NERC news (2008)
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Bee probiotic business plan a winner for young entrepreneurs
12 Dec 2008
A team of graduate students from the University of Oxford has scooped first prize in the Environment Young Entrepreneurs Scheme competition. Bee probiotic business plan a winner for young entrepreneurs
Action plans to tackle major environmental challenges published
12 Dec 2008
NERC yesterday published its Theme Action Plans, designed to transform the way the organisation funds environmental science. Action plans to tackle major environmental challenges published
Planet Earth - Winter 2008
9 Dec 2008
Read the latest issue of NERC's award-winning free magazine. Planet Earth - Winter 2008
Economic Impact Reporting Framework
4 Dec 2008
NERC's Economic Impact Reporting Framework report for 2007/08 is now available.
Economic Impact Reporting Framework
Nominations for Peer Review College membership
18 Nov 2008
We are looking for members with all types of environmental sciences expertise, including those from the public and private sectors, to be involved in the peer review of proposals. Nominations for Peer Review College membership
The closing date is 9 Jan 2009
Cloud-hopping for better climate predictions
22 Oct 2008
A team of 20 cloud and climate experts head for Chile to investigate how massive swathes of Pacific clouds affect world climate and weather. Cloud-hopping for better climate predictions
Professor Anthony Slingo
17 Oct 2008
We are very sorry to learn that Professor Anthony Slingo, Professor of Environmental Science and Deputy Director of NERC's Environmental Systems Science Centre, has died following a sudden illness. Professor Anthony Slingo
Deepest-living fishes caught on camera
7 Oct 2008
The world's deepest living fishes have been filmed for the first time. Deepest-living fishes caught on camera
Science minister re-appoints NERC Chief Executive
2 Oct 2008
Ian Pearson today announced the re-appointment of Professor Alan Thorpe as NERC Chief Executive and Deputy Chair. Science minister re-appoints NERC Chief Executive
Culture and the climate challenge
12 Sep 2008
This month (September 2008) a 40-strong crew of artists and scientists embark on a scientific and cultural expedition to Disko Bay on the west coast of Greenland. Culture and the climate challenge
NERC research fellow wins silver in Beijing
18 Aug 2008
Dr Joshua West, from the University of Oxford, is one of the team that won the Olympic silver medal for Britain in the men's-eight rowing final in Beijing. NERC research fellow wins silver in Beijing
UK Robot submarine successfully completes first science mission
15 Aug 2008
Autosub6000, the UK's deepest-diving robot submarine, has successfully completed its first science mission in the deep Atlantic Ocean. UK Robot submarine successfully completes first science mission
UK scientist explores Sichuan fault
14 Aug 2008
A UK scientist arrives in China today to explore the fault lines that caused the earthquake on 12 May that killed 69,000 people. UK scientist explores Sichuan fault
Smells like bees' spirit
13 Aug 2008
Bumblebees choose whether to search for food according to how stocked their nests are, say scientists from Queen Mary, University of London. Smells like bees' spirit
NERC appoints three new members
13 Aug 2008
Three new appointments to the Natural Environment Research Council have been announced by Ian Pearson, Minister for Science & Innovation. NERC appoints three new members
Warmer climates lead to more extreme rainfall
11 Aug 2008
Researchers have confirmed the link between a warmer climate and more intense tropical rainstorms after analysing 20 years of satellite data. Warmer climates lead to more extreme rainfall
New water management website launched
7 Aug 2008
A new website for the Lowland Catchment Research Programme will help policymakers and the public better understand the challenges facing Britain's water supply. New water management website launched
Female guppies risk death to avoid sexual harassment
6 Aug 2008
Sexual harassment from male guppies is so bad that long-suffering females will risk their lives to escape it, according to new research. Female guppies risk death to avoid sexual harassment
Acid rain reduces methane emissions from rice paddies
6 Aug 2008
City-related atmospheric pollution in China may have a beneficial side-effect - combating methane emissions from rice paddies. Acid rain reduces methane emissions from rice paddies
Mother Earth naked - a modern masterpiece
31 Jul 2008
Have you ever wondered what our world would look like stripped bare of all plants, soils, water and man-made structures? Mother Earth naked - a modern masterpiece
Annual Report and Accounts 2007-08 published today
30 Jul 2008
The Natural Environment Research Council's Annual Report confirms the government's citation analysis that NERC's research truly is world-class. Annual Report and Accounts 2007-08 published today
Annual Delivery Report 2007-08
24 Jul 2008
NERC has published its Annual Delivery Report for the period 2007-08. Annual Delivery Report 2007-08
Watery attractions at the Summer Science Exhibition
30 Jun 2008
An ocean and climate theme links three exhibits featuring research supported by NERC, that are presented over the next four days at the Summer Science Exhibition. Watery attractions at the Summer Science Exhibition
Planet Earth - Summer 2008
27 Jun 2008
Read the latest issue of NERC's award-winning free magazine. Planet Earth - Summer 2008
£1m award to support commercialisation of research
27 Jun 2008
NERC has won nearly £1m to help it support the commercialisation of research in its research centres. £1m award to support commercialisation of research
Rapid Climate Change: past; present; future
26 Jun 2008
Key findings from an ambitious research project that provided the first 'early detection system' for climate changes in the Atlantic Ocean are highlighted today. Rapid Climate Change: past; present; future
Destruction of greenhouse gases over tropical Atlantic
26 Jun 2008
Large amounts of ozone - around 50% more than predicted by climate models - are being destroyed in the lower atmosphere over the tropical Atlantic Ocean. Destruction of greenhouse gases over tropical Atlantic
Volcano 'pollution' solves mercury mystery
25 Jun 2008
Scientists have discovered how volatile metals from volcanoes end up in polar ice cores. Volcano 'pollution' solves mercury mystery
UK research partnership responds to the urgent need for environmental action
18 Jun 2008
Urgent action is needed from the research community, government and the public to respond to inevitable environmental change. UK research partnership responds to the urgent need for environmental action
Queen's Birthday Honours
17 Jun 2008
NERC extends warmest congratulations to six colleagues who received Queen's Birthday Honours this year, in recognition of their outstanding achievements. Queen's Birthday Honours
'Family tree' of all British birds gives clues about which species might be endangered next
11 Jun 2008
A new complete evolutionary 'family tree' showing how all British bird species are related may provide clues about which ones are at risk of population decline. 'Family tree' of all British birds gives clues about which species might be endangered next
Puffins added to the list of dwindling North Sea birdlife
4 Jun 2008
Atlantic Puffin numbers on the Isle of May have declined by 30% during the last five years after a period of almost 40 years of rapid population increase. Puffins added to the list of dwindling North Sea birdlife
Earthworm detectives provide genetic clues for dealing with soil pollution
3 Jun 2008
Earthworms are proving to be great detectives when it comes to identifying pollutants present in soil. Earthworm detectives provide genetic clues for dealing with soil pollution
Parasites' family planning strategy helps malaria spread
29 May 2008
Malaria parasites ensure the successful spread of the disease by being able to produce more sons than daughters when conditions are difficult, a study shows. Parasites' family planning strategy helps malaria spread
Family feuds - why close relatives keep their distance in the animal kingdom
28 May 2008
Mammals cannot share their habitat with closely related species because the need for the same kind of food and shelter would lead them to compete to the death, according to new research out today. Family feuds - why close relatives keep their distance in the animal kingdom
New vision of climate change through Google Earth
21 May 2008
Millions of Google Earth users around the world will be able to see how climate change could affect the planet and its people over the next century, thanks to a new project launched this week. New vision of climate change through Google Earth
Silver medal for the 2050 garden at the Chelsea Flower Show
21 May 2008
Congratulations to Saffron O'Neill and Johanna Forster, who have won a Silver Medal for their climate change garden - the 2050 garden - at the Chelsea Flower Show. Silver medal for the 2050 garden at the Chelsea Flower Show
£2m to study earthquake region
16 May 2008
A major research consortium has just started to investigate the causes of devastating earthquakes in south-east Asia. £2m to study earthquake region
Gardens for the year 2050 at the Chelsea Flower Show
16 May 2008
Scientists from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research and the University of East Anglia's Climatic Research Unit are inviting us to look into the future at next week's Chelsea Flower Show. Gardens for the year 2050 at the Chelsea Flower Show
Scientists aim to unlock deep-sea secrets of Earth's crust
14 May 2008
Scientists from Durham University will use robots to explore the depths of the Atlantic Ocean to study the growth of underwater volcanoes that build the Earth's crust. Scientists aim to unlock deep-sea secrets of Earth's crust
When following the leader can lead into the jaws of death
13 May 2008
International study of animal behaviour has important implications for human decision-making. When following the leader can lead into the jaws of death
Major UK funders publish common rules for animal research
8 May 2008
Five of the UK's major funders of animal research today published common guidelines for using animals in research. Major UK funders publish common rules for animal research
Amazon under threat from cleaner air
8 May 2008
The Amazon rainforest, so crucial to the Earth's climate system, is coming under threat from cleaner air say prominent UK and Brazilian climate scientists in the leading scientific journal Nature. Amazon under threat from cleaner air
Fluctuating diet increases risk of sudden death
30 Apr 2008
New research has revealed that binge eating then dieting may significantly reduce lifespan. Fluctuating diet increases risk of sudden death
Arctic adventurers return home
25 Apr 2008
A Wirral school may have a Polar scientist in the making after one of its students had an action-packed adventure in the frozen Arctic. Arctic adventurers return home
Early growth spurts could cause obesity
9 Apr 2008
Researchers have found that growth spurts in early childhood could permanently affect an individual's rate of metabolism, which is believed to be linked to obesity. Early growth spurts could cause obesity
The most advanced gravity measurement satellite prepares for launch
3 Apr 2008
A new satellite that will measure the Earth's global gravity field more accurately is being prepared for launch in Russia at the end of May. The most advanced gravity measurement satellite prepares for launch
Planet Earth - Spring 2008
1 Apr 2008
Read the latest issue of NERC's award-winning free magazine. Planet Earth - Spring 2008
Under the sea
27 Mar 2008
Scientists explore huge volume of molten rock now frozen into the crust under the ocean's floor. Under the sea
Evolution of new species slows down as number of competitors increases
25 Mar 2008
The rate at which new species are formed in a group of closely related animals decreases as the total number of different species in that group goes up, according to new research published today. Evolution of new species slows down as number of competitors increases
Unmanned aerial vehicles mark robotic first for British Antarctic Survey
18 Mar 2008
Scientists at the British Antarctic Survey in collaboration with the Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany have completed the first ever series of flights by autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Antarctica. Unmanned aerial vehicles mark robotic first for British Antarctic Survey
Prestigious science prize awarded for 800,000 year old ice core
13 Mar 2008
Ice core scientists from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) are joint winners of a major European science prize. Prestigious science prize awarded for 800,000 year old ice core
Summer 2007 floods: a very singular event
11 Mar 2008
A new scientific study of the wet summer of 2007 confirms that the floods were a very singular event and does not support the idea that the exceptional river flooding was linked to climate change. Summer 2007 floods: a very singular event
Co-operation between figs, wasps and parasites proves three is not always a crowd
11 Mar 2008
Scientists at the University of Reading have found that during mutualism, a co-operative relationship between two different species, a third parasitic species may help to keep the relationship stable. Co-operation between figs, wasps and parasites proves three is not always a crowd
Review of the NERC Peer Review College - Consultation
10 Mar 2008
NERC has launched a survey as part of the review of its Peer Review College. We welcome the views of those with some knowledge of the College and related research assessment process. Review of the NERC Peer Review College - Consultation
The closing date is 27 Mar 2008
Hungry sharks take strange walks to find food
28 Feb 2008
Sharks and other marine animals find food using a similar search pattern to the way people may shop, according to one of the largest analyses of foraging behaviour attempted so far. Hungry sharks take strange walks to find food
Arctic adventure for Wirral school student
25 Feb 2008
A Wirral school student is about to set out on the trip of a lifetime to the Canadian High Arctic, as part of an International Polar Year science programme. Arctic adventure for Wirral school student
Masters of disguise: secrets of nature's 'great pretenders' revealed
20 Feb 2008
A gene which helps a harmless African butterfly ward off predators by giving it wing patterns like those of toxic species, has been identified by scientists who publish their findings today. Masters of disguise: secrets of nature's 'great pretenders' revealed
New 'Environment Centre Wales' opened
15 Feb 2008
A new £7m centre of excellence for environmental science was officially opened in Bangor today by the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. New 'Environment Centre Wales' opened
Carbon study could help reduce harmful emissions
15 Feb 2008
A new study has revealed that storing carbon dioxide beneath the earth may be a safer and longer-term method of reducing emissions in the atmosphere than previously thought. Carbon study could help reduce harmful emissions
Do you care about evolution?
12 Feb 2008
Does Darwin's theory of evolution still matter? 2009 is the 150th anniversary of the publication of his groundbreaking work, On the Origin of Species. Do you care about evolution?
New members appointed to Science & Innovation Strategy Board
5 Feb 2008
NERC is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor David Fowler, Professor Jane Francis, Professor Ed Hill, Professor Paul Monks and Professor Martin Visbeck to the Science & Innovation Strategy Board. New members appointed to Science & Innovation Strategy Board
£16m confirmed for climate change monitoring system
25 Jan 2008
NERC has confirmed that it will provide £16·1m to continue the research programme that provides a detection system for climate changes in the Atlantic Ocean. £16m confirmed for climate change monitoring system
First evidence of under-ice volcanic eruption in Antarctica
21 Jan 2008
The first evidence of a volcanic eruption from beneath Antarctica's most rapidly changing ice sheet is reported this week in the journal Nature Geosciences.
First evidence of under-ice volcanic eruption in Antarctica
NERC science on ITV
15 Jan 2008
ITV's News at Ten with Trevor MacDonald will feature a series of news reports this week on the British Antarctic Survey.
NERC science on ITV
Launch of new supercomputer for UK researchers
15 Jan 2008
£113m HECToR officially opened by the Chancellor, Alistair Darling. Launch of new supercomputer for UK researchers
Professor Sir Howard Dalton, FRS
14 Jan 2008
We are very sorry to hear of the sudden death of Professor Sir Howard Dalton, FRS, a member of NERC Council from 2002 to 2007.
NERC Facts 2008
11 Jan 2008
The new edition of this pocket-sized booklet of useful names and contact details is now available to download. You can also pre-order hard copies, which will be available from 25 January. NERC Facts 2008
