Press news (2010)
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Science budget announcement and NERC Delivery Plan 2011-2015
20 Dec 2010
NERC's Chief Executive has welcomed today's announcement of the science budget allocation and publication of the NERC Delivery Plan 2011-2015. Science budget announcement and NERC Delivery Plan 2011-2015
UK and Iceland agree to pool resources for future volcanic eruptions
15 Dec 2010
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has announced a Memorandum of Understanding for future collaboration. UK and Iceland agree to pool resources for future volcanic eruptions
Win for early-career researchers with top entrepreneurial skills
14 Dec 2010
A team of early-career environmental scientists with ideas for reversing fish decline took top prize in a national competition, held last night in London. Win for early-career researchers with top entrepreneurial skills
New start-up company to develop novel medicines
13 Dec 2010
IXO Therapeutics Ltd, a new company formed to research and develop novel medicines to treat inflammation and immune system diseases, launches today. New start-up company to develop novel medicines
Science and maths can open up a world of opportunity
6 Dec 2010
Volcanoes, the Antarctic and giant satellite-tracking lasers all play starring roles in a new series of short videos that dispel the myth that science is boring or difficult. Science and maths can open up a world of opportunity
Snow covers the whole of the UK
3 Dec 2010
A satellite image from the Dundee Satellite Receiving Station, which is funded by NERC, shows the UK covered in snow. Snow covers the whole of the UK
Aerial photographs from Cornwall flooding and landslides
18 Nov 2010
The British Geological Survey has completed an aerial survey to assess the full extent and impact of the floods and landslides in Cornwall yesterday. Aerial photographs from Cornwall flooding and landslides
Length of pregnancy influenced by placenta structure
18 Nov 2010
The nine-month pregnancy in humans is influenced by the structure of the placenta, according to new research into the evolution of reproduction in mammals. Length of pregnancy influenced by placenta structure
Spanish workers are ruthless revolutionaries while British are loyal to their queens
3 Nov 2010
A new study that analyses how complex, highly evolved societies are organized in nature has found that workers play a pivotal role. Spanish workers are ruthless revolutionaries while British are loyal to their queens
Falkland Islands radar to monitor activity that creates the 'Southern Lights'
22 Oct 2010
Scientists have recycled equipment to help us understand solar winds and other atmospheric activity. Falkland Islands radar to monitor activity that creates the 'Southern Lights'
UK's most wanted: People with the maths and communication skills to save our planet!
11 Oct 2010
Over the next 10 years the UK could run short of people able to tackle urgent environmental challenges unless skills gaps can be plugged, says a report published today. UK's most wanted: People with the maths and communication skills to save our planet!
Expedition to trace ocean's vital nutrients
8 Oct 2010
A new scientific expedition sets sail for the South Atlantic on 17 October to investigate the 'micronutrient' metals which are vital to marine life and affect global climate. Expedition to trace ocean's vital nutrients
Nature could drive growth and cut poverty in the developing world
4 Oct 2010
This week researchers from across the world will meet to talk about ways to use the natural world to reduce poverty, deliver sustainable growth and improve the lives of people in the most vulnerable communities. Nature could drive growth and cut poverty in the developing world
Reappointment of the Chair of NERC
30 Sep 2010
Minister of State for Universities and Science David Willetts today announced the reappointment of Mr Ed Wallis as the Chair of the Natural Environment Research Council. Reappointment of the Chair of NERC
'Experiment Earth?' Public have their say on technologies to reduce global warming
9 Sep 2010
A report published today outlines peoples' attitudes to this emerging area of research. 'Experiment Earth?' Public have their say on technologies to reduce global warming
Reappointments to NERC Council
20 Aug 2010
David Willetts, Minister for Universities & Science, has announced that five members of NERC's Council will serve for a further three years. Reappointments to NERC Council
Less is more for a hungry bat
20 Aug 2010
Like a stealth fighter plane, the barbastelle bat uses a sneaky hunting strategy to catch its prey. Researchers uncover the secret of this rare bat's success. Less is more for a hungry bat
Dwindling green pastures, not hunting, may have killed off the mammoth
18 Aug 2010
The findings of a new study challenge the theory that human beings were the primary cause of the extinction of mammals such as the woolly mammoth. Dwindling green pastures, not hunting, may have killed off the mammoth
Earth's oldest mantle discovered
13 Aug 2010
Scientists have found rocks formed from what they think may be Earth's oldest mantle reservoir - a 4.5 billion year-old remnant of the primordial material that made up the planet. Earth's oldest mantle discovered
Stone Age remains are Britain's earliest house
10 Aug 2010
Archaeologists working at a site in North Yorkshire say it contains Britain's earliest surviving house, dating back to at least 8,500 years BC. Stone Age remains are Britain's earliest house
Mountain marmots made bigger by climate change, says new study
22 Jul 2010
Research spanning more than 30 years shows that longer summers in the Colorado mountains are leading to fatter, healthier, marmot populations. Mountain marmots made bigger by climate change, says new study
Africa's national parks hit by mammal declines
13 Jul 2010
The Masai Mara and the Serengeti have seen populations of large mammals decline by as much as 59 per cent, according to a new study published this week. Africa's national parks hit by mammal declines
New projects to address decline of honeybees and other insect pollinators
22 Jun 2010
The projects will explore the causes and consequences of threats to insect pollinators and ask questions about the recent decline of bees and other pollinating insects. New projects to address decline of honeybees and other insect pollinators
Battle of the sexes exists in the plant world too
22 Jun 2010
Researchers have discovered that plants, like animals, also have a battle of the sexes when it comes to raising their offspring. Battle of the sexes exists in the plant world too
UK science spotlights ocean acidification
22 Jun 2010
Funding is announced for six major research projects, each delivering a key part of the £12m UK Ocean Acidification Research Programme. UK science spotlights ocean acidification
Queen's Birthday Honours
17 Jun 2010
NERC extends warmest congratulations to colleagues who received Queen's Birthday Honours this year, in recognition of their outstanding achievements. Queen's Birthday Honours
Conker trees facing peril from alien invaders
10 Jun 2010
Conkers, a favourite playground game in British schools, could soon be just a fond memory if a serious threat to horse chestnut trees continues to spread. Conker trees facing peril from alien invaders
Giant steps help hungry fish to find food
10 Jun 2010
Hungry sharks, swordfish and other ocean predators have adopted different hunting behaviours depending on how much food is readily available. Giant steps help hungry fish to find food
Garden birds shun organic
19 May 2010
The nutritional benefits of organic food have been called into question by new research which shows wild garden birds prefer conventional seed to organically grown. Garden birds shun organic
Fast food curry footprint same as 140 million car miles
18 May 2010
A new footprinting tool calculates that lamb curry ready-made meals eaten in the UK amount to an annual carbon footprint equivalent to 5,500 car trips around the world. Fast food curry footprint same as 140 million car miles
Ancient pigs reveal clues about colonisation of Pacific
18 May 2010
The remains of 3,000 year old pigs, dogs and chickens are being used to reveal clues about early human colonisation in some of the remotest parts of the planet. Ancient pigs reveal clues about colonisation of Pacific
Baby corals dance their way home
15 May 2010
In their first days as free-swimming larvae, baby corals find their way by listening to the noise of animals on the reef and swimming towards it. Baby corals dance their way home
Volcanic ash impacts: research and collaboration continues
13 May 2010
The eruption of Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull is providing NERC with a unique opportunity to carry out some valuable research. Volcanic ash impacts: research and collaboration continues
Research aircraft continue to sample volcanic ash
20 Apr 2010
Scientists are still working closely with the Civil Aviation Authority and the Met Office to monitor the ash plume from Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Research aircraft continue to sample volcanic ash
Research aircraft to fly to the edge of volcanic plume over Britain
15 Apr 2010
The Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull,which began erupting on 20 March this year, is causing chaos at UK airports as a massive plume of ash is blown across northern Britain. Research aircraft to fly to the edge of volcanic plume over Britain
Deepest black smokers found in Caribbean
14 Apr 2010
Scientists have found the deepest known hydrothermal vents, some 5 kilometres down beneath the waves of the Caribbean in the Cayman Trough. Deepest black smokers found in Caribbean
Earthquake rocks China
14 Apr 2010
A powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake has rocked the Southern Qinghai province of China. Earthquake rocks China
Director appointed for the new National Oceanography Centre
13 Apr 2010
Professor Edward Hill is to lead the new centre, which he says will be a major centre of marine science excellence internationally and responsible for building a strong partnership approach with marine researchers in the UK. Director appointed for the new National Oceanography Centre
CryoSat-2 launch successful
8 Apr 2010
At 14:57 BST on Thursday 8 April, the European Space Agency successfully launched its ice mission CryoSat-2 from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. CryoSat-2 launch successful
UK scientists to unearth Ice Age secrets from preserved tree rings
31 Mar 2010
The rings of preserved kauri trees, hidden in New Zealand's peat bogs, hold the secret to climate fluctuations spanning back to the end of the last Ice Age. UK scientists to unearth Ice Age secrets from preserved tree rings
Contract awarded for new research ship
30 Mar 2010
NERC commissions state-of-the art scientific research ship to replace the RRS Discovery. Contract awarded for new research ship
Ice mission ready for launch
30 Mar 2010
A UK-led satellite designed to monitor changes in ice cover at the poles will launch at 14:57 UK time on 8 April 2010 from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Ice mission ready for launch
Fishing discard ban could damage sea bird success, scientists warn
23 Mar 2010
A proposed EU ban on throwing unwanted fish overboard from commercial boats could put one of the North Sea's most successful sea birds at risk. Fishing discard ban could damage sea bird success, scientists warn
The breathing ocean
23 Mar 2010
The completion of a major research programme is celebrated today with the finale of the UK Surface Ocean - Lower Atmosphere Study (UK SOLAS). The breathing ocean
UK to host international science conference
11 Mar 2010
The UK has won its bid to host a major international science conference in 2012. The London conference aims to attract 2,500 of the world's leading thinkers in global change research. UK to host international science conference
Ice maidens go north on Arctic expedition
25 Feb 2010
Three women funded by the Natural Environment Research Council are taking a leading role in a major Arctic expedition this spring. Ice maidens go north on Arctic expedition
Research project inspires new BBC series
19 Feb 2010
A research project funded by the Natural Environment Research Council has inspired the BBC's latest primetime wildlife documentary series. Research project inspires new BBC series
UK and India forge new research collaborations
18 Feb 2010
Two major research deals have been signed between the UK and India, Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills, Pat McFadden, announced this week. UK and India forge new research collaborations
Britain's beaches to benefit from better water quality forecasts
16 Feb 2010
Britain's coastal waters come under scrutiny as a new £3.3m European research project gets under way. Britain's beaches to benefit from better water quality forecasts
New national centre covers marine science from the coast to the deep ocean
2 Feb 2010
NERC announces the creation of a new, national research organisation that will work in partnership with the UK marine research community to deliver integrated marine science and technology. New national centre covers marine science from the coast to the deep ocean
UK's chief scientific advisor backs climate scientists
1 Feb 2010
The Government's chief scientific advisor talks about the recent climate change controversies, including how fast the IPCC stated Himalayan glaciers would disappear. UK's chief scientific advisor backs climate scientists
Ozone hole healing could cause further climate warming
26 Jan 2010
The hole in the ozone layer is now steadily closing, but its repair could increase warming in the southern hemisphere, according to scientists at the University of Leeds. Ozone hole healing could cause further climate warming
Living the high life is risky for toads under threat from fungus
25 Jan 2010
Deadly fungus threatens mountain-dwelling midwife toads whilst lowland relatives could escape death from the disease. Living the high life is risky for toads under threat from fungus
Haiti struck by massive earthquake
13 Jan 2010
Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, was struck by a massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday evening - the worst earthquake to hit the nation in more than 200 years. Haiti struck by massive earthquake
New Year Honours
5 Jan 2010
NERC extends warmest congratulations to colleagues who received the Queen's New Year Honours, in recognition of their outstanding achievements. New Year Honours