News archive: Research press releases 2021
New book brings Yorkshire’s lost words to life
Posted on Saturday 31 July 2021
A new volume of a historical dictionary revealing thousands of Yorkshire words which had been lost for centuries is being launched on Yorkshire Day (1 August).
Study sheds new light on behaviour called joint attention
Posted on Thursday 29 July 2021
Scientists have shed new light on a human behaviour called joint attention - the ability for two or more people to share attention about something in the world around us.
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The reduction of armed conflict in Colombia led to better pregnancy outcomes, study suggests
Posted on Thursday 29 July 2021
A new study has linked a July 2015 ceasefire of conflict violence in Colombia with better pregnancy outcomes for women.
More tolerant primates have a greater need to communicate vocally, new study shows
Posted on Thursday 29 July 2021
Primates who are more tolerant of each other use vocal communication more than their stricter counterparts, research from the University of York shows.
Maths-based marine management project wins £1.5m funding
Posted on Friday 23 July 2021
An innovative research project which combines multidimensional mathematical models, marine ecology and consumer behaviour to redefine fishing catch limits has been awarded £1.5m funding.
Study to investigate how air pollution in indoor spaces affects health
Posted on Thursday 22 July 2021
A major new research project led by the University of York will investigate how air pollutants in homes can adversely affect the health of the people living in them.
Smokeless tobacco used more by pregnant women in South East Asia than non-pregnant women
Posted on Wednesday 21 July 2021
Pregnant women in South East Asia are more likely to use smokeless tobacco than non-pregnant women, despite the added risk of foetal harm during pregnancy.
Teacher burnout causing exodus from the profession, study finds
Posted on Wednesday 21 July 2021
The risk of teacher attrition from burnout may be worse than it has ever been, according to a study involving the University of York.
Pandemic had greater impact on younger age groups in deprived areas
Posted on Monday 19 July 2021
In the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, deprived areas in the UK suffered more excess deaths than affluent areas, with a disproportionate impact on their younger age groups, according to a new study from the universities of York and Manchester.
York joins largest clinical trial to date that aims to develop and evaluate integrated care for long COVID
Posted on Monday 19 July 2021
A major new consortium involving the University of York has been awarded £6.8 million by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) to conduct the largest clinical study of long COVID over the next two years.
Reporting of adverse effects in drug trials has only improved slightly in 17 years, new study shows.
Posted on Friday 9 July 2021
A new study suggests that better reporting of adverse effects in drug trials would help inform the public of any potential harms.
Risks of severe illness in children from COVID-19 shown to be very low in largest study yet
Posted on Thursday 8 July 2021
The risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19, is extremely low in children and teenagers, new research shows.
Canine faeces reveal more about 17th century working sled dogs
Posted on Tuesday 6 July 2021
Proteins from frozen canine faeces have been successfully extracted for the first time to reveal more about the diets of Arctic sled dogs.
Archaeologists to recover lost World War II US bomber crew in West Sussex field
Posted on Friday 2 July 2021
University of York archaeologists are working with British and US military veterans to recover the remains of a World War II bomber crew.
Researchers develop a new test for recruiting passport officers
Posted on Monday 28 June 2021
Researchers have updated a face matching test, originally launched 10 years ago, that is used to select staff for professional roles involving face identification.
Have cats become more affectionate in lockdown? New research shows the impact of the pandemic on pets
Posted on Monday 28 June 2021
Researchers looking at the impact of the pandemic on pets have discovered a higher proportion of cat owners reporting their companion was more affectionate during lockdown.
Government loans have helped widen access to postgraduate study but rising tuition fees risk wiping out progress
Posted on Thursday 24 June 2021
Government loans to cover the cost of postgraduate study have increased access - but rising tuition fees risk wiping out these gains, according to new research.
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‘Cyber-seed’ that manufactures products to be created by researchers
Posted on Thursday 24 June 2021
The first-ever manufacturing ‘cyber-seed’ - which grows just like a plant and produces innovative designs for products ranging from aircraft parts to medical devices - is being designed by researchers.
Housing supply to lower-income private renters is not sustainable, new research shows
Posted on Wednesday 23 June 2021
Reduced investment in social housing and the sale of social housing stock via right to buy have led to an increased reliance on the private rented sector by low-income households, a new study reveals.
Kit clashes affect performance in football matches, new study shows
Posted on Wednesday 23 June 2021
The response times of footballers is slowed down when part of the kit worn by both teams is of the same colour, a new study shows.
The tradition of keeping mementos in memory of loved ones dates back at least 2,000 years
Posted on Monday 21 June 2021
Holding onto everyday items as keepsakes when a loved one dies was as commonplace in prehistory as it is today, a new study suggests.
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One of the largest ever land mammals evolved into a dwarf elephant, study finds
Posted on Monday 21 June 2021
An extinct species of dwarf elephant experienced a weight and height reduction of 8,000kg and almost two metres after evolving from one of the largest land mammals that ever lived, a new study has confirmed.
Drone study finds killer whales can have close friendships
Posted on Friday 18 June 2021
Scientists from the University of York were part of an international research team that used drone footage to study killer whales and their social networks.
York researchers take part in new monitoring campaign in a bid to find out more about air pollution
Posted on Wednesday 16 June 2021
Scientists from the University of York are taking part in a national research project to measure air quality across the UK, which aims to provide new insight into the formation of air pollution and its impact on people.
Research suggests ways to tackle water security challenges in world’s drylands
Posted on Wednesday 16 June 2021
Global access to water should be managed in a more integrated way to counter the effects of climate change on drylands, a new study suggests.
University of York supports campaign to feed children over the summer holidays
Posted on Tuesday 15 June 2021
The University is supporting a campaign fronted by footballer, Marcus Rashford, offering food and holiday activities to children in England this summer.
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Ceramics provide insights into medieval Islamic cuisine
Posted on Friday 11 June 2021
An international team of researchers, led by the University of York, has shed new light on the differences between rural and urban cuisines in Islamic-ruled medieval Sicily.
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Scientists uncover the mysteries of how viruses evolve
Posted on Thursday 10 June 2021
An international team of researchers have shed new light on the early stages of viral evolution.
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York scientists win prestigious prizes from Royal Society of Chemistry
Posted on Thursday 10 June 2021
Scientists from the University of York have been recognised for their pioneering work in the inaugural ‘Horizon Prizes’ awarded by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Plants start their day faster than first thought, scientists find
Posted on Tuesday 8 June 2021
Scientists studying the early morning activity of plants have found they make a rapid start to their day – within minutes of dawn.
Study reveals worrying disparity in excess deaths during pandemic
Posted on Monday 7 June 2021
A new study has revealed strong disparities in rates of excess deaths in England and Wales during the first 30 weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gene research on brassicas provides potential for making better and more climate resilient crops
Posted on Thursday 27 May 2021
Scientists have used gene technology to understand more about the make-up of the evolution of brassicas – paving the way for bigger and more climate resilient yields from this group of crops that have been grown for thousands of years.
New vaccine provides promise to tackle sleeping sickness in Africa, study shows
Posted on Wednesday 26 May 2021
Scientists have identified a promising vaccine candidate for a parasitic disease that causes a chronic wasting disease in livestock animals across sub Saharan Africa.
Step closer to nasal spray drug delivery for Parkinson’s disease
Posted on Monday 24 May 2021
Scientists at the University of York have made significant progress in the development of a nasal spray treatment for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
University of York spin out company acquired in £21m deal
Posted on Friday 21 May 2021
A University ‘spin-out’ company is the first at York to be listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).
Can York academics win this year’s AI Song Contest?
Posted on Thursday 20 May 2021
A team of researchers from the University of York have submitted an entry to this year’s AI Song Contest.
University signs new agreement with hospital trust that will see vital mental health research being carried out
Posted on Wednesday 19 May 2021
The University of York has signed a new agreement with the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust that will see vital mental health research being carried out at Foss Park Hospital in York.
African rainforests still slowed climate change despite record heat and drought
Posted on Tuesday 18 May 2021
African rainforests appear more resistant to some additional warming and drought compared to rainforests in Amazonia and Borneo, a new study has concluded.
Churches have vital role to play in post pandemic recovery, new report says
Posted on Monday 17 May 2021
Churches and other places of worship have a vital role to play in the post pandemic recovery, expanding their contribution as important community hubs, new research shows.
New paper sets out mental health research goals for the next decade
Posted on Friday 14 May 2021
Researchers from the Universities of York, Oxford, Cambridge and King's College London have co-authored a report commissioned by the Chief Medical Officer for England, outlining the future direction for mental health research.
A bird rare to the UK ruffles feathers at the University of York
Posted on Thursday 13 May 2021
A bird which is rarely ever seen in Britain has been spotted at the University of York - the first time it has ever been recorded in the city.
Researchers call for improvements to Universal Credit to better support mental health
Posted on Wednesday 12 May 2021
Antidepressant use has gone up in places where more people have moved on to Universal Credit, a new study has shown.
Study reveals how lockdown playlists were used to express emotions during the pandemic
Posted on Tuesday 11 May 2021
Playlists compiled through the pandemic reveal a largely upbeat mindset as listeners turned to music to beat the lockdown blues, new research shows.
Could wider use of gene reserves protect rare species?
Posted on Monday 10 May 2021
UK landowners and conservationists welcome wider-spread use of Gene Conservation Units (GCUs) to help protect some of the rarest plants and insects, research at the University of York has shown.
Urgent steps must be taken to reduce methane emissions, new report says
Posted on Friday 7 May 2021
Methane emissions can be reduced by up to 45 per cent this decade to help hit targets for managing global warming, according to new research.
University takes part in global Covid vaccine trial
Posted on Wednesday 5 May 2021
The University of York is hosting a trial of a new COVID-19 vaccine.
New book sheds light on one of York’s most influential figures
Posted on Tuesday 4 May 2021
A former researcher at the University of York’s Borthwick Institute for Archives has written a new book on the life of JB Morrell - the first detailed study of one of the most important figures of 20th Century York.
Wood ants show the way when it comes to getting a good meal
Posted on Tuesday 4 May 2021
With lockdown easing it is a dilemma many of us are facing: should we choose to go to the best place to eat out, or the nearest place that is good enough?
Pandemic deepens health inequalities for mental health patients
Posted on Tuesday 4 May 2021
A study at the University of York suggests that health inequalities have been made worse during the pandemic for people who use mental health services.
GM grass cleanses soil of toxic pollutants left by military explosives, new research shows
Posted on Monday 3 May 2021
A grass commonly used to fight soil erosion has been genetically modified to successfully remove toxic chemicals left in the ground from munitions that are dangerous to human health, new research shows.
“Dominating” fungus could provide solution to producing more biofuels and valuable chemicals
Posted on Wednesday 28 April 2021
The discovery of a novel enzyme that releases a valuable chemical from agricultural waste could provide an important breakthrough in the upscaling of renewable fuels and chemicals, a new study shows.
Household aerosols now release more harmful smog chemicals than all vehicles in the country
Posted on Wednesday 28 April 2021
Aerosol products used in the home now emit more harmful volatile organic compound (VOC) air pollution than all the vehicles in the UK, new research shows.
Digital healthcare challenging to people with severe mental health illnesses
Posted on Tuesday 27 April 2021
Research from the University of York has shown that a more digitised healthcare service could pose significant challenges to those with severe mental ill health.
Prosperity gap between social renters and the national average narrows, new research shows
Posted on Friday 23 April 2021
Living in social housing is no longer an accurate indicator of prosperity, with new research indicating a narrowing of the gap between social renters and the private sector in terms of income, job status and social class.
Project to explore 5G connected ‘extended reality’ worlds
Posted on Thursday 22 April 2021
The University of York has teamed up with entertainment giant WarnerMedia to explore how the UK's creative industries can make the most of 5G technologies.
UK's carbon footprint down as pandemic prompts move to eco-friendly lifestyles, study shows
Posted on Wednesday 21 April 2021
The UK's overall carbon footprint has fallen by 17%, a major study involving the University of York has found.
Explore hidden world of microbes in new comic book
Posted on Wednesday 21 April 2021
A team of scientists have co-written a comic book aimed at helping young people aged 10 and above understand the world of microbes.
Significant number of UK websites do not comply with law on cookie banners
Posted on Tuesday 20 April 2021
Research at the University of York has shown that around one in four websites do not comply with even the basic regulations on gaining permission from users to track and store their data.
Buying school uniform post-lockdown “unmanageable” for low income families
Posted on Monday 19 April 2021
School uniforms present an unmanageable cost for families on a low income with children returning to school after lockdown, a new study from the University of York says.
Trial shows York leishmaniasis vaccine safe and induces immune responses in patients
Posted on Thursday 15 April 2021
The results of the first clinical trial of a new vaccine for a neglected tropical disease have demonstrated that it is safe and induces immune responses in patients with the infection.
Grave goods show gendered roles for Neolithic farmers
Posted on Wednesday 14 April 2021
Grave goods, such as stone tools, have revealed that Neolithic farmers had different work-related activities for men and women.
Latest lockdown had less impact on UK air pollution levels than the first, new analysis shows
Posted on Wednesday 14 April 2021
The latest winter lockdown did not have the same impact on air pollution levels as the first lockdown of 2020, new research from the University of York shows.
New study showing how the brain retrieves facts and personal experiences may help people with memory disorders
Posted on Monday 12 April 2021
A shared set of systems in the brain may play an important role in controlling the retrieval of facts and personal memories utilised in everyday life, new research shows.
Impacts of sunscreen on coral reefs needs urgent attention, say scientists
Posted on Wednesday 31 March 2021
More research is needed on the environmental impact of sunscreen on the world’s coral reefs, scientists at the University of York say.
Steroid hormone could reduce risk of preterm birth for high-risk single baby pregnancies
Posted on Wednesday 31 March 2021
Taking progestogens - steroid hormones - during pregnancy could reduce the risk of preterm birth in high-risk single baby pregnancies, research has shown.
Independent commission places wellbeing and equality at heart of public policy
Posted on Friday 26 March 2021
An independent commission, chaired by Professor Kate Pickett from University of York, has set out a range of measures for transforming public policy related to inequalities.
Sheepskin was the anti-fraud device of choice for lawyers for hundreds of years, study shows
Posted on Wednesday 24 March 2021
Medieval and early modern lawyers chose to write on sheepskin parchment because it helped prevent fraud, new analysis shows.
Community ‘voice’ should guide expanding African cities
Posted on Monday 22 March 2021
Two new environmental policy briefings, aimed at decision makers working on rapidly expanding urban areas in southern Africa, emphasise that local community voices must be included in the early planning stages to minimise ecological impacts.
Poetry session out of this world for lecturer joined live by commander of the International Space Station
Posted on Thursday 18 March 2021
A University of York academic was joined live by the commander of the International Space Station for a Russian poetry seminar.
Mothers caring for children with life-limiting conditions at greater risk of health problems and premature death
Posted on Tuesday 16 March 2021
Mothers of children with life-limiting conditions are more likely to develop serious health problems and die prematurely, compared to mothers caring for children with no long-term health condition, new research shows.
COVID waste: archaeologists have a role to play in informing environmental policy
Posted on Monday 15 March 2021
Archaeologists have a vital role to play in documenting COVID-19 waste but also in informing the policies that may mitigate its longer-term impact, a new study suggests.
New research reveals possible cause of mystery condition that leaves people paralysed
Posted on Monday 15 March 2021
Researchers believe they may have discovered a possible cause of a mystery condition that can leave sufferers suddenly unable to walk, talk or see.
Pandemic likely to result in long-lasting socio-economic impacts on York, new study says
Posted on Thursday 11 March 2021
The Covid pandemic has exacerbated issues of inequality and discrimination in the city, a new report says.
Royal “love letters” revealed as evidence of an unwelcome pursuit
Posted on Sunday 7 March 2021
A series of newly-transcribed letters between the future George IV and his family’s governess, Mary Hamilton, have shed new light on their relationship.
Human instinct can be as useful as algorithms in detecting online ‘deception’
Posted on Tuesday 2 March 2021
Travellers looking to book a hotel should trust their gut instinct when it comes to online reviews rather than relying on computer algorithms to weed out the fake ones, a new study suggests.
Plants set a “bedtime” alarm to ensure their survival, new study shows.
Posted on Monday 1 March 2021
Plants have a metabolic signal that adjusts their circadian clock in the evening to ensure they store enough energy to survive the night, a new study reveals.
Families have high awareness of healthy eating but low income means many struggle to access good food
Posted on Tuesday 23 February 2021
Low-income families have a high awareness of healthy diets but can’t afford good quality and nutritious food, new research shows.
Medieval containers hint at thriving wine trade in Islamic Sicily
Posted on Tuesday 23 February 2021
Researchers at the University of York have found chemical residues of grapes in medieval containers indicating a prosperous wine trade in Islamic Sicily.
Common weed killers favour antibiotic resistant bacteria, new study shows
Posted on Tuesday 16 February 2021
The use of weed killers can increase the prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in soil, a new study from the University of York shows.
First videos to show the helix of ‘dancing DNA’ developed by scientists
Posted on Tuesday 16 February 2021
Videos allowing us to see for the first time how small circles of DNA adopt dance-like movements inside a cell have been developed by researchers at universities in Yorkshire.
Long-term environmental damage from transportation projects in Kenya, scientists warn
Posted on Wednesday 10 February 2021
The construction of a major railway through Kenya will have long-term environmental impacts on the area, suggesting more work needs to be done to limit the damage on future infrastructure projects, a major study reveals.
Activists have been silenced by governments during the pandemic, new report says
Posted on Tuesday 9 February 2021
Human rights defenders continue to face arrest, experience attacks, threats and repression during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new report says.
Study to investigate if early dose of antibiotics could save children with leukaemia
Posted on Tuesday 9 February 2021
Children being treated for a form of leukaemia are to be given a daily dose of antibiotics as part of a six-year trial to see if it reduces severe infections.
Challenges of animal ownership during the pandemic should be considered alongside the potential benefits, study shows
Posted on Tuesday 9 February 2021
Animal owners frequently report concerns and worries relating to caring for their animal during the pandemic, new research suggests.
Study suggests environmental factors played a key role in the evolution of human tolerance and friendliness
Posted on Wednesday 3 February 2021
Environmental pressures may have led humans to become more tolerant and friendly towards each other as the need to share food and raw materials became mutually beneficial, a new study suggests.
Films shine a spotlight on discrimination in the screen industries
Posted on Wednesday 27 January 2021
The University of York has collaborated with a Bafta-nominated TV company to produce a series of films highlighting discrimination within the screen industries.
Social media study reveals diabetics’ fear of disrupted insulin supplies because of Brexit
Posted on Wednesday 27 January 2021
Diabetics living in the UK worry about disruption to insulin supplies as a result of Brexit, new research shows.
New scheme provides early escape route for victims of domestic violence, study shows
Posted on Wednesday 27 January 2021
Survivors of domestic violence are being given a better route out of abuse through an innovative early intervention scheme, a new study shows.
Solar material can “self-heal” imperfections, new research shows
Posted on Tuesday 26 January 2021
A material that can be used in technologies such as solar power has been found to self-heal, a new study shows.
Researchers improve data readout by using ‘quantum entanglement’
Posted on Thursday 21 January 2021
Researchers say they have been able to greatly improve the readout of data from digital memories - thanks to a phenomenon known as ‘quantum entanglement’.
NHS advised to recommend ultra-grip shoes to reduce staff injuries
Posted on Wednesday 20 January 2021
Researchers at the University of York have shown that wearing Health and Safety Executive (HSE) rated ultra-grip shoes could reduce injury to NHS staff if they were to be made a recommended part of the uniform.
Whale sharks at risk of injury as they linger at coastal ‘hotspots’
Posted on Tuesday 19 January 2021
Researchers are calling for greater protection for whale sharks after new data revealed the world’s largest fish are increasingly being injured as a result of tourism-related activity.
Ancient DNA reveals secrets of Game of Thrones wolves
Posted on Wednesday 13 January 2021
Extinct dire wolves split off from other canines nearly six million years ago and were only a distant relative of today’s species, a new study says.
Rising health risks mean stronger regulations needed for smokeless tobacco
Posted on Tuesday 12 January 2021
Researchers at the University of York are calling for more stringent regulatory measures to reduce the health burden of smokeless tobacco, a product often found in UK stores without the proper health warnings and as a result of illicit trading.
Extra living costs pile financial pressure on low-income families during lockdown
Posted on Monday 11 January 2021
The pandemic has placed significant financial pressures on poorer households – with the cost of extra food, energy, and remote learning having a greater impact on low-income families, a new study shows.
Scientists reach new milestone in vaccine development for neglected tropical disease
Posted on Monday 11 January 2021
Researchers have taken an important step forward in developing a controlled human infection model to test leishmaniasis vaccines.
Unravelling the mystery that makes viruses infectious
Posted on Friday 8 January 2021
Researchers have for the first time identified the way viruses like the poliovirus and the common cold virus ‘package up’ their genetic code, allowing them to infect cells.
One million COVID-19 Universal Credit claimants have deductions from benefits, study shows
Posted on Friday 8 January 2021
Around one million people who claimed benefits during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic are having money regularly deducted from their payments, according to analysis by the University of York.
Study uses computer modelling to identify ‘vulnerable sites’ on coronavirus protein
Posted on Wednesday 6 January 2021
Scientists have used computer modelling to identify potential ‘vulnerable sites’ on a key protein found in coronavirus - paving the way for possible new drug treatments in the future.
Women more likely than men to suffer psychological distress from having their homes flooded
Posted on Monday 4 January 2021
Severe weather events such as flooding can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - with women more likely to suffer with the condition than men, new research shows.
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