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University of Edinburgh wins grant to tackle AMR
The new facility will feature nine floors of laboratories.
Grant will support the creation of a new laboratory

The University of Edinburgh has been awarded £411,000 to help tackle the rising threat of antibiotic resistance.

The institution is being recognised by the Garfield Heston Foundation to support the creation of a new laboratory, to be located in the Darwin Building at the University’s King’s Buildings campus.

Scientists in the facility will seek to better understand the ways in which bacteria, parasites and viruses are developing resistance to treatments, and how best to address this.

"Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest challenges facing society today, both in terms of human health and wellbeing, and in the stability of our livestock farming,” said Professor Keith Matthews, of the School of Biological Sciences.

“This support from the Garfield Weston Foundation ensures that Edinburgh will remain at the forefront of the fight against AMR research for years to come."

With open plan aspects designed to foster collaboration, the facility will feature nine floors of laboratories. These will include the antimicrobial facility, and suites of analytical equipment.

Within its walls, researchers will work to aid scientific knowledge and understanding of antibiotic resistance in people and animals.

Their aim is to develop faster diagnostic tests for animals, to improve how drugs are prescribed. They also seek to support the development of vaccines and alternative treatments for infection.

Philippa Charles, director of the Garfield Weston Foundation, said: "We are delighted to be able to support the important and innovative work on antimicrobial resistance at the University of Edinburgh. “This kind of cutting-edge scientific research, with tangible societal benefit, is exactly the kind of initiative which the Garfield Weston Foundation aims to encourage.

She adds: “AMR is a huge threat to all of us and we are proud to be able to support the University in tackling this, and other global challenges, through their 'Building a New Biology' project."

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.