Tag: The James Hutton Institute

Landmark study into Ganges River pollution reveals that standard monitoring identifies only 1% of organofluorine contamination

Stuart Mitchell

A new study from The James Hutton Institute, Scotland’s pre-eminent interdisciplinary scientific research institute for the sustainable management of land, crop and nature resources; the University of Graz, Warsaw University of Technology and the Indian Institute of Technology has found that standard tests fail to identify 99% of toxic PFAS chemicals in the Ganges River. Flowing over 2,500km from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, the Ganges River serves as a lifeline to millions of people, providing water for agriculture, industry and human habitation. It holds great cultural and…

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The James Hutton Institute launches first public fundraising campaign to accelerate climate and environmental research

Stuart Mitchell

The James Hutton Institute has announced the launch of Hutton Unearthed, its first public‑facing fundraising campaign aimed at accelerating research into climate resilience, sustainable farming, biodiversity recovery and environmental justice. The campaign marks a significant shift in how the Hutton engages with the public, inviting individuals, communities and businesses to contribute directly to scientific work that supports Scotland’s land, water and natural environments. It focuses on four key campaign themes: Land, Water, Food and Energy. From the Climate Positive Farming Initiative and HydroGlen green energy initiative at Glensaugh Research Farm…

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Honey bees can be used to monitor PFAS levels in the environment, new study shows

Stuart Mitchell

Honey bees can be used to monitor levels of PFAS in the environment, a new study from The James Hutton Institute and the University of Graz has shown. PFAS, sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals”, are a group of more than 12,000 man-made chemicals which are used in everyday items such as frying pans and waterproof jackets. First popularised in the 1940s, these chemicals have since been linked to serious health concerns including cancer, fertility issues and liver damage. Due to their widespread use, background levels of PFAS are detectable…

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James Hutton Limited to open lab capable of analysing anaerobic digestate

Stuart Mitchell

New plans to open a lab capable of analysing anaerobic digestate have been announced by James Hutton Limited, the commercial wing of The James Hutton Institute. Anaerobic digestate – the leftover material produced when organic waste is broken down by bacteria in a sealed anaerobic digester – is useful as a soil improver. However, before being put into action, digestates must be tested against the quality requirements laid out in Publicly Available Specification 110 (PAS 110). The Hutton, a world-leading scientific research institute at the forefront of transformative science for the…

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