A transcriptomic time-series reveals differing trajectories during pre-floral development in the apex and leaf in winter and spring varieties of Brassica napus

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is an important global oil crop, with spring and winter varieties grown commercially. To understand the transcriptomic differences between these varieties, we collected transcriptomes from apex and leaf tissue from a spring variety, Westar, and a winter variety, Tapidor, before, during, and after vernalisation treatment, until the plants flowered. Large transcriptomic differences were noted in both varieties during the vernalisation treatment because of temperature and day length changes. Transcriptomic alignment revealed that the apex transcriptome reflects developmental state, whereas the leaf transcriptome is more closely aligned to the age of the plant. Similar numbers of copies of genes were expressed in both varieties during the time series, although key flowering time genes exhibited expression pattern differences. BnaFLC copies on A2 and A10 are the best candidates for the increased vernalisation requirement of Tapidor. Other BnaFLC copies show tissue-dependent reactivation of expression post-cold, with these dynamics suggesting some copies have retained or acquired a perennial nature. BnaSOC1 genes, also related to the vernalisation pathway, have expression profiles which suggest tissue subfunctionalisation. This understanding may help to breed varieties with more consistent or robust vernalisation responses, of special importance due to the milder winters resulting from climate change

Groundwater : Making the Invisible Visible : FCDO Briefing Pack on Water Governance, Finance and Climate Change

Did you know that more people use groundwater for drinking than use rainwater or surface water and that agriculture is responsible for 70% of global water withdrawal? Groundwater is water found underground in aquifers which, although hidden from view, are vital to agriculture, economic growth, nature and health. Groundwater is an especially important source of water as rainfall varies due to Climate Change - see the latest IPCC report for more details. This briefing pack provides some of the latest evidence and information about groundwater. It also presents information on how the Climate and Environment Department at FCDO is tackling water security to reach two overarching goals: > Tackle and reverse growing water insecurity and its consequences caused by depletion and degradation of natural water sources > Address poor water management and increasing demand In this pack we discuss the UK’s Water action at COP26; programme activities around water and climate, water governance, finance, and gender and the UK’s welldeveloped water ‘offer’, that together, can help reach the goal of global water security. Here you will find key facts, messages and videos,– all intended for colleagues invited to World Water Day events or wanting to engage in some water diplomacy! For more info please contact Andy Roby, CED Senior Water Security Adviser at FCD

Open for Business or Opening Pandora’s Box? A Constructive Critique of Corporate Engagement in Water Policy: An Introduction

The corporate world is waking to the realisation that improved water management is fundamental for future prosperity and human well-being. This special issue explores aspects of its response: from the application of an array of analytical tools such as water footprint accounting, risk filters and standards; water use efficiencies; derivatives and insurance mechanisms; to collaborative infrastructure and watershed projects; stakeholder engagement and attempts to influence water governance at all scales. Drawing on the papers in this issue the motivations for this new agenda are traced and its potential in helping to unlock some of our most intractable water challenges, or to open a Pandora’s box of controversies are considered. Key concerns include the potential for diverging corporate and public interests; policy and regulatory capture; privileging of economic over social perspectives; process inequities; displacement of existing water management priorities, and the risks of misguided interventions which undermine institutional and hydrological sustainability. Reflecting on these and the state of research on the topic eight priorities for a constructive response are discussed: closing the legitimacy gap; evaluating outcomes; reviewing evaluative tools; representation and inclusiveness; conceptual and methodological groundwork; outreach; and involvement and mobilisation. In conclusion, corporate engagement on water has great potential as both a progressive or reactionary force. Debate, research, scrutiny and action are urged to differentiate the 'good', the 'bad' and the 'ugly' and to pose fundamental questions about sustainability and equity

Accountability and advocacy interventions in the water sector: a review of global evidence

This record includes an extended abstract and MP4 presentation. Presented at the 42nd WEDC International Conference

Evaluation of the Choices for Wellbeing project

The relationship between mental health, self-esteem and unemployment is well established. Emerging research suggests that interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can counter the negative effects of unemployment and may improve re-employment. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a manual-based programme, which combines CBT with job skills training, in improving the psychological health and job- seeking skills of unemployed individuals within the UK. One hundred and nine unemployed individuals, suffering mild to moderate mental health problems, were referred to the programme. Of these, 47 completed the programme and 32 attended follow-up. The impact of the manualised course was evaluated using a randomised control trial with a waiting list control. On completion of the programme, participants showed improvements in mental health, self- esteem and job-search self-efficacy as well as a reduction in the occurrence of negative automatic thoughts. Twenty participants gained employment and improvements persisted at follow-up. Considering the initial levels of psychological distress and mental health problems among the unemployed sample, the need for adequate service provision for the unemployed is recommended.<br/