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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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Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.