New research at Aston University shows that mānuka honey's effectiveness against disease-causing bacteria cannot be attributed solely to its sugar content and methylglyoxal levels. The study identified additional bioactive compounds responsible for the antimicrobial activity, which may lead to the development of more effective honey-de...
Researchers developed a wearable device that measures blood flow through tiny vessels beneath the skin and associates it with mental health symptoms. The study found moderate success in distinguishing between people reporting stress-related symptoms and those who did not.
A new pan-European study identified the psychological and contextual factors that shape decision-making among healthcare professionals. The findings provide important insights into how behaviour change frameworks could support the uptake of new treatments, with the strongest lever being to shift intention to prescribe.
A new study by Aston University researchers suggests that positive crowd reactions like applause and laughter can make controversial political messages more acceptable to viewers. The research found that mixed laughter and booing were particularly damaging to the message, reducing ratings compared to other conditions.
An Aston University study has found that the public lacks a clear understanding of what constitutes 'social media', with varying opinions on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. The research highlights the importance of precise definitions to avoid ineffective regulation and protect vulnerable groups.
A new study co-led by Aston University researchers has found no association between prenatal paracetamol exposure and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The research analyzed electronic medical records from over 708,000 mother-child pairs in Hong Kong spanning two decades.
The UK's role in shaping global standards for technologies like AI, semiconductors, and internet infrastructure is crucial for industrial leadership. The report identifies five priorities to strengthen the UK's position, including investing in emerging standards domains and building a stronger longitudinal evidence base.
The partnership aims to bridge the gap between fundamental research and real-world deployment of neuromorphic computing technologies. Key findings include the development of proof-of-concept applications, scalable solutions, and training programs for skills development in this rapidly emerging field.
Researchers at Aston University have created an AI-based training method that enables robots to adapt to real-world conditions without extensive data collection. This breakthrough could significantly accelerate innovation in sustainable manufacturing, recycling, and autonomous industrial systems.
Researchers have developed a unified mathematical model explaining two types of 'breathing' solitons in ultrafast lasers, overcoming decades-old puzzle. The new framework accurately predicts complex behaviors and reveals underlying mechanisms.
The team will use SPARK THE MIDLANDS programme to advance healthcare research and develop a minimally invasive cancer-killing paste. The paste, made from gallium-doped bioglass, has shown a 99% success rate of eliminating cancerous cells and regenerating diseased bones.
Professor Patricia Thornley, a renowned expert in sustainable energy and clean technologies, has been appointed as the new chief scientific adviser to the Department for Transport. She will leverage her three decades of experience to inform evidence-based policy and drive innovation across the transport system.
A study by Aston University academics found that while access to antiseizure medication is expanding globally, it's not always prescribed safely. Valproate, widely used, poses significant risks during pregnancy, including birth defects and neurodevelopmental problems.
A new report by Aston University researcher Dr Patrycja Rozbicka suggests a lack of public transport is holding back the West Midlands' night-time economy. The study found that many events end at 23:00 with little public transport provision, making ride-sharing services like Uber unavailable in some towns.
Aston University is part of a UK-wide project creating low-carbon energy from waste steam produced by nuclear plants. The METASIS 2.0 project aims to lower the demand for expensive electrical power by partially replacing it with waste heat, using solid oxide steam electrolysers.
Aston University researcher Dr Aleksandr Donodin has received £625,000 to explore fibre-optic networks and reduce power consumption in data centers. The project aims to cut power consumption by 30–50% per bit, enabling faster data transmission rates.
Researchers developed a real-time dashboard for monitoring biomass, carbon stocks and energy demand at a local level. This allows for targeted interventions, saving millions of shillings by preventing deforestation and reducing future energy crises.
Victims of enforced disappearances experience prolonged uncertainty and ambiguous loss, leading to chronic depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Mental health professionals lack clear guidance on treating these cases, highlighting a need for evidence-based treatments and policy changes.
New research from Aston University suggests that parents can help promote healthy eating in their children by creating structure and independence around mealtime. The study recommends prioritizing health, maintaining a calm atmosphere during meals, and setting regular meal times to encourage supportive feeding practices.
A collaboration between Aston University and RAD Global developed pioneering cold storage boxes to keep food fresh without grid electricity. The RADiCool system extends the safe selling window for fish from 12 to 24 hours, reducing waste and improving livelihoods.
Top ten errors identified by Dr Dan Green include incorrect causal language, poorly formatted abstracts, and statistical analysis sections with inaccurate or incomplete details. The article provides recommendations for researchers to avoid these common mistakes and advance a transparent and reproducible research world.
Dry eye disease affects one-third of adults and one-in-five children, causing discomfort and blurred vision. A new app, MyDryEye, has been developed with optimized blinking exercises that have been shown to decrease symptom severity and frequency, with participants experiencing improved symptoms within two weeks.
Researchers at Aston University have developed a new class of ultralow loss optical microresonators that can be widely tunable and precisely controlled. The devices, formed at the intersection of two optical fibers, hold potential applications in communication, computing, sensing and more.
Aston University researchers are investigating the use of AI in creating greener cities, exploring policy tools to reduce emissions and optimize transportation. The project aims to develop decision-support tools for policymakers to improve urban infrastructure management and reduce environmental hazards.
A new UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing will be led by Aston University and funded by EPSRC. The centre aims to develop brain-inspired computing technologies to address digital infrastructure's sustainability challenges, leveraging collaborations with industry partners.
Researchers found that 90% of participants had at least one sign of dry eye disease, with significant progression after one year. The study highlights the need for early detection and advice on managing the condition through simple methods such as taking screen breaks and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
A new report from Aston University estimates the economic fallout from six US trade tariff scenarios, highlighting vulnerabilities for the UK and potential opportunities for trade diversification. The report calls on policymakers to develop a pragmatic approach to balance short-term gains with long-term stability.
A new study by Aston University found that self-efficacy significantly influences both positive and counterproductive workplace behaviors. Employees with higher self-efficacy are more likely to engage in citizenship performance and resist unethical actions.
Researchers have experimentally confirmed complex synchronisation patterns in oscillatory systems, including leaf-like structures and gaps representing unsynchronised states. This breakthrough builds on previous studies using breathing-soliton lasers to explore nonlinear dynamics.
Aston University has secured over £540,000 to train early career researchers from Jordan, Thailand, and the Philippines on sustainability challenges. The programme will equip academics with expertise to solve major sustainable development challenges through industrial mentoring and support.
A new analysis of 105-year-old data found that while dazzle camouflage had some effect, the 'horizon effect' had a much greater influence on confusing enemy ships. The study, led by Aston University researchers, showed that when people looked at a ship in the distance, they significantly underestimated its direction of travel.
Dr. Jonathan Cox warns of the dangers of raw sewage in UK coastal waters, highlighting the risk of gastrointestinal, respiratory, and skin infections to vulnerable groups. He advocates for checking water quality before visiting beaches and praises efforts like the Safer Seas and Rivers Service to combat pollution.
Researchers at Aston University and the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital are developing an injectable paste using gallium-doped bioglass to treat bone cancer. The substance has anticancer and bone regenerative properties, showing a 99% success rate in eliminating cancerous cells.
A recent study by Aston University and University of Leipzig scholars found that workaholism can interfere with moral self-regulation and subsequent ethical behavior in organizations. This leads to employee silence on unethical practices, threatening organizational sustainability.
Aston University has signed a memorandum of understanding with Mapúa University in the Philippines to explore joint academic programs, research projects, and events. The agreement marks a significant step in Aston's global commitment to sustainability, building on its existing experience in the country.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that a computer-generated breathing coach was perceived as likable and trustworthy by 73% of participants, with 76% finding it easy to use. The researchers aim to investigate the virtual coach using 3D immersive VR technology in future studies.
Researchers developed two low-resource sessions to improve PCC staff wellbeing, focusing on social support, self-belief, and feedback. Feedback from staff was positive, with high satisfaction and feasibility ratings.
Preschool wheeze affects 30-40% of children under six, causing significant morbidity and healthcare costs. The UK has the second-highest prevalence in Europe, with inconsistent terminologies used by doctors contributing to diagnostic challenges.
Researchers will focus on harnessing waste heat and renewable energy sources to power clean cooling technologies. The project aims to address the growing environmental impact of cooling in various industries, with demand expected to multiply in the coming years.
Aston University researcher has developed a new technique harnessing Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) light to improve imaging and data transmission through skin and biological tissues. The OAM-based approach shows unmatched sensitivity and accuracy, paving the way for non-invasive medical diagnostics and imaging.
A study of over 1,329 adults and 1,907 caregivers found that two-thirds of adults with food allergies and three-quarters of adult caregivers reported psychological distress related to food allergy. The biggest barrier to access to psychological help was cost, highlighting the need for free or low-cost support.
Researchers at Aston University have created a potential treatment for bone cancer using gallium-doped bioactive glasses, which has shown a 99% success rate in killing osteosarcoma cells. The therapy also promotes early stages of bone formation and regenerates diseased bones.
Aston University researcher has developed a new method of analysing crystals in dehydrated blood samples using polarisation-based image reconstruction technique. The technique showed a 90% accuracy rate for early diagnosis and classification of cancer, making it less traumatic and risky for patients.
A new study at Aston University found that parents' eating styles can shape their children's eating behavior, with parents who exhibit 'avid' or 'avoidant' eating patterns more likely to pass on similar traits. The research suggests that parents can help create a healthy food environment by modeling balanced eating habits.
Researchers found that politicians' affiliative smiles increased happiness and affinity in supporters, while reward smiles had a limited effect. The study highlights the importance of non-verbal cues in politics.
Researchers found that participants who followed healthy eating Instagram accounts ate an extra 1.4 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, compared to those in the control group. The study suggests that exposure to positive social norms on social media can encourage higher consumption of fruit and vegetables.
Researchers at Aston University discovered that experienced Ordnance Survey mapmakers and novices interpret aerial images differently. The experts rely on stereoscopic cues, while novices focus on lighting cues, leading to improved performance through repeated exposure and perceptual learning.
Researchers at Aston University will explore gel electrolyte materials to improve lithium-ion batteries' safety and environmental sustainability. The project aims to replace harmful components with renewable ionogels, addressing the need for scalable methods of storing electrical energy.
Researchers at Aston University have discovered that aging skin exhibits distinct optical properties under polarised laser light. This finding could lead to the development of non-invasive light-based techniques for early detection and monitoring of skin conditions, including cancer.
The UK is heavily exposed to the electric vehicle (EV) revolution due to its critical dependency on battery imports, with imports exceeding exports by 10.5 times. The Aston University report outlines a four-point plan to fortify the UK's presence in the global EV market.