News archive: 2023 releases

3D scans shed new light on mysterious Roman burial practice

Posted on Saturday 3 June 2023

Archaeologists in York have used 3D scans to study the Roman burial practice of pouring liquid gypsum over the bodies of adults and children laid to rest in coffins - the first time this cutting-edge technology has been applied to Roman burials of this type anywhere in the world.

Teachers reluctant to use technology in music teaching, say experts

Posted on Wednesday 31 May 2023

Music in secondary schools is at risk of extinction unless teachers embrace new technologies and incorporate contemporary genres in the classroom, a leading academic has warned.

Research highlights global impact of smokeless tobacco use

Posted on Wednesday 31 May 2023

A review of government control policies has shown a reduction in global smokeless tobacco use, although there are still gaps in research in some countries.

Award-winning film shows blurred lines of ‘real’ and ‘virtual’ life

Posted on Thursday 25 May 2023

A short film from a team at the University of York highlighting the impact virtual reality technologies can have on modern-day life has won a national film award.

Professors from York elected Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences

Posted on Thursday 18 May 2023

Professor Simon Gilbody and Professor Gavin Wright have been elected as Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences, in recognition of their scientific achievement and leadership.

Scientists unearth forgotten children of the past

Posted on Wednesday 17 May 2023

Scientists have unearthed a story of forgotten children of the past, providing the first direct evidence of the lives of early nineteenth-century ‘pauper apprentices’.

Researchers call for action to end mental health related deaths

Posted on Monday 15 May 2023

Researchers have called for radical changes on a global scale to prevent the growing mortality rates of people with mental health problems.

Universal Credit harmful to mental health of lone parents, study shows

Posted on Monday 15 May 2023

A new study has shown that Universal Credit is harmful to the mental health of claimants, particularly lone parents.

USS/Capita Data Breach - information for staff

Posted on Saturday 13 May 2023

Human eyes really do play ‘tricks’ on the mind, say experts

Posted on Tuesday 9 May 2023

A new study has shown that the human visual system can ‘trick’ the brain into making inaccurate assumptions about the size of objects in the world around them.

£1.2 million partnership to address neglected tropical diseases in Africa

Posted on Wednesday 3 May 2023

Researchers at the University of York are part of a new £1.2 million project to support cost-effective and equitable investments for eliminating neglected tropical diseases in southern and eastern Africa.

Research to shed new light on ‘royal tours’ of iconic King

Posted on Tuesday 2 May 2023

A new study aims to shed light on the royal tours of King Henry VIII, one of the most iconic - and controversial - figures in British history.

York Festival of Ideas unveils 2023 programme

Posted on Friday 28 April 2023

York Festival of Ideas has unveiled its programme for 2023, based on the theme of ‘Rediscover, Reimagine, Rebuild’.

Cost of living crisis pushes more people towards poverty in York, according to new report

Posted on Thursday 27 April 2023

More needs to be done to protect the City’s low-income households and vulnerable residents as the cost of living crisis pushes more people towards poverty, according to a new report published today.

New insight into the mystery of ancient Gaza wine

Posted on Wednesday 26 April 2023

Research into grape pips found from an excavated Byzantine monastery in Israel hints at the origins of the ‘mysterious’ Gaza wine and the history of grapevine cultivation in desert conditions.

Catch 22: University of York researcher featured in new marine conservation film - inspired by hit BBC series 'Wild Isles'

Posted on Wednesday 26 April 2023

A new campaigning film made by the same team who devised the acclaimed BBC series ‘Wild Isles’ has been released, featuring University of York research that aims to transform the way businesses think about marine life and the UK’s coastline.

Burnout has far-reaching consequences for teachers’ physical health

Posted on Tuesday 25 April 2023

A new study has highlighted the link between teacher burnout and their physical health.

UK schools to help monitor classroom air quality in massive citizen science project

Posted on Monday 24 April 2023

Schools across the country are being asked to take part in a huge citizen science project to help monitor and evaluate the quality of the air in our classrooms.

‘Safety concerns’ key to Covid-19 vaccination hesitancy in pregnancy

Posted on Thursday 20 April 2023

Pregnant women were hesitant to get the Covid-19 vaccine as a result of mixed public messaging and concerns over safety, according to the results of a study which analysed social media posts.

Growing divide in regional health inequalities exposed

Posted on Wednesday 19 April 2023

A new report has found a worrying pattern of lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and worse health and wellbeing in the North of England.

Parks and green spaces should feel safe to bolster mental health

Posted on Tuesday 18 April 2023

Researchers have co-produced a series of short films with people who have experienced mental illness to show the benefits of outdoor spaces.

York Festival of Ideas turns spotlight on the ‘three Rs’

Posted on Monday 17 April 2023

York Festival of ideas - one of the biggest free events of its kind in the UK - returns in June with the theme of ‘Rediscover, Reimagine, Rebuild’ and featuring a wide range of distinguished speakers and performers including Michael Morpurgo, Anna Phoebe, Louise Minchin, Tim McInnerny, Nazir Afzal, Ian Blackford and Michael Cashman.

How did Western Mediterranean societies inspire medieval ‘Green Revolution’?

Posted on Friday 14 April 2023

A new £8.8 million research project aims to discover how societies across the Western Mediterranean overcame environmental challenges and inspired a ‘green revolution’ over the course of 1,000 years.

Marine snail named after York researcher

Posted on Thursday 13 April 2023

Howard Peters is already unusual among the University of York’s research scientists, having achieved his PhD in 2014, aged 71, but now, six years later, he has added another distinction to his name – the accolade of having a species of marine snail named after him.

Studentship awards established in honour of York Biology Professor

Posted on Thursday 13 April 2023

The University of York aims to establish a fund to support the next generation of scientists to honour the memory of Professor Simon McQueen-Mason.

University hosts workshop to improve health systems and services across Africa

Posted on Thursday 6 April 2023

Health experts from the University of York were joined by partners from African Union Member States for a major workshop exploring how to promote an increase in domestic funding for health systems and services across the continent.

Angel on the Green to host ‘big ideas’ from York experts

Posted on Wednesday 5 April 2023

The University of York is working with Angel on the Green - a community-owned enterprise – to bring ideas, research and engagement into York’s neighbourhoods in a new series of public talks.

Personalised care needed for mental illness and physical health conditions

Posted on Tuesday 4 April 2023

People with severe mental illness can struggle to self-manage long-term physical conditions and need personalised support, a new study suggests.

AI-generated music inferior to human-composed works, according to study

Posted on Tuesday 4 April 2023

Researchers at the University of York have found that current AI-generated music is inferior to human-composed music.

Personal finances increasingly play second fiddle to personality, finds lonely hearts ad study

Posted on Tuesday 4 April 2023

Personality has become a more important factor than finances when it comes to dating, a new study has found.

New digital tool could change the way we see cells

Posted on Tuesday 4 April 2023

A free online tool created by researchers at the University of York could help us better understand cell mutation and resistance.

Ancient DNA reveals African and Asian ancestry of medieval Swahili people

Posted on Wednesday 29 March 2023

People living on the ‘Swahili coast’ - the Indian Ocean coast of eastern Africa - have African and Asian ancestry according to new research on ancient DNA.

New partnership to tackle chemical pollution issues in war-torn Ukraine

Posted on Wednesday 29 March 2023

Researchers from Kharkiv and York are launching a new partnership to tackle the many pollution problems faced by Ukraine as it battles with war.

Exhibition celebrates York’s musical heritage

Posted on Monday 27 March 2023

Researchers are appealing for music lovers to share their memories and memorabilia from York’s musical past as part of a new exhibition in the city.

Care leavers face ‘acute challenges’ in transition to adulthood

Posted on Monday 27 March 2023

Care leavers in England are over ten times more likely than their peers to not be working or studying in their 21st year, a new study has shown.

Who put the 'a' in Thomas a Becket? New study sheds light on the “evolution” of the famous name

Posted on Friday 24 March 2023

It is one of the most famous names in British history, a name associated with a gruesome murder which shocked the Middle Ages and changed the course of history.

University launches renewable chemistry institute

Posted on Friday 24 March 2023

The University of York has partnered with renewable chemicals company, Circa Group, to launch the Circa Renewable Chemistry Institute (CRCI).

Poorest children have worse health and educational outcomes in adolescence, new report highlights

Posted on Friday 24 March 2023

Generation Z children born into the poorest fifth of families in the UK are 12 times more likely to experience a raft of poor health and educational outcomes by the age of 17 compared to more affluent peers, according to a new report co-authored by University of York researchers.

Arts and Humanities maintains top 100 position in latest QS World University Rankings 2023

Posted on Wednesday 22 March 2023

The University of York has maintained its strong showing in the latest QS World University rankings - with the Faculty of Arts and Humanities moving up six places to sit 66th globally and four subjects featuring in the top 50.

Executive Chair for Research England visits University to find out more about our research

Posted on Friday 17 March 2023

Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Executive Chair at Research England, visited the University (16 March) to learn more about our important research projects and being a University for public good.

University of York Student Centre reaches planning milestone

Posted on Thursday 16 March 2023

Designs for a new Student Centre at the University of York have been submitted for planning permission.

University appoints Alice Maynard as new Chair of Council

Posted on Thursday 16 March 2023

The University has announced that Dr Alice Maynard CBE will be the new Chair of its governing body.

David Kato honoured at official University College opening

Posted on Wednesday 15 March 2023

The University of York has honoured the life of human rights defender and gay rights activist, David Kato, with the official opening of its newest college.

UKRI Board visit University to hear more about our bioeconomy research

Posted on Wednesday 15 March 2023

Members of the UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) Board visited the University (14 March) to hear more about our world-leading research around the bioeconomy.

Neolithic ceramics reveal dairy processing from milk of multiple species

Posted on Wednesday 15 March 2023

A new study has found evidence of cheesemaking, using milk from multiple animals in Late Neolithic Poland.

Oak National Academy award to develop science in schools

Posted on Tuesday 14 March 2023

Researchers at the University of York have been awarded £1.4 million to develop online science materials for schools.

Researchers seek views of how extreme weather affects older people

Posted on Monday 13 March 2023

The over 60s are being asked to reflect on how extreme weather affects their health and wellbeing as part of a major new research project.

New partnership agreed with Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic

Posted on Friday 10 March 2023

The University of York has signed an agreement with The Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic, establishing a long-term partnership highlighting the University’s commitment to global health research.

University of York seeks inspirational leader to run new Department of Architecture and the Built Environment

Posted on Wednesday 8 March 2023

The University of York is to establish a new Department of Architecture and the Built Environment - with a focus on sustainable and societally-informed design.

University supports ambitious project to transform local wetlands

Posted on Wednesday 8 March 2023

The University of York is supporting an ambitious project called The Big Community Challenge, which will transform York’s wetlands and riverbanks as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations.

New social sciences funding to help tackle society’s most pressing challenges

Posted on Tuesday 7 March 2023

The University of York has been awarded £1.25m of government funding to support and enhance its social sciences research.

Report reveals extent of public sexual harassment experienced by Black and minoritised girls in the UK

Posted on Tuesday 7 March 2023

A new report reveals the extent of public sexual harassment (PSH) experienced by Black and minoritised girls in the UK - with many saying it has impacted on their mental health, self-esteem and identity.

GPs left psychologically distressed and overwhelmed by pressures of the pandemic, new study finds

Posted on Monday 6 March 2023

The pressures of the pandemic resulted in some GPs displaying signs of psychological distress and burnout, according to a University of York-led study.

Pioneering new facility will deliver world-leading air quality research in Yorkshire

Posted on Monday 6 March 2023

Researchers at the University of York have secured funding to run a pioneering £1.2 million three-year project that will become a world-leading facility for the study of indoor air quality – shaping how the homes of the future are built.

Cloud computing hub to launch with £2m EPSRC funding

Posted on Friday 3 March 2023

A new £2 million hub, co-led by the University of York, has been launched to investigate the future potential of cloud computing.

Change in UK fishing habits would protect biodiversity, study shows

Posted on Friday 3 March 2023

Changing the UK's fisheries to focus on a variety of smaller species could significantly reduce the future overall impact on marine ecosystems, help to protect biodiversity, and create a more sustainable fishing industry, say researchers from the University of York.

University of York signs cross-sector statement on EU research programmes

Posted on Thursday 2 March 2023

The University of York has signed a cross-sector statement urging rapid progress on UK association to EU programmes, including Horizon Europe, Copernicus and Euratom.

Research to support Christian faith leaders engage with science

Posted on Wednesday 1 March 2023

Researchers have been awarded a five-year, £6.2million grant to support bishops and senior Christian leaders worldwide to engage with science.

Children and young people with profound learning disabilities to benefit from Intensive Interaction research

Posted on Wednesday 1 March 2023

The National Institute for Health and Care Research has awarded £1.8m to examine the effectiveness of a commonly used communication approach with people with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD).

University of York to lead a REAL Research Unit with an ambitious programme of research on health and social care

Posted on Wednesday 1 March 2023

The Centre for Health Economics (CHE) at the University of York has been selected to lead a major research programme aimed at improving the quality of decision-making in health and social care.

Trailblazing University of York researchers appointed prestigious NIHR Senior Investigators

Posted on Tuesday 28 February 2023

The pioneering work of three leading University of York researchers has been recognised by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Emmerdale moves into the metaverse

Posted on Monday 27 February 2023

Two University of York initiatives, XR Stories and the Screen Industries Growth Network (SIGN), are to bring one of the UK’s best-loved soaps into the digital metaverse.

Hunt for plant-based alternative in recovery of metals from mining waste

Posted on Thursday 23 February 2023

Researchers are working to find a plant-based alternative for the recovery of gold, silver and copper nanoparticles from mining waste.

Scientists use satellite images to study the degradation of rangelands in Tanzania

Posted on Wednesday 22 February 2023

East Africa’s iconic rangelands - under threat from climate change and human activity - have the potential to recover from repeated environmental shocks and degradation, a new study has concluded.

Mediterranean hunter-gatherers relied on marine resources more than previously thought

Posted on Wednesday 22 February 2023

New research has revealed humans living on the Mediterranean coast 9,500 years ago may have relied more heavily on a fish diet than previously thought.

Research raises concerns over relationship between major US alcohol research institution and the alcohol industry

Posted on Monday 20 February 2023

A new study has uncovered extensive interactions between one of the world’s leading funders of alcohol research and alcohol industry groups, sparking concern about the industry’s influence on science and public health policy.

Neighbourly cooperation can ensure your genes survive, new research finds

Posted on Monday 20 February 2023

Cooperating with your neighbours, especially if they are distant relatives, can be an effective evolutionary strategy, new research has found.

Study shows how non-native languages interact with each other when multilinguals talk

Posted on Thursday 16 February 2023

People who speak more than two languages are more likely to mistakenly use words from the language they’re least proficient in, new research has shown.

York signs partnership agreement with O.P. Jindal Global University

Posted on Wednesday 15 February 2023

The University of York has signed a strategic partnership agreement with O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) that will support student mobility opportunities and academic collaboration.

Risk-taking crucial for survival of craft brewing industry during pandemic, study reveals

Posted on Wednesday 15 February 2023

Independent craft brewers were able to weather the Covid pandemic by taking risks and being innovative, a new study has revealed.

Guide developed by SEI researchers plays key role in IKEA’s sustainability and climate report

Posted on Wednesday 15 February 2023

A sustainability and climate report by global retailer IKEA used a landmark guide which was developed by researchers from the Stockholm Environment Institute.

Nothing said “love” more than a powder compact, art historians reveal

Posted on Tuesday 14 February 2023

What would a lover give his sweetheart before the swinging sixties? Chocs, flowers or perfume? Back then, there was one present above all that showed you cared… the powder compact.

Killer whale mums pay high price for raising sons

Posted on Wednesday 8 February 2023

Raising sons is an exhausting experience that leaves killer whale mothers far less likely to produce more offspring, new research has found.

Researchers to help identify best types of emergency food service

Posted on Monday 6 February 2023

Researchers at the University of York are working to identify the types of community food support that are most successful at preventing people from needing emergency supplies.

Facing fears in just three hours of therapy could resolve phobias in children

Posted on Monday 6 February 2023

Common childhood phobias, such as fear of spiders, dogs, and needles, could be resolved in a single three-hour therapy session, compared to the several sessions that is current practice, a study has revealed.

Quality and safety in hospitals to be assessed in new study

Posted on Thursday 2 February 2023

A new study into the quality and safety of patient care in NHS and independent hospitals will look at the substantial changes in the sectors for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.

New partnership to harness data networks to tackle cybercrime and food security

Posted on Thursday 2 February 2023

A new research programme is developing ways of extracting information from complex datasets to tackle a number of real-world issues, such as cyberattacks, greener power grids, and food security.

The chemistry of mummification – traces of a global network

Posted on Thursday 2 February 2023

A University of York academic was part of an international team of researchers who have shed new light on the chemical substances used by the Egyptian embalmers.

First solid scientific evidence that Vikings brought animals to Britain

Posted on Wednesday 1 February 2023

Archaeologists have found what they say is the first solid scientific evidence suggesting that Vikings crossed the North Sea to Britain with dogs and horses.

Researchers testing flat roof solar panels in UK first

Posted on Tuesday 31 January 2023

Researchers are testing whether flat roof solar technology is as effective as panels currently used on pitched roofs.

Researchers assess value of intervention programme designed to tackle obesity in children

Posted on Monday 30 January 2023

The University of York is leading a national project to assess the value of a community-based intervention programme aimed at reducing obesity rates in preschool children.

Children at risk of destitution as local services struggle under cost of living

Posted on Monday 30 January 2023

A survey of elected councillors has revealed that 80% of local leaders in the UK are concerned that as services struggle as a result of the cost of living crisis, children will face a life of poverty.

Computer Vision scientist honoured with India UK Achievers award

Posted on Friday 27 January 2023

A University of York computer science PhD student has been recognised with the India UK Achievers award for her role in using science to create positive social impact.

Professor Ken Badcock appointed York’s new Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Posted on Thursday 26 January 2023

The University of York has announced the appointment of Professor Ken Badcock as its new Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost.

York researchers call for noma to be recognised as neglected tropical disease

Posted on Thursday 26 January 2023

University of York researchers have raised awareness of the neglected disease, noma, at an event at the Houses of Parliament.

New research reveals role faith institutions play in promoting good health

Posted on Thursday 26 January 2023

Faith institutions, such as churches and mosques, can support people to maintain healthy blood pressure and avoid hypertension through education and awareness, the results of a new study have revealed.

Children in the North most vulnerable to cost of living crisis

Posted on Monday 23 January 2023

A new report, co-authored by a University of York academic, has warned that children living in the North of England are among the most vulnerable to rising living costs.

No ‘one size fits all’ heather management method for protecting carbon-rich peatlands

Posted on Monday 23 January 2023

A major study has provided answers to the ways in which heather-dominated peatland can be managed, with a number of methods to choose from to help tackle the impacts of climate change and biodiversity losses.

Call for more government help for low-income families as energy prices escalate

Posted on Monday 23 January 2023

Families are being hit hard by rising energy prices and need targeted government support, according to new research published that found families with dependent children are being overlooked.

School children support future conservation of red squirrels

Posted on Thursday 19 January 2023

Primary school children across the UK are collecting and sending squirrel food to scientists researching the dramatic decline of the native red squirrel population over the last 150 years.

New study shows ‘self-cleaning’ of marine atmosphere

Posted on Wednesday 18 January 2023

Scientists have shed new light on the ‘self-cleaning’ capacity of the atmosphere.

University of York welcomes new Chancellor Dr Heather Melville

Posted on Wednesday 18 January 2023

The University of York’s new Chancellor today (18 Jan) said she was “humbled and excited” as she was formally welcomed at a special inauguration ceremony.

GPs faced pressures of workload, personal risk and public scrutiny during Covid-19, study reveals

Posted on Wednesday 18 January 2023

GPs felt under-resourced, under-valued and worried about widening health inequalities during the pandemic, new research shows.

Community engagement must be prioritised in elephant ivory debate, say researchers

Posted on Wednesday 18 January 2023

A BBC Radio 4 play, involving two PhD students at the University of York, highlights the ongoing issues of the ivory trade - with a focus on bringing the lesser heard voices of African communities to the fore.

University retains prestigious research award for over a decade

Posted on Monday 16 January 2023

The University of York’s support for researchers has been recognised by the European Commission HR Excellence in Research Award for the 12th year running.

Scientists discover how bacteria use electrical spikes to tolerate antibiotics

Posted on Wednesday 11 January 2023

Researchers have uncovered how some bacteria use electrical spikes to overcome antibacterial drugs, potentially leading to ‘superbugs’ that are resistant to antibiotics.

University colleagues join first UK-wide Young Academy

Posted on Tuesday 10 January 2023

Three University of York academics have been asked to join the new UK Young Academy – a network of early career researchers and professionals established to help tackle local and global issues and promote meaningful change.

World-famous Avebury site to be brought to life online for first time

Posted on Tuesday 10 January 2023

The archives of the world-famous megalithic monuments at Avebury in Wiltshire are to be digitised and made available online.

People with Long Covid face barriers in accessing healthcare services, study finds

Posted on Monday 9 January 2023

People living with Long Covid (LC) say they face significant barriers in accessing healthcare services, leaving many with a feeling of hopelessness and neglect, a new study has revealed.

Research highlights the uncertainty that Care-Experienced Graduates face

Posted on Monday 9 January 2023

Research at the University of York has highlighted the financial uncertainty that Care-Experienced graduates face when leaving higher education and transitioning into employment.

Study reveals online fake reviewers suffer from pangs of conscience

Posted on Thursday 5 January 2023

The authors of online fake reviews suffer from pangs of conscience, according to a new study which looked at the process behind their creation.