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Winners of $2m ocean health prize revealed
ANB Sensors receiving cheque
Ocean acidification is damaging the health of shellfish, fisheries, coral reefs and other ecosystems.
UK team come second place, winning $250K

A team of UK scientists have won $250,000 in a global competition to develop accurate and affordable pH sensors to measure ocean chemistry.

The Wendy Schmidt Ocean XPRIZE is a $2 million award. It aims to tackle the growing problem of ocean acidification through the development of pH sensors.

Ocean acidification is already having a serious impact. Driven by rising CO2 emissions, it is damaging the health of shellfish, fisheries, coral reefs and other ecosystems.

Previously, the only available sensors were too expensive and imprecise to give sufficient knowledge of ocean chemistry.

First prize was awarded to US company Sunburst Sensors, who received $1.5 million for their sensor. Cambridge-based ANB Sensors came in second place for affordability, while Team Durafet, US, got second place for accuracy and also received $250,000.

A total of 24 teams from around the world battled it out for the top prize and after four months of testing, five teams were shortlisted to travel to Hawaii and carry out week-long trials of their sensors in May.

The work of the three teams brings us one step closer to tackling ocean acidification.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.