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.

Sustainable lab scheme cuts plastic waste and costs

Reduction and reuse approach could reduce the amount of plastic discarded in a lab by 500kg a year.

Study could help breed healthier Ethiopian poultry

Genetic insights will help develop disease-resistant, more resilient and productive sub-Saharan African chickens.

Genome explains differences in wild and farmed salmon

Structural differences in salmon genomes affecting brain genes may explain behavioural changes between wild and domesticated populations.

Study offers insights into common human infection

Understanding of a widespread herpes virus is aided by genetic discoveries about its interaction with immune proteins.

Gene-editing tool to speed disease studies in fish

Fast, simple method efficiently edits the genetic makeup of cells of important aquaculture species.

Prediction tool could help control bird flu

A $3 million study aims to develop computer models to forecast and control avian influenza outbreaks.

Gene findings could help treat costly poultry virus

The discovery of regions of chicken DNA linked with resistance to Marek’s disease virus could inform ways to help tackle it.

Domestication insight could aid livestock development

The genetic makeup of water buffalo and cattle responded to breeding for human use in similar ways, study shows.

Solar farm to generate green power on campus

Five hectares of panels will generate 15 percent of required power, equivalent to that needed to fuel 500 homes.

Livestock surrogates successfully made fertile

Fertility of mammals can be restored as they produce sperm derived from donors, research shows.

African schools outreach scheme on prize shortlist

The Roslin team with the IVVN African Schools Outreach Programme team.

Programme of workshops to engage African girls with science in the running for Nature Research Award

Researcher honoured for work on cattle disease

Roslin scientist awarded inaugural RCVS Knowledge Plowright Prize for research to combat East Coast Fever.

Stem cell study could curb need for animal tissue

Insights into pig blood cell development could help limit the use of animals for research.

Modelling tool could predict pig development

Computer models will be developed to forecast how different pigs grow in diverse conditions.

Surrogacy method to aid welfare in poultry research

Frozen reproductive cells hatched by surrogate hens will support the formation of a chicken biobank for breeds of chicken used in research.

Brain study uncovers key to seasonal timing

A binary switch in the brain regulates the biological changes needed for seasonal living, research has found.

Genetic insight holds promise of Covid-19 vaccine

Detailed knowledge of the genetic code of the novel coronavirus could support efforts to develop a vaccine.

Immune cell ageing reversed by young microbes

M cells in intestines of young and aged mice

Microbial stimulation can overturn age-related decline in cells that are key to fighting infection, a study in mice shows.

Experts are upbeat about quest for Covid treatment

Scientists join a multi-million euro consortium seeking treatments for Covid-19 and are optimistic.

Masks can block 99.9% of Covid-linked droplets

Wearing a face mask significantly lowers the risk of spreading Covid-19 to others through speaking and coughing, study suggests.

Low risk of contracting Covid from human waste

Coronavirus not easily spread through contact with feces or urine, studies show.

Mandela award recognises livestock work

Professor Appolinaire Djikeng receives the Nelson Mandela Justice award by the UNESCO Center for Peace.

Scientists seek test for cattle parasite infection

Backing from biotech company Roslin Technologies supports work towards tool to detect trypanosomiasis.

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.