Articles by Neil Pooran

Science

Single gene responsible for hibernation in mammals, study finds

Scientists have made a significant step in understanding the genetic mechanism behind seasonal behaviours in mammals, such as hibernation and migration. A study led by the University of Glasgow pinpoints a single gene, called Dio3, as being behind these behaviours. This gene is present in all mammals and the study reveals the intrinsic mechanism behind hibernation and migration. It demonstrates that the Dio3 gene is critical for setting the internal seasonal clock of mammals and must be active to initiate winter dormancy. All mammals, including humans, have the Dio3 gene and it is predominantly active in animals who live closer to the poles. The Djungarian hamster was studied in order to make the discovery. Up until now, there has not been functional genetic evidence of the biological mechanisms behind the timing of seasonal behaviours in mammals. Tyler Stevenson, professor of physiology the university, said: “Our work is important because we now know the genes involved, and the sequence of changes in gene expression that control long-term changes in seasonal physiology and behaviour. “By understanding how and when genes are active during the season provides us with better knowledge of the underlying mechanism for annual health, and importantly, the potential causes of acute or chronic illnesses.” The study is published in the journal eLife.

Technology

Inspector who hunted Stone of Destiny after 1950 raid was given fragment as gift

A police inspector involved in the search for the Stone of Destiny after its famous theft in 1950 ended up receiving a “hidden” piece of the artefact years later, research has revealed. Detective Inspector William Kerr was one of those tasked with finding the ancient Stone of Scone following the audacious raid, in which a group of Scottish nationalist students removed it from Westminster Abbey. As the authorities hunted for the sandstone block, Det Insp Kerr worked to uncover the conspiracy and identified one of those involved – only for the artefact to be handed back at Arbroath Abbey in April 1951. Now, a research project has found that the Glasgow Police inspector, who went on to become chief constable of Dunbartonshire Constabulary, accepted a small piece of the stone as a gift some years later. Professor Sally Foster of Stirling University has been working to trace the stories of more than 34 fragments of the stone created when it was repaired in secret by stonemason and nationalist sympathiser Bertie Gray. Some of her research was published in an academic journal earlier this month, but Prof Foster is continuing to hear about new fragments as a result of people coming forward to share their stories. The stone split in two as the students removed it from Westminster Abbey and Mr Gray was trusted with its repair. Mr Gray’s work involved inserting metal rods into the stone to bring the two pieces together, a process which produced a number of fragments which he kept – carefully numbering and distributing many of them in secret. Some pieces have been kept hidden as family heirlooms, being brought out for special occasions but rarely seen in public. A note from Det Insp Kerr was uncovered by Prof Foster from a document kept at National Records Scotland. Her research has led her to believe that Mr Gray may have given him the fragment at a dinner in 1956. In the 1973 document, Det Insp Kerr says: “When I was formally presented with my ‘piece’ of the Coronation Stone by those who engineered and carried out its removal from the Abbey, I laughingly expressed scepticism about its genuineness as the repaired Stone was apparently intact. “Gray then explained that in the process of ‘tunnelling’ for the rods, seven tiny pieces were removed and carefully retained to be presented to certain individuals, of whom I was one.” Despite Mr Gray’s explanation to the police officer, Prof Foster believes there are far more than seven fragments that were distributed among supporters of the students and the wider Scottish independence movement. None of the students involved in the raid was ever prosecuted, which may explain why Det Insp Kerr was confident to accept the gift. Prof Foster said: “Detective Inspector Kerr was in charge of the Glasgow police investigation into the loss of the stone, liaising with Scotland Yard. “Ultimately, he gets friendly with the students and their parents and Bertie Gray, and they all stay in touch.” Prof Foster added: “He (Kerr) got given a fragment, and he accepted it.” The most likely occasion for this gift would have been a dinner in 1956 in honour of Kerr and his wife – the point at which he became chief constable. This event was attended by Mr Gray and the father of Alan Stuart, one of the students who took part in the Westminster Abbey raid. Kerr’s missive from 1973 came as the Home Office sought to verify the authenticity of the stone, which was handed back at Arbroath Abbey. Other fragments from the Stone of Destiny that were created during Mr Gray’s repair include an inch-sized piece that was gifted to Alex Salmond by Sir Neil MacCormick and kept at SNP headquarters. Prof Foster believes Mr Gray carefully numbered 34 pieces of the sandstone block and distributed them with letters of authenticity. However, there are likely even more fragments in private collections, as an unknown quantity of unnumbered pieces are also known to have been passed on in secret. Prof Foster says she is still keen to hear from people who may have knowledge of the fragments’ whereabouts.

Technology

Why one of the world’s rarest beers is finally being opened, 150 years on

A 150-year-old bottle of Allsopp’s Arctic Ale, originally brewed for a pioneering polar expedition, is set to be opened by a Scottish brewer to create a modern version of the historic drink. Dougal Gunn Sharp, founder of Edinburgh-based Innis & Gunn, will pour the rare ale into a new brew. This bottle is one of a handful remaining from Sir George Nares’ 1875 North Pole expedition, originally crafted in Burton-upon-Trent for British explorers. Mr Sharp acquired it over a decade ago at auction for more than £3,000 – five times its estimate – after its discovery in a Shropshire garage. Another bottle of the same beer from an 1852 expedition later made headlines when it sold for more than $500,000 on eBay, although it is thought the transaction was never completed. In partnership with the revived Allsopp’s Brewery, Mr Sharp now plans to use a quantity of the ale to seed a new limited-edition beer. It will be called Innis & Gunn 1875 Arctic Ale and will follow the original Allsopp’s recipe. “It’s hard to overstate how rare this bottle is,” Mr Sharp said. “Some people might think it’s madness to open it, but I think the real madness would be to leave it sitting on a shelf. Beer is meant to be shared, particularly on this, its 150th anniversary. “This ale was brewed for a voyage of endurance and adventure, and I think it’s only right that it has one more journey – into the glass. There’s something very special about being able to taste a piece of brewing and maritime history. That’s why we’re doing this.” The beer was brewed at Samuel Allsopp & Sons in Burton-upon-Trent and was designed to provide sustenance for sailors enduring temperatures as low as minus 40C. With an alcohol strength of around 9 per cent, it was described as “strong and nutritive”, rich in unfermentable sugars that could resist freezing. It has six times the calorie content of conventional beer. Records from the Victorian era describe the ale as dark brown and so thick it had to be lifted from the brewing copper in buckets. The beer accompanied several Arctic expeditions, including Vice-Admiral Sir George’s 1875 attempt to reach the North Pole. Though each ended in hardship, the story of Arctic Ale became legend among brewers. Jamie Allsopp, founder of the new-look Allsopp’s Brewery and a direct descendant of Samuel Allsopp, said the collaboration with Innis & Gunn feels like “a physical bridge to the past”. He said: “There’s something uniquely romantic about Allsopp’s Arctic Ale – it’s a story of heroism, endurance, and human daring. This was a beer brewed for explorers setting out to survive the extremes of the Arctic, designed to nourish them in conditions as low as minus 40C. “It’s one of the strongest and most extraordinary beers ever made – more like a Madeira than a modern ale – and its legend has only grown with time. Very few bottles still exist, and I’ve only ever seen two come up for sale. “So when Dougal told me he planned to use one of his to help recreate it, I honestly thought he was mad – but I love it. “The idea of physically pouring history into a new brew is a kind of alchemy. It’s never been done before, and it’s the perfect way to reconnect with a moment in brewing history that’s fascinated people for nearly 170 years.” The new beer will be released later this year in limited quantities across Innis & Gunn’s Taprooms in Edinburgh and Glasgow, at Allsopp’s venues in London, as well as a select number of other stockists. A small number of hand-bottled editions will also be made available through a ballot.