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Lancaster University


3D internal structure of rechargeable batteries revealed for the first time

Researchers pioneered a technique to observe the 3D internal structure of rechargeable batteries, enabling direct observation of the solid electric interface (SEI) and its progression. The study reveals key predictors of SEI layer formation in a complex interplay of molecular dimensions, surface properties, and solvent interactions.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2023

How mums are taking the lead in shaping children’s education – new study

A new global study found that mother's educational status is increasingly important in shaping children's educational status, while father's educational status has declined. The research challenges traditional assumptions on social mobility and highlights the need for a gender-sensitive approach to measuring intergenerational mobility.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 8, 2023

Experts demand fire safety policy change over health impact of widely used flame retardants

Experts call for a comprehensive review of UK's fire safety regulations to address the environmental and health risks of chemical flame retardants. The chemicals are found in various products, including furniture and building materials, and have been linked to health risks such as cancer and DNA damage.

SourceLancaster University·JournalEnvironment International·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 27, 2023

A new model of palliative care to empower communities in Africa

A culturally appropriate model of end-of-life care is being developed in Ghana to address the scarcity of palliative care in low-resource communities. COMPASS Ghana aims to provide universal end-of-life care by the end of the decade, utilizing a compassionate community approach that involves patients and caregivers in care provision.

SourceLancaster University·JournalBMJ Supportive & Palliative Care·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2023

Invasive rats transform reef fish behavior

Scientists found that invasive black rats transform reef fish behavior, causing changes in territorial patterns and nutrient cycles. The presence of rats disrupts the nutrient cycle by reducing seabird populations and nutrients deposited onto islands.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2023

Egyptian mothers’ employment early in children’s life help their daughters stay in work

Research by Lancaster University found that Egyptian mothers' employment during their daughter's adolescence has a long-lasting impact on their daughters' employment stability in adulthood. Employed mothers are more effective role models and bolsters daughters' aspirations, leading to stable public sector employment.

SourceLancaster University·JournalSex Roles·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 29, 2022

A win, win, win for dairy production in East Africa

A new study reveals that adopting high-yielding dairy cattle breeds and improving feed can help Tanzania increase milk production while reducing planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions and alleviating poverty. The research found that better feed can increase milk yield by up to 179% and improve the country's climate commitments.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 16, 2022

Access to media amplifies negative effects of terrorism on school enrolment in Kenya

New research by Lancaster University and Bocconi University finds that Kenyan parents with access to mass media believe the risk of dying in a terrorist attack is 12 times larger than actual rates. This leads to children being kept out of schools, affecting their education and future earnings.

SourceLancaster University·JournalJournal of the European Economic Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2022

We need to stop thinking of insects as ‘creepy crawlies’ and recognise their keystone role in ecosystems, say scientists

A new paper highlights the crucial role insects play in ecosystems, including pollination, food sources, and mental health benefits. The authors advocate for a shift in public perception of insects, citing government inaction on biodiversity policy, and outline strategic priorities to support insect conservation.

SourceLancaster University·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 25, 2022

Millions of people are missing out on their fair share of the $424 billion aquatic food industry

A new study found that social, economic and political barriers hinder the global distribution of the $424 billion aquatic food industry's benefits. The study calls for policies to ensure equitable access to this sector, which supports both welfare-based benefits like jobs and affordable nutrition, as well as wealth-based benefits.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Food·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 2022

How the smell of food can enable “time travel”

Researchers at Lancaster University found that 3D printed flavor-based cues can stimulate rich sensory accounts and strong emotional connections in older adults, recalling memories from their youth. This technology has potential applications for dementia care, allowing individuals to relive cherished moments through the power of smell.

SourceLancaster University·JournalHuman-Computer Interaction·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

New evidence shows planting around school playgrounds protects children from air pollution

A new study published in Scientific Reports shows that selectively planting vegetation between roads and playgrounds can cut toxic air pollution reaching school children. Western red cedar tredges were found to be most effective at capturing particulate matter, with almost half of black carbon and 46% of fine particles eliminated.

SourceLancaster University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2022

New Antarctic study shows levels of ‘forever chemicals’ reaching the remote continent have been increasing

New evidence from Antarctica shows toxic fluorinated forever chemicals have increased markedly in recent decades, with scientists believing CFC-replacements are a likely source. The most abundant chemical discovered was perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), which has been linked to human exposure and immune system impairment.

SourceLancaster University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 28, 2022

Amazon landscape change study highlights ecological harms and opportunities for action

A major Amazon study reveals ecological threats, including deforestation, but also opportunities for sustainability through actions like halting deforestation and protecting secondary forests. Researchers found biodiversity and carbon storage gains from allowing mature secondary forests to regrow.

SourceLancaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2022

Foreign fishing fleets and trade are taking fish nutrients away from malnourished people

A new study reveals that foreign fishing fleets and international seafood trade are taking fish nutrients away from malnourished populations, exacerbating nutrition insecurity. The research found that over 60% of countries receive net gains in fish-derived nutrients through international trade, while a third have net losses.

SourceLancaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 23, 2022

How picking up your smartphone could reveal your identity

Researchers found that smartphone app usage patterns can be used to identify individuals with over 30% accuracy. The study analyzed data from 780 people and showed consistent patterns in application usage behaviors on a day-to-day basis. This highlights the potential risks to privacy when using apps automatically collected by smartphones.

SourceLancaster University·JournalPsychological Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 17, 2022

Insight into the genetics of autism offers hope for new drug treatments

Researchers at Lancaster University have identified a genetic change that impacts insulin signaling and glucose metabolism in the brain, which may lead to effective drug treatments for autism. The study found that individuals with a specific DNA deletion are more likely to develop neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism.

SourceLancaster University·JournalAutism Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 10, 2022

Physicist solves century old problem of radiation reaction

A physicist at Lancaster University has suggested an alternative approach to calculate radiation reaction, which has sparked controversy. The proposed method considers the effects of many charged particles on each other's fields, rather than self-interaction, leading to new insights into energy and momentum conservation.

SourceLancaster University·JournalJournal of Physics A Mathematical and Theoretical·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 25, 2022

Mass production of revolutionary computer memory moves closer with ULTRARAM™ on silicon wafers for the first time

Researchers have successfully demonstrated ULTRARAM¼trade mark computer memory on silicon wafers for the first time, combining non-volatility with speed and energy-efficiency. The technology outperforms previous incarnations, offering data storage times of at least 1000 years and fast switching speeds.

SourceLancaster University·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022

Nuclear radiation used to transmit digital data wirelessly

Researchers at Lancaster University successfully transferred digitally encoded information wirelessly using nuclear radiation, achieving 100% successful transmission tests. This novel approach uses fast neutrons, which can penetrate materials like metals, making it ideal for safety-critical scenarios and emergency rescue operations.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A Accelerators Spectrometers Detectors and Associated Equipment·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2021

Men experience more emotional pain during breakups

A new study of online relationship support finds that men tend to experience emotional pain more than women when their relationship takes a turn for the worse. The study analyzed over 184,000 people who posted their relationship problems online and found that communication problems were the #1 most frequent issue, with nearly 1 in 5 pe...

SourceLancaster University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2021

Four reasons why businesses won't adopt reusable packaging – and one way to address them all

A new study by Lancaster University identifies four major concerns that hinder the adoption of reusable packaging: affordability, digitalization challenges, regulatory hurdles, and data collection limitations. To address these concerns, researchers propose implementing a track and trace system using unique barcodes to enable businesses...

SourceLancaster University·JournalSustainable Production and Consumption·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2021