Latest news with #Devon
BBC News
3 hours ago
- Science
- BBC News
Scientists trying to grow Devon tea plants in space
Scientists are using plants from Devon to test whether it is possible to grow tea in space. Seedlings cultivated near Ashburton have been planted in soils which are similar to those found on the Moon and Mars as part of a research project at the University of Kent. The team said the aim was to be able to ultimately grow food in space for people who are based on space stations and the Moon in the future. Jo Harper, who owns Dartmoor Estate Tea which provided the plants, said it was a "mind-blowing" idea. 'New age of space' Prof Nigel Mason, who specialises in molecular physics at the University of Kent, said this could contribute to research into whether food can be grown in added: "We're moving into a new age of space, where we no longer just want to explore, but we want to settle space, we want to put people onto space stations and build bases on the Moon."As soon as you consider that, one of the first things you want to know is, 'what will people eat?'"The fun part of the project is to to see whether we could grow things on the Moon, but a lot of the basic work is also about how crops and plants survive harsh environments and poor soils, and poor soils are a big problem with climate change." Researcher Anna-Marie Wirth, 22, said she thought it was "really cool" tea plants were being tested. "Tea is a huge part of British culture and cultures around the world," she will monitor how the plants develop over the course of 30 days, with temperature, humidity and lighting controlled to mimic conditions in have been grown in space before after a small food-growing trial by Italian and American scientists. Kathryn Harper, from the Dartmoor Estate Tea, said people needed the drink, "even in space"."If they're growing it themselves, then those on the International Space Station would have access to their daily brew, their daily cup of tea," she results of the experiment are expected in summer 2025.
The Sun
10 hours ago
- The Sun
Endangered giant leatherback turtle spotted off Devon coast in ‘incredible' sighting
A LEATHERBACK turtle swaps tropical waters to prey on jellyfish off Devon. The 7ft reptile was spotted gliding past Petra and Mike Threlfall's boat on Wednesday. 4 4 Petra, who was also with daughter Molly just 550 yards from Branscombe, said: 'We saw an unusual movement and thought it was a dolphin at first. 'But when its head popped up, it was clearly much bigger. We were so shocked when we realised it was a leatherback turtle. 'We turned off the engine and he was so inquisitive, swimming about and eating jellyfish. 'One movement of his huge flippers and he was gone.' Petra, of Taunton, Somerset, added: 'We feel so lucky to have seen it up so close.' Charlie Hankin saw the turtle 200 yards off Seaton, describing the encounter as 'incredible'. Leatherbacks are usually found in the Caribbean, Med and Canaries. But with sea temperatures rising, this one ventured much farther north. They are the largest turtles at 7ft and 2,000lb and take their name from their dark, leather-like skin. They can regulate their bodies to maintain heat in colder waters where there are plenty of jellyfish. Some subspecies are critically endangered. Giant leatherback turtle is rescued by bigger near Catalan City, Spain 4 4
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Sea pool set to reopen after tide issues
An outdoor pool is set to reopen this weekend after bosses were forced to shut the attraction because high tides failed to refill it. Shoalstone Pool in Brixham, south Devon, relies on the tide for its water. But this week's calm sea conditions meant the water did not travel high enough. David Thomas, operations manager, said: "We had a pool clean on Monday, but the tide didn't come over as expected. "To address this, we've installed a sea pump to fill the pool at high tide and we're working hard to ensure the pool is ready for the weekend." Shoalstone Pool, operated by a charity, remains free for public use. The attraction will undergo significant renovations later this summer. "We'll be closing the pool in August for essential upgrades," Mr Thomas said. "Thanks to a government grant, we'll be installing a new deep end, a raised deck, replacing railings, and reinforcing the walls to ensure safety for future generations." More news stories for Devon Listen to the latest news for Devon Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Mother nature blamed for empty seafront pool Funding boost for seawater pool repair project Councils pledge £120k to save Devon seawater pool Sea pool damaged by stormy weather Shoalstone Pool
BBC News
12 hours ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Brixham sea pool set to reopen after issues with the tide
An outdoor pool is set to reopen this weekend after bosses were forced to shut the attraction because high tides failed to refill Pool in Brixham, south Devon, relies on the tide for its water. But this week's calm sea conditions meant the water did not travel high Thomas, operations manager, said: "We had a pool clean on Monday, but the tide didn't come over as expected. "To address this, we've installed a sea pump to fill the pool at high tide and we're working hard to ensure the pool is ready for the weekend." Shoalstone Pool, operated by a charity, remains free for public use. The attraction will undergo significant renovations later this summer. "We'll be closing the pool in August for essential upgrades," Mr Thomas said. "Thanks to a government grant, we'll be installing a new deep end, a raised deck, replacing railings, and reinforcing the walls to ensure safety for future generations."
BBC News
16 hours ago
- BBC News
Perranporth boy, 16, held in terrorism investigation
Police have arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of terrorism Perranporth teenager was arrested on suspicion of dissemination of terrorist publications by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing South West, said the Devon and Cornwall said a "number of searches" were going on at addresses around Perranporth and Redruth in relation to the suspect remains in police custody, said officers.
