Science press releases

vector of a man running

Buttock size matters: Researchers reveal a large gluteus maximus is key for sprint speed and performance after examining the anatomy of elite athletes

A º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ study examining the muscle size of elite sprinters has revealed a large gluteus maximus (the muscle that forms the backside) is key to achieving top speeds on the track.

Retracing the first human steps out of Saudi Arabia: Scientists use footprints to recreate 120,000-year-old comfort break at prehistoric lake

Scientists have pieced together the movements of a small group of early humans as they journeyed out of Africa and into the Arabian Peninsula for the first time – more than 120,000 years ago.
Illustration of pregnant woman

The emotional stress caused by COVID-19 will lead to smaller babies being born, predicts º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ scientist

Being pregnant is a wonderful experience, but at the same it can be incredibly stressful – throw a global pandemic into the mix and those nine months may see an expecting mother go from happy and joyful, to fearful and concerned.

Government funding helps advanced ceramics take shape in the Midlands

Government funding provided through UK Research and Innovation’s flagship ‘Strength in Places Fund’ has helped unlock plans to put the Midlands on a unique footing as a global centre for advanced technical ceramics.
London city landscape

Is humanity doomed because we can’t plan for the long term? Three experts discuss

While the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are still unclear, it is certain that they are a profound shock to the systems underpinning contemporary life.

New forensic technique for identifying semen in sexual assault cases could revolutionise rape investigations

A pioneering new technique for detecting semen on evidence from the scenes of sexual attacks will make evidence gathering faster and more reliable for police as well as less stressful for victims.
A child playing a video game

Lockdown and loot boxes: Experts issue vital advice for parents of young gamers about risks of in-game purchases in response to recent screen-time concerns

Researchers from º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ and Newcastle Universities and the national charity Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) have teamed up to help parents and carers understand why, and control how, their children buy in-game items such as loot boxes.
A person receiving rehab

Academic experts come together to push forward innovation in clinical rehabilitation

COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of effective rehabilitation post serious illness or injury – saving lives is only one part of an overall care journey which necessarily needs good rehabilitation if a patient is to stand a chance of returning to their former selves.

Illustration of an older woman with a younger woman

New study further supports that age-related hearing loss in patients taking cognitive tests may result in misdiagnoses of dementia

The early and correct diagnosis of a cognitive impairment – such as dementia – is crucial as it allows interventions and treatments that may slow the progression of a patient's symptoms to be quickly put in place.

a scientific image of a runner

SURVEY: Destined for greatness? Do your genes give you a head start in sport?

Researchers from º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ are investigating the role genetics play in sport – and they need your help.

Illustration of a woman in a face mask on the phone

Coronavirus scams: the science of how to spot and deal with nuisance callers

Most of us have experienced unwanted calls at home. This is in spite of efforts by regulators, including the Information Commissioner’s Office and Ofcom, whose most recent report shows that around half of the UK population still receive nuisance calls.

The future of free, portable energy: Wearable technology that powers your devices as you move

Small, flexible generators which convert movement into electricity could soon be the future of free and unlimited energy thanks to a breakthrough in energy harvesting technology.
Footballers analysed using AI tech. Original image courtsey of Ben Lumley Photography.

AI technology developed at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ could reveal the next big names in football as it takes player performance analysis to a new dimension

Computer scientists at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ have developed novel artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms that are set to transform the way football clubs analyse team and individual players’ performances on the pitch.
Turtle trapped in a net

FEATURE: Pushing the boundaries of drone engineering to protect marine life from extinction

Commercial drone pilot Melissa Schiele has joined º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ’s Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering – and she has big plans.
Pictured is the Hazelrigg Building.

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ staff are using their skills and expertise to help with the fight against COVID-19

Staff, students and the wider º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ community have been working hard to help protect and assist those fighting the coronavirus pandemic head-on.
Thermometer on fire.

Global warming now pushing heat into territory humans cannot tolerate

The explosive growth and success of human society over the past 10,000 years has been underpinned by a distinct range of climate conditions.

Illustration of old people taking a survey at home during the pandemic.

Survey launched in a bid to understand how coronavirus restrictions affect osteoarthritis risk in over 60s

Researchers at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ are investigating how changes in physical activity that are a result of the global health pandemic are related to osteoarthritis development and symptoms.

Stone Age climate change which led to a boom in Scandinavian population and resources could tell us more about the future of global warming

As global temperatures increased after the end of the last Ice Age, sea levels rose and the land bridge which tied together Denmark and Sweden disappeared, turning the region into a series of islands and shallow fjords that have characterised it ever since.
Coronavirus graphic showing it impacting the economy

Economic recovery will come with high levels of unemployment: how should governments respond?

Two key factors distinguish the economic consequences of coronavirus from those of previous crises.

Lakes shaped like the globe.

New study finds lakes have tripled the amount of carbon they bury in response to human disruption of global nutrient cycles

A new study led by º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ has revealed that lake burial of organic carbon has increased three-fold over the last 100 years in response to human disruption of global nutrient cycles.

woman asleep illustration

Coronavirus: How to sleep better during the lockdown

We are all facing restrictions in a bid to minimise the transmission rate and impact of COVID-19, but there is no denying that life in lockdown is hard.
An illustration of healthworkers.

COVID-19: Evidence-based advice for health workers having difficult conversations about end of life

A º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ academic is providing guidance to clinicians who are likely to be having - and training people who will have – difficult conversations with patients suffering from COVID-19 or those closest to them.

Coronavirus is a once in a lifetime chance to reshape how we travel

The transport sector has been impacted as much as any by the coronavirus. This isn’t a normal period of disruption, which is usually caused by failures in supply such as road accidents or industrial action. In this case it is the lack of demand that is the problem.
Illustration of healthcare workers

How health professionals need to discuss end of life situations – during coronavirus and beyond

The coronavirus pandemic has led to many difficult and urgent conversations taking place in hospitals. There will doubtless be many more. Over the last few days, I’ve been drawing together advice about discussing sensitive and distressing topics based on evidence from my own work and from work by other researchers who study real life examples of these kinds of exchanges.

An illustration of a young family

PARENTS: Expert shares practical ideas for helping children and babies with their physical development at home

A º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ academic has shared practical tips to help parents and guardians deliver physical development opportunities to children at home following the closure of nurseries and other childcare facilities.