"This study provides insight into the functional composition of global nematode populations and thus provides key baseline data to measure the impacts of climate change” Ground-breaking research into the soil beneath our feet, just published in the journal Nature, transforms current understanding of life on land by revealing that the world’s largest animal populations are found in high-latitude sub-arctic soils. Scientists at the James Hutton Institute have contributed to a study which maps the global distribution of soil nematodes. These tiny creatures make up an estimated four-fifths of all
Displaying 1631 - 1640 of 2639
"By combining these effective genes we can prolong the longevity of individual resistances to the disease and reduce the need for chemical sprays on plants" Potatoes have been a staple of Britain’s diet for half a millennium, but new research suggests that limited genetic differences in potato lineages has left British and American spuds vulnerable to the disease that caused the Irish potato famine. Plant scientists at the James Hutton Institute and the University of Dundee have revealed that commercial potato crops are under constant threat of late blight, the pathogen behind one of Europe’s
Jenny is an Agricultural Economist at SRUC, and her areas of work include analysis of the intentions of Scottish farmers through data analysis of surveys, currently with a specific focus on intentions and views surrounding Brexit. Jenny is also involved in research focused on reviewing measures to improve productivity within Scottish agriculture. She additionally contributes to publications on agriculture and rural development policy produced within the research division of SRUC.
Christine is Team Leader of Soil Science and Systems at SRUC, and a Professor for Agricultural Systems. Her research focuses on butrient management in agriucultural systems, working in a wide range of farming systems including arable, mixed farming, outdoor pig production and dairy systems, as well as agroforestry. She works at a variety of sclaes, from process based studies of nutrient fluxes associated with root turnover to crop rotation and farm scale nutrient budgets. Christine is particularly interested in applying interdisciplinary approaches to address global problems.
My research focuses on healthy psychology and around processes of behaviour change within individuals. This work generally involves relatively intensive monitoring of behaviour and behavioural determinants using various digital devices and paper-based diaries, looking to detect the timing of (short-lived or sustained) behaviour, and whether its determinants are similar or different across individuals. My current work on the Strategic Research Programme addresses how dietary habits are established and develop over time, with a focus on sugar-related food and drink, and starchy carbohydrates. My
The aim of the research within this RD is to improve understanding of issues around (re-) engagement of people with Scotland’s landscapes and natural environment. There are three key objectives set out for the research: Developing and applying a framework for understanding access to and engagement with natural landscapes Understanding opportunities to facilitate (re-)engagement with the land Examining linkages between environmental qualities and wellbeing
This research targets a number of complementary, interdisciplinary strategies to support changes in food culture, social norms and dietary choices towards ‘sustainable and healthy balanced diets’. Socioeconomic and behavioural approaches will be applied to characterise factors affecting dietary choice and behaviours in different population groups and life-stages, particularly cultural influences. The aim is to explore the potential benefit of innovative interventions to change dietary habits. The studies investigate the role of social networks in food choices, the use of nutritional
“We found that the environmental footprint of pea gin was significantly lower than for wheat gin across 12 of 14 environmental impacts evaluated, from climate change, through water and air pollution, to fossil energy consumption” It’s the season for a cold afternoon ‘gin & tonic’ on ice. The health impact of one too many is questionable, but what is the environmental footprint of that classically delicious aperitif? An international team of researchers has worked with a a pioneering distillery manager to answer this question in a study published in the scientific journal Environment