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News archive: Research press releases 2024

School smartphone ban results in better sleep and improved mood

Posted on Wednesday 11 December 2024

Psychologists at the University of York, who tested the impact that smartphones have on children’s behaviour for a new two-part documentary series for Channel 4, found that a ban in school impacted positively on sleep and mood.


More than £3M awarded to psychologists in studies of sleep and online misogyny

Posted on Monday 9 December 2024

Two psychologists from the University of York have been awarded more than £1.5 million each in ERC Consolidator Grants to study the impact of sleep on memory and the growing issue of online misogyny.


York academic co-creates immersive film to explore the psychological impact of drone warfare

Posted on Thursday 5 December 2024

A new immersive film exploring the profound psychological effects of drone warfare on civilians has launched at the Imperial War Museum in London.


DNA of 1,000 year-old maize sheds light on origins of globally important food crop

Posted on Wednesday 4 December 2024

Researchers have tested ancient DNA from corn found at archaeological sites in Arkansas, shedding new light on the dispersal of one of the world’s most important food crops.


Born in Bradford Centre for Social Change launches at York

Posted on Tuesday 3 December 2024

A new centre established at the University of York will support the work of the renowned Born in Bradford research programme, which seeks to understand what keeps families happy and healthy.


More equality in Neolithic society than previously thought, say researchers

Posted on Friday 29 November 2024

Early Neolithic genetic data has helped archaeologists understand that there was likely more freedom and equality in Neolithic societies than previously thought.


Chemical replacement of TNT explosive more harmful to plants, study shows

Posted on Thursday 28 November 2024

The increased use of a chemical compound to replace TNT in explosive devices has a damaging and long lasting effect on plants, new research has shown.


Struggling parents meet with Ministers on child poverty

Posted on Wednesday 27 November 2024

Twelve parents on low incomes from the Changing Realities project have met with ministers at 10 Downing Street to say what they need from the government’s child poverty strategy.


Ethical business practice can be the key to success, according to new report by University of York and Good Business Charter

Posted on Thursday 21 November 2024

Companies can thrive without compromising their principles, according to new research by the University of York in collaboration with the Good Business Charter (GBC).


Doctoral funding awarded to the next generation of curiosity-driven researchers at York

Posted on Thursday 21 November 2024

The University of York is collaborating with institutions across the UK to help train and support the next generation of doctoral researchers.


Digital technologies present new challenges for those seeking housing

Posted on Tuesday 12 November 2024

Growing numbers of landlords and letting agents are using or considering the use of Open Banking for affordability assessments, creating new challenges to those seeking housing, a new report finds.


UK first in ‘clean hydrogen’ production and carbon capture

Posted on Monday 11 November 2024

A project led by the Biorenewables Development Centre at the University of York has become the first to successfully produce hydrogen at scale through a biological process, whilst also capturing the carbon dioxide released to reduce atmospheric pollution.


Rising costs of mental healthcare in England revealed in new report

Posted on Monday 4 November 2024

New research has highlighted an increase in the cost of care provided by NHS Mental Health Trusts, with the highest costs seen among working-age men and residents from England’s most deprived areas.


Pilot project provides free school meals to thousands more children

Posted on Wednesday 23 October 2024

The University of York-led FixOurFood research programme has provided an additional 20,000 children from England’s poorest households with free school meals as part of a new trial scheme.


UK Quantum Communications Hub celebrates 10 year milestone

Posted on Wednesday 23 October 2024

Researchers at the Quantum Communications Hub are celebrating 10 years of contributions to understanding how digital information can be shared safely and securely.


University of York researcher explores how climate change and flooding is affecting earthworms

Posted on Sunday 20 October 2024

Earthworms are considered vital creatures that help keep soil healthy by eating and recycling organic matter, but they face an uncertain future due to climate change.


New service launched to enable individuals to take control of their online data

Posted on Thursday 17 October 2024

A new data service will work to empower individuals to understand their own online data and share it safely with researchers to help improve digital wellbeing.


Research centre for addiction and mental health announced

Posted on Wednesday 16 October 2024

A new £11 million research centre has been announced focused on how to improve provision of, and access to, essential addiction and mental health services.


Researchers to explore benefits of forest school on children’s mental health

Posted on Wednesday 9 October 2024

A research project led by the University of York and Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust will aim to gather robust evidence on whether Forest Schools can improve the mental health and wellbeing of primary school children across the country.


Researchers to use AI to improve diabetes care for Bradford patients

Posted on Tuesday 8 October 2024

Researchers are using AI to target and improve future diabetes care for people in Bradford.


Dame Judi Dench becomes Patron of the Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund

Posted on Tuesday 1 October 2024

World-renowned actor of film and stage, Dame Judi Dench, has become Patron of the Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund, aimed at supporting research into vision loss and blindness.


Seal species carries “genetic scars” after being hunted to the edge of extinction, new research reveals

Posted on Friday 27 September 2024

Northern Elephant seals have staged a remarkable comeback after narrowly escaping extinction by hunting, but new research reveals lasting genetic effects in the present population.


Simple blood test to detect lung cancer a step closer, say researchers

Posted on Thursday 26 September 2024

A University of York spin-out company is partnering with a top US Cancer Centre to test a biomarker for early detection of lung cancer.


The power of pollination: University of York researcher brings the world of bees to life

Posted on Thursday 26 September 2024

A University of York researcher is helping to bring the world of bees to life in a landmark show at the World Museum in Liverpool.


Recognise bullying as a traumatic experience, urge authors of new report

Posted on Tuesday 24 September 2024

A study lays bare the devastating impact of chronic bullying and has led to calls for more support for affected children, families and schools.


Researchers test impact of school smartphone ban in new Channel 4 documentary

Posted on Wednesday 11 September 2024

Psychologists at the University of York will test the impact that smartphones have on children’s behaviour in a new two-part documentary series for Channel 4.


New podcast series discusses diets and eating sustainably

Posted on Monday 9 September 2024

University of York Professor, Sarah Bridle, has launched a new podcast which aims to support people who want to reduce the environmental impact of food.


Higher ADHD diagnosis and prescriptions for children born in July and August, research finds

Posted on Wednesday 4 September 2024

Children born in July and August are at least 40% more likely to be diagnosed with - and to receive prescriptions for - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), than children born in September and October, new research has found.


DNA may be a powerful predictor of educational success, new research suggests

Posted on Wednesday 4 September 2024

Researchers at the University of York are calling for further exploration of the role DNA could play in predicting educational outcomes.


Report exposes vast inequalities faced by women in the North of England

Posted on Tuesday 3 September 2024

Women in the North of England live shorter lives, work more hours for less pay, are more likely to be an unpaid carer, and more likely to live in poverty than women in other regions of England, according to new research co-authored by a University of York academic.


Researchers uncover the secrets of “plant puberty”

Posted on Tuesday 20 August 2024

Researchers have identified the genetic changes linked to why plants go through a developmental change similar to “puberty” at different rates, a discovery which could lead to better crop nutrition.


New study reveals pharmaceuticals are polluting England's National Parks

Posted on Wednesday 14 August 2024

England's National Parks, renowned for their natural beauty and diverse wildlife, are facing a hidden threat: pharmaceutical pollution.


Child health experts call on new government to urgently address inequalities in rising infant mortality

Posted on Friday 9 August 2024

More babies are dying before their first birthday, with those in deprived areas, the North of England and Black and Asian ethnic groups the worst affected, according to new analysis.


Researchers develop low-cost portable sensor to detect deadly microorganisms in drinking water

Posted on Thursday 8 August 2024

Researchers have developed a water sensor that makes it possible to monitor bacterial contamination in real time.


York researchers make breakthrough in bid to develop vaccines and drugs for neglected tropical disease

Posted on Friday 2 August 2024

Scientists have developed a new, safe and effective way to infect volunteers with the parasite that causes leishmaniasis and measure the body’s immune response, bringing a vaccine for the neglected tropical disease a step closer.


Top of the class - new research shows the success of University of York-led science education programme

Posted on Wednesday 31 July 2024

An educational science programme run by the University of York’s Centre for Industry Education Collaboration has shown to have had a significant positive impact on children’s attitudes towards science and industry, according to the results of a study.


Reading and creative writing can help improve healing from domestic abuse, project suggests

Posted on Monday 29 July 2024

Reading and creative writing can help survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence in working through experiences of trauma and assist in the healing process, according to new research.


Sodium channels in breast cancer cells a promising target for future treatments, study reveals

Posted on Thursday 25 July 2024

A new study on live tissue cells is the first to reveal how channels that allow sodium to enter into breast cancer cells enable tumours to grow and spread.


Researchers to measure the impact of hot weather on UK classrooms

Posted on Wednesday 24 July 2024

A research project at the University of York is measuring the impact of hot weather on UK classrooms and what can be done to limit the consequences.


Hunter-gatherers kept an 'orderly home' in the earliest known British dwelling, study shows

Posted on Tuesday 23 July 2024

Archaeological evidence from the world-famous Mesolithic site of Star Carr in North Yorkshire has shown that hunter-gatherers likely kept an orderly home by creating ‘zones’ for particular domestic activities.


Study uses Game of Thrones to advance understanding of face blindness

Posted on Tuesday 23 July 2024

Psychologists have used the hit TV series Game of Thrones to understand how the brain enables us to recognise faces.


York academic contributes to new report on men’s health which reveals disparities between most and least deprived areas in the UK

Posted on Wednesday 17 July 2024

A University of York academic has advised on a major new report on men’s health which highlights the disparities between the most and least deprived areas in the UK.


Plaice may have been most popular flatfish on dinner tables in medieval times

Posted on Monday 15 July 2024

Flatfish, such as plaice, turbot and sole, were regularly consumed as part of a medieval meal, according to analysis of fishbone remains found at archaeological sites across Europe.


History shows that humans are good for biodiversity… sometimes

Posted on Thursday 11 July 2024

Humans have been an important driver of vegetation change over thousands of years, and, in some places, had positive impacts on biodiversity, according to a new study.


New technology could open up gene therapies to more patients at less cost

Posted on Thursday 11 July 2024

A new technology aims to take gene therapies a step further, making it possible for the treatment to be used more widely, at lower cost, and with improved outcomes for patients.


New study to create assistance robots in breast screening patients with limited mobility

Posted on Thursday 11 July 2024

An assistance robot has the potential to support and help position a patient with paralysis or other mobility issues during breast screening procedures, research suggests.


New mathematical model sheds light on the absence of breastfeeding in male mammals

Posted on Thursday 27 June 2024

Being nursed by a single parent could be an evolutionary strategy to curb the spread of harmful microbes in mammals, according to a novel theory developed by mathematicians.


What will a UK dinner plate look like in 2054?

Posted on Wednesday 19 June 2024

Attitudes towards healthy diets could see insect proteins, including crickets, locusts, and grasshoppers becoming part of a more ‘flexitarian diet’ in 2054, say researchers.


Cost of diabetes to UK estimated at £14 billion, research shows

Posted on Wednesday 19 June 2024

Diabetes cost the UK almost £14 billion in 2021/22, including more than £10 billion in direct costs to the NHS, according to the findings of a new study which looked at the direct and indirect costs of the disease.


Fertility control for feral pigeons? Wildlife academics gather in York to debate using contraception to manage animal numbers

Posted on Thursday 13 June 2024

Leading wildlife academics from around the world are set to gather in York for a major workshop exploring how contraception could be used as a humane alternative to controlling animals that have widespread ecological and economic impacts.


Report reveals barriers to providing nutritious food in early years childcare settings

Posted on Tuesday 4 June 2024

Some nurseries are struggling to source healthy local food due to lack of funding and a workforce crisis, with some resorting to going to the local corner shop to buy lunches for children, according to the authors of a new report.


Lost in lockdown: Study reveals feeling isolated from others can warp our perception of time

Posted on Tuesday 4 June 2024

Feelings of loneliness and social isolation during the pandemic left many people confused about the order of events and struggling to remember what day of the week it was, a new study reveals.


Secrets of sargassum: Scientists advance knowledge of seaweed causing chaos in the Caribbean and West Africa

Posted on Monday 27 May 2024

Researchers have been working to track and study floating sargassum, a prolific seaweed swamping Caribbean and West African shorelines, and causing environmental and economic harm.


3D printing explores a ‘Wonder of Pollen’ in new partnership between the University of York and RHS Garden Harlow Carr

Posted on Thursday 23 May 2024

The world of pollen is being explored in a new way, using experimental 3D printing techniques in a pioneering partnership between the University of York and RHS Garden Harlow Carr.


Scientists team up with York Hospital to study DNA mutations behind blood cancers

Posted on Thursday 23 May 2024

Scientists from the University of York are working with doctors and patients at York Hospital to understand the DNA mutations linked to a group of chronic blood cancers, and investigate why, in some cases, they can suddenly become more aggressive.


Protection of saltmarshes is vital for climate change mitigation, researchers warn

Posted on Wednesday 22 May 2024

The UK’s saltmarshes are under threat from climate change, coastal erosion, and sea-level rise, according to a new study.


New drive to put parents and carers at heart of child poverty debate in Scotland

Posted on Monday 20 May 2024

The University of York and Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) are launching a drive to engage parents and carers from across Scotland to share their everyday experiences of living on a low income.


UK free school meal allowances not enough to provide healthy lunches, research reveals

Posted on Friday 17 May 2024

Students from lower-income backgrounds are struggling to buy healthy school lunches with free school meal allowances, a new study by the University of York has found.


Archaeologists excavate medieval timber hall at historic Skipsea site

Posted on Monday 13 May 2024

A team of archaeologists at the University of York have returned to Skipsea in East Yorkshire to excavate the remains of a medieval timber hall uncovered near the site of a Norman castle.


Bullying significant issue for young people in aftermath of eye cancer, study shows

Posted on Thursday 9 May 2024

Young people who have undergone successful treatment for eye cancer are often subject to bullying and require psychological support, a new study has revealed.


University of York agrees partnership with U.S company to “revolutionise” MRI technology

Posted on Wednesday 8 May 2024

The University of York is set to transform the landscape of MRI scans through a groundbreaking partnership with the innovative U.S-based tech company, Vizma.AI


Power imbalances and hierarchy prevent doctors from working effectively in teams, new research shows

Posted on Wednesday 8 May 2024

Doctors under pressure are being prevented from working effectively in teams by power imbalances and negative hierarchies, a new study has found.


Who rules the roost? New research reveals tots play key role in shaping the home environment

Posted on Tuesday 7 May 2024

Toddlers call the shots at home, according to new research, confirming what parents have long suspected.


York to co-lead £2.5m project to explore impact of justice system reform and funding cuts

Posted on Wednesday 1 May 2024

A new £2.5m project will explore the effects of significant funding cuts and major procedural reforms on our justice system over the past 15 years.


Report calls for urgent action to boost children’s mental health support through schools

Posted on Friday 26 April 2024

A new report sets out an evidence-based plan to improve the mental health of the one in five children in England with a probable mental health condition.


Climate change set to take over as key driver of biodiversity loss by 2050, experts warn

Posted on Thursday 25 April 2024

By mid-century climate change is set to become the primary cause of biodiversity loss, but there is still time to reduce the impact on global ecosystems and species, scientists say.


Conservation actions are effective at halting and reversing biodiversity loss, study reveals

Posted on Thursday 25 April 2024

Nature conservation is successful in halting and reversing biodiversity loss, according to the findings of a major new study co-authored by a University of York academic.


New research examines the risk of developing Long Covid

Posted on Thursday 25 April 2024

A new study carried out by researchers at the University of York suggests that on average 9% of people who catch COVID-19 may be at risk of developing Long Covid.


University of York awarded £1.1 million to lead the first stage of UK’s first comprehensive study on devolution and social security

Posted on Thursday 25 April 2024

The University of York will lead a new multi-institutional partnership to explore the differences in how social security is designed and delivered across different parts of the UK.


More hybrid and nature-based solutions are urgently needed to protect coastal communities from climate change

Posted on Wednesday 24 April 2024

Coastal areas can be better protected from the effects of climate change and rising sea levels if both nature-based solutions are combined with ‘hard’ coastal defences, a new study has found.


New butterfly species created 200,000 years ago by two species interbreeding

Posted on Thursday 18 April 2024

Researchers have shown that an Amazonian butterfly is a hybrid species, formed by two other species breeding together almost 200,000 years ago.


Children in the North at greater risk of entering care

Posted on Wednesday 17 April 2024

A new report has revealed the £25 billion burden placed on stretched services for children in care in the North of England.


Boreal forest and tundra regions worst hit over next 500 years of climate change, study shows

Posted on Monday 8 April 2024

The boreal forest, covering much of Canada and Alaska, and the treeless shrublands to the north of the forest region, may be among the worst impacted by climate change over the next 500 years, according to a new study.


Researchers developing ultra-sensitive blood test with potential to revolutionise diagnosis of Alzheimer’s

Posted on Thursday 4 April 2024

Researchers at the University of York are using light-based technology to develop a simple and cost-effective blood test for Alzheimer’s disease.


Attitudes to being an adult are shifting as traditional milestones become out of reach, new study finds

Posted on Wednesday 27 March 2024

Attitudes towards what it means to be an adult are shifting as traditional milestones such as marriage and parenthood become out of reach, a new study suggests.


Scientists uncover evidence that microplastics are contaminating archaeological remains

Posted on Thursday 21 March 2024

Researchers have for the first time discovered evidence of microplastic contamination in archaeological soil samples.


More evidence needed to understand consumer behaviour around no and low-alcoholic drinks

Posted on Tuesday 19 March 2024

There is not yet enough data on consumer behaviour around no-and-low alcoholic (NOLO) drinks to position them as the ‘healthy’ alternative to alcoholic beverages, say researchers.


Researchers call for support for traditional Nigerian bakeries to shift to clean energy to reduce deforestation

Posted on Tuesday 19 March 2024

Bakeries in Nigeria which use traditional open ovens fuelled by hardwood cut from local forests are contributing to rapid deforestation and climate change, according to a study from academics working in Nigeria and from the University of York and UCL.


Menopause explains why some female whales live so long

Posted on Wednesday 13 March 2024

Females of some whale species have evolved to live drastically longer lives so they can care for their families, new research involving a University of York academic shows.


York researchers receive funding to train scientists and engineers leading the way on fusion energy and net zero goals

Posted on Tuesday 12 March 2024

Researchers at the University of York will receive funding for three Centres of Doctoral Training (CDTs) from the UK’s biggest-ever investment in engineering and physical sciences doctoral skills.


Researchers set to tackle the growing wild boar problem with oral contraception in innovative wildlife fertility programme

Posted on Friday 8 March 2024

Wild boar are to be given oral contraception in a pioneering programme to control the numbers of an animal that is becoming an increasing problem around parts of Europe.


Loss of nature costs more than previously estimated, according to new study

Posted on Thursday 7 March 2024

Researchers propose that governments apply a new method for calculating the benefits that arise from conserving biodiversity and nature for future generations.


New dressing robot can ‘mimic’ the actions of care-workers

Posted on Monday 4 March 2024

Scientists have developed a new robot that can ‘mimic’ the two-handed movements of care-workers as they dress an individual.


New UK-wide project launched to transform the culture and practice of research supervision

Posted on Tuesday 27 February 2024

The £4.6m Next Generation Research SuperVision Project (RSVP) was officially launched today, celebrating the project’s ambition to enhance and provide consistency in the supervision of postgraduate research across the UK.


Butterflies mimic each other’s flight behaviour to avoid predators

Posted on Monday 26 February 2024

Researchers have shown that inedible species of butterfly, that mimic each other's colour patterns, have also evolved similar flight behaviours to warn predators and avoid being eaten.


Diagnosing endometriosis takes an average of almost 7 years, study shows

Posted on Thursday 22 February 2024

Endometriosis takes an average of 6.6 years to be diagnosed worldwide, with delays of up to 27 years reported in the UK, researchers at the University of York have found.


Research reveals GCSE results may have far-reaching impact on adult life

Posted on Thursday 22 February 2024

GCSE grades are a powerful predictor of future life outcomes, particularly for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, new research suggests.


Net zero policy risks making the poor poorer, according to new study

Posted on Wednesday 21 February 2024

The poorest 40 per cent of UK households will be most impacted by existing net zero policies, leading to further deprivation and exclusion, new research reveals.


Report calls for urgent changes to social security system to “lift one million from poverty overnight”

Posted on Wednesday 21 February 2024

A University of York academic has co-authored a report offering costed recommendations to alleviate poverty for one million people.


Could AI and robotics reduce emergency room waiting time?

Posted on Tuesday 20 February 2024

Scientists are investigating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to support medics in triaging patients that visit hospital emergency rooms.


University of York part of project to look at how AI could reshape the museum and heritage sector

Posted on Thursday 15 February 2024

AI could be responsibly used in the museum and heritage sector to enrich the way stories about human and natural history can be told, according to a University of York academic.


New research asks: what could motivate global action on climate change?

Posted on Tuesday 13 February 2024

With the window for climate action closing fast, scientists have posed the question: what would motivate people to change their behaviour?


York researchers to receive UKRI funding to transform solutions in food production, metal contamination and agricultural waste

Posted on Tuesday 13 February 2024

University of York researchers have won three awards under a new £100m Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council initiative to unlock the UK's Engineering Biology potential.


Green doesn’t always mean clean: cleaning products urgently need better regulation, researchers warn

Posted on Friday 9 February 2024

Many cleaning products labelled as “green” emit just as many harmful chemicals as regular products, new research has revealed.


Social media adverts impact vaping behaviours among young people, study shows

Posted on Thursday 8 February 2024

Viewing e-cigarette adverts and content on social media - often endorsed by celebrities and social media influencers - is fueling the popularity of vaping among young users, according to a study from researchers at the University of York.


New research reveals too many ‘broken promises’ in the fishing industry post-Brexit

Posted on Wednesday 7 February 2024

Rebuilding trust in fisheries governance will be vital in creating a sustainable industry post-Brexit, according to new research involving the University of York.


York academics collaborate on soundtrack of BAFTA-nominated film

Posted on Wednesday 7 February 2024

An academic from the University of York, who mixed the soundtrack to a short film about the healing power of knitting, has spoken of her pride after it was nominated for a prestigious BAFTA 2024 Best Short Animation Award.


Psychological care delivered over the phone is an effective way to combat loneliness and depression, according to a major new study

Posted on Thursday 1 February 2024

Depression and loneliness can be prevented using structured, telephone-based psychological care, delivered over eight weeks, according to new research.


Huge tsunami may have wiped out Stone Age communities in Northumberland, according to study

Posted on Thursday 25 January 2024

An enormous tsunami with gigantic waves reaching 20 metres submerged large parts of northern Europe and may have wiped out populations of people in Stone Age Britain, a new University of York study has discovered.


Urgent reform is needed to help prevent veterans’ homelessness, according to new report

Posted on Tuesday 23 January 2024

A new report calls for reform to help ex-Service personnel avoid homelessness and rough sleeping.


Trophy fishing, what’s the catch? Decline in record catches for threatened species, research shows

Posted on Friday 19 January 2024

New research mapping long-term international trends in trophy fishing has found declines in the number of record catches for threatened species, adding to a growing body of evidence that these types of fish and sharks are becoming increasingly scarce.


First prehistoric person with Turner syndrome identified from ancient DNA

Posted on Thursday 11 January 2024

Researchers have identified the first prehistoric person with mosaic Turner syndrome - characterised by one X chromosome instead of two - who lived about 2500 years ago.


University spin-out company to tackle rheumatoid arthritis

Posted on Tuesday 9 January 2024

A University of York spin-out company aims to produce a novel treatment created from engineered human stem cells in the fight against arthritic disease in both adults and children.


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