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The zebra mussel is one of the world's most economically and ecologically important pests, but existing control approaches cause significant deleterious environmental effects. Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a `BioBullet' against zebra mussels, which encapsulates toxins in a harmless edible coat, enabling efficient, targeted product delivery and dramatically reducing environmental pollution. [text removed for publication] Further successful formulations are being developed by the researchers and the company for fouling in shrimp farms and enhancing shellfish aquaculture.
UK Species Action Plans (SAP) and selection of Special Areas of Conservation under the EC Habitats Directive for declining populations of the critically endangered freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera were informed by QUB research. As an element of the Northern Ireland SAP, in 2009 about 350 mussels produced in a unique captive-breeding facility at a fish farm were released into a river where mussels face extinction. Up to 99% of released mussels survived and a further 240 additional juveniles were released in 2013. This approach complements policy for habitat restoration through catchment management, was a first in Europe and is now being emulated for endangered populations in Austria.
Research on the anatomy, physiology and palaeoecology of pterosaurs by the Palaeobiology Group at Portsmouth University has had a wide and acknowledged impact, underpinning the creation and production of block-buster and pioneering television and film productions worldwide. The impact of this work is recognised by Sir David Attenborough, and by the producers of such TV successes as Walking With Dinosaurs and Flying Monsters 3D. These award-winning productions, highlighting our work, have reached a global audience and supported the generation of millions of pounds by the UK TV and film industry. Whilst the income generated is highly significant, perhaps their greatest impact lies in fostering a positive view of science, particularly in young audiences, by bringing cutting-edge evolutionary science direct to the World's film and TV screens.