News

How seaweed can help in the fight against tooth decay

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Adding enzymes from seaweed microbes to toothpaste and mouthwash could provide better protection from tooth devay says a team of UK scientists.

Could seaweed be the answer to spotty teenager's problems?

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Seaweed may not seem like the answer to a spotty teenager's problems but scientists say that it can banish the bugs that cause acne.

Fish thriving around offshore wind farm

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100

A study into how one of the world’s largest wind farms affects marine life is now complete. It shows that the wind turbines and fish exist quite happily together, and that in some cases certain species of fish have actually increased in number.

Pandora’s Box holds the key to fully Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Scientists from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland are heading up a pan-European project to create the most advanced, autonomous, cognitive robot, which could dramatically reduce the cost of underwater monitoring operations for the oil and gas industry.

Taking fish oil during pregnancy reduces the risk of infant eczema

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Studies show taking fish oil capsules during pregnancy can help women with a history of eczema to avoid passing the condition on to their children.

Aquaculture & fisheries production to reach 137.8M tons by 2015

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Global industry analysts have released a comprehensive global outlook, that predicts rapid growth for the aquaculture and commercial fishing industries.

UK scientents discover 'The Hoff' crab

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

UK scientists have discovered prodigious numbers of a new species of crab on the Southern Ocean floor which they have nicknamed 'The Hoff' because of its hairy chest. The animals were discovered living around underwater volcanic vents off the South Georgia coast.

Could seaweed aid weight loss?

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

New research conducted at the Faculty of Life Sciences (LIFE) at the University of Copenhagen, shows that dietary fibres from brown algae can boost the sensation of fullness, making people eat less and lose weight.

Could the humble sea cucumber save our seas?

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Scientists at Newcastle University believe the humble sea cucumber could play a vital role in the fight to save our seas - and become an unusal addition to British gourmet food.

Seaweed; the next wave of innovation for the food industry?

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The food industry is increasingly looking to marine ingredients like seaweed to provide health benefits and address market demand.

Could starfish hold the key to a new cure for inflammation?

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Lurking in the seas off Scotland is an unusual candidate for a medical breakthrough. Scientists believe that the humble starfish may hold the key to finding new treatments for inflammatory diseases like asthma, hay fever and arthritis.

Captive breeding creates opportunities for the aquarium trade & helps save coral reefs

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Marine biologists are developing means to breed saltwater aquarium species in captivity, to preserve the biologically rich ecosystems of coral reefs. They believe their efforts could also help shift the $1 billion marine ornamental industry toward entrepreneurs working sustainably to raise fish for the aquarium trade.

Seashells inspire space age materials

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The next generation of aeroplanes and spacecrafts could be made from materials inspired by seashells and pearls according to scientists in Switzerland.

Astec goes global with the latest CGI technologies

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Astec has invested in the latest computer generated imaging technologies to help market its fantastic facilties to a worldwide audience.

Astec provides the ideal environment for aquaculture businesses to flourish

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

As the UK's first aquaculture business incubator centre, Astec is set to make a major contribution towards the growth and sustainability of the industry, thanks to its unique facilities and specific focus on developing fledgling enterprises.

Oyster glue's secret ingredient

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The natural cement produced by oysters to build extensive reef systems, contains significantly more inorganic materials than the glues of other marine species, and could spur on development of new synthetic adhesives for biomedical devices or anti-fouling coatings for ships, say researchers in the US.

Combating sea lice with blue mussels

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Researchers at the University of Maine believe they have discovered a new way to combat the spread of a destructive marine parasite.

Algae biofuels may prove the future of aviation

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Due to constant increases in the price of oil and aviation fuels, operators looking for a viable, cheap alternative are investigating the use of algae biofuels which already meet strict jet fuel regulations.

Scientists create the first living laser using human cells & jellyfish

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Scientists have merged light emitting proteins from jellyfish with a single human cell to create the world's first biological living laser.

Crab shell extract forms a revolutionary new clotting agent

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Celox, a form of the clotting agent chitosan, is revolutionising how military and medical personnel deal with bleeds, from small scrapes to full blown arterial bleeds. Celox is easy to use, safer and faster acting than similar products. The best bit is that the active ingredient chitosan, is extracted from the shells of crabs and shrimps.

Astec open day hailed a great success

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0100

After months of anticipation we were able to showcase our unique, state-of-the-art facilities here at the Astec Aquaculture Business & Science Centre when we welcomed movers and shakers from the region's business and academic worlds to our official opening event.

Fish oil may have a positive effect on mood and cravings

Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Scientists at the Indiana University School of Medicine say fatty Omega 3 oils may be beneficial to more than just the heart.

Exploring opportunites under the sea

Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 +0100

North East England is well known for its expertise in marine research, now a new facility off the Northumberland coast hopes to strengthen it's status as a place for marine experts to do business.

Flourescent sea squirts could help cancer research

Fri, 20 May 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Scientists are hoping that flourescent anemones that live off the east coast of Scotland will have a role to play in cancer research.

Astec is open for business

Mon, 09 May 2011 00:00:00 +0100

After many months of planning and development, Astec Aquaculture Business & Science Centre is now open for business.