Prolonged periods of time in space are punishing on the human body.
Astronauts who have endured space flights have all experienced negative effects from the journey; from loss of body mass and muscles to the redistribution of bodily fluids to the head, which puts pressure on the eyes causing vision problems.
Higher levels of radiation in space can also damage the heart, cause arteries to narrow or harden, and eventually heart disease.
So, how can humans survive the 480 million km journey to the Red Planet without them potentially dying, or at the very least, permanently injuring themselves?
A team of scientists at Queen’s University Belfast believes they have the answer thanks to a pet shop favourite - zebrafish.
New research led by Queen’s University Belfast has shown the zebrafish could help humans reach Mars by understanding how a form of hibernation, known as induced torpor (a state of reduced metabolic activity) may provide radio-protective effects.
Hibernation is a physiological condition found in many species that protects them against harsh conditions, such as food scarcity and low environmental temperatures.
Replicating hibernation may therefore protect astronauts against the harsh conditions of space flight, which include challenges such as radiation exposure, bone and muscle wastage, advanced ageing and vascular problems. The researchers believe if astronauts hibernate on their journey, those difficulties may be solved.
CAFRE to host Milk Quality webinar
The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), in association with the Society of Dairy Technology (SDT) are hosting an online webinar entitled, ‘Milk Quality – Competing in a Global Market Place’ on Tuesday 16 March at 11am.
Tuesday, 9th March 2021, 9:05 am
This webinar aims to provide an update on the ongoing work to support quality and safety within the supply chain.
Research has shown that, in reputational terms, quality is the single most important attribute of the local dairy industry.
A well-earned reputation for excellence and quality are key to the confidence and loyalty which consumers have in dairy products.
New research reveals British pig farming is reducing carbon footprint
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New research from Queen’s University Belfast suggests a change in feed was key to reducing the carbon impact of pig farming in the UK.
The carbon footprint of British pig farming has reduced by almost 40 percent over the last 20 years, according to a new study, using a new methodology, led by the Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) at Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland.
The independent research, funded by the EU, drew its conclusions from historic data on livestock systems across England, Scotland and Wales. Because the data on agricultural inputs was sparse, a new research methodology was developed in which outputs were used to retrospectively estimate inputs – a process called ‘inverted modelling’.
Feb 25, 2021
The carbon footprint of British pig farming has reduced by almost 40% over the last 20 years, according to a new study, using a new methodology, led by the Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland.
The independent research, funded by the EU, drew its conclusions from historic data on livestock systems across England, Scotland, and Wales. Because the data on agricultural inputs was sparse, a new research methodology was developed in which outputs were used to retrospectively estimate inputs – a process called “inverted modeling.”
Northern Ireland was not included in the study, but there are plans to extend the methodology to NI in the near future.