For many families Christmas isn’t all turkey, tinsel and Dickens. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a family meltdown.

For the first time scientists have directly observed living bacteria in polar ice and snow – an environment once considered sterile.

Scientists analysing data from aerial surveys carried out over one of East Africa’s most important nature reserves have uncovered clusters of elephant carcasses close to some ranger posts.

Community screening for osteoporosis could prevent more than a quarter of hip fractures in older women, new research involving an academic from the University of York suggests.

Scientists at the University of York have used sea water collected from Whitby in North Yorkshire, and scrap metal to develop a technology that could help capture more than 850 million tonnes of unwanted carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Researchers at the University of York have enlisted the help of our canine friends to test the concept of a ‘Dog Internet’.

Children in Bangladesh are being exposed to high levels of second-hand smoke despite laws banning smoking in public spaces, a study carried out by the University of York suggests.

The University of York and Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) are partnering on a 15-year project to further develop mental health research.

A University of York graduate and current student are on track to become one of the next generation of global leaders after their acceptance as a Schwarzman Scholar.

Scientists say they have a better understanding of the tremors commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease after observing the movements in fruit flies.

European estimates of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) directly emitted from vehicles may have been overestimated, according to new analysis of public data by scientists based at the University of York.

Researchers at the Universities of York and Leeds have found that the majority of places of worship that permit same-sex marriage carry out small numbers of ceremonies, with just over half having actually married a couple.

The University of York is celebrating the 21st anniversary of its ground breaking trials unit, which has helped improve the effectiveness and efficiency of health care.

John Bowen, Professor of Nineteenth-Century Literature at the University York, is Expert Advisor to a new Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) stage play that aims to give Charles Dickens’ classic literary masterpiece, ‘A Christmas Carol’, a contemporary twist.

Elite sports players can often appear to have superhuman powers that let them compete at the highest level - but research has shown that when it comes to their eyesight, they may be no different from everyone else.

The University of York has appointed Professor Tom McLeish to a Chair in Natural Philosophy in the Department of Physics.

Researchers at the University of York have discovered a link between young people’s ability to perform well at two popular video games and high levels of intelligence.

Researchers at the University of York have shown that hyper-realistic face masks, first created by Hollywood special effects teams, are convincing enough to pass as ‘real’ faces.

Researchers at the University of York have shed new light on sleep’s vital role in helping us make the most of our memory.

Lloyd’s Register Foundation and the University of York are to spearhead a £12m programme looking at the safety of robotics and autonomous systems (RAS).

An archaeologist has written about her experiences of working with homeless people as part of her PhD at the University of York.

An international team of scientists has discovered a new route to ultra-low-power transistors using a graphene-based composite material.

Scientists have discovered key new information about how to boost our immune system's fight against cancer.

Researchers who successfully cracked a code that governs infections by a major group of viruses have gone a step further, creating their own artificial code.

Esports games can be incredibly fast-paced and complex to follow. But now researchers have developed a new production tool ‘Echo’ that can detect the most extraordinary performances in live matches.

A new scientific study of the York Gospel has revealed its hidden biomolecular history

Male killer whales are more likely to die if they are not at the centre of their social group, new research suggests.

A brain network previously associated with daydreaming has been found to play an important role in allowing us to perform tasks on autopilot.

Tropical rainforests continue to buffer wildlife from extreme temperatures even after logging, a new study involving the University of York has revealed.

A University of York English graduate has gained a top grade for his trailblazing dissertation on the social media phenomenon of ‘memes’.

Record survival rates from heart attacks and strokes are fuelling a rise in Accident & Emergency admissions, a major study involving the University of York has found.

Elaborate cooking pots used by the builders of Stonehenge in special feasts and ceremonies, are just some of the items on display at a new English Heritage exhibition revealing the diet of the prehistoric community that built the ancient monument 4,500 years ago.

Climate change is putting many tropical high altitude beetles at risk of extinction, warn an international team of scientists.

University of York researchers, Dr Hannah Greig and Dr John Cooper, are the historical advisors behind the BBC’s new retelling of the infamous plot to blow up the House of Lords in 1605.

Researchers have created a miniature ‘superhero’ robot capable of transforming itself with different ‘outfits’ to perform a variety of tasks.

The first dedicated House of Commons chamber, destroyed in the 1834 Palace of Westminster fire, has been reconstructed with the help of 3D visualisation technology.

A new report warns that drug recovery work in prison is largely futile unless suitable accommodation and support are available to prisoners after release.

Scientists have discovered more about how green algae - the scourge of swimming pool owners and freshwater ponds – is able to siphon carbon dioxide from the air for use in photosynthesis, a key factor in their ability to grow so quickly.

Researchers have discovered that New Caledonian crows and kea parrots can learn about the usefulness of objects by playing with them - similar to human baby behaviour.

A survey of UK film goers has shown that users of Video-On-Demand (VOD) services, such as Netflix and Amazon Video, consume the same movie content as they would at the cinema.

Research at the University of York has revealed that genes are controlled by ‘nano footballs’ – structures that look like footballs but 10 million times smaller than the average ball.

A government-commissioned report has shown that the north of England generates an annual turnover of £91 billion and employs more than 400,000 people in the regional bioeconomy.

Scientists at the University of York have shown that a protein in the bone marrow acts like a ‘magnetic docking station’ for prostate cancer cells, helping them grow and spread outside of the prostate.

A new large-scale clinical trial is testing the effectiveness of NHS home assessment strategies in preventing elderly people from falling unnecessarily.

Scientists at the University of York have created a new smart gel that can be shaped by UV light and is able to control the direction in which drugs are released.

Researchers at the University of York have shown that molecules brought to earth in meteorite strikes could potentially be converted into the building blocks of DNA.

With one in five Americans experiencing clinical depression in their lifetime, should Google offer an online screening test for depression? University of York researcher, Professor Simon Gilbody, debates the issue in The British Medical Journal (BMJ).

The University of York will host a major chemistry and industrial biotechnology conference this month.

Providing frontline police officers with specialist training in mental health issues greatly improves their knowledge, attitude and confidence in responding to such incidents, a trial reveals.

A University of York academic has shed new light on acclaimed writer Samuel Beckett’s interest in the political events of his time.

Scientists at the University of York, in collaboration with researchers at Western Sydney University, have shown that the Australian Magpie may ‘dunk’ its food in water before eating, a process that appears to be ‘copied’ by its offspring.

Biologists at the University of York have discovered a new gene that controls brain development in vertebrates.

Fingerprinting official documents could provide a cost-effective way to prevent forgery, new research shows.

Scientists at the University of York’s Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) have released new figures showing long-term exposure to ozone air pollution is linked to one million premature deaths per year due to respiratory diseases - more than double previous estimates.

Archaeologists and composers at the University of York have come together to capture the sounds of the famous limestone gorge, Creswell Crags, to explore its dramatically changing sonic environment.

Research into the historical importance of one of the most celebrated animals in South American culture, has shown that the llama has fought its way back from near extinction to global popularity over a period of five centuries.

Researchers at the University of York working on a 700-year old abandoned agricultural site in Tanzania have shown that soil erosion benefited farming practices for some 500 years.

An unusual breed of fruit bat - previously nicknamed ‘Yoda’ due to its resemblance to the Star Wars Jedi Master - has now officially been registered as a new species and renamed the happy (Hamamas) tube-nosed fruit bat.

A University of York scientist has been granted significant new funding from Cancer Research UK to carry out research into a specific kind of blood cancer.

Dying early (under age 75) is 20% more likely in northern compared with southern England, according to research conducted by the Universities of York and Manchester.

A lovelorn nightjar bird has travelled more than 600 miles across the UK in a quest to find a mate – an unusual occurrence for this nocturnal species in the breeding season.

The number of drug poisoning deaths reached record levels in England and Wales last year, official data shows. York academic Ian Hamilton looks at the possible reasons behind the figures.

Scientists at the University of York have shown that using historical wildlife data provides a more accurate measure of how vulnerable certain species might be to extinction from climate change.

A PhD student at the University of York has been long-listed for the Man Booker Prize for her debut novel.

Two University of York academics have been elected Fellows of the British Academy in recognition of their outstanding contribution to research.

Professor Alastair Lewis, from the University of York's National Centre for Atmospheric Science, reacts to a new government report that suggests any new diesel and petrol cars could be banned from 2040.

A Bronze Age wooden container found in an ice patch at 2,650m in the Swiss Alps could help archaeologists shed new light on the spread and exploitation of cereal grains following a chance discovery.

Scientists have discovered bacteria are able to “fine-tune” their resistance to antibiotics – raising the possibility of some superbugs being resistant to drugs which they have never even been in contact with.

Researchers from across the University of York have been awarded major grants from the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) to tackle some of the most pressing issues around the world – including health care provision in Sub-Saharan Africa, reducing tobacco-related harm in Asia and combating neglected tropical diseases.

More than three quarters of plants and animals in England are likely to be significantly affected by climate change by the end of the century, say researchers.

A leading scientist at the University of York is to investigate whether a change in the electrical voltage of breast cancer cells could be helping them to spread around the body.

Mathematicians at the Universities of York, Munich and Cardiff have identified a unique property of quantum mechanical particles – they can move in the opposite way to the direction in which they are being pushed.

The country’s network of small, independent music venues need greater recognition and protection or we risk leaving the UK worse off culturally, socially and economically, according to a leading cultural heritage academic.

Exposure to a common visual illusion may enhance your ability to read fine print, according to new research from psychologists at the Universities of York and Glasgow.

York EMC Services (YES), a subsidiary of the University of York, has been acquired by Luxembourg-based analytical services provider Eurofins Group.

A University of York historian has uncovered new research suggesting the notorious 18th Century highwayman Dick Turpin is unlikely to be buried in the marked grave as previously thought.

Training teachers to improve and monitor the quality of classroom talk has a positive impact on pupils’ test scores in English, mathematics and science, a report for the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) on a project based at the University of York reveals.

A University of York academic has written a new book that challenges us to look positively at the impact of humans on the natural world.

Scientists at the University of York have discovered that parasites responsible for leishmaniasis - a globally occurring neglected tropical disease spread by sand flies – are mainly acquired from the skin rather than a person’s blood.

Leading figures from industry, politics, the environmental sector and academia will gather in Westminster next week to launch two new reports on the potential implications of Brexit for UK agriculture and fisheries policy.

An assessment of the NHS Health Check programme has concluded it represents value for money by helping some patients lose weight and reduce their risk of future disease caused by obesity.

The third, and final, podcast episode has been released in series one of The Story of Things audio programme.

Scientists at the University of York have used fluorescent proteins from jellyfish to help shed new light on how DNA replicates.

New support tools to help the general public find out about social care options for older people are launched today (22 June).

The Story of Things podcast has released episode two of its first series, exploring the story of a 1950s brooch.

A University of York academic has been involved in a major study which has revealed the domestic cat swept through Eurasia and Africa carried by early farmers, ancient mariners and even Vikings.

Scientists at the University of York and SimOmics Ltd have developed a new online data sharing system which could reduce the need for hundreds of laboratory tests on animals.

Children in the care system – who are more likely to have mental health difficulties than others in the wider population – are not more at risk due to being in care, according to new research from the University of York.

A bio-based solvent developed in the Green Chemistry labs at the University of York has been awarded a prestigious international award for innovation.

A major new insight into how Hepatitis B virus works could pave the way for new drug treatments for the infection, which is the major cause of liver cancer worldwide.

The Story of Things podcast has released episode one of its first series, exploring the story of an ancient hand axe.

Scientists at the University of York have called for guidelines, informed by public opinion, to be made available to researchers who are considering using social media as a research tool.

A former PhD student in the Department of Health Sciences has won a top accolade from a prestigious journal of cardiovascular science.

Researchers from the University of York and the Quadram Institute have unlocked the genetic secrets of plant cell walls, which could help improve the quality of plant-based foods

The general election has ended in a hung Parliament, where no party has the 326 seats needed to get an overall majority in the House of Commons. Professor Martin Smith, Head of the Department of Politics, assesses who are the winners and losers.

Professor Paul Johnson, from the University of York’s Department of Sociology, discusses the Scottish Episcopal Church vote on permitting the marriage of same-sex couples in church.

A new podcast series exploring the meaning behind everyday objects throughout history will launch next week as part of the University of York’s Festival of Ideas programme.

Dr Rob Jenkins and PhD student, Jet Sanders, from the University of York's Department of Psychology, have analysed a range of statistics to get a better understanding of whether the timing of our decisions has a link to the risks we take. They comment here on the forthcoming UK general election vote:

Researchers at the Universities of York and Leiden have pioneered a technique which uses florescent imaging to track the actions of key enzymes in cancer, genetic disorders and kidney disease.

A major £3.3 million research project into global food system resilience launches this week at the University of York.

Scientists say they have made a major breakthrough in the search for an effective vaccine for the neglected tropical disease leishmaniasis following the successful completion of a first in-human trial.

Highly protected marine reserves can help mitigate against the impacts of climate change, a study by a team of international scientists has concluded.

Researchers at the University of York have shown that tobacco use is more common among HIV positive individuals than HIV negative individuals.

The University of York has pledged its commitment to a sector-wide scheme aimed at addressing some of the key challenges facing technical staff working in research.

Scientists at the University of York have revealed that the 1976 drought is the worst extreme event to affect butterflies and moths in the 50 years since detailed records began.

Scientists at the University of York have shown that a sperm tail utilises interconnected elastic springs to transmit mechanical information to distant parts of the tail, helping it to bend and ultimately swim toward an egg.

Dr Peter Bull discusses the importance of leadership and public responsiveness as we head towards the polling stations in the general election 2017:

The Tories' manifesto launch in Halifax has further emphasised the focus both the Conservatives and Labour have had on Yorkshire during the campaign. Professor Martin Smith, Head of the Department of Politics at the University of York, explains why God's Own Country is proving to be such a key battleground.

Researchers at the University of York have re-created the sights and sounds of a Viking army camp using a specially-designed virtual reality mask.

Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn has launched the party's manifesto, 'For the Many, Not the Few'. Professor of Modern History, Lawrence Black, at the University of York, comments on the reaction to the launch:

Moors Murderer, Ian Brady, has died at the age of 79 in Ashworth Hospital, a high-security psychiatric unit on Merseyside. Dr Ruth Penfold-Mounce, from the University of York's Department of Sociology, comments on how his death does not signal closure for the 1960s killings.

Brazil, the second largest beef producer in the world, could lead the way in sustainable intensification in agriculture, according to new research published by scientists.

A study, published in Nature, has shown that laboratory tests of nitrogen oxide emissions from diesel vehicles significantly underestimate the real-world emissions by as much as 50 per cent.

Scientists argue that climate goals are needed for the immediate future to help achieve global sustainable development in the long-term.

Eating insects instead of beef could help to tackle climate change by reducing harmful emissions, according to a new study carried out by a group of researchers.

A new exhibition of unique medieval manuscripts – including a copy of a treaty which brought to an end the First Scottish War of Independence - have gone on display at the University of York.

A surprising diversity of bugs recorded in upland streams in northern England may indicate a recovery from past acid pollution, according to scientists at the University of York.

Dr Peter Eckersley, from the University of York’s Environment Department, comments on the government’s draft clean air plan:

Cyclists are being urged to sign up to the annual YuCycle challenge later this summer and help raise funds for student mental health.

Will the general election campaign see a new direction for education or will it be more of the same? Dr Paul Wakeling from the University of York’s Department of Education and Dr Chris Renwick from the Department of History, give their views:

New research by academics at the Universities of York and Leeds highlights the prevailing extent of discrimination against same-sex couples wanting religious marriage ceremonies.

A new study has shown that approximately 53 per cent of NHS patients displayed clinical symptoms of depression and anxiety within a year after completing psychological treatments.

Scientists at the University of York’s Centre for Quantum Technologies have made an important breakthrough in the theory of quantum secure communications.

Scientists at the University of York have shown that the risk of developing psychosis, such as hallucinations, from cannabis use is small compared to the number of total users.

Growing numbers of women in England are experiencing ‘hidden homelessness’ – living in precarious arrangements without privacy or their own legal living space - according to new research.

Scientists at the University of York have teamed up with industry partners to turn renewable plant-based resources such as potato starch into a potential energy source for electric cars.

Exposure to Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) can be as bad for people's happiness as bereavement or divorce, according to a study by the University of York.

UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, has called for a snap general election on 8 June 2017. Professor Martin Smith, Head of the University of York’s Department of Politics, and Senior Lecturer in Politics, Dr Sofia Vasilopoulou react to the news:

The damage caused to a child’s development during a family breakdown is done before the parents separate, a study suggests.

Walking between busy urban environments and green spaces triggers changes in levels of excitement, engagement and frustration in the brain, a study of older people has found.

Old Norse has been brought back to life by researchers at the University of York through the voices of new animatronic Viking characters at the world-famous JORVIK Viking Centre.

Scientists at the University of York have discovered a potential link between eating Marmite and activity in the brain, through the apparent increase of a chemical messenger associated with healthy brain function.

A new online film, written by scientists at the University of York in partnership with Ambient Cinema, reveals the excavation work at the site of Engaruka, Tanzania, that is unravelling the mystery of why its people abandoned the site centuries before.

Scientists at the University of York have developed a technique that will enhance the performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in identifying disease.

Playing music to captive chimpanzees has no positive effect on their welfare, researchers have concluded.

Dr Charlotte O'Brien, Senior Lecturer at the University of York's York Law School, offers her expert reaction on the triggering of Article 50.

Researchers at the University of York and Simon Fraser University, Canada, have revealed the 3D structure of an enzyme that could provide a crucial step forward in treating neurodegenerative diseases.

A therapy which focuses on finding ways to engage in activities that generate positive emotions and combat negative ones could be an effective way of treating young people with depression, researchers at the University of York say.

The UK seafood industry could benefit from Brexit, although difficult negotiations with the EU lie ahead, say environmental and fishing industry experts.

Researchers at the University of York have demonstrated that both humans and smartphones show a degree of error in distinguishing face morph photos from their ‘real’ faces on fraudulent identity cards.

A scientist at the University of York has succeeded in conducting the first tests on a tiny rotating machine that is made entirely from DNA.

Restricting the number of times international medical graduates (those who qualified outside the European Economic Area) can resit competency tests may help protect patients from future malpractice, a study by the University of York has concluded.

Researchers have developed a mathematical formula based on the rhythmic movement of a sperm’s head and tail, which significantly reduces the complexities of understanding and predicting how sperm make the difficult journey towards fertilising an egg.

The globalisation of Asian tobacco companies should be of increasing international concern, according to a new study by researchers at the University of York and Simon Fraser University, Canada.

Scientists have begun to unlock the genetic code to understand how the lining of the bladder functions as a barrier to store urine - paving the way for possible new treatments for chronic bladder diseases such as interstitial cystitis and cancer.

Dr Michal Horvath, lecturer at the University of York's Department of Economics and Related Studies, and Dr Kevin Farnsworth, from the Department of Social Policy and Social Work, offer their expert reaction to the 2017 spring Budget:

The University of York’s Department of Chemistry has been awarded £1.6million to invest in state-of-the-art equipment used to investigate the three dimensional structures of biological molecules.

Karl Claxton, Professor of Economics at the University of York, comments on the NICE review of cancer drug costs and its recommendations that two bowel cancer drugs should be used in routine care:

A new report released by the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee warns that a third Heathrow runway could result in increased air pollution due the higher levels of traffic the development will cause.

Scientists at the Universities of York and Huddersfield have improved understanding of a molecule that destroys cancerous tumours without harming healthy cell tissue.

Dr Emily Brunsden, Department of Physics at the University of York, offers her expert reaction to the news that scientists have detected seven Earth-sized planets orbiting a single star.

Scientists at the Universities of York, Leeds, and Helsinki say they are a step closer to cracking, what scientists have called, the ‘Enigma Code’ of the common cold virus.

Scientists at the University of York and University College Cork have looked at how cultural records dating back 300 years could help improve understanding of the ways in which science interprets the many uses of woodland areas.

An innovative psychological treatment can help older people who are suffering from lower-severity depression, say researchers at the University of York. It can also prevent more severe depression from developing.

Scientists at the University of York have discovered for the first time that the sequence of exposure to pesticides and pollutants – not just the dosage - significantly affects the levels of toxicity for surrounding wildlife.

New data from an independent study carried out by the York Health Economics Consortium (YHEC) - commissioned by the UK Sepsis Trust (UKST) - shows that sepsis is likely to be incurring costs of up to £15.6 billion every year for the UK economy.

Almost 20 per cent of the food made available to consumers is lost through over-eating or waste, a study suggests.

Scientists have published a major study which links outdoor air pollution with 2.7 million preterm births per year.

Some faith groups are at risk of being unintentionally excluded from food aid provision, a study by the University of York has found.

Academics at the University of York argue that the world’s collective failure to reverse inequality is at the heart of a global malaise - from populism to climate change.

A legally regulated cannabis market would result in more effective strategies aimed at helping drug users to access the right support and guidance, say researchers at the University of York.

Very little is known about the operations and benefits of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) employee networks, say experts at the University of York, as they launch a new study to explore their meaning within the NHS.

Danger from predators causes animals to form stronger friendships, according to new research.

Academics at the University of York are to undertake a major study looking at the social and economic factors behind global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and help develop policies to combat the problem.

A new child mental health centre which uses LEGO-based therapies to help children with autism has been launched by the University of York and Hull York Medical School.

Health specialists at the University of York have found than acupuncture treatment can boost the effectiveness of standard medical care, lessening the severity of chronic pain and depression.

A researcher from Hull York Medical School (HYMS) has helped design and set up a study which has been hailed as the biggest leap in diagnosing prostate cancer in decades.

The Stockholm Environment Institute, which has a UK base at the University of York, has been rated as the world’s most influential think tank on environmental policy issues in the University of Pennsylvania’s 2016 Global Go To Think Tanks Index.

European films are significantly falling in popularity in the UK, a new study from a University of York academic reveals.

The quality of life for people living in one of the harshest regions in Afghanistan has significantly improved following the implementation of a community-led programme, an evaluative study by the University of York has revealed.

A new online documentary investigating how the study of handwriting could help improve the lives of people with movement disorders has been launched by a University of York historian.

The presence of high-performing co-workers can improve an individual’s earnings, research at the University of York has shown.

More than two-thirds (70 per cent) of heart attack programmes are failing to meet the minimum requirements for patient care, research at the University of York has shown.

Health scientists at the University of York have shown that in the 25 years since the NHS was tasked with digitising patient records there has been limited progress made.

The University of York and Martin House Children’s Hospice is to launch a revolutionary new multi-disciplinary centre committed to leading research on the management, care and support of children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

A collaboration between researchers at the University of York and award-winning poet, Anna Woodford, has resulted in city buses displaying poems that depict the travel challenges of older and disabled people.

The University of York is to lead a new research project examining how food manufacturing systems can be improved to reduce waste.

Scientists have solved a puzzling break in continuity of ocean warming records that sparked much controversy after climate data was published in the journal Science in 2015.

Scientists at the University of York have harnessed the therapeutic effects of carbon monoxide-releasing molecules to develop a new antibiotic which could be used to treat the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhoea.