Latest news with #Shropshire-based
Time of India
3 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Can science revive dead rhinos? The answer may shock you
Source: Wikipedia Scientists in the UK have revived living cells from a southern white rhino that died in 2021, offering new hope for conservation efforts. This breakthrough, reported by the BBC, was achieved by Nature's SAFE, a Shropshire-based charity. They successfully cultured millions of cells from a preserved skin sample taken before the rhino's death. This pioneering work could allow scientists to create new egg or sperm cells, helping to restore endangered populations. The technique, already proven in mice, marks a major step forward in protecting species like the southern white rhino and others at risk of extinction. A new discovery of rhino revival from dead to new life According to a BBC report, a skin sample taken from a rhino that died in 2021 is now offering fresh hope for conservation which has only become possible because of the pioneering efforts by a UK wildlife charity. The southern white rhino which lived at Whipsnade Zoo passed away at the age of 40. In the wake of its death, the veterinary staff collaborated with three specialist organizations to preserve tissue samples. Now, Nature's SAFE which is a conservation charity based in Whitchurch, Shropshire, has successfully cultivated millions of living cells from that sample. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like "I Had A Dad Bod - Until I Did This' Apex Labs Undo Rhino's revival discovery: a significant step to development This development represents a significant step toward a groundbreaking technique that may one day allow scientists to create viable egg or sperm cells from preserved rhino tissue, offering a new path for reviving endangered populations. Although the rhino died in 2021, new technology could allow her genetic material to support the southern white rhino population for generations to come. Before her death, conservation charity Nature's SAFE collected a skin sample from her ear while she was still alive. The cells were carefully frozen at –196°C, with the goal of preserving them long-term. Scientists hope that once melted, the cells can be revived and multiplied to produce new cell lines. A representative from the charity explained that while the process may seem like something out of science fiction, similar techniques have already been successful in mice ,showing promising potential for helping other species reproduce. Expert's efforts for Rhino revival from dead to new life In April, the team carefully took the rhino's frozen cells out of storage and brought them back to room temperature. Even though the rhino died nearly four years ago, they were able to grow new cells from the sample. Lab technician Lucy Morgan, who helped make it happen, said that the cells still carry the rhino's living DNA and can now be used to help protect the species, even though the animal is no longer alive. Nature's SAFE, which is also known as the "bio bank" has collected and preserved biological material from 300 different animal species — including 37 that are critically endangered and four that no longer exist in the wild. Goal of Nature's SAFE for Rhino's new life from dead The organization's goal is to help prevent animal extinction by protecting genetic diversity. It supports advanced reproductive technologies like artificial insemination and IVF to help maintain and rebuild strong, healthy wildlife populations. Debbie Rolmanis, the chief operations officer, explained: 'By collecting and growing skin cells from endangered animals, we're creating a living library of genetic material. This resource could one day help boost the genetic health of struggling species and stop them from disappearing.' She added that skin cells are especially useful because they're easy to collect and can be reproduced endlessly. Unlike other resources, they aren't limited, making them a powerful and reliable way to preserve an animal's DNA in working condition. Tullis Matson, founder and chair of the charity, shared his excitement about successfully reviving the rhino's cells, calling it a potential breakthrough for conservation. 'This is a major step forward,' he said. 'We've now shown that the rhino's cells are still alive and usable nearly four years after her death.' He explained that this achievement could be vital for saving other critically endangered animals — such as the mountain chicken frog and the Lake Pátzcuaro salamander — that might otherwise face extinction. Thanks to advances in bio-banking, their survival is now more possible than ever. Also read: Black Holes explained: Unraveling the facts of space's cosmic mystery
Metro
16-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Metro
This brand has all the essentials for creating a bright, blooming, lovely garden
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more We've mowed the lawn, jet-washed the patio, and dusted down the outdoor furniture — so it's safe to say that we're well-set for a summer spent primarily in our gardens. So, what's next on the to-do list? Well , if you'd love to see an abundance of beautiful summer blooms, butterflies, buzzing bees, and happily chirping birds over the next few months, you'll need to put the work in now to make sure your garden is a truly welcoming space to nature and wildlife. From picking out pollinator-friendly plants and making sure climbers are properly supported, to creating a safe space for precious blue tits and robins to nest, there's heaps to do. And helpfully, the Shropshire-based garden brand, Fallen Fruits, has just released their latest collection of functional yet decorative products on Dunelm. So, now feels like the perfect time to add a beautiful birdbath or raised bed to our baskets. Crafted from classic terracotta, this pretty pedestal birdbath is guaranteed to make an elegant addition to any outdoor space. But best of all, it's the perfect shallow space for birds to drink and bathe. BUY NOW FOR £24 Not everyone has the outdoor space for a border or garden bed — but this compact raised one makes a great alternative option for patios and balconies. Opt for an edible display of pollinator-friendly herbs, or stick to classic summer bedding plants like petunias, marigolds, and zinnias if you prefer bright and colourful blooms. BUY NOW FOR £59 Daily watering is essential for an abundant summer garden, but using that much tap water is pretty wasteful. Instead, attach this rustic copper rain chain to your gutter, and place a barrel directly underneath to collect rainwater — which you can then use to fill up your watering can, or refresh the birdbath. BUY NOW FOR £24 Just like us, birds need somewhere safe and cosy to nest — and this little house just happens to be the perfect fit for any kind of tit species. It's got a charming garden shed design, built-in ventilation holes, and a base that's really easy to clean. BUY NOW FOR £28 As well as being considerably cheaper than your typical terracotta plant pot, zinc buckets look really charming when used as a container to grow herbs and compact plants. We recommend lavender — as it's got a compact root system, and also happens to be a pollinator magnet. BUY NOW FROM £9 A real statement garden feature, there's something really stunning about a climbing plant woven around a metal arch. Go for a classic look with a romantic rambling rose or elegant clematis — or make more of an understated display with pollinator-friendly plants like honeysuckle and jasmine. BUY NOW FOR £59 Shaped like a mushroom, this hangable iron feeder is guaranteed to bring a touch of whimsical charm to your outdoor space. Simply hang it from a branch, fill it with peanuts, and enjoy watching the birds feed. BUY NOW FOR £9 MORE: Dine outdoors with Dunelm's gorgeous picnic sets and garden furniture MORE: These are the stylish scalloped furniture and decor picks from Dunelm we're loving this spring MORE: 'Like sleeping on a cloud' hail shoppers as £12 mattress protector scores glowing reviews
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Agency could intervene to cull estate's red deer
The Scottish government has used a legal power for the first time to force the owners of a Highland estate to cull red deer on their land. The compulsory deer management control scheme could see Scotland's nature agency, NatureScot, step in to reduce numbers of the animals on Loch Choire Estate in Sutherland. There are concerns grazing by deer is damaging mossy peatland called blanket bog at four sites of special scientific interest (SSSI). NatureScot said the action was approved by Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie and taken after a voluntary agreement on a cull could not be reached. The estate's Shropshire-based owners have 28 days to lodge an appeal against the control scheme. Gamekeepers 'spared torment' of pregnant deer cull Why are large numbers of red deer being killed? NatureScot had 160 deer culled on the estate in 2023 because it said the owners failed to manage their numbers. The deer were processed for venison. NatureScot said further action was needed and the estate could now be targeted with the first compulsory deer management control scheme under the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996. The Scottish government wants the deer density on Loch Choire Estate reduced from 14 deer per square km to 7.5 within five years. Failure to do so could see NatureScot carry out a cull and recover the costs from the estate. The estate's owners could also be guilty of an offence under the rules of the scheme. Robbie Kernahan, NatureScot's director of green economy, said high numbers of deer could have negative impacts on woodlands, peatlands and other habitats. "We will always favour a voluntary and collaborative approach to deer management, working in cooperation with partners towards this shared goal," he said. "However, we will use our intervention powers as a last resort in cases such as this, where despite significant efforts we have been unable to secure the required commitment and action through voluntary means." More stories from the Highlands and Islands News from the Highlands and Islands on BBC Sounds NatureScot said habitats on four SSSIs on or around Loch Choire Estate were at risk. One of the sites, Ben Kilbreck, near Altnaharra, has rocks that originated as muddy and sandy sediments in an ancient sea about one billion years ago. Mallart SSSI is dominated by blanket bog, which provides habitat to otters and birds including golden eagles and black-throated divers. Truderscaig is listed as a nationally important site for birds called greenshank, while Skinsdale Peatlands SSSI has extensive "carpets" of bog moss. Deer culls credited with green loch wood recovery Culling deer 'protects' mountain habitats
BBC News
08-04-2025
- General
- BBC News
NatureScot could intervene to cull Highland estate's red deer
The Scottish government has used a legal power for the first time to force the owners of a Highland estate to cull red deer on their compulsory deer management control scheme could see Scotland's nature agency, NatureScot, step in to reduce numbers of the animals on Loch Choire Estate in are concerns grazing by deer is damaging mossy peatland called blanket bog at four sites of special scientific interest (SSSI).NatureScot said the action was approved by Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie and taken after a voluntary agreement on a cull could not be reached. The estate's Shropshire-based owners have 28 days to lodge an appeal against the control scheme. NatureScot had 160 deer culled on the estate in 2023 because it said the owners failed to manage their deer were processed for said further action was needed and the estate could now be targeted with the first compulsory deer management control scheme under the Deer (Scotland) Act Scottish government wants the deer density on Loch Choire Estate reduced from 14 deer per square km to 7.5 within five to do so could see NatureScot carry out a cull and recover the costs from the estate's owners could also be guilty of an offence under the rules of the scheme. Robbie Kernahan, NatureScot's director of green economy, said high numbers of deer could have negative impacts on woodlands, peatlands and other habitats."We will always favour a voluntary and collaborative approach to deer management, working in cooperation with partners towards this shared goal," he said."However, we will use our intervention powers as a last resort in cases such as this, where despite significant efforts we have been unable to secure the required commitment and action through voluntary means." NatureScot said habitats on four SSSIs on or around Loch Choire Estate were at of the sites, Ben Kilbreck, near Altnaharra, has rocks that originated as muddy and sandy sediments in an ancient sea about one billion years SSSI is dominated by blanket bog, which provides habitat to otters and birds including golden eagles and black-throated is listed as a nationally important site for birds called greenshank, while Skinsdale Peatlands SSSI has extensive "carpets" of bog moss.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Freedom Brewery strikes licensing agreement with Toast Brewing
Freedom Brewery has entered an agreement to 'exclusively' produce and distribute Toast Brewing's beers across the UK, starting 1 May. Toast Brewing, which produces beer from surplus bread, told Just Drinks that prior to the deal its beers were produced at multiple breweries over the past nine years, including Freedom Brewery, with a most recent contract with Curious Brewery. Curious Brewery was acquired by St Peter's Brewery in 2024, the company said. Toast Brewing, which retains brand ownership, said in a statement that using co-brewers 'allowed the brand to establish and grow without capital outlay, whilst avoiding the environmental cost of setting up new facilities'. Toast Brewing co-founders Rob Wilson and Louisa Ziane will remain at the helm. Wilson said: 'Whilst it is a challenging time for the brewing sector, with many businesses falling into administration or being bought into larger groups under value, our businesses are in a strong position. 'With rising costs and restrictive access to market, this partnership brings operational and commercial efficiencies that strengthen us both.' In a post on LinkedIn, Ziane, who is the COO, said that 'this transition does mean some role redundancies'. She added: "We're fully supporting those affected and doing everything we can to help them find new opportunities. "This relationship enables us to scale production with confidence, expand availability and choice, and amplify our impact." Toast Brewing's collaboration with Freedom Brewery, which has a nationwide presence, also aligns with its goal of expanding beyond London to reach more customers across the UK, the company told Just Drinks. However, it confirmed that it has no plans to expand internationally at this stage. Currently, Toast's beers are available in UK retailers such as Waitrose, The Co-op, and Ocado, as well as a range of on-trade stockists, primarily in London and the South of England, the company confirmed. The brand is also stocked in Hilton and Marriott hotels, restaurants, bars, and cultural venues, including Sadler's Wells. Following the agreement, Toast Brewing and Freedom Brewery will remain independent businesses with no changes in ownership or shareholding. Toast Brewing's co-founders hold a majority stake in the company, while employees and investors share ownership through its Equity for Good initiative, it informed Just Drinks. Shropshire-based Freedom Brewery has been expanding its production capacity, having invested £1m ($1.27m) in a canning line in 2023 to grow output fivefold. Freedom Brewery managing director Matt Willson said in the statement announcing the agreement: 'I am extremely proud of the progress we have achieved at Freedom Brewery in recent years. Our brewery's evolution is a testament to our commitment to quality, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.' "Freedom Brewery strikes licensing agreement with Toast Brewing " was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
