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Defence Chiefs Could Learn From Darwin
The dynamic nature of modern security threat such as global terrorism requires a flexible response - and nations should mimic the way biological organisms evolve in response to their changing environment, researchers from the University of Edinburgh say.

The experts say that by adopting Darwinian principles of adapting to best suit an environment, nations could capitalise on their opponents’ mistakes and win conflict with flexibility instead of power.

A major conference held in Edinburgh earlier this week heard how the principle of competition and survival in nature could help nations develop flexible and speedy defence systems for conflicts in the 21st century.

Researchers say the process of adaptation, which explains how biological organisms reproduce and change over many generations, could inform defence strategy because it offers ideas for building organisations and strategies that track competitors shifting tactics and capitalise on opponents weaknesses.

Experts say that the primary security threats today do not follow systematic or predictable patterns so without a flexible and effective response battles and wars may be lost because we will be 'out adapted' by our enemies. The question is how to adapt faster than competitors.

Dr Dominic Johnson, from the School of Social and Political Science at the University of Edinburgh, said: "The history of life on earth has tried and tested far more adaptive strategies than militaries could ever hope to. They are all around us to see and their secrets have been extensively studied. We would be wise to identify the most successful strategies and apply them to the fight against insurgency and terrorism."

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."