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Microscopic birthday message sent to the Queen
Microscopic birthday message
The scientists used a Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron microscope to inscribe the message.

Etched onto the hair of a corgi

A microscopic message has been sent to the Queen to celebrate her 90th birthday.

Scientists at the University of Nottingham decided to etch ‘Happy 90th Birthday Your Majesty' onto a hair from a corgi to demonstrate facilities at their new Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre (NMRC).  

Dr Michael Fay and Dr Christopher Parmenter, stars of the award winning YouTube Channel Periodic Table of Videos, used a Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron microscope to inscribe the message.

The machine is capable of etching and manipulating materials with nanoscale precision by a focused beam of Gallium ions while imaging the structure by a beam of electrons.

The NMRC opened earlier this week and is teeming with the very latest in microscopy. The centre allows scientists to peer into the fundamental world of the very, very small and addresses some of the major challenges facing humanity – medicine, materials for energy production, storage, electronic devices and novel catalysts.

“This centre will be one of the largest and most advanced clusters of instrumentation for nanoscale and microscale research in the UK,” said Andrei Khlobystov, professor of nanomaterials and director of the NMRC in the faculty of science. “We anticipate it will have significant regional, national and global impact.”

The University of Nottingham already holds the world record for creating the smallest test tube and for writing the smallest version of the periodic table on human hair. 

Image (C) University of Nottingham

 

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

Click here for more...
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RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.