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IBV strain M41-CK (red) growing in Vero cells (green with blue nuclei) in the presence of trypsin

Pirbright reveals new method to study poultry virus (IBV) which could reduce the need to use birds in research

An enzyme called trypsin boosts the growth of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strains in lab cell cultures, scientists at The Pirbright Institute have shown. This finding could enable researchers to study strains of the poultry virus that were previously inaccessible and…

Dr Yaoyao Zhang at CN Bio using the Physiomimix technology

Science Spotlight: Bringing home new technologies

After four weeks of intensive training, Dr Yaoyao Zhang departed CN Bio Innovations, a Cambridge-based bioengineering company, ready to incorporate new technology and skills into her own research at The Pirbright Institute. Dr Zhang’s training involved learning how CN Bio’s…

Young chicken looks at the camera side on.

Pirbright scientists reveal more clues on how bird flu viruses evade vaccine immunity

A new study by researchers at The Pirbright Institute shows that avian influenza viruses can combine two techniques to evade vaccine immunity, aiding their spread in the field. Understanding the dynamics between these methods could allow researchers to develop better…

Environment and Biodiversity

The Pirbright Institute is proud to have an Energy and Environment Team (EET), dedicated to ensuring a more joined up and collaborative approach to sustainability across site. Meetings are held bimonthly, and members of the quorum include staff at all levels from science and…

COVID-19 testing equipment at The Pirbright Institute

Pirbright supports national test and trace programme

The Pirbright Institute will support the NHS Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services (BSPS) and the national NHS Test and Trace programme by providing induction and training for staff joining the new Lighthouse Laboratory in Bracknell. The Lighthouse Laboratory is designed…

aedes aegypti female mosquito feeding

Flightless female mosquitoes generated at Pirbright could aid disease control

Scientists at The Pirbright Institute have created flightless mosquitoes by editing a specific gene that is required for flight – but only in females. This could provide a more controlled and targeted way of reducing mosquito populations (females bite to obtain a blood meal…

A group of pigs

Pigs can still pass on swine flu infection after vaccination, Pirbright collaboration shows

Effective flu vaccines are crucial for controlling disease outbreaks in pigs and reducing the threat of transmission to humans. A collaboration between The Pirbright Institute, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), the University of Edinburgh and The Jenner Institute…

a blue graphic representation of the influenza virus

Latest Pirbright collaboration uncovers genetic markers that could guide avian influenza surveillance

Researchers at The Pirbright Institute have identified the genetic markers on avian influenza (‘bird flu’) viruses that could help the viruses to jump the species barrier and cause disease in people, in collaboration with other members of the One Health Poultry Hub. Co…

Pupae of the wild-type and four different strains of genetically modified mosquitoes generated in the study. Different intensities of the green fluorescent marker indicate varying levels of the femaleless gene expression knockdown.

Mosquito gene discovery by Pirbright scientists could be harnessed to curb global malaria spread

A new gene that determines the sex of malaria mosquitoes has been discovered by scientists at The Pirbright Institute. The gene, named femaleless by the researchers, can be manipulated to prevent female mosquitoes from developing (only females bite to feed on blood and…

Close up of a microscope inspecting a small green leaf on a microscope slide

Knighthood for Pirbright collaborator

Prof Sir Dave Stuart, the Director of Life Sciences at Diamond Light Source and MRC Professor of Structural Biology at the University of Oxford, and Head of the Division of Structural Biology at the Department of Clinical Medicine, has been awarded a Knighthood for his years…