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News archive: Research press releases 2017

The Christmas family argument: A centuries-old tradition

Thursday 21 December 2017

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


Life on the ice

Wednesday 20 December 2017

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


Scientists uncover patterns of elephant poaching in East Africa

Monday 18 December 2017

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.


Study suggests screening could prevent a quarter of hip fractures

Monday 18 December 2017

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.


North Sea water and recycled metal combined to help reduce global warming

Wednesday 13 December 2017

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.


A keep-fit gadget for your dog this Christmas – who really benefits?

Monday 11 December 2017

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


Children bear the brunt of second-hand smoke in Bangladesh

Monday 11 December 2017

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.


New partnership to enhance mental health research

Friday 8 December 2017

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.


York student to join prestigious Schwarzman Scholars programme

Wednesday 6 December 2017

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 observe tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease in fruit flies

Tuesday 5 December 2017

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


Roadside air quality targets may be met ahead of schedule

Monday 27 November 2017

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.


Small numbers of churches embrace same-sex marriage

Monday 27 November 2017

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.


York Trials Unit celebrates 21 years of success in health care

Monday 27 November 2017

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.


York Professor part of team bringing ‘A Christmas Carol’ to Shakespeare stage

Monday 27 November 2017

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.


Sporting heroes may not have elite vision

Friday 24 November 2017

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.


University appoints Professor Tom McLeish to a Chair in Natural Philosophy

Thursday 16 November 2017

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


Multiplayer video games: Researchers discover link between skill and intelligence

Wednesday 15 November 2017

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.


Could Hollywood special effects masks be the next tool in identity deception?

Wednesday 15 November 2017

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 reveal new insights into why sleep is good for our memory

Tuesday 14 November 2017

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 announce £12m partnership

Thursday 9 November 2017

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).


Homeless heritage – how archaeology can give those sleeping rough a voice

Wednesday 8 November 2017

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


Two-dimensional materials unlock the path to ultra-low-power transistors

Tuesday 7 November 2017

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


The battle between cancer and the immune system: who switches the off signals off?

Thursday 2 November 2017

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


Combatting viruses: Code breakers turn code writers

Monday 30 October 2017

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.


Capturing the extraordinary: Echo brings esports statistics to life

Monday 30 October 2017

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.


Revealing the hidden biographies of the York Gospel

Thursday 26 October 2017

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


Weak social ties a killer for male whales

Wednesday 25 October 2017

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


Running on autopilot: Scientists find important new role for ‘daydreaming’ network

Tuesday 24 October 2017

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


Logged tropical rainforests still support biodiversity even when the heat is on

Monday 23 October 2017

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


York student’s dissertation a ‘first’ on memes

Thursday 19 October 2017

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


Increase in emergency A&E admissions caused by improved hospital survival rates, study reveals

Thursday 19 October 2017

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.


Exhibit: Feast around the cooking pot with builders of Stonehenge

Thursday 19 October 2017

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.


Tropical beetles face extinction threat

Tuesday 17 October 2017

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


History comes to life in new Gunpowder Plot drama for BBC

Tuesday 17 October 2017

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.


Scientists develop shape-shifting ‘superhero’ robot

Friday 6 October 2017

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


‘Lost chapel’ of Westminster Palace revealed in new 3D model

Friday 6 October 2017

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.


Prisoners recovering from addiction encounter ‘cliff edge’ with little support on release

Wednesday 4 October 2017

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


Green algae could hold clues for engineering faster-growing crops

Tuesday 3 October 2017

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.


Animals that play with objects learn how to use them as tools

Monday 2 October 2017

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.


On-demand services mirror cinema box-office movie trends

Wednesday 27 September 2017

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.


Scientists discover genes are controlled by ‘nano footballs’

Monday 25 September 2017

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.


North of England generates £91 billion for UK bioeconomy

Thursday 21 September 2017

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.


Bone marrow protein a ‘magnet’ for passing prostate cancer cells

Tuesday 19 September 2017

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.


Clinical trial examines care strategies for preventing falls at home

Monday 18 September 2017

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


York scientists pioneer new directional drug release gel

Thursday 14 September 2017

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.


Could interstellar ice provide the answer to birth of DNA?

Thursday 14 September 2017

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.


Expert Reaction: Should Google offer an online screening test for depression?

Thursday 14 September 2017

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).


York hosts major chemistry and industrial biotechnology conference

Tuesday 12 September 2017

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


Frontline police benefit from specialist mental health training, study reveals

Monday 11 September 2017

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.


York academic uncovers Beckett’s Political Imagination in new book

Friday 8 September 2017

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


Australian Magpie ‘dunks’ its food before eating, researchers find

Thursday 7 September 2017

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.


It’s a no-brainer! Scientists discover gene that regulates the birth of brain cells in vertebrates

Tuesday 5 September 2017

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


Fighting forgery with paper fingerprints

Thursday 31 August 2017

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


One million premature deaths linked to ozone air pollution

Thursday 31 August 2017

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.


Life in last Ice Age captured in soundscape at famous archaeological site

Wednesday 23 August 2017

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.


Sacrificed, farmed and smuggled, the llama has a colourful past, says historian

Tuesday 22 August 2017

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.


‘Lost city’ used 500 years of soil erosion to benefit crop farming

Monday 21 August 2017

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.


Yoda bat gets happy: New species officially recognised

Thursday 10 August 2017

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.


York researcher awarded £1.2 million for new blood cancer research

Thursday 10 August 2017

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.


North-South health divide bigger than ever with alarming rise in deaths of northern 25-44 year olds

Tuesday 8 August 2017

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.


On a wing and a prayer: Marcel the nightjar on the hunt for love

Tuesday 8 August 2017

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.


Expert Reaction: Record number of drug-related deaths

Wednesday 2 August 2017

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.


Historical wildlife trends reliable for predicting species at risk

Wednesday 2 August 2017

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.


Debut novel by PhD student is long-listed for the Man Booker Prize

Thursday 27 July 2017

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


Professors elected Fellows of the British Academy

Wednesday 26 July 2017

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


Expert Reaction: Diesel and petrol car ban

Wednesday 26 July 2017

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.


Archaeologists find key to tracking ancient wheat in frozen Bronze Age box

Wednesday 26 July 2017

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.


Antibiotic resistance – gaining resistance is just the start

Monday 24 July 2017

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.


York awarded major funding to tackle global challenges

Friday 21 July 2017

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.


Mixed outcomes for plants and animals in warmer 2080s climate

Thursday 20 July 2017

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.


York scientist to investigate how electrical charges help breast cancer spread

Tuesday 18 July 2017

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.


New breakthrough discovery: Every quantum particle travels backwards

Monday 17 July 2017

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.


Going down the pan – why we need to do more to protect our small music venues

Thursday 13 July 2017

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

Tuesday 11 July 2017

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 joins Eurofins Group

Friday 7 July 2017

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


Have we been making a grave mistake about Dick Turpin’s final resting place?

Friday 7 July 2017

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.


High quality classroom talk raises educational standards

Thursday 6 July 2017

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.


New book from York academic reveals how nature is fighting back

Thursday 6 July 2017

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.


Skin plays significant role in spread of leishmaniasis

Wednesday 5 July 2017

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.


The future of UK agriculture and fisheries post-Brexit: a new dawn?

Friday 30 June 2017

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.


NHS health checks given a clean bill of health

Friday 30 June 2017

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.


Podcast: The story of a children’s book

Thursday 29 June 2017

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


Jellyfish fluorescence shines new light on DNA copying

Thursday 22 June 2017

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


Navigating the UK care system: new support tools launched

Thursday 22 June 2017

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


Podcast: The story of a 1950s brooch

Thursday 22 June 2017

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


Study reveals how cats conquered the world

Wednesday 21 June 2017

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.


New online system set to reduce hundreds of chemical tests on animals

Tuesday 20 June 2017

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.


Care system not to blame for increased risk of mental health issues in children

Tuesday 20 June 2017

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.


Bio-based solvent awarded prestigious international award

Tuesday 20 June 2017

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


Scientists step closer to drug treatment for Hepatitis B

Monday 19 June 2017

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.


Podcast: The story of an ancient hand axe

Thursday 15 June 2017

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


Scientists call for consistent guidelines on social media use in research

Wednesday 14 June 2017

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.


Former PhD student scoops top accolade from cardiovascular journal

Monday 12 June 2017

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


New approach to unlock genetic potential of plant cell wall

Monday 12 June 2017

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


Expert Reaction: General Election 2017 Result

Friday 9 June 2017

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.


Expert Reaction: Historic Scottish Episcopal Church ruling on same-sex marriage

Thursday 8 June 2017

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.


York Festival of Ideas launches new podcast series

Thursday 8 June 2017

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.


Expert Reaction: Can the days of the week influence voting decisions?

Thursday 8 June 2017

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:


New cellular imaging paves way for cancer treatment

Thursday 8 June 2017

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.


Global food project launches at York

Wednesday 7 June 2017

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


Breakthrough in fight against neglected tropical disease

Tuesday 6 June 2017

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.


Marine Reserves help mitigate against climate change, say scientists

Monday 5 June 2017

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


Tobacco the ‘silent killer’ of HIV patients, say researchers

Thursday 1 June 2017

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


York backs Technician Commitment

Wednesday 31 May 2017

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.


1976 drought revealed as worst on record for British butterflies and moths

Wednesday 31 May 2017

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.


Secret of sperm’s ‘bendy’ tail revealed

Wednesday 31 May 2017

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.


Expert Reaction: What influences our voting decisions?

Wednesday 24 May 2017

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


Expert Reaction: Yorkshire 2017 General Election Battleground

Thursday 18 May 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.


Virtual reality Vikings: First immersive experience of Viking world revealed

Wednesday 17 May 2017

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.


Expert Reaction: Labour launch their manifesto

Tuesday 16 May 2017

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:


Expert Reaction: Moors Murderer, Ian Brady, dies

Tuesday 16 May 2017

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.


Reducing the environmental footprint of Brazilian beef

Tuesday 16 May 2017

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.


Diesel vehicles produce 50 per cent more nitrogen oxide than originally thought

Monday 15 May 2017

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 call for climate goals to be set over next 25 years

Thursday 11 May 2017

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


Edible insects offer scientists food for thought

Tuesday 9 May 2017

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.


Rare chance to see medieval treasures up close

Monday 8 May 2017

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.


Stream bugs suggest pollution recovery in North York Moors

Monday 8 May 2017

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.


Expert Reaction: Government publishes draft clean air plan

Friday 5 May 2017

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


It’s all in the mind – cyclists urged to help raise money for student causes

Thursday 4 May 2017

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


Expert Reaction: What might we expect for education in the general election campaign 2017?

Wednesday 3 May 2017

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:


Discrimination against same-sex couples denied religious marriage is endemic, says York academic

Wednesday 3 May 2017

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.


More than half of mental health NHS patients experience relapses

Monday 1 May 2017

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.


Establishing the boundaries of quantum secure communications

Wednesday 26 April 2017

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


Risk of psychosis from cannabis use lower than originally thought, say scientists

Thursday 20 April 2017

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.


The UK’s hidden homeless: lone women parents most likely to suffer

Wednesday 19 April 2017

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.


European research collaboration to prove feasibility of using starch in energy storage and green catalysis

Wednesday 19 April 2017

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.


Air pollution can be as bad for wellbeing as partner's death, say York researchers

Tuesday 18 April 2017

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.


Expert Reaction: May calls for UK general election

Tuesday 18 April 2017

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:


Rowing parents might be more harmful to child development than divorce, study suggests

Wednesday 12 April 2017

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


Why green spaces are good for grey matter

Monday 10 April 2017

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.


Researchers bring Old Norse language back to JORVIK Viking Centre

Thursday 6 April 2017

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.


Love it or hate it: Marmite may affect brain function

Wednesday 5 April 2017

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.


New film investigates the mystery of the abandoned site of Engaruka

Tuesday 4 April 2017

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.


Molecules in the body more visible in new detection system, say scientists

Monday 3 April 2017

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


From Beethoven to Bieber, why playing music to chimps is falling on deaf ears

Wednesday 29 March 2017

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


Expert Reaction: Article 50

Tuesday 28 March 2017

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.


3D structure of enzyme opens path to new drug design in brain disease

Monday 27 March 2017

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.


New therapy focus for depression in young people

Monday 27 March 2017

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.


UK seafood industry could benefit from Brexit, but choppy waters lie ahead

Thursday 23 March 2017

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


Humans and smartphones may fail frequently to detect face morph photos

Wednesday 22 March 2017

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.


Scientist develops DNA nanomotor designed to rotate autonomously

Wednesday 22 March 2017

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.


UK tests for overseas doctors - performance linked to future risk of malpractice

Monday 20 March 2017

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.


Mystery of how sperm swim revealed in mathematical formula

Monday 20 March 2017

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 looming threat of Asian tobacco companies to global health

Wednesday 15 March 2017

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 say they are a step closer to solving chronic bladder diseases

Tuesday 14 March 2017

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.


Expert Reaction: Budget 2017

Wednesday 8 March 2017

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:


Funding boost for state-of-the-art equipment

Tuesday 7 March 2017

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.


Expert Reaction: Cost of cancer drugs falling

Friday 3 March 2017

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:


Expert Reaction: Increased risk of air pollution for Heathrow airport

Monday 27 February 2017

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 discover the properties behind cancer curing molecule

Monday 27 February 2017

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


Expert Reaction: Discovery of new solar system

Thursday 23 February 2017

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 close in on cracking ‘Enigma Code’ of common cold

Thursday 23 February 2017

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.


Historic cultural records inform scientific perspectives on woodland uses

Tuesday 21 February 2017

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.


Innovative treatment for depression in older people is effective, conclude University of York researchers

Tuesday 21 February 2017

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.


Experts urge revision to pesticide guidelines following toxicity study

Tuesday 21 February 2017

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.


Sepsis could cost UK economy up to £15.6 billion each year, new study suggests

Monday 20 February 2017

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.


Fifth of world’s food lost to over-eating and waste, study finds

Monday 20 February 2017

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


Study links outdoor air pollution with millions of preterm births

Thursday 16 February 2017

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


Food aid in a multi-faith context

Monday 13 February 2017

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


Rising inequalities to blame for many of world's ills, say experts

Wednesday 8 February 2017

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.


Legally regulating cannabis market could help those at high risk, say experts

Tuesday 7 February 2017

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.


More research needed on LGBT networks, say researchers

Tuesday 7 February 2017

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.


Predator threat boosts friendships among guppies

Thursday 2 February 2017

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


Combating global antimicrobial resistance

Thursday 2 February 2017

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.


LEGO-based therapies study launches new child mental health centre

Monday 30 January 2017

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.


Acupuncture boosts effectiveness of standard medical care for chronic pain and depression

Monday 30 January 2017

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.


MRI scans for suspected prostate cancer could improve diagnosis

Monday 30 January 2017

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.


Stockholm Environment Institute ranked most influential environment policy think tank

Friday 27 January 2017

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 falling in UK popularity

Wednesday 25 January 2017

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


Improving lives in one of the harshest environments in the world

Tuesday 24 January 2017

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.


Handwriting provides window into health, new documentary reveals

Wednesday 18 January 2017

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.


Employee wages not just linked to skills, but quality of co-workers

Wednesday 18 January 2017

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


70 per cent of heart attack programmes failing to meet minimum standards for patient care

Tuesday 10 January 2017

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.


Review shows limited progress in digitising NHS records

Tuesday 10 January 2017

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.


York collaborates with children’s hospice for major new venture

Monday 9 January 2017

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.


Travel challenges of older people depicted in poetry on buses

Monday 9 January 2017

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.


Scientists at York explore ways of reducing food waste

Thursday 5 January 2017

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


Study confirms steady warming of oceans for past 75 years

Wednesday 4 January 2017

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 develop new antibiotic for gonorrhoea

Wednesday 4 January 2017

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.


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