Latest Briefing
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How investment in fundamental scientific research leads to practical outcomes
The societal benefits of funding applied scientific research – research which addresses a question that is immediately and directly relevant to an end user such as a farmer or policy maker – are clear. It is nearly always relatively straightforward to identify practical outcomes that emerge from such projects, making them highly attractive to funding bodies and industrial collaborations, particularly at a time of financial constraint. However, these applied outcomes frequently rely upon and develop previous fundamental research programmes for which practical outcomes were not immediately or obviously apparent at the time. This article describes how Scottish Government (SG) investment in a number of fundamental scientific areas at Main Research Providers (MRP), through the Strategic Research Programme has underpinned research which is now yielding practical outcomes that are making a difference in Scotland and beyond.
Read morePublished on 8 March 2016 in Food, health and wellbeing
Recent Briefings
Oats could hold the key to a healthier lifestyle
The consumption of whole grain foods, such as wholemeal bread, wholemeal pasta or whole grain cereals (porridge, whole wheat) is associated with lowered risk of heart attack. Read more
Published on 21 March 2011 in Food, health and wellbeing
Nutrition During Pregnancy
During development, the baby is entirely dependent on its mother for its nutrition. It is clear, therefore, that maternal nutrition during pregnancy will have a big effect on outcome. Read more
Published on 16 March 2011 in Food, health and wellbeing
Gut bacteria are essential to human health and recent research is showing how they work
We are not alone. Each and every one of us plays host to millions of bacteria (bugs), the majority of which reside in our guts. Read more
Published on 10 March 2011 in Food, health and wellbeing
The Impacts of River Engineering on the Freshwater Pearl Mussel in Scotland
Scotland is a European stronghold for the critically endangered freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera, holding around half of the world's known breeding populations. Read more
Published on 18 February 2011 in Ecosystems and biodiversity
One size doesn't fit all! Differences between individuals and the potential implications for dietary health effects
Dietary intakes can play an important role in maintaining human health, however, the response of individuals to specific food ingredients can vary considerably from the effect seen in the population as a whole. Read more
Published on 17 February 2011 in Food, health and wellbeing
Diet and Inflammation - new insights into obesity and metabolic health
The predisposition of individuals to obesity is thought to be caused by a lack of will power in the face of a cheap and plentiful supply of highly palatable energy dense food. Read more
Published on 17 February 2011 in Food, health and wellbeing
New diagnostic test for endemic cattle disease under development
Johne's Disease caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis is endemic disease in cattle and its prevalence is increasing. Read more
Published on 16 February 2011 in Sustainability and Communities , Climate, water and energy , Ecosystems and biodiversity , Food, health and wellbeing
Assessing diffuse pollution and land management impacts on water quality in the Lunan Water, using event-based monitoring
Diffuse pollution is the most significant pressure leading to failure of lochs and rivers to achieve objectives set out in the Water Framework Directive. Read more
Published on 16 February 2011 in Ecosystems and biodiversity , Food, health and wellbeing
Impacts of volcanic ash originating from the eruption in Eyjafjallajökull (Iceland) on the natural resources of Scotland
The fall out of volcanic ash from the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull caused significant travel disruption during April 2010 and raised specific concerns about the potential impacts on Scottish natural resources, such as (i) pastures and livestock; (ii) soils and (iii) surface water. Read more
Published on 8 February 2011 in Climate, water and energy , Ecosystems and biodiversity
Plant breeding has increased the nitrogen use efficiency of barley varieties
Nitrogen (N) is an essential element in the growth and development of crops. Poor access to N fertilizer is a major limitation to crop productivity in some developing countries, whilst in other more affluent countries increased productivity over recent decades has been associated with a substantial increase in N fertilizer use. Read more
Published on 7 February 2011 in Sustainability and Communities
