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DNA experts join forces in new facility
Edinburgh centres merge to support ground-breaking research

A new genomics facility at the University of Edinburgh promises to bring together experts for large-scale studies, to support ground-breaking research in both human and animal health, sustainable food production and the environment.

Based at the university, Edinburgh Genomics aims to be in the foreground of medicine personalisation, where treatment is tailored to the patient's genes.

Technology at the centre will will allow scientists to inform the development of new therapies by analysing and comparing hundreds of DNA samples from patients with certain diseases, identifying key genes involved.

Scientists will also aim to use the facility for ground-breaking agricultural research, pinpointing genes that may contribute to crop or animal disease.

Furthermore, it is hoped that the centre will enable environmental scientists to find out more about the natural world, allowing a rapid response to diseases posing a thereat to wildlife.

The university's new facilities represent a merging of its existing Edinburgh GenePool and ARK-Genomics, whose scientists and technologies will contribute to Edinburgh Genomics' work.

Professor Mark Blaxter, Director of Edinburgh Genomics, said: "Edinburgh researchers already lead the world in this area, and our facility is ready to support more of this ground-breaking work.

"We will work with clinicians to apply new knowledge in the clinic, with farmers and breeders trying to improve our food supply, and with scientists aiming to understand the genetic underpinnings of how our ecosystems function."

The new centre will capitalise on the university's expertise in supercomputing and informatics to analyse huge amounts of data generated by large DNA studies.

According to the university, Edinburgh Genomics aims to be a leading provider of training, service quality and support for its collaborators.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.