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.
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.
New method aids study of poultry infections
A method of sampling tissue could aid research into therapies for chicken lung diseases.
Resilience to bovine TB traced to key genes
Scientists have identified regions in the cow genetic makeup linked with resilience to tuberculosis disease.
Antibiotic resistance surprisingly stable in pigs
Antimicrobial resistance gene counts did not change in response to antibiotic treatment.
Steroids could impair defence against coronavirus
Steroids should be avoided in the treatment of the current novel coronavirus, experts have advised.
Gene networks lend insight into cancer virus
Computer modelling of gene interactions has shed new light on how human genes respond to a virus that causes cancer.
Farm data capture tool will benefit Ugandan pig farmers
PigBoost tool will enable sustainable data-driven decisions to improve Uganda’s pig production, health, and welfare.
£7m award aids farming in challenging landscapes
Scientists are collaborating to develop improved breeding selection of small ruminants in tough conditions.
Cow gut study could help tackle disease
A common, chronic gut disease in ruminants will be the focus of a £1 million study.
Roslin scientist appointed Order of the British Empire
Professor Helen Sang has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.
Livestock farms could benefit from genome editing
Animal breeding could become more efficient with an approach that combines DNA-editing techniques with new reproductive technologies.
Pupils monitor their bees’ health in the lab
Young beekeepers use lab techniques to investigate parasites in their own bees at Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre.
Genetic clues of TB spread revealed
Tuberculosis in cattle and badgers passes between members of the same species at least twice as often than between cow and badger.
Agrifood research could benefit African countries
Research event on our campus spurs ideas for collective action to improve food production in African countries.
Members of the Scottish Parliament praise Roslin
Strong contributions of the Roslin Institute to the rural economy and gender balance were praised during a debate.
Bacteria overcome hurdles to jump between species
The remarkable ability of some bacteria to transfer from one species to another has been highlighted by a novel study method.
Research hotel hosts future One Health scientists
European Master students are learning lab skills in Roslin Innovation Centre’s labs.
Chicken gene find could help improve vaccines
The discovery of a gene active in specialised chicken gut cells paves the way for studies investigating better design of vaccines.
Dog study links genetics to behavioural traits
Complex behaviours in dogs are influenced by genetics, research has found.
Climate resilience of farm animals linked to genes
Breeding for goats resilient to climate change could be aided by a gene study.
Lung cancer gene study may enable diagnostic tests
A genetic study of lung cancer in sheep could lead to earlier diagnosis of the disease in sheep and people.
Livestock research focus at international event
Scientists, industry representatives and policymakers meet to define research priorities in livestock production.
Social network insights could aid pig welfare
Better understanding of the social and genetic factors linked to harmful aggressive behaviour in pig pens could lead to improved management.
Protein has crucial role in hardening of arteries
Research led by Roslin scientists highlights a key protein linked to the formation of hardened arteries and the mechanisms behind this.
Scottish Parliament celebrates gender equality work
Reception at Scottish Parliament highlights University of Edinburgh’s international work on advancing gender equality in science.
Stem cell partnership paves way to new therapies
Collaboration aims at producing off-the-shelf stem cells for more efficient and less costly regenerative treatments in horses.
Research into pig disease inspires UK campaign
Scientists’ predictions of the potential impact of a UK outbreak of African swine fever inform a national campaign.
Good moods found to be infectious among rodents
Rats can anticipate a positive experience and their excitement is shared by others around them.
Stem cell studies pave way to leaner livestock
A research partnership with industry is using pig stem cells to research muscle and fat development, towards producing leaner meats.
Celebrating two years of research and innovation
Two years on, Roslin Innovation Centre is home to 23 tenants and hosts collaboration in animal sciences, agritech and One Health.
Dolly named in world top 10 biotech projects
We are celebrating this announcement by looking at present and future research stemming from Dolly the Sheep.
Climate lessons could aid antibiotics challenge
Rising antimicrobial resistance, fuelled by overuse of treatments, could be curbed with a framework inspired by climate change targets.
Insights into hunger will aid poultry welfare
Scientists are to examine how experience of stress impacts on the development of brain processes linked to appetite in birds.
Award recognises impact of rabies work
The University of Edinburgh has honoured Professor Richard Mellanby with the Chancellor’s Award for Impact.
Emergence of bacterial disease potentiated by toxin
A toxin produced by E. coli bacteria is responsible for the emergence of a life-threatening disease in people.
Next phase for hedgehog-friendly campus plans
Efforts are ongoing to make the Easter Bush campus a place where hedgehogs can safely feed, shelter and breed.
Animal welfare event focuses on emotions
Insights into how animals experience feelings and emotions will be explored in talks, discussions and tours at a public event
Surrogacy advance could aid rare chicken breeds
Infertile hens have been used to carry eggs containing other breeds, in a development using gene editing.
Researchers foster ideas for large animal studies
Scientific and medical experts are considering possible projects for the forthcoming Large Animal Research and Imaging Facility.
Global livestock centre marks five-year milestone
Researchers at the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health reflect on the first five years and plan for the future.
New agreement to develop E. coli vaccine
A new collaboration agreement has been signed to develop a vaccine to prevent life-threatening diseases in people.
Fellowship supports research into birth defects
National award recognises work towards understanding tissue fusion in embryonic development.
Sheep study lends insight into gene variation
Novel analysis gives insights into how gene activity can help us understand how genetic differences inherited from each parent influence important traits in animals.
Innovative science PhD programmes announced
Programme in one health models of disease is one of four PhD University of Edinburgh programmes to be awarded funding by Wellcome.
Veterinary vaccine development aided by new website
The UK Immunological Toolbox website is now live to promote veterinary immunology and vaccinology research.
Pioneering patient study celebrated at sepsis event
DNA samples from patients affected by sepsis could help scientists identify genes linked to the condition.
Identification of prion diseases aided by novel marker
Differentiation between brain diseases could be aided by detection of a novel protein, scientists discovered.
$3 million grant to tackle costly pig virus
Research funding will help to understand how one of the world's most costly animal diseases spreads.
Model predicts vaccine effectiveness in animals
A new epidemiological model predicts the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing or eliminating infectious diseases in livestock.
Sheep research could aid insights into childhood dementia
A new research approach could help progress towards therapies for a devastating childhood illness.
Cows, coughs and genome editing
School pupils take part in a hands-on workshop to learn how gene editing could help tackle a highly contagious bovine virus.
Cow gut DNA study could help improve meat and dairy
Scientists discovered thousands of microbes in cows’ stomachs which could improve meat and dairy yields, and cows’ health.
Free kit helps children conduct science experiments
A free scientific toolkit for the classroom, already used by hundreds of children in Scotland, is available for download.
Our campus will create a wildlife haven for hedgehogs
An initiative to protect hedgehogs has been launched at the Easter Bush Campus.
World Zoonoses Day: diseases that spread from animals to people
Investigating superbugs, flu, malaria, rabies and tuberculosis.
Widely available antibiotics could target common strains of superbug
A combination of antibiotics and a drug used to treat kidney infections could effectively treat a common superbug and limit the impact of antibiotic resistance.
Rats associate a smell with a positive experience
Researchers have discovered how to use smell to produce a positive emotional state in animals - by tickling rats.
New grant to investigate drug resistance in serious African cattle disease
A £1.75M grant will support research to uncover mechanisms of drug resistance in African livestock trypanosomes, transmitted by tsetse flies.
Video: Tools for genetic gains of breeding programs
Converging plant and animal breeding could more than double the rates of genetic gain of breeding programs.
Eye disease patients to benefit from chicken study
Childhood eye disease patients could benefit from insights revealed in new chicken study.
Gene-edited chicken cells resist bird flu virus
Scientists have used gene-editing techniques to stop the bird flu virus from spreading in chicken cells grown in the lab.
Genetic selection and editing could improve animal fitness
Genetic selection and editing to remove errors may help to improve fitness of livestock populations, computer simulation suggests.
Animal genetics open to debate at events this summer
We’re taking our science on the road to discuss the potential of animal genetics and celebrate 100 years of animal genetics in Edinburgh.
How the brain normally ages
Study looking into how the brain normally ages paves the way to research into neurodegenerative diseases.
How genetics could help our honey bees
Scientists have been mapping the genetic make-up of bees and organisms living inside them to keep them safe from disease.
Dog DNA find could aid breathing problems
Scientists have discovered a DNA mutation linked to breathing problems in popular dog breeds.
Gut worms may hinder the spread of prions to the brain
Study of an infectious brain condition that destroys nerve cells helps to explain why some individuals may be at more risk than others.
Inspiring future women scientists in Africa
The Roslin public engagement team went to Kenya to train scientists to engage school girls with science.
Over 100 years of bird flu and human pandemic
Human pandemic by new bird flu viruses is a continuing threat, but control measures can minimise the risks, scientists say.
The genetics of Scottish red deer immunology
Genetic variation of Scottish red deer populations may indicate they are healthy but can be at risk of new diseases.
Propensity to transmit diseases depends on genes
The genetic propensity of animals to transmit diseases affects survival in populations during epidemics, study shows.
Chief Medical Officer visits sepsis research team
Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, Dr Cath Calderwood, visited The Roslin Institute to discuss our research into sepsis.
World Veterinary Day – celebrating the value of vaccination
Vaccines for rabies, chicken disease, cattle, E. coli and more at The Roslin Institute and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.
Genome sequencing lab awarded international quality stamp
Edinburgh Genomics has received an accreditation to mark the quality of its genome sequencing services.
How vitamin D affects the immune system
Scientists have uncovered fresh insights into how vitamin D affects the immune system and might influence susceptibility to diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
European consortium to ensure safer and healthier fish
New European research consortium will use next-generation breeding technology to produce safer, healthier and resource-efficient farmed fish.
Oral dog vaccine could help beat rabies
Millions of street dogs could be vaccinated by using an oral dog vaccine for rabies hidden in food, research suggests.
Easter Bush Campus wins sustainability & social responsibility awards
The University of Edinburgh recognised our Campus for its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
Sepsis study to investigate the role of genes
Scientists will investigate the role genes play during sepsis infection thanks to funding from Sepsis Research.
Study of gene linked to blindness helps Border collie breeders
A study that identified a gene linked to blindness in Border collies has led to a new genetic test for the condition.
Roslin science in verse
Poems by Roslin scientists about our research on viruses, chickens, bees, genome sequencing and more for World Poetry Day.
Gene study set to investigate how flu jumps species
New study will identify genes that reduce Influenza A infection in pigs and chickens, and genes that limit the spread of the virus to people.
Roslin scientists will support women agricultural scientists in Ethiopia
Scientists at The Roslin Institute will support new African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) fellows in Ethiopia.
Roslin Director is awarded the Ronald Ross medal
Professor Eleanor Riley has been awarded the 2019 Ronald Ross medal for her research in malaria immunology and contributions to Africa.
People choose romantic partners with similar lifespan
People tend to unwittingly choose a life partner with a comparable life expectancy, research suggests.
How bird feathers form in wave-like motion
Scientists have revealed how bird feathers form in a wave-like motion, which could help cool birds.
Protein supports embryo cell survival under metabolic stress
Journal front-cover study identifies a novel protein in mice that may support embryo cell survival during its very first days of existence.
Aquaculture genetics consortium set to tackle industry challenges
Major new aquaculture genetics consortium aims to take a leap forward in stock improvement of vital UK species.
Survey to gauge public opinion on gene-edited meat
Researchers launch a survey for people to share their views on the use of gene-editing in animals through an online survey.
Deforestation linked to changes in spread of infectious diseases
Deforestation and land use changes impact the spread of infectious diseases, research suggests.
Lung tissue forms immune cell hubs when needed
Research uncovers how lung tissue is remodelled to support an immune response to influenza.
Survey for dairy farmers in effort to improve diagnostic techniques for cattle
Scientists launch a survey for dairy farmers to inform research studies aiming at improving diagnostics for cattle pregnancy and disease.
Sheep with higher vitamin D levels give birth to heavier lambs
Researchers explored the link between vitamin D levels and health outcomes in Scottish hill sheep.
World Cancer Day: tackling cancer at Roslin
Work at the Institute sheds light on how human cancers develop and how to treat them as well as our susceptibility to cancer.
Hen eggs with human proteins offer drug hope
Chickens that are genetically modified to produce human proteins in their eggs can offer a cost-effective method of producing drugs.
A new high quality reference genome for water buffalo
Researchers have created a new high quality water buffalo genome assembly, which surpasses that of the human and goat assemblies in contiguity.
Long-read DNA analysis can give rise to errors
Advanced technologies that read long strings of DNA can produce flawed data that could affect genetic studies, experts warn.
Scottish consortiums take giant leap forward for salmon gill health
The two consortiums will help to understand and prevent diseases affecting farmed salmon.
Members of the Scottish Parliament visit the Institute
Richard Leonard MSP and Rhoda Grant MSP visited us to learn about the research conducted at the Institute.
Beekeeping citizen science
Roslin scientists ran a beekeeping citizen science workshop at Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre.
Animal lovers' empathy may be hardwired in their DNA
Scientists have uncovered a genetic difference in people who show greater compassion for animals.
News archive
Previous news articles from The Roslin Institute by year.