Author: Gillian

Introducing Dr. Aboli Vavle (Finally)!

Published on by Gillian

The team are wonderfully proud of Dr Aboli Vavle this week, on passing her viva.. here is her story..

I can’t believe I am writing this blog post. It still hasn’t sunk in to be very honest, but it gives me great pleasure to finally say that I’ve passed my PhD viva with some great comments from my examiners.  On 8th January 2023 at 1:30pm in the afternoon (not to forget in a freezing cold room), I was called in for my viva.  My examiners greeted me with a very warm smile and excitement. I walked in with confidence but was nervous at the same time. My external told me at the start of the viva that ‘Please relax and take your time to answer and if we’re asking follow up questions, we’re only asking them to understand a bit more from you’. That did calm me down a bit.

And so it began! I was asked so many chemistry questions regarding the structures and bonds and formulas. I tried to answer them to my best ability. Anything that I was not sure of, I was being 100% honest and was calmly letting them know and both my examiners were very kind and helpful in making me understand anything that I wasn’t sure of. By 3:30pm, we were only on 90/228 pages. I remember walking out to stretch my legs and thinking, we haven’t even got to my actual results yet and that got me a bit more nervous. But I calmed myself down and reassured myself that it is my work and all I need to do is answer to my best potential. I went back in and we started the viva again and this time I was a bit more confident in answering as the questions were more related to my actual samples. Funny thing is I didn’t get asked many questions about my actual work, because when reading the thesis the examiners said that they themselves could see how novel the work was. My external examiner asked me, ‘Do I like underselling my work?’. I nervously laughed and he continued ‘it’s done with such precision especially the chromatograms. You need to highlight it a bit more’ and that made me very happy. My internal examiner also said that they found the tables of all the case studies very helpful and that made me even happier. Around 5:20pm, the viva was concluded and I was asked to wait outside.

Those 10 minutes were the hardest 10 minutes of my entire life. I was called in by the chair and I sat down. The external examiner said ‘We have decided to pass you. Congratulations Doctor’. As soon as I heard that, I had tears rolling down my cheeks, I said ‘Thank you’ in a squeaky voice and I apologised and they said ‘you don’t need to because we understand what a PhD student goes through’. They said they enjoyed reading my work and that was the reason they kept asking me questions for 4 hours! They also said that my thesis was very easy to read and follow. I thanked them for taking time to read my thesis and their valuable feedback. We showed the examiners around the NHC labs and I thanked them once again for the day. Also, just want to take a moment here to thank Dr. Gillian Taylor, my Director of Studies and Dr. Caroline Orr, my supervisor because I don’t think I would have been able to do any of this without their help and support.

Back to Newcastle around 7:30pm, all I wanted to do was to hug my husband (who now has to call me Dr. Wife), have a glass of chilled Cuba Libre, eat some Poutine and go to bed. It was a very tiring but a wonderful day that I will remember for the rest of my life.

Archaeological Institute of America – Best Poster Award

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At the annual general meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA), which is the largest and oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to archaeology. The Institute advances awareness, education, fieldwork, preservation, publication, and research of archaeological sites and cultural heritage throughout the world.

We had a the pleasure of presenting some recent research work as a poster, the team comprised of Dr Elizabeth Green, University of Western Ontario, Dr Rhiannon Stevens, University College London, Barbara Birley, Vindolanda Trust and Dr Gillian Taylor, Teesside university.

The poster title was Species analysis of leather objects and manufacturing offcuts from Vindolanda, UK. the poster was awarded ‘best poster’ which the team are delighted about, they are currently working on more results, using proteomics and looking forward to sharing more data soon..

 

 

British Ecological Society – Talk by Dr Desire Dalton

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The British Ecological Society was recently held in Belfast

Dr Desiré Dalton (Lecturer, Teesside University) presented her research project entitled ‘Advancing the study of intra-African bird migration: Variable patterns of divergence in habitat specialists (Woodland Kingfisher) and generalists (African Pygmy Kingfisher and Diederik Cuckoo)’ at Europe’s largest conference dedicated to ecology, the British Ecological Society (BES) Annual Meeting. This year’s conference was held in Belfast (Northern Ireland) from the 12th to 15th December 2023.

 

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Sustainable Agriculture and Waste Management: A Path Towards Environmental Stewardship

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On November 29, 2023, Environmental Research Society led by the MSc students hosted Dr Oluseye Oludoye. He presented on the topic titled “Sustainable Agriculture and Waste Management: A Path Towards Environmental Stewardship”. This presentation delves into the pivotal role of these interconnected practices in shaping environmental sustainability. In the pursuit of a sustainable and resilient future, the intersection of agriculture and waste management emerges as a critical nexus.

In the intricate dance of sustainable agriculture and waste management, individual behaviours become catalysts for change. He stated that our journey begins with understanding the symbiotic relationship between responsible agricultural practices and effective waste management.

Connecting the Dots: Sustainable agriculture is not merely a buzzword but a commitment to cultivating the land while preserving its essence. For instance, Dr Oluseye Oludoye’s research on pesticide safety behaviours among cocoa farmers underscores the significance of responsible agricultural practices (https://doi.org/10.1080/1059924X.2022.2148147). By embracing sustainable farming methods, we protect ecosystems, foster biodiversity, and ensure the health of our soil.

Agricultural Sustainability: The adoption of sustainable agricultural practices contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Through practices like agroecology, we not only grow our food but also nurture a climate-friendly environment. He noted that our choices in agriculture have a direct impact on mitigating climate change, ensuring a healthier planet for generations to come.

Reducing Carbon Footprint: Beyond mitigating climate change, sustainable agriculture plays a pivotal role in preserving biodiversity. By choosing sustainable practices, we become stewards of the planet, maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems and ensuring the well-being of diverse plant and animal species.

Preserving Biodiversity: He encouraged the Environmental Research Society to serve as a beacon of change, empowering its members to drive transformative action. Armed with insights from our research at Earth and Environment Group, each member was encouraged to be an advocate for sustainable agriculture in their local communities. For example, by actively engaging in initiatives that promote responsible waste management, we sow the seeds of a greener future.

Empowering Change: He stated that the collective impact of individual choices cannot be overstated. Our call to action extends beyond personal behaviours to highlight the transformative power of united efforts. Through collaborative projects, advocacy initiatives, and global awareness campaigns, he emphasizes that every action, no matter how small, contributes to the global tapestry of sustainability.

Emphasizing Collective Impact: In concluding this exploration of sustainable agriculture and waste management, he reminded the society members that the choices we make today echo into the future. By embracing these practices, we cultivate not only a bountiful harvest but also a legacy of environmental stewardship for generations to reap. Let us, as members of the Environmental Research Society, be the custodians of change, nurturing a greener, more sustainable Earth for all. Together, we embark on a path towards environmental stewardship, one that honors the planet we call home.

Reviewing the triggers of an abrupt climate change event with Durham University’s Professor James Baldini

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On 8 December 2023, our Earth & Environment Research Group joined up with Teesside University’s student-led Environmental Research Society, to host a virtual talk by Durham University’s Professor James Baldini. Professor Baldini’s talk entitled ‘Meltwater, meteors, and volcanoes: the elusive cause of the Younger Dryas Event’ tackled the still hotly debated cause of the Younger Dryas Event (YDE).

Following the Last Glacial Maximum, the Northern Hemisphere was steadily warming until an abrupt return to near glacial conditions around 12,870 years ago. This abrupt cold event is a subject of intense debate with three hotly contested theories: glacial meltwater flooding into the North Atlantic, a meteor impact, and a high-magnitude volcanic eruption.

During the talk, Professor Baldini skilfully navigated through the pros and cons of each potential trigger, providing a balanced perspective, and debunking some common misconceptions about the Younger Dryas Event. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast in Earth and environmental sciences or simply curious about our planet’s intriguing history, this talk offers a captivating exploration into not only this, but the many similar events that occurred over the past 80,000 years of Earth’s climate.

The recording of Professor Baldini’s talk is available on our research group Teams site but anyone can catch a similar talk by Professor Baldini on the Northeast Geological Society’s YouTube Channel here https://youtu.be/Gqj0M8DpfoE?si=0IwZKqq7ZJlsdxZA. Don’t miss the chance to unravel the mysteries of the past and gain a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped our planet.

Drilling underground – Dr Jens Holtvoeth

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Last week, a team around Dr Jens Holtvoeth , including 3rd-year BSc students Connor Bishop and Matthew Oliver Jinks and environmental technician Miles Dimbleby, took part in this year’s Mine Analogue Research event (MINAR XI) at the UKRI Underground Laboratory in the ICL Polyhalite and Salt mine at Boulby. Every year, this two-week event brings together national and international teams of scientists, working on a wide range of subjects related to space exploration and extreme environments, for which the Underground Lab and its surroundings 1,000m below the surface provide ideal conditions.

The purpose of Team Teesside’s visit was to drill and recover intact large diameter salt cores from the so-called polygon layer. This deposit formed in the late Permian during the evaporation of the Zechstein Sea, about 250 million years ago, and is the main layer of halite (NaCl) at Boulby. It prominently features backfilled desiccation cracks from a sea-level lowstand that now appear as dark polygons in the ceiling of the many tunnels in the mine. Traces of organic matter preserved in the salt and the backfill material carry information on the microbial communities living in the brine at the time and the vegetation on the nearby land, which reflect the environmental conditions.

One of the aims of Dr Holtvoeth’s research is to produce a biogeochemical fingerprint of microbial biomass preserved in the ancient evaporites and to see how this relates to microbes living in modern brines in the mine. The modern microbial community will be further characterised through their DNA, which is the responsibility of Dr Caroline Orr. Such a biogeochemical characterisation will help collaborators at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to interpret data produced from the same sample material by an optical analytical tool (Raman spectrometer), which they are currently developing for the next generation Mars rover. If microbial life ever existed on Mars, the evaporating Martian oceans would have been the last places where it could have been found. Thus, evaporites are a prime study target in the search for life on Mars.

A number of technical issues have hampered progress so far. Last week, the team had to abandon their sampling campaign due to electrical problems. It turns out that drilling and recovering a large-diameter salt core is a lot harder than anyone had anticipated. However, with the continuing support of the UKRI Underground Laboratory and the mine operators the team hopes to succeed next time.

 

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Navigating the Future of Cocoa Sustainability report – Dr Oluseye Oludoye

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ICCF2023: Navigating the Future of Cocoa Sustainability

The International Cocoa and Chocolate Forum, ICCF2023, held over two insightful days, delved deep into the heart of the cocoa industry, addressing pressing issues and forging a path towards a more sustainable future. Organized by the International Cocoa Diplomacy (ICD), this conference served as a platform for the scholarly exchange of ideas, addressing the pressing challenges faced by the cocoa industry and paving the way towards a more sustainable future.

Exploring the Conference Theme

ICCF2023 was built around a central theme – “The new EU policy, its effect on cocoa-producing regions, and the way forward for the global cocoa trade and industry that supports transformation with regards to the resilience of cocoa farmers.” This overarching theme shaped the discussions and provided a robust framework for academic exploration. Under the overarching theme the conference was a confluence of knowledge, ideas, and a resounding call to action.

Day 1: Seeds of Transformation

On the first day of ICCF2023, Dr Oluseye Oludoye had the honor of being one of the keynote speakers on the first day, presenting on the topic of “Good Agricultural Practices for Sustainable and Quality Cocoa Production.” His presentation was a highlight, shedding light on essential practices for the sustainable and high-quality production of cocoa. Also, other speakers including Soji Sanyaolu, Patrick Adebola, Chantal Coady OBE, Lynn Lockwood, Carrie Pemberton Ford Ph.D., Lorna Marah, Lisette Davis, Gbolahan Peter Macjob, and Jules Achard, shared their expertise on topics ranging from “Good Agricultural Practices” to “Sustainable and Traceable Practices.” The day’s discourse explored critical issues, including “Addressing global resource gaps,” “Utilization of technology/AI and incentivizing new generation farmers,” “The role of media in bridging the gap between producing and consuming regions,” and “How to address social issues around slavery, human trafficking, child, and forced labor.”

Day 2: Unraveling Challenges and Opportunities

Day 2 marked a deep dive into the European Union’s Directive on Sustainable Cocoa (EUDR). The conference tackled EUDR compliance, the industry’s responsibility, and the timelines for its implementation. This day was instrumental in aligning the cocoa industry with evolving global policies and standards. The second day was equally remarkable, with Dr Oluseye Oludoye actively engaging in a roundtable discussion that centered around the theme “Social responsibility or social investment? Defining the role of key stakeholders along the cocoa value chain from production to consumption for positive social impact.” His insightful contributions added depth to the discussions on the crucial role of stakeholders in driving positive social change throughout the cocoa value chain.

Discussions didn’t stop there; they extended to examine the positive or lack of impact and effectiveness of sustainability labels, offering a critical assessment of investment opportunities within the global cocoa industry. A central theme revolved around redefining the role of key stakeholders along the cocoa value chain, shifting focus towards investment rather than purely social responsibility for a positive social impact. A pivotal question posed was whether achieving value addition in cocoa production regions was an achievable reality or a mere myth. Other second day’s discussant including Antonie Fountain, Robin Dand Fuad Mohammed Abubakar, Dela Akuffo, Lynn Lockwood, Carrie Pemberton Ford Ph.D., Soji Sanyaolu, Patrick Adebola, Jules Achard, Francis Anatogu, and Clay Gordon, delved into these discussions, closing the evening with a “Call to Action” Presentation of ICD.

A Transformative Conclusion: ICCF2023 and Beyond

The International Cocoa and Chocolate Forum, ICCF2023, was more than a conference; it was a catalyst for change. As the event came to a close, it left attendees inspired, informed, and motivated to drive positive transformations within the cocoa industry.

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New paper: A new member of the Nudiviridae from the Florida stone crab (Menippe mercenaria)

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Highlights

  • Nudiviruses are present in a range of fished crustaceans, including Menippe mercenaria.

  • This novel nudivirus expands the Nudiviridae and Gammanudivirus genus.

  • Pathologically, the virus causes hepatopancreatic damage and may affect the fishery.
  • Similar gene synteny appears to be maintained in gammanudiviruses from geographically related hosts.

Abstract

Menippe mercenaria, the Florida stone crab, supports an unconventional fishery across the southern USA and Caribbean that involves claw-removal and the return of de-clawed animals to the sea. We provide pathological, ultrastructural, and genomic detail for a novel hepatopancreatic, nucleus-specific virus – Menippe mercenaria nudivirus (MmNV) – isolated from M. mercenaria, captured during fisheries-independent monitoring.

The virus has a genome of 99,336 bp and encodes 84 predicted protein coding genes and shows greatest similarity to Aratus pisonii nudivirus (ApNV) (<60% protein similarity and 31 shared genes of greatest similarity), collected from the Florida Keys, USA. MmNV is a member of the Gammanudivirus genus (Naldaviricetes: Lefavirales: Nudiviridae). Comparisons of virus genome size, preferred host environment, and gene number revealed no clear associations between the viral traits and phylogenetic position. Evolution of the virus alongside the diversification of host taxa, with the potential for host-switching, remain more likely evolutionary pathways.

New paper: Florida stone crab – Dr Jamie Bojko

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A new member of the Nudiviridae from the Florida stone crab (Menippe mercenaria)

Menippe mercenaria, the Florida stone crab, supports an unconventional fishery across the southern USA and Caribbean that involves claw-removal and the return of de-clawed animals to the sea. We provide pathological, ultrastructural, and genomic detail for a novel hepatopancreatic, nucleus-specific virus – Menippe mercenaria nudivirus (MmNV) – isolated from M. mercenaria, captured during fisheries-independent monitoring.

The virus has a genome of 99,336 bp and encodes 84 predicted protein coding genes and shows greatest similarity to Aratus pisonii nudivirus (ApNV) (<60% protein similarity and 31 shared genes of greatest similarity), collected from the Florida Keys, USA. MmNV is a member of the Gammanudivirus genus (Naldaviricetes: Lefavirales: Nudiviridae). Comparisons of virus genome size, preferred host environment, and gene number revealed no clear associations between the viral traits and phylogenetic position. Evolution of the virus alongside the diversification of host taxa, with the potential for host-switching, remain more likely evolutionary pathways.

A new member of the Nudiviridae from the Florida stone crab (Menippe mercenaria) – ScienceDirect