Animal research

News

Latest news on animal research at the University.

Bees use antennae to decode hive mates’ dances

Scientists have discovered how honeybees can decipher dances by their hive mates that relay directions to food.

Songbird reference genome aids avian research 

A white-crowned sparrow stands on stony soil.
Researchers have developed a standard DNA code for a species of wild bird, to support studies in avian biology. 

Facility aids research on diseases of aquaculture species 

A prawn in the Roslin Institute aquatic invertebrate aquarium.
Specialist aquarium enables research towards managing common infections in prawns, oysters, mussels and more. 

West Nile virus study sheds light on mitigating outbreaks

Mapping development of mosquito-borne virus offers clarity on managing risk of infections.

Rapid blood test detects prion infections

Magnified image of brain tissue showing prion deposition
Researchers adapt testing platform to develop rapid, reliable blood test for misfolded protein infections.

Modified surgery resolves cattle neuromuscular condition 

White male cattle stand in a green field.
Farm specialists develop speedy, simplified method of surgery to treat disorder affecting hind limbs. 

Data reveals genetic diversity in horses' immune systems

Insights into the genetic makeup of horses point to a wide variety of newly discovered immune-related genes to identify and fight disease.

£3.3m award supports research into tackling bird flu 

A colony of gannets is seen nesting on Bass Rock in Scotland.
Next phase of UK collaboration builds on discoveries around disease immunity, transmission and evolution. 

Gene-edited chickens in fight against bird flu

Two identical white chickens pictured against a grey background
Scientists have used gene editing techniques to identify and change parts of chicken DNA that could limit the spread of the bird flu virus in the animals.

French bulldogs puppies prone to elbow fractures 

A brown French bulldog puppy stands in an urban park, looking to the left.
Breed’s risk of front limb injury in first year of life may be linked to common bone fissures, scans suggest. 

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