Research news
2018
Scientists reveal how chemical that drives cats ‘crazy’ is produced
Posted on Tuesday 11 December 2018
Researchers have shown how catnip produces the chemicals that send cats into a state of frenzy.
Distinguishing fatal prostate cancer from ‘manageable’ cancer now possible
Posted on Thursday 18 October 2018
Scientists at the University of York have found a way of distinguishing between fatal prostate cancer and manageable cancer, which could reduce unnecessary surgeries and radiotherapy.
International collaboration to investigate global fungal spore dispersal
Posted on Tuesday 2 October 2018
Researchers from the Department of Biology have secured funding for an international collaboration project.
Scientists decode opium poppy genome
Posted on Thursday 30 August 2018
Scientists have determined the DNA code of the opium poppy genome, uncovering key steps in how the plant evolved to produce the pharmaceutical compounds used to make vital medicines.
Beluga whales and narwhals go through menopause
Posted on Tuesday 28 August 2018
A study involving researchers from the University of York has discovered that beluga whales and narwhals go through the menopause.
Food for thought: environmentally friendly farming can increase productivity
Posted on Friday 17 August 2018
A major new study involving researchers from the University of York has measured a global shift towards more sustainable agricultural systems that provide environmental improvements at the same time as increases in food production.
BBSRC grants to strengthen partnerships in India
Posted on Thursday 9 August 2018
The Department of Biology is set to strengthen links in India, with two major research projects.
Seeing the light: Scientists unlock seed germination process
Posted on Thursday 9 August 2018
Scientists have identified a key gene that helps seeds decide whether to germinate.
 was 25 less likely to go extinct in refugial areas (Credit Matt Cole)2 90.jpg)
Microclimates may provide wildlife with respite from climate change
Posted on Wednesday 25 July 2018
Sheltered pockets of cooler and more variable conditions in the British countryside may help native species of flora and fauna survive warming temperatures caused by climate change, researchers have found.
Research sheds light on immunological synapses
Posted on Friday 22 June 2018
Research from York academics has demonstrated a new method of analysing cellular images which gives greater value than classic methods.
Rewiring plant defence genes to reduce crop waste
Posted on Tuesday 19 June 2018
A new study suggests plants could be genetically rewired to resist the devastating effects of disease, significantly reducing crop waste worldwide.
1.2 million ways to improve the resilience of UK crops
Posted on Friday 15 June 2018
Environment Secretary announces £1.2 million grant to improve the resilience, sustainability and quality of the UK’s major crops.
Tropical forest protection schemes fail to compete with rubber plantations
Posted on Monday 5 March 2018
Efforts to protect tropical forests in Southeast Asia may fail because protection payments are too low to compete with potential profits from rubber plantations, new research has revealed.
Digestive ability of ancient insects could boost biofuel development
Posted on Thursday 22 February 2018
A study of the unusual digestive system of an ancient group of insects has provided new insights into future biofuel production.
Could sugar chains be the answer to bone growth in osteoporosis?
Posted on Thursday 15 February 2018
Scientists at the University of York have shown that altering the structure of sugar chains on the surface of stem cells could help promote bone growth in the body.
Carefully managed fire can promote rare savannah species
Posted on Thursday 15 February 2018
Carefully managed fires generate the maximum diversity of birds and mammals in savannahs, new research from the University of York suggests.
New technology could reduce spread of antibiotic resistance genes through compost
Posted on Friday 9 February 2018
Scientists at the University of York have found a way to remove antibiotic resistant genes from industrial compost, which could prevent them entering the food chain.
Life on the ice
Posted on Tuesday 9 January 2018
For the first time scientists have directly observed living bacteria in polar ice and snow – an environment once considered sterile.