Abstract: Apparatus for shielding a non-human animal from a sterilizant. The apparatus (100, 200) defines a space (102, 202) for accommodating a non-human animal (111, 204) and a shield (107, 201) for shielding a part of the animal from a sterilizant such as radiation. Only exposing a specific part of the animal to sterilizant produces a sterile animal which is better adapted to mate with other animals When the sterilized animals are released in a sterile insect technique, the technique is more efficient because the released animals are better adapted to mate with a wild population.

Abstract: Apparatus which comprises a plurality of containers (2) for holding animals (1, 4), wherein the conditions in each container are isolated from the conditions in other containers. The apparatus is provided with a measurement device (3, 10) for taking a measurement related to a first container or an animal associated with the first container. An actuator (5, 11) is also provided to perform an action on the first container, its environment or on an animal associated with the first container. The apparatus is particularly useful for providing an improved animal population and rearing process. It is particularly useful for rearing insects.

Abstract: A method of storing a data set on a storage device carrying a file of random data comprising the steps of: selecting, in dependence on a user input passphrase, a first location within the file of random data for storing a file index (FI); selecting a second location within the file of random data for storing the data set; encrypting the data set (D); storing the encrypted data set at the second selected location in the file of random data; making an entry in the file index in respect of the data set, the entry comprising an indication of the second selected location; encrypting the file index; and storing the encrypted file index at the first selected location in the file of random data. Also computer programs for carrying out such methods and storage devices arranged to operate using such methods.