Latest news

The latest news from The Roslin Institute.

To learn more about the work and life of our scientists, please see our series of interviews in the Meet Our Scientists pages. We also post our news on Facebook and Twitter and you can subscribe to our newsletter.

For press enquiries please contact the Press Office via email or +44 (0)131 650 9547.

Adaptability of bird flu poses threat to poultry

Insight into avian virus highlights its potential to infect commercial flocks.

Stem cell approach to aid vaccine development

Method of producing blood cells will provide platform to aid development of vaccines against deadly infections in pigs.

Experts warn of second Covid-19 peak in winter

A combination of environmental factors plus pressure on healthcare provision could lead to a further spike in cases.

Cattle health resource supports livestock research

A free database and biobank on cattle health developed from research in Western Kenya will support further studies.

Monitoring wildlife could limit risk of pandemics

Surveillance of potentially infectious organisms in wild animals and wildlife products could help limit the likelihood of emerging diseases.

DNA insights could help breed healthier pigs

The most accurate map of the genetic code of pigs ever produced paves the way to more precise agriculture and biomedical research.

Testing system to trace Covid-19 via wastewater

Scientists join UK project developing methods to track local outbreaks of coronavirus via sewage.

Studies highlight role of skin in fly-borne disease

Research underlines the importance of the route of infection for sleeping sickness parasites.

Home DNA test data sought for Covid-19 study

People who have used genetic tests at home are being asked to join research to boost coronavirus fight.

DNA insights could aid small-scale poultry farmers

New findings about viral regions in the DNA of chickens could aid productivity for smallholder farms in developing countries.

Fight against common flu aided by gene discovery

New treatments for flu could emerge from find of human genes targeted by flu viruses.

Face coverings can cut risk of coronavirus spread

A range of face masks could all potentially help reduce Covid-19 transmission, a study shows.

Atlas of cattle genes sheds light on key traits

A revised catalogue of cattle DNA highlights genes linked to important livestock characteristics.

Campus volunteers support Covid-19 research

Staff volunteers provide essential administrative support to research involving all UK coronavirus patients in intensive care.

Genetics of Covid-19 patients is focus of study

Research into the genetic code of Covid-19 patients could help predict severity of the disease.

Data method seeks weak spots in coronavirus genome

Machine learning algorithms can identify areas of coronavirus genetic makeup that could be the focus of potential treatments.

Scottish funding supports Roslin Covid-19 work

Research on the transmission of the coronavirus, critical aspects of the disease and 3D printing of bespoke PPE receive Scottish Government funding.

Roslin broadens research tackling Covid-19

Roslin scientists are contributing to meeting the challenge of the current coronavirus outbreak.

Venture platform aims to build agritech start-ups

Partnership seeks to create ambitious companies in animal health, agritech and aquaculture.

Obesity impacts on Covid-19 recovery prospects

Large-scale study finds obesity is linked to increased risk of immune over-reaction.

Covid-19 tracker helps visualise cases in Scotland

An online platform developed by Roslin scientists tracks the progress of Covid-19 across Scotland.

Genetics expertise could transform fish production

A recent review of research highlights how genetics can support development of sustainable aquaculture for global food security.

Chicken study probes resistance to food bug

Receiving gut microbes from resistant chickens does not lessen chickens’ susceptibility to bacterium that causes food poisoning.

Low-cost method helps tackle sea lice in salmon

Breeding salmon with improved genetic resistance to a common pest is possible by using a cost-efficient technique.

Roslin scientist discusses career in immunology

The video of Professor Jayne Hope’s inaugural lecture on ‘TB or not TB? The fight for immunity’ is now live.

£5m Covid-19 study seeks to understand virus impact

Roslin researcher leads study to examine the effect of coronavirus infection.

Roslin science for World Poetry Day

Poems written by our scientists about their research on viruses, wildlife conservation and dogs

Gut infection can speed development of brain diseases

Infections in the gut can accelerate the onset of degenerative conditions.

Facility to boost research into animal and human health

Large Animal Research and Imaging Facility builds on animal science expertise at Easter Bush campus.

Survey could help improve cattle disease tests

Effective use of existing farm diagnostic tools and more accurate tests could help identify early stage disease, a survey found.

New conference to focus on agricultural genomics

The global conference will explore opportunities for innovation in agriculture.

Imperfect vaccines limit spread of poultry disease

Leaky vaccines can help prevent transmission of Marek’s disease, chicken study finds.

Gene linked to bone strength in egg-laying hens

Bone strength in chickens that produce eggs could be improved thanks to discovery of a key gene.

Comic book teaches livestock genetics to children

A comic book inspires young people about the role of genetics research in improving milk production in sub-Saharan Africa.

Director steps down as head of Roslin Institute

Professor Bruce Whitelaw will serve as Interim Director of the Roslin Institute.

Fish resistance to lethal virus linked to genetics

Resistance to a deadly disease in Tilapia fish is mainly caused by genetic differences between families of the same fish.

Roslin scientists support work to tackle coronavirus

Roslin scientists are contributing to meeting the challenge of the current coronavirus outbreak.

Test offers fast insight into chicken immunity

Gene activity in blood samples can be used to show individual birds’ response against common diseases.

Immune cell insights could aid flu vaccine design

Understanding the role played by a key immune cell could inform the development of vaccines.

Future of livestock production in the spotlight

Scientists and industry experts examined the need and scope for change in the livestock sector in response to increasing societal and environmental challenges.