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Lancaster University


Promising ‘first’ in Alzheimer’s drug development

Researchers have developed a peptide inhibitor called RI-AG03 that effectively prevents Tau protein aggregation in lab and fruit fly studies. The breakthrough targets both major aggregation-promoting 'hotspots' of the Tau protein, potentially paving the way for more effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceLancaster University·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2024

Pollution drives families to relocate – but only the rich can afford to live in healthier areas

A new study finds that pollution levels significantly impact households' decision to relocate within the US, with poorer families being priced out of healthier areas. Richer households, on the other hand, opt for cleaner environments, earning more than average in their new communities.

SourceLancaster University·JournalEnvironmental and Resource Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2024

Women at risk of ‘digital overload’ – new research reveals

A new study by Lancaster University highlights that women are more likely than men to experience 'digital overload' and burnout due to their greater use of digital technologies in both work and family lives. The research emphasizes the need for gender-egalitarian work-from-home arrangements and policies to address this issue.

SourceLancaster University·JournalCommunity Work & Family·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 8, 2024

How researchers are using digital city-building games to shape the future

Lancaster University researchers develop new mapping technology to encourage public participation in urban planning. They modify 'Cities: Skylines' to create realistic cities and inform planning, allowing players to manage services and infrastructure. The study aims to increase citizen engagement through enjoyable gaming experiences.

SourceLancaster University·JournalActa Ludologica·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2024

Research to enable cheaper and safer battery storage

Researchers developed a unique electrochemical ultrasonic force microscopy (EC-UFM) technique to observe sodium-ion battery interfaces during operation. The new method guides passivating layer formation, preserving charge carrier transport and enhancing battery performance.

SourceLancaster University·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

Restored rat-free islands could support hundreds of thousands more breeding seabirds

Researchers found that removing invasive rats and restoring native vegetation could help bring back hundreds of thousands of breeding pairs of seabirds lost to tropical islands. The restored populations would have enough fish in the sea for them to hunt, supporting nearly 280,000 breeding pairs on islands with full vegetation restoration.

SourceLancaster University·JournalConservation Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 18, 2024

First effective treatment found for spitting cobra snakebite

Scientists have found an effective treatment for spitting cobra snakebites by blocking one of the major dermonecrosis-causing toxins with varespladib. The study suggests that this repurposed drug can prevent tissue damage and may become a valuable treatment against black-necked and red spitting cobra venoms.

SourceLancaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2024

New treatment target identified for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have identified PDE4B as a potential target for treating Alzheimer's disease, where reducing its activity shows promise in improving memory and glucose metabolism. The study suggests that this approach may also protect against other forms of dementia, such as Huntington's disease.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2024

Misinformation and irresponsible AI - experts forecast how technology may shape our near future

A study by Lancaster University forecasts exponential growth in Artificial Intelligence over the next 15 years, with experts warning of corners being cut in safe AI development. The experts also predict that advances in technology will make it harder to distinguish truth from fiction, with potential ramifications for democracies.

SourceLancaster University·JournalComputer·TypeSurvey·DateJan 24, 2024

Research explores why daughters in Chinese families of son preference fail to break from sustained exploitation

Research reveals Chinese families' strong son preference can lead to daughters' emotional and financial exploitation, causing severe mental health consequences. Daughters are socialized from birth to prioritize their family's needs over their own, resulting in feelings of debt and low self-esteem.

SourceLancaster University·JournalMarketing Theory·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 1, 2023

Front cover highlights "innovative approach" of research into 2D materials

Lancaster University researchers have developed a novel scanning thermal microscopy approach to directly measure the heat conductivity of two-dimensional materials. This breakthrough enables the creation of efficient waste heat scavengers generating cheap electricity, new compact fridges, and advanced optical and microwave sensors and ...

SourceLancaster University·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2023

Focus on state as ‘problem parent’ rather than care-experienced mothers – new research

Mothers with a criminal record and care experience face negative judgements and excessive scrutiny due to their 'known' status. The study emphasizes the need for supportive dialogue across disciplinary boundaries to break cycles of stigma and social care involvement, focusing on safe spaces and trust-building for care-experienced mothers.

SourceLancaster University·JournalThe British Journal of Criminology·TypeCase study·DateJul 10, 2023

Expanding large-scale agriculture is escalating flooding in the largest South American breadbasket

Large-scale agriculture is escalating flooding in the Argentinean Pampas by disrupting groundwater reserves, increasing flood coverage, and making precipitation-sensitive lands more vulnerable. This transformation has resulted in floods doubling their coverage and becoming more sensitive to changes in precipitation.

SourceLancaster University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2023

One in 15 in changed reported sexual identity over a six-year period, new UK survey study finds

A new UK survey study led by Lancaster University found that 6.6% of the population aged 16 and over changed their reported sexual identity over a six-year period. The research challenges the assumption that sexual identity mobility declines with age, revealing that it is as prevalent among over-65s as young people.

SourceLancaster University·JournalDemography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 12, 2023