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Microscopic birthday message sent to the Queen
Microscopic birthday message
The scientists used a Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron microscope to inscribe the message.

Etched onto the hair of a corgi

A microscopic message has been sent to the Queen to celebrate her 90th birthday.

Scientists at the University of Nottingham decided to etch ‘Happy 90th Birthday Your Majesty' onto a hair from a corgi to demonstrate facilities at their new Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre (NMRC).  

Dr Michael Fay and Dr Christopher Parmenter, stars of the award winning YouTube Channel Periodic Table of Videos, used a Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron microscope to inscribe the message.

The machine is capable of etching and manipulating materials with nanoscale precision by a focused beam of Gallium ions while imaging the structure by a beam of electrons.

The NMRC opened earlier this week and is teeming with the very latest in microscopy. The centre allows scientists to peer into the fundamental world of the very, very small and addresses some of the major challenges facing humanity – medicine, materials for energy production, storage, electronic devices and novel catalysts.

“This centre will be one of the largest and most advanced clusters of instrumentation for nanoscale and microscale research in the UK,” said Andrei Khlobystov, professor of nanomaterials and director of the NMRC in the faculty of science. “We anticipate it will have significant regional, national and global impact.”

The University of Nottingham already holds the world record for creating the smallest test tube and for writing the smallest version of the periodic table on human hair. 

Image (C) University of Nottingham

 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.