Scientists outline potential of soil-free farming which could see crops grown in the desert23 July 2020A new study has outlined the potential of soil-free, computer-controlled farms as climate change and soil erosion limit our ability to grow crops. The research, published in New Phytologist and led by scientists at the University of Bristol, John Innes Centre and LettUs Grow, describe the growing environmental and economic case for vertical farming methods which could see crops grown in previously unfarmable environments such as the deserts of Dubai to countries with short daylight hours like Iceland.
New co-lead for world-class water research at the University of Bristol14 July 2020Congratulations to Dr Katerina Michaelides who has been appointed to co-lead the Cabot Institute for the Environment's world-class Water research theme alongside existing theme lead Professor Thorsten Wagener.
Genetic differences between global American Crocodile populations identified in DNA analysis13 July 2020A genetic analysis of the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) has re-established our understanding of its population structure, aiding its conservation. The collaborative study spanning seven countries and led by the Wildlife Conservation Society and University of Bristol researchers is published in PLOS ONE.
Why it’s no last orders for the Tequila bat: DNA helps conservation of elusive bat7 July 2020Scientists studying the ‘near threatened’ tequila bat, best known for its vital role in pollinating the Blue Agave plant from which the drink of the same name is made from, have analysed its DNA to help inform conservationists on managing their populations.
Arctic Circle sees 'highest-ever' recorded temperatures24 June 2020Dr Dann Mitchell, Co-Leader of the Cabot Institute for the Environment's Natural Hazards and Disaster Risk theme talks about the latest heatwave on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Dr Janine Sargoni, 1973 – 202022 June 2020It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing away of Dr Janine Sargoni, an esteemed colleague and a beloved friend. Janine left us on 11 June 2020, after a two-year long battle with cancer.
Cabot Institute Innovation Fund 2020 – apply now!16 June 2020We are delighted to announce the annual call for proposals to the Cabot Institute Innovation Fund. A total of ~£20k is available to share between projects under this call. This will be distributed between the highest-ranked projects.
What are the effects of climate change on pollinators and human health?11 June 2020Three quarters of crop species depend on pollinators, but the service they provide is under increasing threat from climate change. An international collaboration, led by the University of Bristol, will investigate the effects of climate change on pollinators and people’s diet thanks to funding of nearly €1 million from The Belmont Forum.
University response to the Black Lives Matter movement11 June 2020The focus of the Black Lives Matter campaign was on Bristol at the weekend as many around the world watched protestors remove the statue of slave trader Edward Colston from the city centre and throw it into the docks.
Caboteer Professor Jon Bridle moving to UCL1 June 2020We would like to congratulate one of Cabot's Founding Fathers - Professor Jon Bridle - who is starting a new role at UCL as Professor of Evolutionary Biology at the Centre for Environment and Biodiversity Research.
Professor Jonathan Rigg awarded Victoria Medal22 May 2020Professor Jonathan Rigg, Chair of Human Geography at the University of Bristol, has been recognised with the prestigious Victoria Medal from the Royal Geographical Society.
Social media can accurately forecast economic impact of natural disasters including COVID-19 pandemic8 April 2020Social media should be used to chart the economic impact and recovery of businesses in countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new research published in Nature Communications. University of Bristol scientists describe a ‘real time’ method accurately trialled across three global natural disasters which could be used to reliably forecast the financial impact of the current global health crisis.
Plant root hairs key to reducing soil erosion3 April 2020The tiny hairs found on plant roots play a pivotal role in helping reduce soil erosion, a new study has found. The research, led by the University of Bristol and published in Communications Biology, provides compelling evidence that when root hairs interact with the surrounding soil they reduce soil erosion and increase soil cohesion by binding soil particles.
Global study shows how marine species respond as oceans warm27 March 2020A global analysis of over 300 marine species spanning more than 100 years, shows that mammals, plankton, fish, plants and seabirds have been changing in abundance as our climate warms.
New ‘Conspiracy Theory Handbook’ aims to minimise harmful conspiracy theories23 March 2020Given the unhelpful surge of conspiracy theories circulating regarding Covid-19, a new ‘Conspiracy Theory Handbook’ is published this week. The book summarises the scientific research into conspiracy theories: why people believe them, the traits of conspiratorial thinking, and how to counter them.
New insights into US flood vulnerability revealed from flood insurance big data19 March 2020An international team of scientists, led by the University of Bristol, has found that current estimates of flood risk rely upon methods for calculating flood damage which are inadequately verified and match poorly with observations.
New agreement brings key Bristol organisations closer together10 March 2020A new agreement between Bristol City Council, the University of Bristol and the City Office has been agreed that will see closer working between the organisations in developing a city of hope and ambition.
Tropical forests’ carbon sink is already rapidly weakening4 March 2020The ability of the world’s tropical forests to remove carbon from the atmosphere is decreasing, according to a study tracking 300,000 trees over 30 years, published today in Nature.
