative medicine - Press release - 28 March
  Four UK Research Councils and the Technology Strategy Board will today unveil a new roadmap for UK regenerative medicine research…
- Puzzle solved as maize pest reveals its Achilles heel - Press release - 23 March
  Scientists identify crucial controls of population cycles of the European corn borer pest…
- Why spring is blooming marvellous (and climate change makes it earlier) - Press release - 22 March
  Scientists have unpicked why temperature has such a powerful affect on how plants flower…
- Why can’t you sprint a marathon? - Press release - 20 March
  Researchers have discovered a new memory mechanism within the nervous system that helps to avoid exhaustion…
- First complete full genetic map of promising energy crop - Press release - 19 March
  Milestone will speed development of economically viable seeded miscanthus varieties…
- Ideas Lab aims to reduce reliance on fertilizers - News - 16 March
  Joint BBSRC and NSF ‘Ideas Lab’ in development to provide new approaches to producing crops with minimal input of nitrogen fertilizers…
- Important information for applicants preparing submissions to the 24 April responsive mode closing date - News - 15 March
  BBSRC has made changes to the way it captures data via the Je-S submission system for Responsive Mode funding…
- New £15M programme to stimulate food industry sector growth - Press release - 14 March
  Invested in major R&D projects that aim to increase the efficiency, sustainability…
- Biochemical Society awards for BBSRC chair and funded scientists - News - 14 March
  Professor Sir Tom Blundell, Chair of BBSRC and Sir William Dunn, Professor…
- New research could make it easier to grow health-promoting blood oranges - Press release - 13 March
  Researchers at JIC have identified the gene for blood orange pigmentation…
- Body clocks may hold key for treatment of bipolar disorder - Press release - 13 March
  Insight into why lithium salts are effective at treating bipolar disorder…
- Biochemical Society award for JIC Microbiologist - Press release - 13 March
  Professor Mervyn Bibb of JIC has been awarded the Heatley Medal.…
- Institute for Animal Health and John Innes Centre researchers display science in Parliament - Press release - 13 March
  Dr Christopher Burt has won Bronze at competition in House of Commons…
- Clock gene helps plants prepare for spring - Press release - 9 March
  University of Edinburgh researchers tested computer models of gene…
- Huge potential of UK bio-based economy highlighted in Parliament - News - 9 March
  The bioeconomy encompasses a wide range of activities that use bioscience…
- New technology pinpoints root growth mechanism - Press release - 8 March
  The University of Nottingham used newly developed technology…
- New target for Alzheimer’s disease - Press release - 7 March
  Scientists discover that specific antibodies halt Alzheimer’s disease in mice…
- Carbohydrate-based medicines – more than a sugarcoating - Feature - 7 March
  Breakthrough in sugar chemistry open door to new synthetic medicines…
- Capturing user requirements for the next national HPC facility, ARCHER - News - 6 March
  Government has made a recent capital investment of £158M in e-infrastructure…
- Genetic changes in bacteria tracked - Press release - 6 March
  An unusual case could tell researchers more about the genetic changes…
- First model of how buds grow into leaves - Press release - 2 March
  Scientists discover simple rules that control leaf shape during growth…
- Pumping up funding for blood pressure research - Press release - 2 March
  Researchers awarded £2.7M to determine possible new treatments…
- BBSRC boost for international funding opportunities - News - 1 March
  BBSRC has joined forces with 14 partners from across Europe…
February
- Cell study may aid bid for motor neurone therapies - Press release - 29 February
  New research shows how key cells are produced…
- Telomeres' stress reveals insight into ageing - News - 29 February
  Newcastle University discovers chromosomes ends are sensitive…
- Immortal worms defy ageing - Press release - 28 February
  Researchers demonstrate how a species of flatworm overcomes ageing…
- Financial sanctions for not fulfilling grant terms and conditions - News - 28 February
  BBSRC reserves the right to impose financial sanctions…
- BBSRC Annual Report and Accounts published - News - 28 February
  Annual Report and Accounts for 2010-2011 have been officially published today…
- BBSRC funding at forefront of fight against livestock disease - News - 27 February
  IAH contributes to national response to Schmallenberg threat…
- Joining forces to defeat wheat disease - Feature - 24 February
  UK-South Africa collaboration to tackle global threat…
- Micronutrients prior to pregnancy affect offspring - News - 24 February
  Scientists find that micronutrients affect methylation…
- Farm ‘weeds’ have crucial role in sustainable agriculture - Press release - 24 February
  Plants often regarded as common weeds such as thistles, buttercups…
- Bugs from space offer new source of power - Press release - 22 February
  Bacteria 30km above earth highly efficient generators of electricity…
- Welsh Language Scheme Consultation - News - 21 February
  RCUK have prepared a draft Welsh Language Scheme in accordance…
- 2012 BBSRC Innovator of the Year finalists announced - News - 21 February
  Nine shortlisted finalists announced for Innovator of the Year 2012…
- New synthetic biology project could herald cheaper and more efficient biotechnology - Press release - 21 February
  New technique for ‘clicking’ DNA and RNA segments together…
- High-definition polarization vision discovered in cuttlefish - Press release - 21 February
  Cuttlefish have the most acute polarization vision in animals…
- Synthetic protein amplifies genes needed for stem cells - Press release - 17 February
  Scientists find way to generate and maintain stem cells efficiently…
- Using microscopy to understand wound healing - Feature - 17 February
  Improving our understanding of how the human body heals itself…
- Man-made photosynthesis to revolutionise food and energy production - Press release - 17 February
  BBSRC funded research could see us bottling the sun's energy…
- New research to help eliminate most common food poisoning bug - Press release - 15 February
  New research funded by BBSRC and world-leading poultry breeding…
- Diagnostics for viruses step closer to reality - Press release - 15 February
  Researchers at University of Leeds have developed a new technique…
- New guidance on bioinformatics funding published - News - 15 February
  Statement helps researchers identify right council to apply to…
- New international plant science network will boost collaborative research - News - 13 February
  New European Commission-funded network to coordinate plant…
- Minister launches next generation of supercomputers for UK researchers - Press release - 13 February
  Funded by four RCUK Councils at The University of Edinburgh…
- £7M public funding available for research to deliver better fruit and veg - Press release - 9 February
  New initiative to bring academic researchers together with industry…
- Call for membership of BBSRC Strategy Advisory Panels - News - 6 February
  We are looking to appoint high calibre, individuals from…
- Changes to the BBSRC website - News - 2 February
  We are giving a modern look to our home page and impact section…
- Scientist warns of new MRSA threat - Press release - 2 February
  Emergence of a new MRSA bacterium in the United States …
- Study asks whether the equine industry needs a biobank - Press release - 1 February
  To make the most of advancing genomic technologies…
January
- Protein study gives fresh impetus in fight against superbugs - Press release - 31 January
  How superbugs such as MRSA become resistant to treatment…
- Cutting off the oxygen supply to serious diseases - Press release - 31 January
  Family of proteins which regulate human body's 'hypoxic response'…
- New international standards to aid data sharing - Press release - 30 January
  Collaborative effort provides way for scientists to co-ordinate…
- Big score for British biofuel technology - Feature - 27 January
  Insight, know-how & collaboration lead to multi-million deal…
- Scientists reveal how cholera bacterium gains a foothold in the gut - Press release - 27 January
  Discovery could help scientists target treatments for the disease…
- How to make better vaccines for humans and animals - Press release - 26 January
  Scientists at IAH discover why some vaccines are not as effective…
- £67M investment in bioscience skills and training to help meet economic and social challenges for the future - Press release - 24 January
  David Willetts announces BBSRC investment in bioscience training…
- PBL issued with pioneering patent - News - 24 January
  Patent describes inducing gene silencing in plants and animals…
- Genetic study offers clues to how intelligence changes through life - Press release - 19 January
  Genetic factors may account for 24% of changes in intelligence…
- Roslin BioCentre strikes innovation deal in Scotland - News - 18 January
  New commercial venture to develop site donated by big pharma…
- Breeding better grasses for food and fuel - Press release - 17 January
  Family of genes may help us breed grasses with improved properties…
- New Year Honours 2012 - News - 16 January
  The following were announced in the New Year’s Honours list 2012...
- Scientists shed new light on link between ‘killer cells’ and diabetes - Press release - 16 January
  Killer T-cells can inadvertently destroy cells that produce insulin…
- New tool puts plant hormone under surveillance - Press release - 16 January
  Sensor developed that allows auxin to be visualised in plant tissues…
- Vitamin D could combat the effects of ageing in eyes - Press release - 16 January
  Vitamin D reduces ageing effects in mouse eyes and improves vision…
- Discovery of plant ‘nourishing gene’ brings hope for increased crop seed yield and food security - Press release - 13 January
  University of Warwick, with the University of Oxford, identify gene…
- Predators hunt for a balanced diet - Press release - 12 January
  University of Exeter and Oxford-led study shows for the first time that…
- On the road to Rio - Feature - 11 January
  Encouraging collaboration and investment in UK science…
- From flies to fetal viability - Feature - 11 January
  BBSRC-funded research on insect flight leads to better fertility…
- New pathogen resource launched - Press release - 10 January
  PhytoPath, a collaboration between EMBL-EBI and Rothamsted…
- Hidden genetic variants revealed by new computational technique - Press release - 10 January
  Problem of sheer scale of genome sequencing solved…
- How poor maternal diet can increase risk of diabetes – new mechanism discovered - Press release - 6 January
  diet in the womb leads to problems storing fats in later life…
- World-class facilities for virus research - Feature - 5 January
  IAH's new high-tech interim laboratory is packed with…
- BBSRC Impact Report 2011 highlights impacts in food security and innovation - News - 4 January
  To ensure that our research can deliver benefits for the UK…

News archive: 2012

May

April

March

February

January