LIVESTOCK IS RESPONSIBLE for 80% of agricultural emissions, according to new research published in Environmental Research Letters. The authors suggested that technical and behavioural changes are required to curb the emissions.
PUPILS ARE twice as likely to achieve above average results if they eat breakfast, according to new research by scientists at Cardiff University. The contents of the breakfast are an important factor, however, with sweets and crisps (which one in five children consume first thing) having no positive impact.
LEVELS OF CAMPYLOBACTER in chickens sold through UK supermarkets continues to fall. Figures from July to September this year show 15% tested positive in the highest band, down from 22% during the same period last year. Which? suggested the data is being skewed by those retailers taking action, with others missing Food Standards Agency targets.
BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS may not be the answer when it comes to reducing marine litter. A new report, “Biodegradable Plastics and Marine Litter. Misconceptions, Concerns and Impacts on Marine Environments”, highlights that complete biodegradation of plastics occurs in industrial conditions that are very rarely met in the sea. One recent study found that over a quarter of fish sold for human consumption in Indonesia contained plastic.
THE USE of food banks has increased to record levels in Scotland. The BBC reports there were more than 60,000 referrals in a six month period, with 35,000 people receiving help.
