Latest news with #Connon
New York Post
01-05-2025
- Science
- New York Post
Purses made from T. rex? This company claims leather made from 66 million-year-old dinosaur DNA is coming
About 66 million years ago, the Tyrannosaurus rex roamed around Earth terrifying nature around it. Now, one of the largest predators ever to live on land can be your next purse. Researchers and bioengineers are working to create the next cruelty-free and sustainable luxury handbag using lab-grown leather from fossilized T. rex remains from the prehistoric creature. Advertisement That's right -— in the year 2025, dinosaurs are Jurass-chic. 'We're unlocking the potential to engineer leather from prehistoric species, starting with the formidable T-Rex,' Che Connon, professor of tissue engineering at Newcastle University, said in a statement. The first-of-its-kind approach to luxury fashion uses T. rex DNA as a groundbreaking high-quality alternative to traditional leather. Advertisement If successful, this would be the first-ever sample of a leather that's sourced from an extinct species — though some experts don't think it's possible. The partnership between creative agency VML, genomic engineering leader The Organoid Company and sustainable biotechnology pioneer Lab-Grown Leather Ltd. would portray how ancient biology can create a next-generation material that will ultimately influence the future of luxury goods. The lab-grown fossilized T. rex collagen will be used as a blueprint to manufacture a material that's structurally identical to traditional leather. It will also be biodegradable and 'innovative and ethically sound.' Unlike naysayers, Connon said it will soon become a reality. Advertisement 'The hard bit is making leather from cells, and we've done that,' Connon told The Post. 'The upstream bit is using existing technologies, which is why we're confident we can do this so quickly.' 6 An AI mock-up of what a handbag made from T. rex leather would look like. VML/SWNS The initial implementation of T. rex leather will focus on accessories with a goal to produce a flagship commercial luxury fashion item by the end of the year. Eventually, once production gets larger, this could open the door to possibilities beyond the fashion industry, such as the automotive sector. Advertisement 'With T-Rex leather we're harnessing the biology of the past to create the luxury materials of the future,' Bas Korsten, Global Chief Creative Officer, Innovation & CCO EMEA at VML, said in a statement. 'Part of it is the fact that it's demonstrating that you can start to create new materials that have never been formed before,' Connon said. 'So the same process could be used to create much stronger, for example, or change color or a whole host of things that are feasible but have never been seen before.' 6 T. rex leather infographic explaining how the lab-grown engineering differs from the current leather process. VML In order to create it, synthetic DNA will be used to engineer cells that will then be integrated into an Elemental-X product stream, utilizing a scaffold-free approach that allows the cells to merge in their own natural structure. Connon explained that he and his team spent 15 years in university doing tissue engineering, then three to four years at the company to get to the point of making the skin and the leather. 'This project is a remarkable example of how we can harness cutting-edge genome and protein engineering to create entirely new materials,' Thomas Mitchell, CEO of The Organoid Company, commented. 'By reconstructing and optimizing ancient protein sequences, we can design T. Rex leather, a biomaterial inspired by prehistoric biology, and clone it into a custom-engineered cell line.' According to VML, the T. rex leather is a cell-grown performance material that is more than just imitation and provides the natural durability, repairability and tactility that's already expected in high-end luxury leather goods. Advertisement 6 The T. rex leather is a cell-grown performance material. TeTe Song – However, not all scientists are digging the revelations. One dinosaur expert told Live Science he thinks the claim of making T. rex leather is 'misleading' and 'what this company is doing seems to be fantasy.' 'We have NO preserved tyrannosaurid DNA (indeed, not Mesozoic dinosaur DNA sequences), so there are no T. rex genes,' Thomas Holtz, Jr., a vertebrate paleontologist at the University of Maryland, told the outlet. DNA starts to decay as soon as an animal dies, though some fragments might remain in the environment for a few million years. The oldest preserved DNA on record is about 2 million years old, and the T. rex went extinct 66 million years ago. Advertisement Holtz added that paleontologists have only found T. rex collagen in bone, not skin, which is the basis for leather, and that researchers don't have access to good tyrannosaurid skin samples since it's rarely preserved in fossils. 6 The new approach to luxury fashion uses T. rex DNA as a groundbreaking high-quality alternative to traditional leather. Boonyawadee.K – Some experts are less skeptical, noting that while it may be possible, any chance of getting results soon isn't likely, and when they do, it'll be expensive. The 'gimmick' is at a 'very early stage,' Tom Ellis, professor of synthetic genome engineering at Imperial College London, told NBC. 'I doubt that our knowledge of dinosaur evolution is good enough to be able to design a collagen gene specifically from T. rex.' Advertisement Ellis added that producing real T. rex leather is 'very far-fetched,' and the properties of any collagen results are likely to be similar to those of a cow or chicken, which means that it would look and feel the same as any other alternative leather. Though the T. rex collagen 'gives them something that is at least unique and can justify a much higher price,' he said. 6 Professor Che Connon explained that the collagen fragments extracted is available from blood vessels or micro-vessels in bone. Newcastle University But Connon rebuked the notion that it's not possible, telling The Post that 'some people have got the wrong end of the stick saying, well, you can't do it. That's not true.' Advertisement 'Some of that seems to be around, there is no T-Rex skin, but leather isn't skin. It's a component of skin,' he explained. 'So that's a bit of confusion there. The technologies there are incredible, but they are very much there. And I think the challenge is, there's a lot to bring people up to speed with.' As he explained, the collagen fragments extracted are available from blood vessels or micro-vessels in bone, and the blood vessels have the same biological makeup as skin. 'It's the structural part of the skin, which forms leather.' 'People aren't aware of all the different technologies or aware that they exist, so putting them together is quite a bit of a mental leap for people,' Connon said. 'But rest assured, these are all things that have been proven.' 6 Eventually, this could open the door to possibilities beyond the fashion industry, such as the automotive sector. Panupong – The researchers also stressed the environmental and ethical consequences of the lab-grown leather as well. Since traditional leather production is a component of extensive deforestation and the tanning process often uses harmful chemicals, this new approach can not only reduce negative environmental impacts but also put an end to animal cruelty concerns. 'Dinosaurs evolved to survive in extreme environments—conditions our planet is once again beginning to face due to accelerated climate change,' the news release also explained.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Fearsome to fashion: Your next accessory could be made from real T. rex
When it roamed the Earth 80 million years ago, a 40-foot-long Tyrannosaurus rex was one of nature's most terrifying prospects. Soon, it could be a purse. A group of researchers and bio-engineers in the U.K. say they're working to produce high-end clutches and totes with T. rex skin grown from fossilized remains of the ancient carnivore. The team is seeking to grow sustainable leather using collagen from the beast sometimes known as the King of the Dinosaurs that last lived 68 million years ago in North America and Asia. If successful, the project will be the first example of leather developed from an extinct species. The project's developers say the lab-grown material will be fully biodegradable and structurally identical to traditional leather. It will also be 'innovative and ethically sound,' Che Connon, professor of tissue engineering at Newcastle University, said in a statement. Connon also works for biotechnology company Lab-Grown Leather, which is developing the project with Dutch creative agency VML and genomic engineering firm The Organoid Company. 'We're unlocking the potential to engineer leather from prehistoric species, starting with the formidable T-Rex,' added Connon, who is one of the project's leaders. Connon and his colleagues may be eyeing the fashion industry — market data provider Fortune Business Insights says the global $500 billion leather goods market will be worth $855 billion by 2032 — and sectors beyond, such as the automotive industry. But experts say the chances of their achieving results anytime soon look less than likely. When they do commercially produce lab-grown T. rex leather, it will be expensive. The 'gimmick' is at a 'very early stage,' said Tom Ellis, professor of synthetic genome engineering at Imperial College London. 'I doubt that our knowledge of dinosaur evolution is good enough to be able to design a collagen gene specifically from T. rex.' Producing real T. rex leather is 'very far-fetched,' added Ellis, who explained that the properties of any collagen that results from the project are likely to be similar to that of a cow or a chicken. That means any ensuing products will look and feel like any other alternative leather, Ellis said. 'It gives them something that is at least unique and can justify a much higher price,' he said. Scientists can, in theory, get collagen gene sequences from any animal — it is the most abundant protein in mammals, for example, — and companies such as Geltor and Modern Meadow have made leather-like materials from genetically engineered collagen, launching small batches of expensive products. If achieved, sustainably engineered animal leather may have environmental benefits. Right now, most leather is a byproduct of the cattle industry, which is partly responsible for deforestation in places such as the Amazon. Many synthetic and vegan leathers, meanwhile, are made of fossil fuel-derived plastics that don't biodegrade, according to World Wide Fund. In the meantime, while scientists are preoccupied with whether they can make dinosaur purses, fashionistas have time to stop and think about whether they should buy them. This article was originally published on
NBC News
30-04-2025
- Science
- NBC News
Fearsome to fashion: Your next accessory could be made from real T. rex
When it roamed the Earth 80 million years ago, a 40-foot-long Tyrannosaurus rex was one of nature's most terrifying prospects. Soon, it could be a purse. A group of researchers and bio-engineers in the U.K. say they're working to produce high-end clutches and totes with T. rex skin grown from fossilized remains of the ancient carnivore. The team is seeking to grow sustainable leather using collagen from the beast sometimes known as the King of the Dinosaurs that last lived 68 million years ago in North America and Asia. If successful, the project will be the first example of leather developed from an extinct species. The project's developers say the lab-grown material will be fully biodegradable and structurally identical to traditional leather. It will also be 'innovative and ethically sound,' Che Connon, professor of tissue engineering at Newcastle University, said in a statement. Connon also works for biotechnology company Lab-Grown Leather, which is developing the project with Dutch creative agency VML and genomic engineering firm The Organoid Company. 'We're unlocking the potential to engineer leather from prehistoric species, starting with the formidable T-Rex,' added Connon, who is one of the project's leaders. Connon and his colleagues may be eyeing the fashion industry — market data provider Fortune Business Insights says the global $500 billion leather goods market will be worth $855 billion by 2032 — and sectors beyond, such as the automotive industry. But experts say the chances of their achieving results anytime soon look less than likely. When they do commercially produce lab-grown T. rex leather, it will be expensive. The 'gimmick' is at a 'very early stage,' said Tom Ellis, professor of synthetic genome engineering at Imperial College London. 'I doubt that our knowledge of dinosaur evolution is good enough to be able to design a collagen gene specifically from T. rex.' Producing real T. rex leather is 'very far-fetched,' added Ellis, who explained that the properties of any collagen that results from the project are likely to be similar to that of a cow or a chicken. That means any ensuing products will look and feel like any other alternative leather, Ellis said. 'It gives them something that is at least unique and can justify a much higher price,' he said. Scientists can, in theory, get collagen gene sequences from any animal — it is the most abundant protein in mammals, for example, — and companies such as Geltor and Modern Meadow have made leather-like materials from genetically engineered collagen, launching small batches of expensive products. If achieved, sustainably engineered animal leather may have environmental benefits. Right now, most leather is a byproduct of the cattle industry, which is partly responsible for deforestation in places such as the Amazon. Many synthetic and vegan leathers, meanwhile, are made of fossil fuel-derived plastics that don't biodegrade, according to World Wide Fund. In the meantime, while scientists are preoccupied with whether they can make dinosaur purses, fashionistas have time to stop and think about whether they should buy them.
Press and Journal
22-04-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Which north and north-east supermarkets have most Scottish products?
A 12% increase in Scottish sourcing by the UK's biggest supermarkets could deliver a £500 million bonanza for farmers, crofters and growers north of the border, according to NFU Scotland (NFUS). The farmers' union is today publishing the findings of its latest ShelfWatch survey. Just 17% of food on sale in supermarkets across the country was labelled as Scottish. NFUS is now challenging grocers to work with the industry to increase the amount of home-grown or reared produce on their shelves. It is reporting a 'very mixed picture' in respect of sourcing levels across eight major retailers. The survey looked at Scottish produce availability at Aldi, Asda, the Co-op, Lidl, M&S Food, Morrisons, Sainsbury's and Tesco in four phases during 2024 and early 2025. Aldi was the clear front runner, leading the rankings in every phase of research with an overall average of 40%. In second place was Lidl, with a 30% average, and the Co-op was third with 22%. Meanwhile, M&S Food had the biggest, albeit modest, improvement across the year in its support for Scottish produce. More generally, support for UK-wide produce was strong with an average of 63% of own-label products being sourced in Britain. Scottish was the main objective of the initiative, but understanding UK produce is important too as some products labelled as British may be from north of the border. NFUS says its ShelfWatch survey team also recorded a 6% increase of imports in 2024. Outlining a £500m opportunity for Scottish farmers, crofters and growers, the union says it has written to all eight retailers setting out this challenge. And it has identified specific areas where it would like to see action: NFUS president Andrew Connon said: 'ShelfWatch has delivered vital insight. 'Our clear message to retailers is that by working together we have a golden opportunity to support Scotland's farmers and crofters, as well as giving their customers more of what they want. 'We know the value of grocery sales across Scotland is significant. 'And we believe Scottish farmers and crofters could get a greater share of this value if retailers work with us and the wider industry to take forward the actions we've set out.' Mr Connon added: 'Overall, these results show a disappointing level of Scottish sourcing, with around 17% of own-label products labelled as Scottish and no real improvement throughout the year. 'That said, the picture is very mixed across each of the retailers.' The four phases of research covered own-brand products at more than 290 stores across seven regions, with in excess of 15,000 products examined during each phase.
The Guardian
18-04-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Northampton hang on to edge out Newcastle in thriller
Northampton survived a late scare to snatch a narrow 35-34 victory over Newcastle at Kingston Park. A thrilling encounter saw Craig Wright cancel out Jamie Blamire's opening try and after Brett Connon sent the Falcons ahead again from the tee, Northampton seized control just before half-time with Luke Green, Fin Smith and debutant Will Glister all scoring. Connor Doherty pulled one back for Newcastle after the break and although Tom James struck for Saints, tries from Alex Hearle and Ben Stevenson dragged the hosts back into the contest. Max Pepper scored the Falcons' fifth try to threaten a late comeback, but Northampton managed to hold on and end their three-game losing run in the Premiership. Saints made 14 changes to their starting lineup from the weekend's Champions Cup win over Castres, but were handed an early blow as Newcastle went ahead six minutes in when Murray McCallum slipped through the visitors' defence and offloaded to Blamire on the left, who crossed before Connon converted. Northampton soon levelled after a good spell of pressure on the Newcastle tryline and some smart passing allowed Wright to burst forward and score his first Premiership try, with Rory Hutchinson adding the extras. Connon kicked Newcastle back in front with a penalty and after an impressive buildup through the phases, Callum Chick's try was chalked off following a TMO review. Hearle then chipped the ball over the Saints' defence before chasing it down and a quick move reached Elliott Obatoyinbo but the full-back was denied following a big tackle in the right corner. Pepper came on to replace Obatoyinbo and Saints then appeared to have struck, but Wright's try was ruled out. The visitors took the lead for the first time in the game when a quick switch in play towards the right allowed Green to touch down for his maiden Premiership try and Smith kicked the conversion. Northampton piled on the misery for Newcastle just before the break with two tries in quick succession when Smith squeezed through a gap before converting his own effort and Glister kicked a loose ball and chased it down to bag the bonus point, with Smith's kick successful. The Falcons pulled one back just two minutes into the second half when a fast break reached Doherty on the left to cross in the corner. Connon's conversion attempt curled wide of the upright. Tom Litchfield had a try disallowed by the TMO for a forward pass but Northampton soon extended their advantage when James sprinted ahead to ground underneath the posts and Smith added the extras. Sign up to The Breakdown The latest rugby union news and analysis, plus all the week's action reviewed after newsletter promotion Newcastle continued to fight back and after a good set of phases, Hearle charged over the line on the left before Connon converted. Ben Stevenson then dived over in the left corner to pick up a bonus point and with four minutes left on the clock, Pepper latched on to a loose ball and surged forward from inside his own half to ground. Connon's conversion reduced the gap to one point but Saints withstood some late pressure to snatch victory.
