Drones to scatter seeds over wildfire damaged land in Lochaber
Loch Abar Mòr was launched last year and is a partnership involving land managers, rural businesses and communities.It was set up with aims of restoring natural habitats over the next 50 years, and boosting social and economic opportunities in Lochaber.Seeds from the Sky is one of its latest projects.A spokesperson said: "We aim to accelerate native woodland regeneration through drone seeding, and to enable natural processes to drive distribution patterns. "Native tree seeds will be collected by volunteers, prepared for sowing, then dispersed by drones over areas of ground burnt by a wildfire last year."
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Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Telegraph
How to treat the three key types of depression, according to a neuroscientist
The ICD-10, a diagnostic manual used in Britain and elsewhere, lists nine symptoms of depression, and 'you only need five to receive a diagnosis', says Prof Roiser. Some symptoms, such as sleep disturbance, can manifest as either an increase or a decrease. 'This means there are potentially hundreds of different combinations of symptoms in people with depression.' Crucially, 'there is no particular reason to believe that those symptoms share the same cause', Prof Roiser argues. The serotonin theory of depression, which suggests this complex condition is caused by a chemical imbalance, is 'a very outdated idea from the 1960s, and even then it was understood to be a massive oversimplification', he says. Instead, it appears there are several different 'dimensions in brain function', changes in which may lead to different symptoms. The three key types of depression A new study from Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, published in June, identified three main types of depression experienced in the general population and explored how they manifest in patients' brains and daily lives. Though the study was conducted in the US, it used data from the UK Biobank, which tracks the health of half a million British volunteers over their lifetimes. Low mood without low motivation, low motivation without low mood and a combination of both are all common. 1. Low mood (without low motivation) People who primarily struggle with low mood might experience: A persistent feeling of sadness, tearfulness, numbness or emptiness lasting at least two weeks. Becoming easily frustrated, irritated, or angry over things that never used to bother them (a symptom of anxiety, which often co-occurs with low mood). Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt or shame over things they didn't do or weren't responsible for. A consistent and extreme negative view of themselves and their abilities, or feelings of worthlessness. 2. Low motivation (without low mood) People who primarily struggle with low motivation might experience: Persistent tiredness despite sleeping well. Cognitive impairment (brain fog), which can appear as difficulty concentrating or making decisions. Trouble completing everyday tasks like work, housework or admin. A sharp decrease in sex drive. A loss of interest in other people, as well as activities and hobbies they once enjoyed. 3. Low mood and low motivation People who struggle with a mix of low mood and low motivation may experience a combination of these symptoms. The study's participants differed not only in their symptoms but also 'in their neurobiology', says Dr Janine Bijsterbosch, the lead scientist, in a press release. In other words, different symptoms correlated with different changes in the brain. At the same time, however, people with similar symptom profiles sometimes showed different underlying brain patterns. This is part of why most neuroscientists 'have lost faith in the idea that there is a single explanation for depression at the level of the brain', says Prof Roiser. 'It is a condition defined by its symptoms, so there is an inherent circularity there.' Despite its complexity, these findings align with Prof Roiser's own decades of experience studying depression as a neuroscientist. He explains there appears to be 'a set of different brain circuits that underlie motivation, linked to symptoms like loss of energy as well as brain fog.' Meanwhile 'another circuit in the brain deals with negative emotions'. Both can 'interact with and affect each other', but the fact that there are some general trends in people with different clusters of symptoms 'mean that we might soon be able to target them with different types of intervention.' It's also difficult to determine whether these brain changes are a cause or a consequence of depression. Scientists currently estimate that the heritability of depression is between 40 and 50 per cent, suggesting a strong genetic component, alongside life experiences that can increase vulnerability to the condition. There is one new theory that may underlie depression in all its forms. 'A substantial number of people with depression also seem to have high levels of inflammation in their bodies, which could drive changes in the brain', says Prof Roiser. This might explain why both exercise and antidepressants, some of which have anti-inflammatory effects, can be effective in treating the various symptoms of depression. 'It's currently just a hypothesis. There are several rigorous studies currently underway to investigate the role of inflammation in depression, and in five years we may have some answers.' The best treatments for different kinds of depression This is why Prof Roiser's work on brain imaging is so crucial. 'An MRI scan of neurobiology may have the potential to predict clinical outcomes that depression symptom screening alone cannot capture', says Dr Yvette Sheline, who also contributed to the Washington University study. While doctors may not yet fully understand what depression is or why it occurs, brain scans could help tailor treatments to the unique symptoms of different types of depression. A number of treatments for depression are currently available on the NHS, while others are being explored by researchers as potential therapies. There is limited evidence, however, to indicate which treatments work best for specific types of depression. 'The important thing is not to lose hope', says Prof Roiser. 'There are a number of different treatments that are effective for depression, so if one proves not to work well for you, you should certainly go back to your doctor and ask about different options.' Different treatments are likely to work for different people, due to the different brain circuits driving their depression. Best for low mood without low motivation Antidepressants Antidepressants, such as SSRIs, appear to work best for 'negative affect', in other words, low mood and anxiety, says Prof Roiser. Although their effects on brain chemistry are well understood, 'we don't know exactly how they work in terms of brain circuits. One important idea is that they change the emotional response to the negative thought patterns that characterise depression. We do know that SSRIs are especially effective at blunting the experience of negative emotions.'
The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
Whisky waste and fungi turned into compostable packaging
Whisky by-products and fungi have been used to create compostable packaging tipped as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic. Arbikie Distillery in Montrose, Angus, partnered with academics to use mycelium, the root structure of fungi, and distillery by-products such as spent grain. The project, MycoPack, is a collaboration between distillers and academics at Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Dundee, in a bid to turn waste into packaging for the circular economy. The packaging created is lightweight, fire-retardant and compostable, and acts as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic, according to experts. Arbikie Distillery produces vodka, gin and whisky, using ingredients grown almost entirely on-site such as barley, potatoes and peas, and hopes to become 'the world's first climate positive distillery' with the introduction of a hydrogen electrolyser. Over the next 10 months the research team will focus on proof of concept, testing material and design, with help from academics Dr Dongyang Sun, of Edinburgh Napier University, and Dr Wenbin Zhou, of University of Dundee. The project focuses on developing mycelium-based composites using distillery by-products, which is intended for protective packaging for whisky products, such as gift boxes currently made from moulded plastic or foam. It is one of 11 collaborative projects awarded funding by Scotland Beyond Net Zero, a collaboration between universities to support the country's drive to net zero, aimed at accelerating the transition to a green economy. Kirsty Black, distillery manager at Arbikie, said: ' Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. 'Our collaboration on MycoPack represents an exciting step forward – combining innovation and purpose to create packaging made from mycelium that's not only environmentally responsible but deeply aligned with our values. 'Together, we hope to pioneer solutions that respect the planet and inspire change across the industry.' Dr Wenbin Zhou, lecturer in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Dundee, said: 'At the University of Dundee, we're excited to lead the design and use of additive manufacturing to shape whisky by-products into compostable, locally rooted, and elegant sustainable packaging. 'We aim to show how sustainable design and advanced manufacturing can support Scotland's journey to net zero by turning waste into low-carbon value— bringing circular economy principles to life through innovation and collaboration.' Dr Dongyang Sun, lecturer in Engineering at Edinburgh Napier University said: 'Our mycelium-based packaging aims to deliver the protective qualities needed for whisky products, while avoiding the long-term environmental impact of plastic. 'Made from distillery by-products, it can be composted at the end of its life, offering a promising step towards more sustainable packaging solutions. 'At Edinburgh Napier, we're proud to pioneer sustainable biomaterials from underused resources. 'MycoPack lets us showcase how fungal composites and circular design can transform whisky by-products into protective packaging that's beautiful, compostable, and low-carbon, delivering both environmental benefit and industry value for Scotland's net zero transition.'
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Most popular meteor shower of the YEAR peaks tomorrow with up to 150 fireballs shooting overhead every hour - here's the best time to catch the stunning celestial display
If you're a keen stargazer, be sure to keep your eyes on the sky tomorrow night. On Tuesday evening, the Perseid Meteor Shower will reach its dazzling peak - and you won't want to miss it. At the height of the yearly display, you'll be able to spot as many as 150 fireballs shooting overhead every hour. And with the Met Office currently forecasting clear skies over most of England and Wales, this could be one of the year's best opportunities to see some shooting stars. However, the remaining light from the recent full Sturgeon Moon might make it hard to spot some of the fainter meteors. But if you don't manage to spot any fireballs this Tuesday, there's no need to worry. Although they will be at their most stunning tomorrow night, you'll still be able to catch the Perseids until August 24. So, here's the best time to catch the spectacular celestial display. How to see the Perseid Meteor Shower If you want to get the best chance of seeing the Perseid Meteor Shower, the most important thing will be avoiding any unnecessary sources of light. Since it is summertime, that means you'll need to wait until at least 10:00 pm for the sky to be dark enough. Meteor showers tend to become more impressive towards midnight when the sky is darkest, so be prepared for a late night if you want the best view. Dr Edward Bloomer, senior astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, told Daily Mail: 'Try and get somewhere dark, and crucially let your eyes adjust to the dark. 'It's a physical process, so it will take a while. Basically, put your phone away, relax, and be a little patient.' Dr Bloomer recommends taking at least half an hour to allow your eyes to reach maximum sensitivity. Once your eyes have adapted to the dark, all you need to do is sit back and look at the sky. WHERE DO METEORS COME FROM? Meteors come from leftover comet particles and bits from broken asteroids. When comets come around the sun, they leave a dusty trail behind them. Every year, Earth passes through these debris trails, letting the bits collide with our atmosphere and disintegrate, creating fiery streaks in the sky. Source: NASA Although they can peak at 150 shooting stars per hour, the Perseids may come in fits and starts, so don't be put off if you go a few minutes without seeing anything. 'The meteor shower will appear to 'radiate' from the constellation Perseus, so that's your best bet,' says Dr Bloomer. You can find Perseus in the Northeast, near the constellation Cassiopeia, which you should be able to recognise by the bright 'W' or 'M' of stars. Dr Bloomer adds: 'If that part of the sky is obscured, don't worry; the shooting stars can appear in any part of the sky.' You can also try looking at other regions of the sky to catch the shooting stars in your peripheral vision, which tends to be a little more light sensitive. The good news for any budding astronomers is that you won't need any special equipment to see the Perseid Meteor Shower. Dr Shyam Balaji, of King's College London, told Daily Mail: 'It is one of the fastest and brightest meteor showers of the year, so an astronomical highlight for stargazers. 'For me personally, I think the best way to view the meteor shower is just with your naked eye because of the speed with which they move. 'But you could use Sky Guide or Stellarium, or other stargazing apps, to get a better viewing experience, to target the right regions of the sky to see the meteor shower.' To make things even better, the Met Office is currently forecasting good conditions for much of the UK. Tom Morgan, operational meteorologist at the Met Office, told Daily Mail: 'Tonight will see quite a lot of cloud over the country, but southern England may turn clearer during the early hours. 'Tomorrow night will generally see clearer skies than tonight with Wales, central England and northern England having the most prolonged clear periods during the evening but some clear periods likely in many parts of the UK at times and into the early hours of Wednesday morning. What is the Perseid Meteor Shower? Like all annual meteor showers, the Perseids are caused by the Earth sweeping through a cloud of orbiting dust. 'The Perseid meteor shower is caused by the Earth travelling through the debris left by a comet called Swift-Tuttle,' says Dr Balaji. Since this patch of dust is always in the same place within Earth's orbit, the Perseids always occur at the same time of year and appear from the same point in the sky. As the Earth moves through the debris cloud, tiny pieces of rock and dust hit the atmosphere at 37 miles (59 kilometres) per second. The intense heat produced by the friction of that impact burns up the meteors in seconds. The smallest pieces of rock vaporise to leave bright trails that we see as shooting stars, while the larger chunks explode into fireballs. Although we don't know exactly when the Perseids started, the first sightings date back nearly 2,000 years to early records from ancient China. WHY DO METEORS MAKE A SOUND? Meteors are fragments of space rock that enter the Earth's atmosphere and burn up as a result of the friction created when they pass through, appearing as bright streaks of light in the sky. As well as light, this friction also creates sound, with some meteors creating a 'sonic boom' as they break the sound barrier, in a similar way to a fast-moving aircraft. Since meteors can be over a hundred kilometres in altitude, and their sound waves travel much slower than the light they generate, the sonic boom is often not heard until many minutes after the flash is seen. The boom will also only be loud enough to hear from Earth if the meteor is particularly large, enters the stratosphere below an altitude of about 30 miles (50 km) and explodes as a bolide, or fireball. As well as the boom, some stargazers claim to have heard hissing and buzzing sounds at the same time as a meteor is seen. This is because meteors also give off very low frequency radio waves, which travel at the speed of light. These are inaudible, but can cause physical objects on the Earth's surface to vibrate and produce a sound, which our ears may interpret as hissing.
