A study by Cranfield University found that almost all plant-based meat alternatives and beverages in the UK contained at least one mycotoxin, with multiple products containing more than one. The research highlights the need for effective mycotoxin management integrated within food safety standards.
New research from Cranfield University analyzed the environmental impact of fresh apples sold in the UK, finding that imports from water-stressed regions like South Africa and Spain have significantly higher water scarcity impacts. The study suggests regional sourcing can help manage trade-offs across the supply chain.
New research reveals that artificial light at night silently reshapes the carbon balance of entire continents by increasing ecosystem respiration but not photosynthesis. This has major implications for climate models and global carbon budgets, with potential effects on ecosystems, animal behavior, habitats, and natural patterns.
Researchers from Cranfield University discovered that ancient copper smelters at a 3000-year-old site in southern Georgia were using iron oxide as a flux to increase copper yield. This finding supports the theory that iron was invented by copper metalworkers, who experimented with iron-bearing materials in a metallurgical furnace.
A study published in Nature Water found that container-based sanitation significantly improves the quality of life for people living in urban slums in Kenya, Peru, and South Africa. The flexible alternative to traditional sanitation solutions enhances health, dignity, and well-being among vulnerable communities.
A new framework developed by Cranfield University aims to balance AI's benefits with safety and fairness concerns in disaster response. The study shows the framework outperforms human operators and conventional AI systems, providing 39% higher accuracy across various scenarios.
Researchers at Cranfield University have developed a DNA-free gene editing technique for raspberries, which could lead to the creation of more sustainable and resilient varieties. The new method uses CRISPR-Cas9 technology to edit the genome of raspberry protoplasts, resulting in faster breeding times and reduced food waste.
Researchers at Cranfield University are developing a faster and more efficient method for genetically engineering plants, bypassing tissue culture. The 'Fast-Track Crop Improvement' project aims to transform seeds and pollen directly, increasing the speed of crop improvement and opening up new possibilities for breeding and production.
A new low-cost, fast response sensor has been developed to detect lung cancer biomarkers, enabling early diagnosis and improved patient outcomes. The technology can identify patients at higher risk of lung cancer and tailor treatments for those already diagnosed.
Researchers at Cranfield University are working on a project to improve potato storage methods, reducing the need for chemicals and increasing storage duration. The goal is to develop new potato varieties and storage techniques that can help address food waste and support sustainable agriculture.
Researchers at Cranfield University used drone mapping to uncover a 3000-year-old mega fortress in the Caucasus, which was found to be significantly larger than initially thought. The site's complex structure and landscape evolution provide new insights into Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age societies.
Researchers used neutron tomography to analyze Iron Age bronze Iranian swords, detecting glue and modern tools used to alter their value. The study highlights the prevalence of modern tampering in antiquities trafficking, with implications for heritage crime and museum collections.
Researchers at Cranfield University have developed an innovative method for identifying biomarkers in wastewater using origami-paper sensors, enabling early detection of infectious diseases. The new test device is portable, fast, and cost-effective, making it a game-changer for public health measures.
Researchers at Cranfield University have developed two new methods to authenticate UK honey: one using Spatial Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) and the other employing DNA barcoding. The SORS method detects sugar syrups with high accuracy, while DNA barcoding identifies syrups even at low adulteration levels.
A new generation of ecological models is required to understand how ecosystems respond to global and local changes, says Dr Alice Johnston. These models must be widely applicable across environmental research to support policy decisions.
A new partnership has developed a functional safety sensing platform based on 3D ultrasound, providing an additional layer of safety and reliability for autonomous vehicles. The technology complements existing systems and enables vehicles to detect their surroundings in real-time, even in extreme conditions.
Researchers are developing solutions to reduce nitrogen fertilizer-related emissions and accelerate drought-resistant tea varieties. The trials will inform a new tea typology, enabling accurate carbon footprint calculation across the industry.
Cranfield University is leading a £69 million research and development project to demonstrate the potential of hydrogen as a net zero aviation fuel. The project, called Cranfield Hydrogen Integration Incubator (CH2i), will create a unique ecosystem to rapidly develop technology for sustainable aviation.
Cranfield University has secured over £25 million to establish two new Centres for Doctoral Training, focusing on advancing water security and net zero aviation. The centres will equip students with high-level skills and technologies to drive positive change in these critical areas.
Researchers at Cranfield University developed a revolutionary wave devouring propulsion technology, reducing fuel costs and enhancing marine craft propulsion. The innovative system harnesses the power of waves using a vessel's submerged flapping foils, offering a sustainable solution for the shipping industry.
The 'Surviving the Crisis Years' project aims to uncover why communities in southern Georgia were more resilient during the Bronze Age-Iron Age transition. The team will excavate a fortress site and analyze artefacts, animal remains, and social structures to understand this phenomenon.
Scientists found ceramic artefacts with wine residues from a Spanish olive jar dated between 1490-1520 AD on Isla de Mona, Puerto Rico. This discovery suggests that European wine was consumed by both Europeans and indigenous people shortly after the arrival of Spanish colonists.
Researchers at Cranfield University are developing a new generation of lithium-sulfur batteries that offer improved performance and reduced weight compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The technology has the potential to support electrification of short-haul aircraft, light goods vehicles, and passenger vehicles.
Researchers at Cranfield University found that leaving cabin doors open on passenger ships accelerates the spread of Covid-19. Closing doors limits the area affected by infected particles to within a seat's width.
A 2 MWel power plant will be built in Saudi Arabia, combining CSP and desalination techniques to achieve unprecedented efficiencies. The DESOLINATION project aims to provide low-cost renewable electricity and fresh water for the GCC region.
A research project by Cranfield University aims to explore the extent to which 'flexible furlough' has increased employer openness to part-time working. The study, funded by a £300,000 grant, will examine how businesses have used flexible furlough during the pandemic and its impact on perceptions of part-time work.
The Mains to Rains website aims to reduce water dependence in gardens by providing tips on saving water such as installing water butts and mulch. The site is part of a KTP between Cranfield and the RHS to promote improved water management practices.
Forensic archaeologists from Cranfield University are recovering the bodies of victims executed by the Franco regime during the Spanish Civil War. The team, working with partners and social anthropologists, aims to exhume and identify the remains of 26 people buried in a civil cemetery between 1939-1940.
The HyPER project aims to produce clean and versatile hydrogen, a vital compound for fertilisers, chemicals, and industry. The new pilot plant will demonstrate innovative hydrogen production technology reducing CO2 emissions by capturing carbon dioxide during the process.
A new two-year project aims to develop an agent-based modelling framework explicitly focusing on cyber security and privacy aspects of the MaaS ecosystem. The research will model important aspects of a real-world MaaS ecosystem, including cross-sector and cross-organisational interactions.
Research reveals that household water consumption shifted from predominantly morning usage to multiple peaks during the lockdown period. The study found a sharp increase in consumption in March and April, with the number of households in the multiple peak cluster rising by 93% between March and May.
Research from Cranfield University reveals that organisations can tap into the unique skills of neurodiverse employees, but fear of stereotyping holds them back. The study found that stereotype threat is a major barrier to hiring and retaining neurodiverse staff, highlighting the need for companies to create more inclusive workplaces.
A new study suggests that ecosystems respond differently to rising temperatures, with warmer climates showing a weaker effect on carbon respiration and cold climates experiencing an extreme rise. This finding has implications for climate change predictions and conservation efforts.
A new research project aims to improve air filtering in ambulances by mapping airflow patterns and installing effective filtration units. The project will provide flow maps from the ambulance interior under different driving conditions, enabling the optimised installation of filtration systems.
A leading academic expert, Dr Simon Harwood, is calling for a radical overhaul of the UK's approach to national security. He suggests creating a comprehensive resilience framework that not only identifies risks but also outlines steps to mitigate them.
Etihad Airways has joined the £65 million Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre (DARTeC) at Cranfield University to collaborate on reducing aircraft emissions, enhancing passenger experience, and increasing aircraft reliability. The airline brings expertise in sustainability and operational efficiency to the project.
The Imagining Futures project examines how cultural heritage and archives can enhance peace and prevent future conflict. The initiative will connect creators and institutions worldwide to co-create a new narrative, activating pasts and promoting co-existing memories.
Researchers at Cranfield University have developed a new method to disinfect air in hospitals and long-term care facilities using far-ultraviolet C lighting, increasing disinfection rates by 50-85%. The technology is safer than traditional UVC lighting and could provide an alternative solution to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
The Sustainable Innovation Fund will provide £191 million in support for industrial research projects focused on decarbonizing buildings. Cranfield University is committed to delivering Net Zero and sees this project as an opportunity to develop renewable cooling and heating systems.
A recent paper proposes three screening questions to help policymakers choose the best model for their problem, reducing confusion and increasing trust. This approach aims to bring clarity to the decision-making process, especially during times of crisis like Covid-19.
Two new research projects will explore the use of drones for medical delivery purposes in the UK, aiming to facilitate faster and more efficient movements of medical items. The projects, funded by Innovate UK, will focus on creating standard operational procedures for drone-enabled delivery operations.
The newly created position aims to pioneer research and educational offerings in 'transformational strategy', a novel approach that goes beyond traditional strategy techniques. The Chair will develop practical methods to support company boards in transforming their business models.
Scientists from around the world collaborated to develop digital tools to track, understand and predict COVID-19 effects. The Digital Sprint produced innovative solutions for Air Quality, Recovery, Ecosystem Services and Visualising Risk.
The Peterborough Integrated Renewables Infrastructure (PIRI) project aims to deliver a significant drop in CO2 emissions by 2030 while cutting energy bills by up to a quarter. The project combines a next-generation heat network, electricity network, and electric vehicle infrastructure under one smart holistic scheme.
New research finds that graphene flakes can attract water at their edges but repel it on their surface, making them a new generation of surfactant. This property allows graphene to stabilise oil and water mixtures, opening up possibilities for environmentally friendly extraction of minerals and crude oil.
Researchers at Cranfield University are exploring ways to detect and prevent insider threats, including bribed employees using internal tools. Their latest research focuses on analyzing employee reports to improve organizational security knowledge.
A Cranfield University team will monitor and analyze air quality levels within the region, utilizing sensor technology and data analytics to inform sustainable development plans. The study aims to mitigate the impact of growth on air quality, aligning with UK Government ambitions for a neutral or positive environmental gain.
Researchers advocate for a holistic approach to global resilience by integrating natural, human, social, built and financial capitals. The 'Five Capitals' framework aims to break down silos and anticipate risks more effectively.
The study found that COVID-19 will likely lead to a smaller, consolidated sector in the future, with full-service network carriers facing significant losses. Regional airlines may benefit from being able to adjust feeding capacity for larger carriers.
A new study by Cranfield University reveals that zinc alloys outperform aluminum and magnesium alloys in terms of sustainability and part lifespan. The research highlights the need for manufacturers to consider the environmental impact of their materials, even if cost is a consideration.