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Cardiff University


Research aims to improve safety at sea

The Cardiff University Research Unit aims to inform policy makers and prevent accidents by focusing on the human element of seafaring. With £500,000 funding from Lloyd's Register, the unit will draw on expertise within the Seafarers' International Research Centre.

Land Regeneration Network celebrates first year success

The Land Regeneration Network has achieved rapid membership growth, now standing at 1250 individuals from 890 companies and organisations across Wales. The network provides a high-quality information resource and business networking events, contributing to the growing demand for clear technical information in the environmental sector.

Research aims to improve nation's health

The Cardiff Institute of Society, Health and Ethics aims to produce high-quality evidence to address health inequalities and improve public health in Wales. The institute will focus on tackling issues such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and urinary disorders through community-based initiatives and research.

New centre a boost for sustainable business

The new centre aims to help firms adopt sustainable practices through research on advanced technologies, miniaturisation, and waste minimisation. It will also explore shared and collaborative logistics, warehousing, and transport systems to achieve sustainable economics for the manufacturing industry.

Single parents slip through the advice net

Research reveals that single parents struggle with a range of legal and social welfare problems, including debt, contact, benefits, and child maintenance. Many experience significant challenges in accessing help, with 32% facing violence or harassment problems and 34% finding it impossible to get access to benefits.

Partnership will boost maritime research

The partnership aims to improve human resource development and create an international network of social scientists working on maritime issues. Students from developing countries in Asia and Japan will be awarded scholarships to pursue Masters of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

Latest exploration tools for University students

Cardiff University is introducing students to state-of-the-art software for interpreting three-dimensional seismic data, enabling deeper study of the earth's structure. The new technology has already helped identify a meteor impact crater off the Yorkshire coast and aims to reduce risk and cost in oil exploration.

Experts to boost low-cost broadband access

A Cardiff University team is designing and planning infrastructure for a pan-European wireless broadband network to provide affordable universal broadband access. The project aims to deliver low-cost services with negligible environmental impact, benefiting both citizens and businesses.

Brain Centre gives Wales a world lead

The new centre will combine functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) to study brain processes involved in everyday mental tasks. Research at the centre may lead to improved treatments for conditions like strokes, multiple sclerosis, and schizophrenia.

UK needs more seafarers

A study by Cardiff University predicts a current annual shortfall of UK ex-seafarers as much as 112. This shortage could lead to higher wage bills for shipping companies, reduced quality of employment, and less incentive to train cadets. The shipping industry has traditionally supplied skilled labor to shore-based industries.

Comets spread Earth-life around galaxy, say scientists

Researchers from Cardiff University suggest that a large comet impact could throw material containing micro-organisms out of the planet's atmosphere, infecting hundreds of millions of nascent planetary systems. This viable bacterial outflow would survive heat and radiation, ultimately spreading Earth-life across the galaxy.

SourceCardiff University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 10, 2004

Severn Estuary success in Europe

The Severn Estuary Partnership has received £150,000 funding to improve and develop sustainable access to and around the estuary. The project aims to boost local economies by promoting local produce and enhance nature conservation values.

Astronomers unravel a mystery of the Dark Ages

Astronomers have discovered a possible link between a comet impact in the 6th century and the 'Dark Ages.' The comet's debris caused a prolonged cold period, similar to a nuclear winter, resulting in crop failures and widespread starvation. A small comet size was needed to cause such dramatic effects.

SourceCardiff University·JournalAstronomy & Geophysics·DateFeb 3, 2004

School controversy explored

The book examines how parental preferences influence the mix and quality of secondary schools, offering practical recommendations for policies on social justice and school improvement. It's based on a comprehensive analysis of figures from all schools in England and Wales over 13 years.

University partnership boost for company

The project implemented a vision system to improve part inspection, introduced a computerised quality management system to enhance efficiency, and installed a co-ordinate measuring machine for fast measurements. These new systems have had wide-reaching benefits for the company, improving production processes and staff working conditions.

Experts use technology to research the past

A new three-year project makes 500 mid-Victorian wood engraved illustrations available as a searchable digital web database. The database will include books published in 1862, featuring significant authors like Trollope, and provide insights into 19th-century cultural history and artistic styles.

Is this what killed the dinosaurs?

Researchers suggest a similar eruption under the Indian Ocean before the dinosaurs' extinction had a devastating impact on the environment. The eruptions were caused by mantle plumes, which can last between one and two million years and eject over 1 million cubic kilometers of lava.

Understanding the impact of genetic technology

The Centre for Economic and Social Aspects of Genomics (CESAGen) will research the impact of genomics on society, focusing on economics, innovation, ethics, regulation, risk, and responsibility. Researchers will study genetic technologies, their applications in clinical settings, and public understanding.

Smoking supernovae

Researchers from Cardiff University and the Royal Observatory Edinburgh found that some supernovae belch out huge quantities of cosmic dust. This discovery suggests that supernovae were responsible for producing the first solid particles in the Universe, shedding light on the origin of our planet.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature·DateJul 16, 2003

Data will not go to waste

Researchers at Cardiff University are launching a survey to gather detailed data on commercial and industrial waste arisings in Wales. The survey will question 2,400 businesses across the country, providing valuable insights into waste generation and management practices.

Engineering a solution to waste crisis

Cardiff University researchers are conducting large-scale experiments to generate compost from municipal waste, aiming to reduce landfill gas emissions and save soil quality. By actively managing the composting process, they can produce high-quality compost in just eight weeks, compared to a year under traditional methods.

Partners seek city's footprint

A partnership between Cardiff University and the city council aims to determine the Welsh capital's ecological footprint, providing valuable data for planners to link economic growth and environmental protection. The study will help reduce the city's footprint in areas such as transport, energy, waste, and resource use.

Public duped by media over vaccine, says report

Researchers found nearly half of British public disagree with media coverage of MMR vaccine concerns, emphasizing the importance of balanced reporting. The study also highlights the need for journalists to approach minority voices within science with caution, particularly when dealing with alarming research.

Does television news turn people off politics?

A study of TV news reports in Britain and US reveals that polls are rarely used to represent public opinion, instead relying on unverified claims and non-ideological citizen representations. This may lead to a disengaged citizenry, as politicians are often left to offer solutions without public input.

Breakthrough in fight against infection misery

A team of researchers has developed a new method to prevent urinary catheter infections, which affects millions worldwide. By using a mild triclosan solution to inflate the balloon holding the catheter, they have successfully eliminated bacterial growth and blockages, offering a promising solution to this long-standing problem.

SourceCardiff University·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 7, 2003

New protein will help fight inflammation

Scientists at Cardiff University have developed a new protein to help manage acute infection and inflammation. The protein has been jointly investigated by Dr Simon Jones and Dr Nicholas Topley for several years, revealing its potential in treating chronic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and bacterial peritonitis.

Crucial advice for lone parents - new help on way

Researchers from Cardiff University are conducting a £70,000 study to understand the advice needs of lone parents, who often struggle with income, housing, and childcare support. The study aims to identify barriers to access and advice for these families, shedding light on crucial issues that require attention.

Public strong on opinions – weaker on knowledge

A study by Cardiff University found that the British public is strong on opinions about scientific issues like climate change and biotechnology but weak on actual knowledge. The survey revealed that people's trust in sources like scientists and media outlets is low, suggesting a need for more effective communication strategies.

A 'first' for Parkinson's disease sufferers

A new Medicines Information Helpline has been launched in the UK to provide independent expert advice on medicines for patients with Parkinson's disease. The helpline, staffed by experienced pharmacists, aims to address the need for reliable information on medication management for this growing population.

Enzyme could aid cancer fight

Researchers have found that a gene repair mechanism called MBD4 enzyme can reduce gene mutations in mice, which are up to three times more common without the enzyme. This discovery may aid in understanding how cancer develops and finding new treatments.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScience·DateJul 18, 2002

Creating better businesses

The BRASS Centre will focus on research in social, ethical, and environmental impact of business. It aims to enhance business practice, improve legislation, and public policy initiatives by creating a greater understanding of sustainability, accountability, and social responsibility.