Latest news with #Beresford
Hamilton Spectator
6 hours ago
- Science
- Hamilton Spectator
Scientists seek to study eDNA to identify how MSX creeps up on oysters
Scientists are pursuing a new line of research to predict the times and locations of parasitic outbreaks that are wiping out oysters off the Atlantic coast. It's all part of the latest efforts to examine multinucleate sphere unknown, a parasite commonly referred to as MSX. The new research would examine the genetic material, or environmental DNA, left behind by the parasite and any other intermediate hosts. Scientists believe this can help them understand more about how MSX behaves in the water and where it goes. 'It'll give us a whole lot more information about the parasite, what the parasite is doing, how long parasites last,' said Rod Beresford, an associate professor at Cape Breton University's biology department. Beresford is among a group of scientists in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and P.E.I. who have obtained $800,000 from various sources including Genome Atlantic, Genome Canada and provincial governments for two years, starting this summer, to study MSX using eDNA. While their research is likely years away from practical applications, scientists say it could make it easier to protect oysters from deadly outbreaks that have left farmers in the lurch. The single-celled MSX has been wreaking havoc on oysters for about 60 years. It was first found in Delaware Bay, near New Jersey, in 1957 and was detected in Bras d'Or Lake, Nova Scotia, in 2002. It has since been found in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and southern British Columbia. The parasite targets cultured and wild oysters, and kills about 95 per cent of affected mollusks within two to three years of infection, and prevents them from reaching their full size. However, it poses no risk to human health or food safety. In most cases, the fishing industry will often observe the parasite after oysters have started dying, Beresford said. But scientists say the new research may identify how to get earlier warnings about potential outbreaks. By learning more about the parasite's eDNA, scientists believe it could solve a mystery about its life cycle, said Ryan Carnegie, a shellfish pathologist at Virginia Institute of Marine Science. 'That's the primary application to addressing this mystery of the life cycle,' he said. Environmental DNA can be detected in an environment sample such as sea water, Carnegie explained. But he said it cannot be detected in individual organisms such as shellfish. The widespread use of eDNA began in the early aughts and an article in the journal, Bioscience in 2021, said this tool is becoming more widespread because it requires tiny amounts of genetic samples, is reliable and non-invasive. Beresford said scientists could use eDNA to identify intermediate hosts of the MSX before it infects oysters. Intermediate hosts could be anything from tiny plankton, snails, worms, fish or other organisms on the sea floor. Although he said it would likely be impossible to remove those intermediate hosts, he explained scientists might be able to collect information about them in order to predict when an outbreak might occur or assess whether any oysters are resistant to the parasite. 'We don't know if it takes a lot of MSX particles for an infection to take place, or if it only takes a little bit,' Beresford said. The research could be particularly welcomed by farmers in an industry that is worth millions of dollars. Overall, Statistics Canada data from 2023 shows the oyster aquaculture industry was valued at $17.8 million in Prince Edward Island, $3.7 million in Nova Scotia, $25.9 million in New Brunswick and $16 million in British Columbia. While the parasite threatens to wipe out some of that value, the new research could be a lifeline for some farmers. Bob MacLeod, president of the P.E.I. Shellfish Association, said he hopes the research is successful. 'If they ever figure out the intermediate host or a way to kind of get around the host … it would be a real plus for us. Because right now, this many years later from when it hit the States, they haven't figured it out.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 5, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
6 hours ago
- Science
- Winnipeg Free Press
Scientists seek to study eDNA to identify how MSX creeps up on oysters
Scientists are pursuing a new line of research to predict the times and locations of parasitic outbreaks that are wiping out oysters off the Atlantic coast. It's all part of the latest efforts to examine multinucleate sphere unknown, a parasite commonly referred to as MSX. The new research would examine the genetic material, or environmental DNA, left behind by the parasite and any other intermediate hosts. Scientists believe this can help them understand more about how MSX behaves in the water and where it goes. 'It'll give us a whole lot more information about the parasite, what the parasite is doing, how long parasites last,' said Rod Beresford, an associate professor at Cape Breton University's biology department. Beresford is among a group of scientists in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and P.E.I. who have obtained $800,000 from various sources including Genome Atlantic, Genome Canada and provincial governments for two years, starting this summer, to study MSX using eDNA. While their research is likely years away from practical applications, scientists say it could make it easier to protect oysters from deadly outbreaks that have left farmers in the lurch. The single-celled MSX has been wreaking havoc on oysters for about 60 years. It was first found in Delaware Bay, near New Jersey, in 1957 and was detected in Bras d'Or Lake, Nova Scotia, in 2002. It has since been found in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and southern British Columbia. The parasite targets cultured and wild oysters, and kills about 95 per cent of affected mollusks within two to three years of infection, and prevents them from reaching their full size. However, it poses no risk to human health or food safety. In most cases, the fishing industry will often observe the parasite after oysters have started dying, Beresford said. But scientists say the new research may identify how to get earlier warnings about potential outbreaks. By learning more about the parasite's eDNA, scientists believe it could solve a mystery about its life cycle, said Ryan Carnegie, a shellfish pathologist at Virginia Institute of Marine Science. 'That's the primary application to addressing this mystery of the life cycle,' he said. Environmental DNA can be detected in an environment sample such as sea water, Carnegie explained. But he said it cannot be detected in individual organisms such as shellfish. The widespread use of eDNA began in the early aughts and an article in the journal, Bioscience in 2021, said this tool is becoming more widespread because it requires tiny amounts of genetic samples, is reliable and non-invasive. Beresford said scientists could use eDNA to identify intermediate hosts of the MSX before it infects oysters. Intermediate hosts could be anything from tiny plankton, snails, worms, fish or other organisms on the sea floor. Although he said it would likely be impossible to remove those intermediate hosts, he explained scientists might be able to collect information about them in order to predict when an outbreak might occur or assess whether any oysters are resistant to the parasite. 'We don't know if it takes a lot of MSX particles for an infection to take place, or if it only takes a little bit,' Beresford said. Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. The research could be particularly welcomed by farmers in an industry that is worth millions of dollars. Overall, Statistics Canada data from 2023 shows the oyster aquaculture industry was valued at $17.8 million in Prince Edward Island, $3.7 million in Nova Scotia, $25.9 million in New Brunswick and $16 million in British Columbia. While the parasite threatens to wipe out some of that value, the new research could be a lifeline for some farmers. Bob MacLeod, president of the P.E.I. Shellfish Association, said he hopes the research is successful. 'If they ever figure out the intermediate host or a way to kind of get around the host … it would be a real plus for us. Because right now, this many years later from when it hit the States, they haven't figured it out.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 5, 2025.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Heron flies free after release from fishing wire
A heron has been released back into the wild after being freed from a tangle of fishing wire. Brinsley Animal Rescue in Nottinghamshire said the bird had "beaten the odds" after it was found trapped and wounded near the Ilkeston canal. Centre co-founder Jon Beresford, who nursed the heron back to health, said he was concerned the bird might struggle but was relieved when it "flew and flew". "It was amazing and made all the hard work worthwhile," Mr Beresford said. Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Heron flies free after release from fishing wire
A heron has been released back into the wild after being freed from a tangle of fishing wire. Brinsley Animal Rescue in Nottinghamshire said the bird had "beaten the odds" after it was found trapped and wounded near the Ilkeston canal. Centre co-founder Jon Beresford, who nursed the heron back to health, said he was concerned the bird might struggle but was relieved when it "flew and flew". "It was amazing and made all the hard work worthwhile," Mr Beresford said. Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Meghan uses luxury delivery service run by wife of GMB's Alex Beresford - who defended her against Piers Morgan - to hand-deliver her jam to 'friends' in the UK
Meghan Markle is using the luxury delivery service owned by Alex Beresford's wife to deliver her As Ever jams to 'friends' in the UK, it can be revealed. Last week, the Duchess of Sussex, 43, appeared to take a swipe at Piers Morgan after sending a jar of her new produce to the Good Morning Britain weather presenter. Beresford and Morgan famously had an explosive on-air clash in 2021 - with the latter storming off set. Later that day, Morgan quit the ITV show. Last week, it appeared Meghan had silently retaliated by sending Beresford, 44, a jar of her new jam and a Jellycat octopus toy for his new baby girl. Now, the reason behind Meghan's unexpected gift-giving appears to have been made clear - as she's using Imogen Beresford's company to deliver her products in the UK. Imogen and Alex tied the knot in 2022, and they welcomed their daughter, Camille Isobella Beresford in March. Imogen is the co-founder and managing director of Colford, a 'luxury' and 'custom' gift-giving service - which was yesterday announced to be delivering Meghan's As Ever products to 'friends' in the UK. Describing itself as a 'creative gifting service', a post announcing the news on Instagram revealed that the jams would be delivered with a 'white glove chauffeur service'. The post read: 'Handpicked & hand-delivered for @AsEverOfficial. 'A pleasure to assist @meghan, Duchess of Sussex in spreading jam and joy amongst friends in the UK. 'Our white glove chauffeur service facilitated a seamless handover at every doorstep.' Imogen, who founded the company two years ago, later reposted the news on her Instagram story. Colford has previously featured in outlets such as Vogue and states: 'We design, produce, package & deliver considered brand expressions through the language of gift giving.' The announcement appears to shed further light on Meghan's rather unexpected decision to send Alex a select parcel of As Ever produce. Last week, Beresford took to his Instagram to thank the Duchess for a jar of her raspberry spread, adding: 'Can't wait to try this! Thank you so much @meghan...' Morgan has been known to repeatedly criticize the Duke and Duchess of Sussex over the years. In March, the controversial broadcaster was quick to dub her new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, 'unwatchable'. The announcement explains why Meghan (pictured) gifted Alex a jar of her As Ever jam last week Describing itself as a 'creative gifting service', a post announcing the news on Instagram revealed that the jams would be delivered with a 'white glove chauffeur service' The collaboration was announced yesterday - and appears to shed light on Meghan's decision to gift Alex Beresford with her jam 'I tried watching it, and after, honestly, about three, four minutes, I was done. It was just unwatchable,' he said. 'It's just the ultimate kind of vanity project, where it's all about people telling Meghan how great she is, her telling everyone how great she is.' He famously quit Good Morning Britain following a rant about the Suits actress in 2021. It's been a tumultuous week for Meghan, who was accused of 'breaking an agreement' with the late Queen after she was caught using her HRH title. The title 'HRH, The Duchess of Sussex ' was spotted on a card she sent her friend Jamie Kern Lima inside a gift basket. Harry and Meghan have previously agreed not to use their HRH titles for commercial purposes following their exit from the British Royal Family in 2020. The gift basket was sent to Meghan's friend, CEO of IT Cosmetics Jamie, when she had in-laws staying and the Duchess wanted to help out. A screenshot of the hamper has since circulated online after featuring on Jamie's podcast on Sunday - and appears to feature the Duchess' homemade strawberry jam. She also gifted a plush Jelly Cat Octopus for the broadcaster's new-born daughter, Camille The basket also includes two jars of Straus organic ice cream, some flowers, mint, and the note with Meghan's royal title embellished on it. By extension, Meghan's As Ever lifestyle range is being plugged by the post, while also promoting her new podcast episode with Jamie. Royal fans reacted furiously to the name on the card this evening, with one writing on X: 'I thought they couldn't use HRH?' Another said: 'She's not to [use] it per the Queen!' Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior royals in January 2020 and embarked on a new life together in California. In a statement at the time Buckingham Palace said: 'The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family.' HRH, an abbreviation of His/Her Royal Highness, is used as part of the title of some members of the royal family. Although no laws were passed or documents signed to prevent their use, Harry and Meghan's agreement with the late Queen and senior officials was that they would stop using the word 'Royal' and their HRH titles after they quit duties and emigrated to the US to become 'financially independent' from the Crown. A spokesman for the Sussexes insisted that they do not use HRH titles for commercial purposes. However, she still does appear to use the title with friends. Royal commentator Ingrid Seward said: 'I think if her late grandmother-in-law Queen Elizabeth was still around she would be highly offended, as she was very sensitive about that. 'The Queen didn't remove HRH but told them not to use it. 'But she isn't here anymore so maybe Harry and Meghan think they can get away with it.' Since their exit, Meghan has often appeared to make thinly veiled swipes at the Royal Family, most recently claiming in a new podcast episode that she and Harry were 'in the trenches' when they first started dating. In her first ever podcast interview, Meghan opened up to Jamie about her family life in Montecito with Harry and their children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three. Meghan revealed she was sending the youngsters an email every day to create a 'time capsule' they could revisit when they are older. The mother-of-two became emotional as she read out a letter from them which read: 'From Archie and Lili via Papa. We love your cooking. We love your pancakes and we love, love, love your hugs. You're the best mummy and we love you.' The gift basket was sent to Meghan's friend, CEO of IT Cosmetics Jamie Kern Lima, when she had in-laws staying and the Duchess wanted to help out Meghan has often appeared to make thinly veiled swipes at the Royal Family, most recently claiming in a new podcast episode that she and Harry were 'in the trenches' when they first started dating Meghan is pictured with Prince Harry on their wedding day in 2018 Referring to the note, Meghan said: 'So sweet. I also love that it's mummy, instead of mommy, which is very British.' Blinking back tears, she added: 'I wasn't expecting this, they're just so great. This is why it's so nice to have no make up on, thank you.' During the podcast, released on Sunday, the Duchess also spoke of her relationship with Harry, saying she was more in love than she's ever been before making a seemingly pointed remark that some have interpreted as a swipe at the royals. 'You have to imagine, at the beginning it's all butterflies - but then we immediately went into the trenches together,' she said. 'Right out of the gate, like six months into dating. So now seven years later, when you have a little bit of breathing space, you can just enjoy each other in a new way. And that's why I feel like it's more of a honeymoon period for us now.'
