Latest news with #IBEC
Agriland
3 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
Report: New finance models needed to ‘de-risk' climate adaptation costs on farms
The processor-farmer relationship offers 'significant potential to drive climate transformation in the Irish agri-food sector, according to a new research report published today (Friday, May 30) by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA). In the report 'Farm to Finance: The Processor–Farmer Nexus in Ireland's Agricultural Climate Transition', the IIEA said that the sector faces 'unique challenges' in balancing its climate targets against future competitiveness. But the author of the report, Matthew G. O' Neill, put forward that new 'hybrid financing models' are needed to de-risk investment by farmers because of the high costs associated with climate adaptation and mitigation measures. He also highlighted that agriculture accounts for 37.8% of Ireland's national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which puts pressure on both processors and farmers in the sector to decarbonise. The report stated that the credibility of climate action within Irish agri-food systems 'rests on a good monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) system'. In a list of recommendations contained in the report, one outlined that platforms such as Teagasc's AgNav be further developed as independent, farmer-trusted systems, with transparent data governance, consent-based data sharing, and tangible feedback mechanisms to participating farmers. The IIEA also advised that blended finance models, sovereign-backed transition bonds, and tailored green loan products could be aligned with 'sector specific realities' to facilitate access for smaller farms. The third recommendation the report made was to promote the fairer distribution of transition costs across the food chain. It claims that sustainably linked price signals should be strengthened through voluntary and regulatory mechanisms. According to the report, expanding sustainability incentive structures, integrating technologies with safeguards, and sustaining legitimacy and commitment. IIEA report The IIEA hosted a panel discussion about the report in Dublin today (Mayo 30). Participants on the panel included the Irish Farmers' Association's (IFA) chief economist, Tadhg Buckley, Irish Business and Employers' Confederation's (IBEC) Dale Crammond, farmer and Talamh Beo representative, Ailbhe Gerrard and Agriland, deputy news editor, Francess McDonnell. IFA economist Buckley believes that the relationship between farmers and processors is 'incredibly integrated'. He said: 'Something we often don't realise is that the vast majority of farmers in Ireland don't actually interact with consumers. 'Their interaction with the marketplace is through their processor. So the processor plays a huge role in the overall framework.' 'In terms of incentivising farmers to the sustainability challenge, that relationship is absolutely integral, it's the most important relation of all actually, it's the processor farmer relationship,' Buckley added. IBEC's director of meat industry claimed that processors have to do 'everything they can' to try and advance the sustainability agenda. He believes the consumer has a significant influence on the relationship between the processor and the farmer. Crammond said: 'The price (consumers) are prepared to pay for sustainably produced products, my concern would be that there is a limit to that. 'We've seen a very significant increase in the price of beef, but that has created a challenge for the processing sector, in terms of being able to get those returns back in the marketplace,' the IBEC director explained. Source IIEA During the discussion on the report Ailbhe Grogan, representing Talamh Beo, also commented on key theme identified in the report highlighted the role that the retailer plays in the food processing chain. She said: 'With the centralisation of meat processing in larger and larger factories, I would love to see an EU supported and national government supported mobile abattoir for animal welfare that go to the farms. 'I think that there is absolutely a place for decentralising and denationalise things, quite a lot of it.' 'It takes time, it takes effort, it takes input and I would love to see the retailers and the meat processing industry talking with farmers, because farmers would like to have more options for animal kills and and more local processing,' Grogan added.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
3D-printed grafts: shaping the future of bone and tissue regeneration
Over the past decade, 3D printing has gone from being a futuristic idea to a revolutionary tool. In medicine, its ability to produce custom-made, complex structures is changing the way doctors treat injuries and diseases – especially when it comes to rebuilding bones and other body tissues. Additive manufacturing (as 3D printing is technically known) creates objects based on a digital model, building them layer by layer. In medicine, this technology is being used to make inert objects like implants and prosthetics, but it can also create living tissues that help the body repair itself. This exciting new development, known as bioprinting, uses tiny structures (called scaffolds) embedded with the patient's own cells to guide the growth of new tissue. This makes the printed structure more compatible with the body, and reduces the risk of rejection. It also helps the new tissue to heal faster and work more effectively. In the future, this technology might even be used to print full organs for transplant, helping solve the worldwide shortage of donor organs. Healing large or complex bone defects is one of the toughest challenges in surgery. Whether caused by accidents, cancer surgery or birth conditions, these defects often do not heal well with traditional bone grafts. One big problem is that the body struggles to grow new blood vessels inside the graft, which is essential for proper healing. Researchers in Europe are currently at the forefront of developing innovative, groundbreaking new technology to tackle this problem, with initiatives spread across the continent. Researchers at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) have created 3D-printed scaffolds using polylactic acid and calcium phosphate that support bone growth and blood vessel formation. These have shown strong results in lab and animal tests, where scaffolds have encouraged stem cells to grow and release growth factors, successfully attracteing blood vessels into the healing area. At the University of Bergen, the Tissue Engineering Group is working on two major projects that use a patient's own stem cells to print bone replacements. These personalised constructs are designed to fit perfectly, reduce the chances of rejection, and improve the patient's recovery. The EU-funded Smart Bone Regeneration (SBR) project is developing smart implants for rapid bone restoration with medical-grade polymers. The design also incorporates sensors to monitor implant performance, providing real-time data on bone growth and potential complications. In vivo studies in large animal models are currently underway to validate this approach. The Centre for Translational Bone, Joint and Soft Tissue Research, in Dresden, is working on 3D-printed materials that support bone healing, with patients' own materials that help bone cells grow. They also combine bone cement with soft gels filled with living cells to create strong, custom implants. Their goal is to make bone implants that work well in the body, bringing these 3D-printed treatments closer to real use in hospitals, or even in outer space. Another exciting example is from the company BellaSeno, who work in partnership with the Julius Wolff Institute at the Charité hospital in Berlin. They are creating 3D-printed bone scaffolds that can support and guide new bone growth. Their custom-made system uses a high-speed, precise printing process that meets international medical manufacturing standards (ISO 13485). These implants are currently being evaluated for clinical use, offering hope for patients with large bone defects. Such collaborations between academic institutions and private companies are essential. They help speed up the process of turning research discoveries into real-life treatments available in hospitals. These partnerships also ensure that safety, quality, and effectiveness remain a priority in every stage of development. Leer más: The use of 3D printing in medicine is quickly moving from research labs to real clinical use. The European cases mentioned above show how this technology is already helping patients heal better and faster. They are also paving the way for a new era of personalised and regenerative medicine. However, there are still some hurdles to clear. Printed implants need to stay strong and safe over time, so long-term studies and patient trials are essential. These help researchers understand how the materials perform in the body over the years. New medical tools must also meet strict safety rules, which takes time, but helps protect patients and build trust. Progress will depend on close teamwork between scientists, doctors, engineers, and regulators. As research and trials move forward, 3D printing is likely to become a routine part of surgery. Personalised, cell-based implants could soon be a standard option for repairing bone and tissue, bringing us closer to a future where treatments are safer, faster, and made just for you. Este artículo fue publicado originalmente en The Conversation, un sitio de noticias sin fines de lucro dedicado a compartir ideas de expertos académicos. Lee mas: AI is transforming the search for new materials that can help create the technologies of the future Exercise could help broken bones heal faster – here's how Personalised medicine made in hospitals can revolutionise the way diseases are treated – the challenge now will be implementing it Nieves Cubo Mateo currently works with funding from Nebrija University and the Spanish state research agency (AEI, Ayudas a Proyectos de Generación de conocimineto 2023, PID2023-146961OA-I00). She also directs the ARIES Research Centre at Nebrija University, and is part of the 3D Advance Planning and Manufacturing Unit at Gregorio Marañón Hospital (UPAM3D).
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
Earthquake has destroyed numerous Buddhist pagodas in Myanmar
Thousands of religious buildings were destroyed in the severe earthquake that struck Buddhist-majority Myanmar on Friday. More than 2,000 monasteries and pagodas in the Sagaing region alone are said to have collapsed completely or partially, the International Buddhist Education Centre (IBEC) said in a post on Facebook on Monday. The region is particularly affected by the 7.7 magnitude quake, with at least 2,000 fatalities. IBEC described it as a "great loss for Buddhism" and said that it was one of the most severe earthquakes ever in Sagaing. Reports indicate that many Buddhist structures and Buddha statues in the second-largest city, Mandalay, as well as in the famous World Heritage site of Bagan, have also been damaged. However, the exact extent is still unclear, especially in Bagan. The World Monuments Fund stated that information is currently being gathered, but the information situation in the civil war-torn country is challenging. Along with the temples of Angkor in Cambodia and Borobodur on Java, Bagan is among the most important archaeological sites in all of South-East Asia. Already in 2016, many dozens of the more than 3,000 structures from the 9th to 13th centuries were damaged in a 6.8-magnitude quake. The temple city has been part of UNESCO's World Heritage since 2019. Almost 90% of the population of Myanmar are Buddhists.
Al Etihad
01-04-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
Earthquake has destroyed numerous Buddhist pagodas in Myanmar
1 Apr 2025 14:04 Bangkok (dpa) Thousands of religious buildings were destroyed in the severe earthquake that struck Buddhist-majority Myanmar on than 2,000 monasteries and pagodas in the Sagaing region alone are said to have collapsed completely or partially, the International Buddhist Education Centre (IBEC) said in a post on Facebook on region is particularly affected by the 7.7 magnitude quake, with at least 2,000 fatalities. IBEC described it as a "great loss for Buddhism" and said that it was one of the most severe earthquakes ever in Sagaing. Reports indicate that many Buddhist structures and Buddha statues in the second-largest city, Mandalay, as well as in the famous World Heritage site of Bagan, have also been damaged. However, the exact extent is still unclear, especially in World Monuments Fund stated that information is currently being gathered, but the information situation is with the temples of Angkor in Cambodia and Borobodur on Java, Bagan is among the most important archaeological sites in all of South-East Asia. Already in 2016, many dozens of the more than 3,000 structures from the 9th to 13th centuries were damaged in a 6.8-magnitude quake. The temple city has been part of UNESCO's World Heritage since 2019. Almost 90% of the population of Myanmar are Buddhists.
