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.
For news stories from past years please visit our archive.
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.
2018 at The Roslin Institute
A busy year filled with news-worthy research, awards, scientific and public events, training courses and more.
Students get stuck into workshops at Science Outreach Centre
Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre gives school pupils and community groups hands-on experience in a real laboratory setting.
The genes linked to red hair
Scientists have discovered genes linked to red hair, helping to solve a mystery of how redheads inherit their flaming locks.
New award boosts research into intestinal disease
New half million pound project may help to develop new therapeutics to treat certain intestinal diseases.
Visit to India focus on data-driven innovation
Data-driven innovation in healthcare and agritech are the focus of visit by Scottish Government and Universities to India.
Study could explain higher rates of human E. coli infection in Scotland
A subtype of E. coli O157 found in cattle may be responsible for higher rates of severe human infection in Scotland, report suggests.
Gene study boosts bid to keep British bees safe from disease
Researchers mapped the entire make-up of honey bees in the UK and the organisms that live inside them.
Active immune system worsening liver disease in dogs
A new study has found that the high concentration of ammonia in dogs with liver disease causes increased levels of inflammation.
Tumour immune cells could aid cancer therapies
A pioneering technique designed to identify the range of immune cells in a tumour could speed the development of cancer treatments.
First Minister opens innovation hub on campus
Nicola Sturgeon has formally opened the Roslin Innovation Centre on Easter Bush Campus and visited the Science Outreach Centre.
App to combat rabies reaches over 1.5 million entries
Mission Rabies app - used to direct teams in numerous rabies control campaigns - has reached over 1.5 million data entries in 16 countries.
Global bid to decode DNA of all life on Earth
Experts have joined a bid to examine the genetic code of all 1.5 million animals, plants and other forms of life on Earth.
Baby-naming trends reveal ongoing quest for individuality
Choosing a baby's name that is distinctive is becoming harder, research reveals.
Briefing on African Swine Fever
Roslin scientists provide information on this contagious and untreatable virus that is affecting pig populations globally.
Vaccine shows promise against widespread chicken disease
A new vaccine strategy could offer protection to millions of chickens threatened by a serious respiratory disease.
Open Day embraces scientists of all ages
Easter Bush Campus Open Day drew nearly 800 people to meet researchers and vets and learn about their work in animal health and genetics.
New Gene ATLAS to facilitate search within UK Biobank
Scientists have developed an atlas of genetic associations with data from over 452,000 individuals.
Comment on BSE case in Aberdeenshire
Following recent reports of a case of BSE at a farm in Aberdeeenshire, Professor Neil Mabbott provides information about the disease.
Diversity is key for sustainable chicken farming in Ethiopia
Adopting a more local and flexible approach could be key to boosting small-scale chicken production in Ethiopia, study finds.
Scientific breakthrough could explain how superbugs rapidly evolve
New study reveals how bacteria evolve rapidly and will help to understand how they become antibiotic resistant.
Step-forward in deciphering how our genes are controlled
A protein (CFP1) known to regulate a class of genes also targets another, unexpected class of genes, to switch them on, scientists found.
Collaboration to support fish breeding in Brazil
Vito Mastrochirico Filho is visiting us from Brazil to develop tools for improvement of native fish species in Brazil for the first time.
Dr Pip Beard is awarded prestigious Lectureship and medal
Dr Pip Beard has been awarded the 2018 Journal of Comparative Pathology Plenary Lectureship and J. McFadyean medal.
Novel method to monitor blood flow in pregnant pigs
Scientists developed new ultrasound method to monitor umbilical blood flow in the pig at multiple stages of pregnancy.
Body's stem cells could be used to treat bacterial infection
Scientists found that Mesenchymal Stem Cells from horses naturally produce molecules that can fight bacterial infection.
Predicting lifelong health and productivity of cattle
Scientists found that microRNA levels in the blood could be used to predict the future health and productivity of dairy cattle.
Prestigious fellowship to investigate Influenza A virus
Dr Elly Gaunt has been awarded a Sir Henry Dale Fellowship of over a million pounds to investigate Influenza A virus.
Times Higher Education nomination for metagenomics research
Research into metagenomics and methane emissions has been shortlisted for a Times Higher Education award.
New videos: Genetic modification for animal health
Researchers at The Roslin Institute explain what transgenesis is and its potential applications for animal health.
Imaging advance to speed quest for cell therapies
Cancer treatments that involve transplanting cells into patients could move forward faster thanks to a new imaging system.
Superbug discovery renews hope for antibiotic treatment
Bacteria that were thought to be resistant to a powerful antibiotic may be susceptible to treatment after all, research has found.
Midlothian Council visit the Institute to discuss research and outreach
Midlothian Council representatives visit the Institute to see how research and public outreach can benefit the region and local communities.
Gene expression response to sea lice in salmon skin
Scientists have identified gene expression responses that may help understand why some salmon are more resistant to sea lice than others.
Video: Prions - ninja pathogens and immune system hijackers
Professor Neil Mabbott shows how prions exploit the immune system to infect the body and how to stop them from causing brain disease.
Edinburgh to host World One Health Congress
Edinburgh secures prestigious "World One Health Congress" in 2020, following a competitive bid process.
Principal's Medal for Roslin team
Leaders of The Roslin Institute’s Athena SWAN application win 2018 Principal’s Medals of the University of Edinburgh.
Ideas Become Legend: achievements with an impact
This week we are taking part in the VisitScotland’s Legends campaign, showcasing Edinburgh’s strength in the life sciences section.
Partnership boosts cystic fibrosis therapy bid
Experts at Edinburgh are teaming up with leading figures from industry to advance development of a gene therapy for cystic fibrosis.
New blood test for liver disease in dogs
Dogs set to benefit from simple blood test to spot liver disease.
New video: Gus McFarlane on the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editor
An animation to show how the genome editing tool CRISPR works.
Science Insights for 40 high school pupils
High school pupils spent a week at all five research institutes of the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.
UK's Chief Veterinary Officer visits the Institute
Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief spokesperson on animal health and welfare issues, visited the Institute to hear about our research.
Sad news: Paul Hocking
We are sad to announce that our former colleague Paul Hocking passed away on 26 July 2018.
New videos: Advantages and potential of gene editing
Researchers at The Roslin Institute explain what gene editing is, how it works and the advantages of using this tool.
Gene study pinpoints superbug link between people and animals
The study revealed that each time the bacteria jumps species, it acquires new genes that enable it to survive in its new host.
New video: Dr Simon Lillico on uses of gene editing
In this new video and animation, Dr Simon Lillico explains how gene editing was used to make pigs resistant to billion dollar disease.
Gene-edited pigs are resistant to billion dollar virus, study finds
Scientists have produced pigs that can resist one of the world's most costly animal diseases, by changing their genetic code.
Importance of livestock-derived foods in the first 1,000 days of life
The report highlights that there is great potential for food produced from livestock to contribute to better health in low-income populations.
Martin Whitfield MP visits the Institute and Science Outreach Centre
Martin Whitfield MP was shown the work conducted at The Roslin Institute and the Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre.
Carnevale at The Roslin Institute
The exhibit "CARNEVALE" by artist Andrea Roe, which explores pigs' enthusiasm for investigative play, is now at The Roslin Institute.
Members of the Scottish Parliament visit the Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre
Liz Smith MSP and Oliver Mundell MSP visited the Institute to learn how we connect school pupils with our research via our Outreach Centre.
Gene expression and sex differences
New study explores sex differences in the expression of genes which are involved in the control of food intake and body weight in chickens.
Royal visit to Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited the new Science Outreach Centre on our campus, meeting our staff, students and visiting school pupils.
Workshop shows commitment to make Goa rabies free
First Stepwise Approach to Rabies Elimination Workshop in India shows commitment of the Government of Goa towards rabies freedom.
Royal launch for new sculpture and buildings on Campus
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited our Campus for the launch of a sculpture by the creator of The Kelpies and new buildings.
New poultry facility in Ethiopia explores genetic diversity
Art and science unite to serve Ethiopian farmers — "Incubated Worlds" explores genetic diversity of poultry to boost nutrition and incomes.
Key drivers of the immune response of wild animals
Scientists identified the most important factors in allowing an animal to withstand infection and disease.
Dolly scientist backs drive to tackle Parkinson's
Professor Sir Ian Wilmut – who led the team that created Dolly the sheep – has backed an initiative to tackle Parkinson’s disease, after being diagnosed with the condition.
Egg study may improve food safety
Scientists are leading research to minimise the spread of bacterial diseases such as E.coli in eggs.
Pathway modelling helps understand structure and function of biological systems
New pathway modelling approach combines biologist-friendly graphical notation system, flow simulation algorithm and advanced visualisations.
UKRI-BBSRC Council members appointed
Council members of BBSRC have been confirmed by the board of UK Research and Innovation.
The animal feelgood factor
New research investigates connections between animals’ emotions and welfare.
DNA study of cow stomachs could aid meat and dairy production
Meat and milk production from cattle could one day be boosted, thanks to analysis of microbes in cows’ stomachs.
Miles Briggs MSP visits Edinburgh Genomics at The Roslin Institute
Miles Briggs MSP visited The Roslin Institute and the Edinburgh Genomics next generation sequencing facility to underline his support for advanced genomics technologies.
New grant to improve hen health and productivity
Scientists at Roslin and two other institutions receive funding from FFAR to improve health and productivity of egg-laying hens.
Novel sequencing approach to study Salmonella survival in cattle
Researchers have developed a new sequencing method to study the survival of different Salmonella serovars simultaneously in cattle.
Bill Gates and Secretary of State visited the Easter Bush Campus
The event included showcasing of work on improving livestock production in Africa and the announcement of a £4 million boost from the UK Government.
Cabinet Secretary visits Edinburgh Genomics at The Roslin Institute
Shona Robison MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, visited Edinburgh Genomics at The Roslin Institute.
Improving vaccines for the elderly by blocking inflammation
By studying skin immunity decline in old age, researchers found that an anti-inflammatory pill could help make vaccines more effective in the elderly.
Volunteers sought in hunt for genes linked to severe flu cases
Volunteers are being invited to take part in a flu study to understand why some people are more susceptible to the virus than others.
News archive
Previous news articles from The Roslin Institute by year.