17 Oct 2017

Barley scientists discover path to improved grain quality

Scientists from the International Barley Hub have discovered a genetic pathway to improved barley grain size and uniformity, a finding which may help breeders develop future varieties suited to the needs of growers and distillers. In the latest issue of Nature Communications, cereal genetics researchers working with Professor Robbie Waugh and Dr Sarah McKim, at the James Hutton Institute and the University of Dundee’s Division of Plant Sciences, examined the genetic control of grain formation in barley, specifically the role of a gene called VRS3. Researchers found that a mutation in this gene impro...

17 Oct 2017

Students set to shine for Diwali

Hundreds of festival-goers are expected to bring dazzling light to the middle of Autumn this week as they celebrate Diwali at the University of Dundee. Organised by the University’ Indian Society, students and locals will be lighting up campus green for the Festival of Lights from 6.30pm until 10.30pm on Wednesday, 18th October. Simran Chopra, President of the Indian Society, said, “Namaste Dundee! We are absolutely delighted to invite the whole Dundee community to celebrate this auspicious festival with us. We are grateful to our sponsors Taza, the Indian Buffet Restaurant, who are kindly pr...

17 Oct 2017

Business students to benefit from CMI partnership

The University of Dundee School of Business (UDSB) has entered into a partnership with professional management body the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), which will significantly boost the employability of graduates while aiding the professional development of staff. The UDSB is now a CMI-accredited centre and an approved higher education partner. This means up to 360 undergraduate and postgraduate business students will work towards CMI leadership and management qualifications each year as part of their degrees. Having obtained an industry-recognised professional qualification as part of their studie...

16 Oct 2017

Diabetes patients asked to help with world leading study in Scotland

A major diabetes study conducted by researchers in Scotland into how the disease develops and some of the reasons why it varies from patient to patient is now looking to recruit patients from across the country. The GoDARTS study is looking for help from patients with diabetes in Scotland who have been diagnosed within the past two years. Over the past 20 years in Tayside the GoDARTS study - one of the world’s leading studies into the disease – has worked with patients to build a database of information that has been made available to researchers worldwide and helped to define genetic factors...

16 Oct 2017

Importance of fiction to be debated at Dundee Literary Festival

Fiction is defined as something that is invented or untrue, but what does that mean when the very nature of truth is under attack? The role of literature in an era of political turmoil will be explored at the Dundee Literary Festival this week. ‘In the dark times, will there also be singing?’ takes place at Bonar Hall on Saturday 21 October. The panel event will see authors Cathy Rentzenbrink and Louise Welsh and Royal Society of Literature Director Tim Robertson discuss literature’s capacity to heal, challenge and to give a platform to those whose voices aren’t being heard. &ldqu...