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Irish Examiner
15-06-2025
- Science
- Irish Examiner
Hidden in plain sight: join the search for Ireland's fossils
Lazing on the beach, a trip to the shops, or going for a hike… these activities don't normally remind us of fossils. But a new campaign from University College Cork is aiming to change that — and is urging us all to search for fossils in locations all around the country. This initiative, called 'The Great Irish Fossil Hunt', is calling on the public to discover and report any fossils they find across the island of Ireland. Simply make sure the fossil is publicly accessible (not in a private garden!) and is in solid rock (not loose). You can then send a photo of your fossil discovery to the UCC team using the instructions below. Gastropod conical on city street Few people in Ireland realise that fossils are all around us, in the natural rock outcrops at our beaches and on mountains. We are even less aware of the fossils that are locked inside the building stones that make up the footpaths, gutters, windowsills, doorsteps and paving stones of our towns and cities. Astonishingly, this means that many of us are walking past — or even walking on — fossils every day. The Great Irish Fossil Hunt is led by Professor Maria McNamara and her team of palaeontologists at UCC's School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, as part of the nationwide 'Ireland's Fossil Heritage' project funded by Research Ireland and the European Research Council. The Great Irish Fossil Hunt continues until August 31 You can send photographs of your fossil finds to the UCC team using the form on the campaign website, including the Google maps location. The team will then travel the country checking and validating the submitted photographs during the summer months. The validated sites will be used to build a new fossil map of Ireland, that will be launched during Science Week. Prof. McNamara said: 'Here in Ireland we are really lucky to have a wonderful fossil heritage that includes amazing ancient sea creatures that lived in tropical ocean reefs, and huge ancient trees that lived in swampy forests, all preserved in our limestone, sandstone and mudstone rocks. We have even more fossils visible in the building stones of our towns and cities. For historical, social and scientific reasons, however, the fossils of Ireland have been overlooked and not given the prominence that they deserve. Through the Great Irish Fossil Hunt, we want to shine a spotlight on the fossils of Ireland, and get people hunting for the fossils that are right under our noses.' Crinoid ossicles Dr Jess Franklin, senior engagement officer with the project, explains how you can get involved: 'It's really easy to make a submission. If you spot a fossil when you're out and about, simply take a photo and upload it using the form on our website. Remember to include the Google maps location, and if you have a coin handy, you can include it in the photo for scale. You can even opt-in to have your name displayed with your submission, if it's chosen for inclusion on the new fossil map.' Dr Jess Franklin with Ann Francis of Cork Camera Club examining fossils on the facade of Eason on Patrick Street, Cork The fossil submissions should be from in-situ building stones or natural rocky outcrops — fossils that are loose, or in loose stones don't qualify. The fossils should also be located in areas that are accessible to the general public, so fossils in private gardens or private farms are not eligible. The campaign raises the prospect of exciting fossil discoveries. Prof. McNamara said: 'Despite the small size of the country, Ireland has some globally important fossils. Our Devonian sandstones and siltstones include some of the oldest plants on land — including the little moss-like plant Cooksonia, from the Devil's Bit Mountains in Tipperary — and the oldest accepted evidence of animals walking on land, at the Valentia Tetrapod Trackway in Kerry. Our Carboniferous limestones are famous for their marine fossils, that record life in ancient tropical seas (see panel). There are even fossils of dinosaurs and marine reptiles preserved in Jurassic rocks in County Antrim." Crinoid ossicles cross-section "There are far more rocks exposed along our coasts and in our building stones than all the palaeontologists in Ireland can examine, so the fossil hunt campaign raises the very real possibility that members of the public might discover fossils of scientific importance.' Much of the common building stone used in Irish towns and cities is from Ireland, especially carboniferous limestone. You can find pictures of the most common Irish fossils on the Ireland's Fossil Heritage website. There are fossils locked inside the building stones that make up the footpaths, gutters, windowsills, doorsteps and paving stones of our towns and cities — this means that many of us are walking past, or even walking on, fossils every day Some building stones, however, are from Britain and further afield, and preserve additional types of fossils, such as the large spiral ammonites of the Jura limestones and the cone-shaped gastropod shells in the Portland Roach limestones. All of these fossils will be captured for the first time in the new fossil map of Ireland, making fossils accessible to the public, no matter whether they live in a built-up area or a very rural area. If you're not sure if what you've found is indeed a fossil, feel free to email the team at UCC directly. The deadline for fossil submissions is 5pm on August 31. Further details are available here Common Irish fossils Brachiopod arc Brachiopods: Brachiopods are shellfish with two shells joined by a ligament on one side, but they are often preserved in rocks as only one shell. You can recognise fossil brachiopods in rocks as whole shells, or as white crescents or circles in cross section. Solitary coral (cross-section) Corals: Corals are marine animals that gather food particles from the surrounding water using soft tentacles. Some ancient corals lived alone (these are called solitary corals) but others lived in large groups and shared a common skeleton (colonial corals). Fossil corals have a distinctive pattern of radial lines inside their skeleton, which looks like spokes on a bicycle wheel in cross section. Crinoid stems Crinoids: Irish fossil crinoids were attached to the seafloor and had feathery arms that could open like an umbrella to collect food particles drifting by on ocean currents. Most of the crinoid's hard skeleton is made up of circular plates called ossicles joined together by ligaments. When crinoids die, the ligaments rot away and the ossicles are usually scattered by waves and currents. Sometimes the plates don't separate fully and instead, we can see a stack of the plates (like a stack of polo mints).
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Harrison County Parks & Recreation releases Summer Day Camp schedule for kids
CLARKSBURG, (WBOY) — Harrison County Parks & Recreation (HCPR) has officially released the schedule for its 2025 Summer Day Camp Program. You can find the schedule below: 'The Great Outdoors' (June 23-27): highlights include 'creepy crawlies,' lifetime sports, and nature art 'Arts Week' (June 30-July 3): highlights include 4th of July events, music, rock-dropping games, as well as t-shirt art 'Science Week' (July 7-11): highlights include dinosaurs, elephant toothpaste, and rocket launching 'Celebration Week' (July 14-18): highlights include bounce houses, cotton candy, and crazy socks 'We wanna give them an opportunity to get out from on the couch,' HCPR Director Mike Book said. 'Get [from] behind the video games and come outside and enjoy that.' Following the first four weeks, additional day camp weeks will be held throughout different community parks in Harrison County. All of these day camps will be held on weekdays only, lasting from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Day Camp Schedule for additional locations: Good Hope Park (July 21-25) Spelter Park (July 28-Aug. 1) Wallace Park (Aug. 4-8) Summit Park (Aug. 11-15) 'What we wanna do is we need to get the kids back outside,' Book added. 'We need to get them active and vital with their stuff. They get a chance to be outdoors, be with nature. We'll have nature activities going on and all that.' Bruceton Brandonville VFD now has swift water rescue team Book told 12 News that throughout the different day camps, instructors will be focusing on catering to the kids' interests, while also trying to get them involved in new stuff. 'Never know, we might find a new interest for them,' he added. 'Maybe they'll start a new hobby–collecting rocks, or whatever amounts to their enjoyment.' According to Book, this summer program gives children a chance to be outside and make new friends with their peers during the summertime. 'The social part of it can't be overlooked at all,' he stated. 'It's important for these kids to be out and about.' The 2025 Summer Day Camp Program is accepting registrations all the way up until the program starts. However, Book stated that they must have enough registrations; otherwise, the dates and locations of these sessions will be subject to change. Lunch will be provided daily, and each program will wrap up the week with a family night celebration. 'We'll probably be reaching a lot of kids that this will be the highlight of their summer,' said Book. 'At least that's what we want it to be. You know, everybody can't go to Disney or wherever they might go to, but this'll be a place they'll go.' Book told 12 News that he's been putting on the summer program with HCPR for nearly 40 years now, and he knows adults who still remember their times on the park equipment fondly. The summer camps are open for registration for children between the ages of six and twelve. The program will launch at the HCPR Complex in Clarksburg and run from June 23-July 18, with each week following a different theme. Book added that this is a completely free program, adding that interested parents can sign their children up by visiting the HCPR office, registering online or calling in to Harrison County Parks & Recreation for more information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Edinburgh Reporter
06-06-2025
- Science
- Edinburgh Reporter
Research in Scotland is revolutionising farming in Africa
Representatives from The Roslin Institute attended the first Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Science Week in Nairobi recently as part of The Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) delegation. CTLGH is a strategic partnership among the University of Edinburgh through the Roslin Institute, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and Scotland's Rural College (SRUC). This partnership aims to contribute to the development of livestock in low to medium income countries (LMICs) through genetics and biotechnological advancements. Although CTLGH is headquartered at the Roslin Institute, it has nodes in Nairobi, Kenya and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. By working in collaboration with national and international partners, CTLGH allows the flow of research and knowledge among different players and stakeholders for implementation on real farms. Current efforts have focused on finding solutions to some of the major productivity and health problems facing smallholder farms in Africa. Historically, there have been strong links and connections between Scotland and Africa. Some of these go back to the times of Dr David Livingstone. Over the years, Universities and research institutions in Scotland and different countries in Africa have worked together and even exchanged expertise. Not surprisingly, the current Director General of ILRI, one of CGIAR institution, Professor Appolinaire Djikeng is an affiliated Professor for Tropical Agriculture and Sustainable Development at the University of Edinburgh, a position he held previously when he was Director of CTLGH in Edinburgh. The delegation from the Roslin Institute to the CGIAR Science Week, which included CTLGH scientists and Centre Management staff, was led by the current director of CTLGH and Chair of Tropical Livestock Genetics, Professor Mizeck Chagunda. During the week-long event, which comprised of conferences, side-events, workshops, demonstration stands, the CTLGH had a manned-stand and held a side-event. These activities highlighted the importance of CTLGH's research and knowledge exchange work in contributing to the African Union's Agenda 2063 – The Africa We Want. The CGIAR institutions based in Africa are driving their research and development strategies towards this theme. During such events, CTLGH aims to communicate in simple ways the contribution of advanced scientific endeavours and biotechnologies in tackling global challenges and to the transformation of food systems through improvements in tropical livestock. All this with the goal of creating high-level awareness and an enabling environment to generate the discussion on how to harness the benefits accruing from agricultural biotechnology, innovation and emerging technologies to transform the livelihoods of smallholder livestock farmers in LMICs. CTLGH's Centre Operations Manager at Roslin, Mrs Jen Meikle explained: 'Our booth was visited by farmers, pastoralists, community workers, school teachers, pupils and university students all with an interest in science and increasing livestock production and welfare. CTLGH have a capacity in building knowledge that we hope to be able to expand to schools in Africa. Professor Chagunda added: 'Our work supports the main CGIAR mission to transform food, land and water systems by ensuring that genetic innovations reach smallholder farmers improving productivity, resilience and livelihoods. 'Our presence at the first CGIAR Science Week in Nairobi highlighted the importance of science-based solutions tailored to LMICs (low to middle income countries) and showcased how targeted genetics research can contribute to sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, environmental impact mitigation and food security.' CGIAR – the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research – is a global partnership engaged in researching ways of combatting food insecurity. Through their research the body hopes to reduce rural poverty, improve human health and nutrition and manage natural resources sustainably. The body has an annual research portfolio of just over $900 million with more than 9,000 staff working in 89 countries and brought together some of the world's leading scientists and decision-makers in agriculture, climate, and health for the very first CGIAR Science Week. This gathering was a key moment to advance research and innovation, inspire action, and establish critical partnerships at the Science Week in Nairobi held at the United Nations compound to discuss the future of farming in the Global South. Part of the conference discussion involved AI and its application to changing food systems which are under pressure from climate change, resource scarcity and hunger. One of the funders of CTLGH is the Gates Foundation and two of the scientists in the film below conduct research work for CTLGH. Food and nutrition security remains a challenge in Africa. However, biotechnologies for livestock conservation and development offer potential solutions. There are African instruments to support the needed transformation, those instruments are embedded in the Agenda 2063-The Africa we want, and in the STISA 2024 to 'Accelerate Africa's transition to an innovation-led, Knowledge-based Economy', and in the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan: 2026-2035 (Building Resilient Agri-Food Systems in Africa). Professor Mizeck Chagunda CGIAR Science Week in Nairobi At the CLTGH booth Professor Appolinaire Djikeng, Jen Meikle, Centre Operations Manager and Andy Peters, Chair of ILRI Like this: Like Related
Morocco World
21-02-2025
- Science
- Morocco World
UM6P Science Week 2025 Closes with Promise of African Leadership in Science
Ben Guerir – Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) concluded its ambitious Science Week today, marking a milestone in Morocco's journey to becoming a leading force in global scientific innovation. The five-day event confirmed Africa's growing scientific capabilities and its emergence as an independent go-getter of research and development. Hosted at UM6P's state-of-the-art campus in Ben Guerir, Science Week brought together researchers, innovators, and thought leaders from across Africa and beyond. UM6P President Hicham El Habti delivered a rousing closing ceremony speech to wrap up the fifth edition of Science Week. 'What was shared during the week, the energy that was here and there was just amazing,' he said. UM6P President Hicham El Habti 'I think that we have now achieved what we have in mind where we have to celebrate science.' This year's theme, 'Shaping the Future,' drew attention to how African scientists can collaborate to address the continent's unique approaches to addressing Africa's as well as global challenges. The event's rich program revolved around sustainable development, food security, artificial intelligence, innovation, and solutions tailored to African contexts. This year's Science Week also succeeded in reflecting UM6P's growing role as a catalyst for pan-African scientific collaboration. Through its various research platforms and partnerships, the university has created a network that connects researchers across the continent, fostering a uniquely burgeoning African scientific ecosystem. Of the event's significance for Moroccan and African students, El Habti said: 'We have to give the opportunity to our students to share what they are working on.' He pointed to the importance of such gatherings in shaping the future of science across the continent. Read also: AI in Healthcare: Promises vs Realities for Africa's Medical Systems Science Week's Scientific Director Fouad Laroui expressed satisfaction with the event's growing prominence in the global scientific landscape. Since its inception in 2020, he told Morocco World News, Science Week has positioned itself as a crucial platform where UM6P researchers engage with world-leading scientists. In line with its motto, 'At the frontiers of science,' Science Week 2025 brought together high-flying academic discussions and real-world innovative projects. Fouad Laroui, Science Week's Scientific Director He further specified that UM6P's Science Week particularly echoes Africa's development challenges. Its panels and networking engagements typically focus on Africa-specific research priorities. Science should help resolve pressing concerns like food security for Africa's growing population and the need to create employment opportunities for millions of graduating youth, he concluded. Convergence is the future of science Looking ahead to next year's edition, Laroui unveiled at today's closing ceremony an ambitious theme of 'Convergence,' with a particular emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaboration. Science Week Next Year's Theme He argued that this approach reflects a broader trend in global science: the convergence of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, and cognitive sciences. Next year's edition should engage with this type of convergence and have crossed projects in its agenda, he announced. Read also: UM6P, STATION F Partner to Empower Agritech, Greentech, and Healthtech Startups He envisions its panel sessions to bring together different departments and faculties and reflect UM6P's cross-disciplinary vision. Reflecting UM6P's spirit of initiative and proactivity in positioning Morocco as a hub to bolster Africa's scientific landscape, Laroui noted 'We're closing one Science Week and immediately beginning preparation for the next.' For Laroui, UM6P's ultimate hope with this transformative event is to set the stage for future scientific endeavors that will continue to position Morocco and Africa at the forefront of global innovation. As it concluded today, Science Week left behind a legacy of cross-disciplinary dialogue and ambitious collaborations.
Morocco World
20-02-2025
- Science
- Morocco World
Digital Agriculture: Bridging the Tech Gap in African Farming
Ben Guerir – The fourth day of UM6P's Science Week gathered experts to discuss the future of digital agriculture in Africa, shedding light on the immense potential and significant challenges of the continent's agriculture transformation journey. Ken Lohento, Digital Agriculture specialist at Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) regional office for Africa, pointed to striking statistics. He revealed that only 5% of small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa regularly use digital technology, while a vast majority is left unable to benefit from agricultural innovations. This digital divide is further complicated by infrastructure challenges, with approximately 50% of communities lacking reliable access to electricity. Speaking today during a session on Agritech and Digital Divide, Lehonto spoke of stark contrasts between nations across the continent. 'Africa is not one country,' he said. While countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, Morocco, and Tunisia have shown significant progress in digital agriculture adoption, others such as Togo, Niger, Chad, and Guinea face considerable obstacles. Mustapha El Bouhssini, Entomology Professor and Associate Dean for Research at UM6P's College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, spoke to Morocco World News (MWN) of how digital agriculture and agroecology can shape farming's future in Morocco and Africa. 'With digital agriculture, it's precision agriculture,' he explained, describing how modern technology enables farmers to optimize resource use through precise soil analysis and targeted application of inputs. The integration of artificial intelligence and mobile applications is revolutionizing farm management, he argued . Mustapha El Bouhssini, Entomology Professor and Associate Dean for Research at UM6P Read also: OCP Nutricrops, UM6P, French Partners Join Forces for Sustainable Agricultural Solutions Digital innovations now enable farmers to photograph crop symptoms using their phones to receive immediate guidance on nutrient deficiencies or advice on pest control measures. However, while larger farms are already benefiting from advanced technologies like drones and sensors, cost remains a significant barrier for smaller farmers. Morocco's agritech promising initiative Morocco's agricultural sector features promising developments in this digital transformation. El Bouhssini said that the country aims to 'implement conservation agriculture across one million hectares in the coming years,' a crucial step as Morocco has undergone an ongoing seven-year drought. With 100 engineers working throughout Morocco, UM6P's Al Moutmir extension service reflects Morocco's commitment to technology transfer, though digital solutions are needed to reach a broader farming population In terms of ecoagriculture, El Bouhssini noted that their research at UM6P is focused on 'pest management approaches.' 'These are environmentally friendly means of controlling diseases and pests rather than relying on pesticides only,' he added. As African nations work to achieve food security, experts agree that success will require a balanced approach combining digital innovation with sustainable practices. This includes the precision application of essential nutrients like phosphorus, where Morocco's vast phosphate reserves could play a crucial role in supporting continental food security, while ensuring environmental protection through smart resource management. Both international and UM6P's agriculture experts asserted today the need for AI in boosting Africa's agriculture transition. Meanwhile, of UM6P's role in Africa's agriculture transformation journey, El Bouhssini said: 'We hope through our research that we really contribute to the food security in Africa by adding really the needed amount of phosphorus and other fertilizers and other input.'
