In pictures: Invasive plants killed off in Corrieshalloch Gorge
The plants removed or killed off included Japanese knotweed, rhododendron ponticum and American skunk cabbage.The species, brought to the UK from other parts of the world for planting in gardens, can smother native plants and damage fragile habitats.NTS said the work at Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve was part of its wider efforts to conserve native species.
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Reuters
an hour ago
- Reuters
UK scientists find genes linked with chronic fatigue syndrome
Aug 6 (Reuters) - Researchers at the University of Edinburgh said on Wednesday they have discovered differences in the DNA of people with chronic fatigue syndrome that should help dispel the notion that the debilitating condition is psychological or driven by laziness. Their study found eight areas of genetic code that are different in people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) than in healthy volunteers. The finding provides 'the first robust evidence that genes contribute to a person's chance of developing the disease,' the researchers said in a statement. The key features of the condition include worsening of fatigue, pain and brain fog after even minor physical or mental activity. Very little has been known about the causes of ME/CFS, and there is no diagnostic test or cure. The condition is believed to affect around 67 million people worldwide, the researchers said. The DecodeME study analyzed DNA samples from 15,579 people who reported having chronic fatigue on a questionnaire and 259,909 people without it, all of European descent. Gene variants that were more common in people reporting ME/CFS were linked to the immune and nervous systems, according to a report of the study that has not yet been peer-reviewed. At least two of the gene regions relate to how the body responds to infection, which aligns with reports that the symptoms often start after an infectious illness, the researchers said. Another gene region has previously been identified in people with chronic pain, another common symptom of the condition. The findings 'align with decades of patients reporting on their experiences,' researcher Andy Devereux-Cooke said in a statement, adding that they "should prove game changing in the ME/CFS research field.' 'These results will not mean that a test or cure will be developed straight away, but they will lead to a greater understanding," he said. Scientists who were not involved in the study said using volunteers who self-reported chronic fatigue syndrome rather than restricting participation to those with a diagnosis from a medical professional somewhat weakened its conclusions. They called for larger studies to replicate the results. Substantial work will be necessary 'to translate these findings into new treatments," said Dr. Jackie Cliff, who studies infection and immunity in ME/CFS at Brunel University of London. "This will take considerable investment in academia and by industry.'
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Scientists FINALLY crack the mystery of chronic fatigue syndrome - major breakthrough reveals cause, sparks new hope for effective treatment
Scientists have uncovered a biological cause of chronic fatigue syndrome in a breakthrough that promises to transform understanding of the debilitating illness. The condition—long dismissed by some as psychological—has now been linked to clear genetic differences found in patients' DNA. Researchers say the findings offer the first robust evidence that inherited genes can influence the risk of developing chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Experts say the discovery gives 'validity and credibility' to patients and helps to dispel the stigma and disbelief that often surrounds the illness. The landmark study by the University of Edinburgh identified eight distinct genetic markers in people with the condition, compared to those without. Professor Chris Ponting, who led the DecodeME project, said: 'This is a wake-up call. The eight genetic signals reveal much about why infection triggers ME/CFS and why pain is a common symptom. 'ME/CFS is a serious illness and we now know that someone's genetics can tip the balance on whether they are diagnosed with it.' Researchers analysed DNA from more than 15,000 people with ME/CFS, part of the world's largest study into the disease. The eight regions of DNA where scientists found differences involve genes linked to the immune and nervous systems. At least two of the signals relate to how the body responds to infection, echoing long-standing patient reports that symptoms often begin after an illness. Previous studies have shown that people who catch Covid are up to seven times more likely to develop ME/CFS, which shares symptoms with Long Covid. There is currently no diagnostic test or cure for the condition, which is thought to affect around 67 million people worldwide. In the UK alone, an estimated 404,000 people are affected—with women more likely to suffer than men, though researchers found no clear reason for this. Well-known sufferers include comedian Miranda Hart, who revealed in her autobiography, which was published last year, the condition left her 'bedbound and without joy'. Symptoms include pain, brain fog and a profound lack of energy. A key feature of ME/CFS is post-exertional malaise—a severe worsening of symptoms after even minor physical or mental activity. Scientists hope the findings will pave the way for better treatments, understanding and recognition of the illness. Sonya Chowdhury, Chief Executive of Action for ME and a DecodeME co–investigator, said: 'These results are groundbreaking. With DecodeME, we have gone from knowing next to nothing about the causes of ME/CFS, to giving researchers clear targets.' She added: 'This really adds validity and credibility for people with ME. We know that many people have experienced comments like ME is not real, or they've been to doctors and been disbelieved or told that it's not a real illness. 'Whilst things have changed and continue to change, that is still the case for some people and we hear that repeatedly as a charity. 'Being able to take this study into the treatment room and say there are genetic causes that play a part in ME is going to be really significant for individuals. It will rebuff that lack of belief and the stigma that exists.'
The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
Extremely rare and endangered lion cubs arrive at European zoo
Four Barbary lion cubs, a species extinct in the wild, have been born at Dvůr Králové Safari Park in the Czech Republic. The arrival of the three females and one male provides a vital boost to global conservation efforts for the rare big cat, with fewer than 200 estimated to live in captivity worldwide. The playful cubs are destined for other participating zoos as part of an international endangered species programme coordinating their survival in captivity. Preliminary steps are underway for a possible reintroduction of the Barbary lion into its natural habitat in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco, though this is considered a 'far distant future' prospect. Initial discussions with Moroccan authorities have taken place, and a conference of experts is planned for late this year or early 2026 in Morocco to assess the feasibility of such a reintroduction.
