Experts Matter. Find Yours.
Connect for media, speaking, professional opportunities & more.
#ExpertSpotlight: Mpox - are we ready?
As global health continues to navigate the challenges of infectious diseases, the re-emergence and spread of Monkeypox (now known as Mpox) underscores the ongoing threat posed by zoonotic viruses. This topic is critical not only because of its public health implications but also due to the broader issues it raises concerning global preparedness, vaccination strategies, and the socio-economic impact of outbreaks. The resurgence of Mpox, particularly in non-endemic regions, highlights the need for vigilant public health measures and cross-border cooperation to contain its spread. As the world remains focused on preventing another global health crisis, Mpox serves as a pertinent reminder of the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Key story angles include: Vaccination strategies and public health response: Explore how different countries are deploying vaccines to control Mpox, and the challenges faced in achieving widespread immunity. Global health security and disease surveillance: Investigate the effectiveness of international disease surveillance systems in detecting and responding to outbreaks like Mpox, and the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. The role of zoonotic diseases in global pandemics: Examine the origins of Mpox as a zoonotic disease, and the broader implications for how human activities are influencing the spread of diseases from animals to humans. Impact on marginalized communities: Discuss how Mpox disproportionately affects marginalized populations, including those with limited access to healthcare, and the importance of equitable health interventions. Public communication and misinformation: Analyze the role of media and public health authorities in communicating accurate information about Mpox, combating misinformation, and educating the public about prevention and treatment. Economic implications of outbreaks: Examine the economic impact of Mpox outbreaks, particularly in regions where tourism, trade, and healthcare resources are significantly affected by public health crises. By addressing these angles, journalists can provide critical insights into the multifaceted impact of Mpox on global health, public safety, and socio-economic stability, contributing to a more informed and prepared public. Connect with an expert about Mpox: To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo Credit: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Veterinary deal would increase UK agrifood exports to EU by more than a fifth, research shows
A veterinary deal would increase agri-food exports from the UK to the EU by at least 22.5%, say researchers Agri-food exports overall are worth £25 billion to the UK economy, but the two years since the new trading rules were put in place have seen a fall of 5% in exports to the EU from 2019 levels, during a period where the sector has otherwise grown. Team from Aston University and University of Bristol have analysed trade deals and export figures worldwide to estimate impact of a new veterinary deal on UK–EU exports A veterinary deal with the European Union could increase UK agricultural and food exports by over a fifth, according to new research. The team, from Aston University’s Centre for Business Prosperity and the University of Bristol, analysed the agricultural and veterinary aspects of trade deals around the world to estimate their impact on exports. They then modelled the potential impact of different types of agreement on UK exports to the EU. Veterinary Agreements specifically focus on regulations and standards related to animal health and welfare, as well as to the safety of animal-derived products such as meat, dairy, and seafood. They aim to align, harmonise, or recognise veterinary requirements and certifications, and reduce the number of inspections between countries to facilitate the safe and efficient trade of live animals and animal products. The EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), implemented in January 2021, eliminates tariffs and quotas but does not remove non-tariff barriers to trade. These can be particularly burdensome for agricultural and animal-derived food (agri-food) exports, involving complex rules and requirements, production of extensive documentation and veterinary checks. The UK agri-food sector is a cornerstone of the UK economy, with exports worth £25 billion and employing 4.2million people. Although the sector is growing overall, exports to the EU shrank in 2022 by 5% compared to 2019, in part due to the new trade arrangements. This has led to calls for an EU–UK veterinary agreement from business and agri-food organisations, including the Confederation of British Industry, British Chambers of Commerce, UK Food and Drink Federation, Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and British Veterinary Association. Analysing data from the World Bank on 279 trade agreements and export statistics from over 200 countries, the researchers found that shallow agreements, that went little further than provisions already covered by World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, had significant negative impacts on agri-food exports. However, where trade agreements went beyond WTO provisions to include more commitments on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures (which aim to protect countries against risks relating to pests, diseases and food safety) and were legally enforceable, they had a robust, positive impact on exports, particularly exports of animal products and food. Applying this to the UK–EU relationship, the team estimate that a veterinary agreement that went beyond the existing TCA provisions would increase agri-food exports from the UK to the EU by at least 22.5%. Imports from the EU would also increase by 5.6%. In the 203 countries studied for the research, positive effects of deep trade deals that included provisions on agriculture took between 10 and 15 years to manifest. But the UK might not have to wait so long, according to report co-author Professor Jun Du, Director of Aston University’s Centre for Business Prosperity. “There is no blueprint out there that mirrors the UK–EU relationship. Most veterinary agreements are agreed as part of a trade deal between countries that haven’t previously had close alignment and it takes a while for the benefits to take effect. “Until recently, the UK had frictionless agri-food exports to the EU, so it’s possible that a supplementary veterinary agreement to reduce some of the frictions created by Brexit could allow trade that previously existed to pick up again quite quickly.” However clear the economic arguments, the legal and political barriers to a veterinary agreement still remain. The researchers address these in their report, suggesting that the best format for the additional measures would be as a supplementary agreement to the TCA. The key question for the UK government in negotiating such an agreement would be what the EU demanded in return. “The closest model is the EU-Swiss relationship, which sees Switzerland largely follow EU law,” said report co-author from the University of Bristol, Dr Greg Messenger. “That’s unlikely to be an option for the UK. As we wouldn’t expect to eliminate all paperwork, we could both agree that our rules meet each other’s standard for phytosanitary protection. As most of our rules are still essentially the same as the EU, that wouldn’t require any major change, though we’d have to agree a greater level of coordination in relation to the development of new rules.” The report was written jointly by Professor Du, Dr Messenger and Dr Oleksandr Shepotylo, senior lecturer in economics, finance and entrepreneurship at the Centre for Business Prosperity, Aston Business School.
New research shines a light on how expert mapmakers at Ordnance Survey see the world differently
OS Remote Sensing Services survey team updating OS MasterMap using the latest aerial imagery (Image credit: OS) Aston University psychologists worked with Ordnance Survey to assess how surveyors use 3D aerial images when making maps Humans naturally assume light comes from above, but experienced surveyors can interpret visual cues to assess topography regardless of the light direction It is the first time it has been shown that experience can radically alter natural human assumptions about lighting and could improve surveyor training. Researchers at Aston University have found differences between experienced Ordnance Survey (OS) mapmakers and novices in the way that they interpret aerial images for mapmaking, which could lead to improved training processes for new recruits. OS is well known for its travel and walking maps, but is also responsible for maintaining Great Britain’s national geographic database. Every time a building is demolished or developed, or a new road and path built, the map must be updated. Aerial photographs are taken of the area that has changed, either from a plane or using drones, and expert mapmakers, known as remote sensing surveyors, will examine the images to identify change and accurately redraw the map of the area. Image pairs are presented stereoscopically, one to each eye, allowing the remote sensing surveyors to see in 3D and correctly assess the topography, such as ditches, hills and hedges. Led by Professor Andrew Schofield, a team from Aston University’s College of Health and Life Sciences, together with Dr Isabel Sargent, previously at OS, carried out a study to understand how remote sensing surveyors interpret the shadows and highlights in images. The researchers asked six trained remote sensing surveyors and six novices to assess 10,000 stereoscopic aerial images of hedges and ditches, which had been heavily masked with image distortions. The stereoscopic images the aerial surveyors use for mapmaking are usually taken on sunny days. The human brain is naturally wired to interpret light as coming from above. However, the light does not come from above in the OS aerial images, it depends on the position of the sun. In the UK, north of the equator, light comes slightly from the south, thus appearing to come from below in images viewed by the surveyors. The researchers wanted to see how manipulating the direction of the light would affect the surveyors. Professor Schofield and the team swapped the image pairs between the eyes in half of the trials, so that hedges might look like ditches, and ditches look like hedges. The images were also flipped vertically on half the trials, changing the direction of the light source. Expert surveyors were found to rely on the stereoscopic cues – the difference in images seen by the two eyes – when performing the task. Novices were more likely to rely on lighting cues – highlights and shadows – to judge the shape and relief of an object, and assumed, as is natural, that the lighting came from above. With the manipulated images, this meant that novices frequently made mistakes. Experts were more accurate, even when the images had been turned upside down, and some had learnt to assume that the light source came from the south, or below. This is the first time anyone has shown that the natural assumption that light comes from above, which is common amongst many animal species, can be changed through long term experience. The researchers say that it could be used to develop new visual training techniques for remote sensing surveyors. For example, intensive exposure to repeated, difficult images can improve performance via a process called perceptual learning. Professor Schofield said: “This is a very exciting result. Others have shown that the light-from-above assumption can be altered by a few degrees, but no one has ever found complete reversals following long term experience. Dr Sargent said: “This result will help Ordnance Survey to understand the expertise of their staff and improve surveyor training and procedures.” Remote sensing surveyor Andy Ormerod, who worked on the study, said: “This research proves that experienced remote sensing surveyors can see the world differently. Whereas non-surveyors are used to seeing the world from one perspective, our brains have learned to view the world as seen from aerial imagery.” Journal of Vision DOI:10.1167/jov.24.4.11
National Puppy Day | Media Advisory
National Puppy Day celebrates the joy and companionship that puppies bring into our lives, while also raising awareness about the importance of adoption and the welfare of our canine friends. This day is an opportunity to advocate for responsible pet ownership, highlight the plight of dogs in shelters, and encourage adoption over purchasing from breeders. With millions of homeless dogs worldwide, National Puppy Day also serves as a reminder of the human-animal bond and our responsibility to protect and care for pets. Key sub-topics include: Adoption and Rescue Stories: Heartwarming tales of puppies finding their forever homes. The Importance of Spaying and Neutering: How these practices help reduce the number of homeless pets. Puppy Care and Training Tips: Expert advice on raising a healthy, well-behaved dog. The Role of Pets in Mental Health: Exploring how pets contribute to emotional and psychological well-being. Advocacy and Animal Welfare Legislation: Updates on laws and policies promoting the protection of dogs. Celebrating the Bond Between Humans and Dogs: The myriad ways puppies enrich our lives and communities. Connect with an Expert about Puppies and Pets For journalists seeking research or insights for their coverage about National Puppy Day, here is a select list of experts from our database. To search our full list of experts, visit www.expertfile.com Jennifer Applebaum Assistant Professor · University of Florida Meghan Herron Clinical Associate Professor I College of Veterinary Medicine · The Ohio State University Julie Levy Distinguished Professor · University of Florida Nicole Dorey Lecturer · University of Florida To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo by Jametlene Reskp
Aston University scientists to tackle challenges of converting rice straw into biofuels Researchers to examine issues that hinder conversion into an alternative fuel Will help protect global food security, minimise CO2 emissions and decrease farmland needed for growing energy crops. Aston University scientists are to tackle some of the challenges of how to make inedible rice straw into the next generation of biofuels. In recent years, biofuels and biobased chemicals have been blended with petrol to create a more sustainable alternative. The Aston University researchers are to examine issues that currently hinder the conversion of rice straw into an alternative fuel. Currently the production of biofuels mainly relies on sugar crops such as sugarcane and sugar beet, which raises major concern about the competition between growing crops for food or fuel. However plant dry matter such as rice straw is seen as a better alternative to current crops because it doesn’t affect food security. Rice straw is often treated as an agricultural waste by-product and is removed by burning in the field. Farmers burn straw to prepare to plough and sow rice credit: S.Narongrit99 The research is being led by Dr Alfred Fernandez-Castane, senior lecturer in biochemical engineering and principal investigator at the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) at Aston University, alongside a Marie Curie fellow, Dr Longinus Igbojionu. Their two-year project, An integrated approach to ethanol production from rice straw via microwave-assisted deep eutectic solvent pretreatment and sequential cultivation using Candida tropicalis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, will explore cleaner and cost effective methods to extract rice straw’s energy-containing molecules. Dr Alfred Fernandez-Castane said: “The problems envisaged with the conversion of rice straw to ethanol can be categorised into four main challenges and resolving each challenge will lead to a major advance on the current state of the art. “The first is to develop pre-treatment conditions which will break down complex polymers thereby allowing the removal of lignin. “The next is to investigate novel biomass pre-treatment technologies combining green solvents and microwaves and how different methods affect morphology, structure and crystallinity of biomass. The next is to develop novel biotrasnformations using the yeasts Candida tropicalis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to convert sugars into ethanol efficiently. “These three challenges will lead to the fourth scientific challenge which is to make the process sustainable and scalable, such as recycling the wastewater created and even the possibility of using the by-product of yeast for animal feeds.” The team believes that the research will help contribute to combating global warming and decreasing avoidable deaths by protecting global food security, minimising CO2 emissions by reducing the burning of straw and decreasing the farmland needed for growing energy crops. The research will end in November 2025.
• Contaminated water is responsible for around 500,000 deaths a year • New transmembrane proteins will allow selective removal of single contaminant from water • Will use tiny transport channels around one million times smaller than an ant. Aston University scientists are to explore a more sustainable method of separating contaminants from water. The method will use exquisite molecular selectivity, which means that just a single chemical or molecular species will be able to pass through the membrane, allowing scientists to selectively remove a single contaminant from water. The World Health Organization estimates that microbiologically contaminated water is responsible for almost 500,000 deaths a year and current filtration technologies aren’t effective enough. The University has received a grant of £165,999 from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to research the use of bioinspired membranes to selectively remove contaminants from water, while using minimal energy. The membranes will be made from plastic but will have transmembrane proteins embedded within them, made possible thanks to new polymers developed by the University. The transmembrane proteins enable the selective removal of specific contaminants using transport channels measuring approximately 4-10 nanometres - around one million times smaller than an ant. The Aston University team led by Dr Matt Derry, lecturer in chemistry, will be developing bio-inspired membranes which selectively remove contaminants with minimal energy. Working with Dr Alan Goddard, reader in biochemistry at Aston University, the team’s design is based on solutions found in biological evolution and refinement which has occurred over millions of years. Dr Derry, who is based in the University’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. said: “Polluted water is a complex global socioeconomic issue that affects human and animal health, and greatly impacts industries such as agriculture and fishing, recreational activities and transport. “Current filtration technologies are ineffective and their manufacture often requires complex and expensive multi-step processes with high associated energy costs. “We are going to use advanced polymer synthesis to develop new bespoke polymers which will both extract transmembrane proteins and immobilise them within artificial separation membranes. “This will create water purification membranes which remove impurities with greater selectivity and specificity.” The new membrane technology developed in this project will advance and evolve membrane science. The platform materials and approaches used can be applied to other membrane filtration and water purification applications such as selective phosphate removal from agricultural wastewater. Dr Derry added: “We are hoping that the new membranes will lead to high-performance devices that can contribute to a circular economy. “The need for such new systems is recognised by the UN with Sustainable Development Goal six on clean water and sanitation.” The research will begin in April 2024 and will end in May 2026.
Looking back at challenges pet owners faced after Maui's devastating wildfires
The deadly wildfires that ravaged Maui in August left thousands of people homeless. Many of them had companion animals – in fact, an estimated 3,000 pets were still missing more than a week later. Sarah DeYoung, associate professor of sociology and criminal justice and core faculty with the Disaster Research Center at the University of Delaware, is an expert on evacuation decision-making for people with companion animals and what happens to pets after disasters. DeYoung, who conducted research in Hawaii after the 2018 lava flows on Big Island, can discuss various aspects related to evacuation and care of pets after last month's wildfires. In a piece published by The Conversation last month, she discussed: What happens to pets after a catastrophic fire: Time is always a major factor in an owner's ability to save their pet when disaster strikes. The rush might also cause owners to forget carriers or leashes. Extra challenges with disasters on an island: Islands have limited space for the boarding and care of displaced animals. Nearly all of Hawaii’s animal shelters were already at full capacity due to the state’s pet overpopulation. Long-term problems for animal recovery: People sometimes surrender their pets after disasters because they can’t find temporary housing that allows dogs or cats, or due to breed restrictions. A wave of animal surrenders causes already full shelters to become overcrowded. DeYoung is available for interviews. To contact her, simply click on the contact button on her profile.
Record Water Temperatures Testing Resilient Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are some of the most diverse and beautiful ecosystems on the planet. Roughly 25% of the ocean’s fish and over half a billion people depend on these underwater habitats, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). But, like most other ecosystems, coral reefs are being threatened by the impacts of global climate change. This summer, record water temperatures stemming from a strong El Niño weather pattern are causing coral bleaching and death events in reefs throughout the world. Lisa Rodrigues, PhD, professor of environmental science, is an expert in coral reef ecosystems and ocean environments. She has been following the reports of coral bleaching when they began surfacing in July. “Coral bleaching often coincides with El Niño years,” she said. “Since water takes much longer to heat than air, July is very early in the year for water temperature to be so high and that is one of the main causes for concern.” Coral bleaching is a stress reaction emanating from high water temperatures, among other causes. When stressed, corals expel the microscopic algae inside of their tissues. The absence of these algae reveals corals’ white skeletons. “In a healthy coral system there is a symbiotic relationship between the coral host (an animal) and the endosymbiotic algae (a plant),” Dr. Rodrigues said. “Corals prefer to live in a fairly narrow range of temperature, which is typically when the symbiotic relationship can be successful. During bleaching, the symbiotic relationship is broken down and the two partners no longer live together.” If corals’ energy stores are low, or if the relationship is compromised for an extended period, corals can die. “This can have long-lasting and negative impacts on ecosystems, as a healthy structure provides a habitat for fish and other organisms,” she said. “For humans that live near the coast, loss of reefs means lost coastal protection, lost economic revenue from fishing and tourism and a lost piece of their natural history.” Reports of coral bleaching and death have stretched across the Americas, and the NOAA is issuing bleaching warnings in southeast Asia. Water temperatures off the coast of Florida this summer have been measured at over 100 degrees in some areas, and temperatures could continue to rise into September. Despite dismal conditions, especially in the Gulf and Caribbean waters, there is still hope for these reefs. “Death doesn’t always happen following bleaching and we also know that recovery from bleaching can occur,” Dr. Rodrigues said. “We have learned a lot from past bleaching events. Over the longer term, following a bleaching event, corals and coral reefs can recover, but the process is slow and dependent on the stressor(s) that caused the event in the first place.” Dr. Rodrigues notes there is a species of coral in Hawai’i that is able to sustain itself during bleaching events and can even reproduce, proving these underwater marvels won’t go down without a fight. “It’s unknown how many species are able to do this, but there is evidence that corals have a wide array of susceptibility and resilience to bleaching associated with high temperatures.”
Georgia Southern University biology professor and researcher Christine Bedore, Ph.D., is helping National Geographic explore the mysteries of shark attacks by sharing her expertise and years of fieldwork as part of the six-part series, “When Sharks Attack 360,” this month. The series, which kicked off July 3, is part of National Geographic’s SharkFest, which will run all month on National Geographic TV, Disney+ and Nat Geo WILD, with new episodes each night through July 11. All episodes are currently available for streaming on Hulu. In episodes 3 and 6, Bedore, an assistant professor in the College of Science and Mathematics who conducts research on sensory systems in sharks, discusses how shark senses may lead to bites by sharks on humans. While filming, she marveled at the channel’s cutting-edge VFX lab and their approach to educating viewers. “Working with National Geographic and the production team on this series was exciting because of the level of experience and creativity of the production team,” said Bedore. “It’s one of the most unique experiences I’ve had filming a documentary so far since it was done in a studio with a green screen, rather than in the field like we typically do. Using the virtual graphics in this series allows us to see these animals from a completely different angle. Although it was challenging to point at a shark that I couldn’t see at the time, we wouldn’t be able to see the detail of the animal at this level filming in the field.” Sharks have long captured the attention of both scientists and the public, and are fascinating animals for many reasons, according to Bedore, who has offered her expertise for previous episodes on Nat Geo WILD, The History Channel and BBC. They’re a species of immense size and diversity, and offer unique behaviors and interactions with other creatures, she noted. Understanding the behavior and physiology of sharks is critical to their survival, as they experience population declines due to overfishing and habitat changes. “In order to combat these changes and ensure the persistence of sharks in our oceans across the world, we first need to understand why they behave the way that they do,” Bedore said. “This series helps us do exactly that. For example, in episode 3 we discuss whether or not sharks can see in color. As a scientist that studies shark color vision, I’m often approached with the question, ‘who cares if sharks can see color?’ As you’ll see, the ability to see color could help sharks identify prey, predators or other objects.” In episode 6, Bedore helps viewers understand that visual acuity, or how clear an image is, may be more important than color when we think about why sharks sometimes have negative interactions with humans. “Being able to discuss my work in these areas through National Geographic’s shark month has been a rewarding experience in helping people understand why these events sometimes happen,” she said. “It’s exciting to study such charismatic animals and have the chance to share your enthusiasm for your research and the sharks with people across the world.” For more information on National Geographic’s “When Sharks Attack 360” visit here. The series can be seen on Hulu, Disney+ and Nat Geo WILD throughout July. To connect with Georgia Southern University biology professor and researcher Christine Bedore to learn more about this fascinating topic - simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.
Researchers seek to apply nanoparticle drug delivery to coral wound healing
Coral reefs are the foundation of many aquatic ecosystems and are among the ocean’s most vulnerable inhabitants. While natural processes, like animal predation and storms, frequently damage coral, man-made causes, like ship collisions and global warming, destabilize these environments beyond their ability to recover. Researchers like Nastassja Lewinski, Ph.D., associate professor of chemical and life science engineering, are working to understand how corals heal in order to aid the restoration of these fragile ecosystems. They also seek partnerships with stakeholders that can support coral preservation by applying this research to industry practices and providing funding for continued research. “Coral ecosystems are vital to human life,” Lewinski said, “When there’s a high-intensity storm, reefs can absorb the impact and reduce the damage we see on land. They’re also important to the aquatic food web and serve as the foundation to many foods we eat.” Discovering the limits of coral healing is part of Lewinski’s work. Ideal water temperature for coral is 25 degrees Celsius, so research is conducted at the ideal temperature and elevated temperatures of 28 to 31 degrees Celsius, the projected water temperatures influenced by global warming. Successive imaging of wound closure in these conditions builds an understanding of the rate of closure during healing. “We’re looking to understand the mechanics of healing,” Lewinski said, “Some of what we’ve found suggests a process similar to human healing. We want to understand the actors in this process at a cellular level and what their role is in repairing tissue.” These observations inform the mathematical, cell-based wound healing model developed by Lewinski’s collaborators, Angela Reynolds, Ph.D. and Rebecca Segal, Ph.D., both professors in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics in VCU’s College of Humanities and Sciences. Similar to humans, corals have been documented as following the same four stages of the healing process. These stages include: 1) coagulation to close the site of injury, 2) infiltration with immune cells to ward off infection, 3) cell migration and proliferation and 4) scar remodeling. “With our observations and a mathematical model, the next step is to collect data on the cellular dynamics of the healing process,” Lewinski said, “We want to observe what kinds of cells enter the wound area and what functions they perform during healing.” Fluorescent tagging is used to mark specific cells so they may be observed entering the wound area when healing occurs. Because corals are naturally fluorescent, the selection of the fluorescent tags must take this into account. Phagocytic properties allow immune cells to engulf and absorb bacteria and other small cells, in this case the fluorescent particles being used to tag immune cells. Nutritional variables are also being considered within the experiment. Corals derive energy from consuming small organisms and their symbiotic relationship with algae colonies. Modifying nutritional balance in the lab emulates the coral’s participation in the food web, where accessibility to vital nutrients could impact healing. Developing a nanoparticle drug-delivery system designed to deliver molecules to speed wound healing is the culmination of this research. Lewinski hypothesizes the delivery system would promote an energy-burning state within the corals that could result in increased healing. This is among a few examples of harnessing nanotechnology for safeguarding coral reefs, which are discussed in a recently published comment in Nature Nanotechnology. “The research we’re doing on wound healing in corals is the start of something bigger,” Lewinski said. “Our goal is to create a center dedicated to engineering new technologies for corals. We want to find partners who can translate our research findings to practice, helping preserve coral reefs and the vital resources they provide.” Through this consortium, newly-developed science can be disseminated more effectively within each partner’s respective industry. The result: a renewed commitment to aquatic sustainability and the protection of vital coral ecosystems.
