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Zebrafish 'able to repair spinal cord injuries'
In a cross section of the adult zebrafish spinal cord, stem cells (green) can be seen to divide (red and/or blue)
In a cross section of the adult zebrafish spinal cord, stem cells (green) can be seen to divide (red and/or blue).

Discovery may offer hope for new therapies in humans
 
Zebrafish are able to heal their own spinal cord injuries by growing new motor neurons, scientists have discovered.

It is hoped this finding could one day lead to new therapies for people with neurodegenerative conditions, such as motor neuron disease.

Damage to motor neurons in humans - either as a result of neurodegeneration or spinal cord injury - is irreversible.

Yet researchers from the University of Edinburgh found that serotonin - best known as the mood boosting hormone - can help zebrafish recover from spinal cord injuries.

They found the hormone is able to send signals to stem cells found in the spinal cord, boosting the growth of new motor neurons.

Using these findings, scientists say they may be able to grow motor neurons in the lab, aiding research into neurodegenerative conditions in humans.

Dr Thomas Becker, from Edinburgh's Centre for Neuroregeneration and the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, said: "Understanding how zebrafish are able to repair damaged nerves could one day help us to trigger similar mechanisms in human stem cells.

"Our hope is that this may eventually lead to new treatments for conditions such as motor neuron disease, for which there is no cure."

Image (c) Catherina Becker, University of Edinburgh.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.