Researchers have discovered a common genetic link between autism and Tourette's Syndrome, which impairs brain communication. Ketamine or related drugs may be a useful treatment for both conditions.
A £2.5M project is developing a less costly method to trap large amounts of sand flies, reducing the number of infected dogs and subsequent human cases of Leishmaniasis. The synthetic male pheromone lure-and-kill method shows promising results in reducing female sand fly abundance by 49%.
Researchers at Lancaster University have developed a new AI diagnostic tool for breast cancer using Raman spectroscopy to identify unique chemical fingerprints of different types of breast cancers. The algorithm successfully predicted diagnostic patterns for four subtypes with high accuracy, ranging between 70% and 100%.
The introduction of electronic patient records in a Saudi Arabian hospital led to changes in the division of labor between physicians and nursing staff. As a result, staff had to improvise their actions to ensure continued patient safety, often requiring complex renegotiations to re-establish professional boundaries.
Scientists have linked the surge in Amazon fires this summer to large increases in deforestation, with August's active fire counts three times higher than in 2018. Deforestation is often followed by fire, and evidence from NASA satellites shows a significant upturn in both active fire counts and deforestation in 2019.
Researchers developed a 'metaphor menu' to help patients describe cancer, avoiding disempowering language. The tool offers quotes and expressions for different stages of illness, targeting patients, carers, and doctors.
A new research project aims to improve natural disaster emergency preparedness and response in countries badly affected by earthquakes, flooding, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. The RESPOND-OR project will investigate issues relating to emergency response management of large-scale natural disasters in Indonesia and Sudan.
Research from Lancaster University and other institutions found that collaborations between stakeholders up and down the value chain improve firm innovativeness and enhance new product performance. This helps firms respond to emerging technological trends and changes, increasing adaptability and competitiveness.
A joint study by Lancaster and Sheffield Universities found that language proficiency significantly impacts students' performance in science assessments. The study analyzed the performance of 485 students, both English native speakers and English-language learners, on standardized science tasks.
A new study analyzing diversity across an Australasian reef reveals that coral species richness at different depths is unrelated to energy availability. Despite the expectation of greater diversity in shallower waters due to increased sunlight, the research found that coral diversity was highest at depths of between 15 and 20 metres.
New research reveals that daylight hours are the key factor in starting Africa's iconic 'green-up' phenomenon, where plants and trees grow their leaves. The study found shorter daylight hours before the growing season resulted in later vegetation growth.
A new study found that using Napier grass as a nutrient-rich animal fodder can intensify small-scale dairy farming while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research modelled the impact of three scenarios for feeding diets to dairy cows in Kenya, and found that only the Napier grass diet reduced overall emissions by 2.5%.
A new study has discovered a non-invasive method to diagnose osteoarthritis by detecting high-frequency sounds from knee joint components, showing promise for improved diagnosis and personalized treatment plans. The technique involves attaching small microphones to knees and analyzing sound waveforms during movement phases.
Research by Lancaster University finds that family-related considerations often trump a desire to grow among firms with multiple generations of the same family in senior roles. Non-active family members as major shareholders and non-family members on boards encourage growth, while active family members are more conservative and risk-av...
Researchers at Lancaster University created a nano-electronic circuit that vibrates on its own when given an electrical current, generating motion directly from the energy. The carbon nanotube wire used in the device oscillated at frequencies too high for human hearing, producing sound waves equivalent to an A string pitched 21 octaves...
A study from Lancaster University and the University of Hagen found that parties with less stake in an issue tend to adopt extreme policy positions when creating election pledges. This is because they are more likely to pander to voters by offering attractive but potentially radical solutions. In contrast, parties with strong interests...
New research from Lancaster University and Heriot-Watt University reveals that Ethiopian parents' attempts to level the playing field for disadvantaged children by investing more in education are ultimately ineffective. The study found that even with greater investments, low-ability outcomes persist later in childhood.
Researchers found that Manchester-based indie music fans define their musical tastes around specific places like cafes, live music venues, and neighbourhoods. The study highlights the importance of experience in shaping musical tastes and suggests that where people live plays a significant role in forming associations with certain genres.
New research finds that millions of people worldwide are suffering from micronutrient deficiencies, which can be reduced by increasing access to fish caught near their homes. The study suggests that current fishing practices and trade in seafood are standing between malnourished populations and the nutrients they need.
The study found that job sharing opens up the talent pipeline, increasing potential candidates for higher-level posts. It also enables women to remain in or be recruited to senior management roles with valued working flexibility.
A new Mersey barrage concept proposes a holistic approach to tidal energy projects, incorporating benefits such as transport links, tourism, and habitat creation. The design aims to balance environmental concerns with economic opportunities.
Research from Lancaster University found that assessment forms for disabled computer allocation schemes often ignored actual preferences, instead relying on pre-set organisational goals. This led to marginalisation of disabled people, with some receiving computers despite not fitting criteria.
New research shows software firms tend to set up close to established businesses, creating clusters that persist due to the ready supply of skilled employees. This clustering leads to sustained employment in certain areas, but does not necessarily result in increased profitability.
Research at Lancaster University finds that women in veterinary practice face persistent sexism and stereotypes, limiting their career progress. Despite outnumbering men, women are underrepresented in senior roles and often struggle to be taken seriously due to biases about family commitments.
A new research project aims to develop touchscreens with more realistic interactions, enabling users to physically push their fingers into screens or feel different materials. The project promises a step-change in touchscreen technology, potentially benefiting visually impaired people and offering new ways of interacting with devices.
Research found that users switch between activities on social media platforms to cope with stress, leading to increased technology addiction. Users often use the same features to divert themselves from stress, blurring the line between stress caused and compulsive use.
Japanese family firms have found ways to keep centuries-old mottos relevant for decades, using strategies like elaborating, recovering, and decoupling to balance continuity with change. These methods help maintain a sense of purpose and responsiveness to competitive conditions.
Twin beds were initially adopted for their supposed health benefits in the late 19th century, later becoming a symbol of modernity among middle-class couples. Despite this, their popularity waned by the 1960s as attitudes towards intimacy and hygiene shifted.
A recent study by Lancaster University suggests that streaming services need to prioritize family collaborations and personalized viewing experiences to maintain customer loyalty. Families who work together to choose TV packages, master technologies, and plan viewings derive more value from their subscriptions.
The study reveals that non-cognitive skills such as conscientiousness and self-esteem play a significant role in determining graduate earnings. Graduates from STEM subjects tend to earn more than those from Arts subjects, while those from elite institutions also have higher earning potential. The research emphasizes the importance of c...
Researchers developed a simulator mimicking human torso behavior to test new back brace designs without human testing. The rig allows for optimized constraint of specific motions while enabling other movements, potentially reducing discomfort and improving spine stability.
Research from Lancaster University shows that SMEs with a higher proportion of graduates are more likely to foster a culture of innovation. Effective support is needed for SMEs to employ graduates, including funding for graduate placements and internships, grants for graduate salaries, and management training opportunities.
A team of computer scientists created a prototype kit called BlocKit to help people understand how blockchain works and can be used. The kit, made from everyday objects, represents 11 key aspects of blockchain infrastructure and was evaluated in a study involving experienced Bitcoin users.
A new breakthrough in sensor technology uses a one-molecule-thick coating to improve detection of diseases and detect doping in sports. The coating, based on beta-cyclodextrin, produces sensors around ten times more sensitive than existing ones, allowing for earlier diagnosis and detection at lower concentrations.
Social prescribing can be an effective means of integrating people into work, but cultural and practical barriers must be addressed. Additional funding and expertise are needed to fill a gap in capacity and provide training for social prescribing practitioners to develop the relevant expertise.
New research published in Journal of Business Finance & Accounting reveals a link between non-compliance with securities laws and future GAAP violations. Firms that breach non-accounting related laws are more likely to report multiple accounting restatements.
Researchers found that at least one bystander intervenes in every public fight to help the victim, with increasing numbers leading to more interventions. The study, which analyzed CCTV footage from three cities, suggests that intervention is a human universal and can be encouraged through crime prevention efforts.
Scientists have discovered 56 new subglacial lakes in Greenland, expanding our knowledge of lake distribution and behavior under the ice sheet. The newly identified lakes are relatively stable but may become active as climate change causes surface meltwater to form lakes and streams.
A new study by Lancaster University finds that household finances and control of financial decisions are linked to the time spent on routine housework, with women doing most of it. Despite earning more, women have limited control over their own earnings and household finances, leading to a glass ceiling in the labour market.
Lancaster University scientists have drawn up new guidelines to help designers build in safeguards for children using programmable Internet computing devices. The research aims to mitigate risks such as peer-to-peer abuse, bullying, and exploitation of data generated by children.
Researchers have created a new type of electronic memory device that consumes significantly less energy than current devices, potentially reducing peak power consumption in data centres by a fifth. The invention could transform daily life with its ability to enable computers to instantly go into an energy-saving sleep mode.
Research by social scientists reveals the US military is one of the largest climate polluters in history, consuming vast amounts of liquid fuels and emitting significant CO2e emissions. The study calculates part of the US military's impact on climate change through its global logistical supply chains.
A long-term study in the Seychelles found that repeat coral bleaching caused lasting changes to fish communities, with large predator fish declining and being replaced by seaweed-loving fish. The study suggests that under current levels of ocean warming, permanent changes to reef fishes are likely on most coral reefs globally.
Researchers at Lancaster University created a series of games that require players to use their peripheral vision, resulting in significant improvements in object recognition. The study found that even just one gaming session led to lasting improvements in peripheral awareness, suggesting potential applications in team sports and hazar...
Researchers at Lancaster University found that existing measures of smartphone use are poorly related to actual usage. The study suggests that high smartphone usage is not linked to anxiety and depression as previously thought, and that scales measuring technology 'addiction' perform poorly in predicting real-world behavior.
Coral reefs, unchanged for 24 million years, are experiencing profound changes due to rapid climate change. Experts urge a rethink on conservation priorities in the face of these shifts, which exceed predictions. Carbon emissions reduction is key to sustaining coral ecosystems.
The research team conducted 'talking head' interviews with household objects, including a smart kettle, to understand our relationship with networked technologies. The experiment aims to uncover new ways of thinking and create practical tools for making sense of the IoT.
Researchers at Lancaster University developed a method to record computer data using magnets and light pulses, reducing energy consumption. The new approach uses ultrashort pulses of light concentrated by special antennas on top of a magnet to switch the orientation of tiny magnets in magnetic hard-drives.
A new material made from manganese hydride has been discovered, enabling the design of smaller, cheaper, and more efficient fuel tanks for hydrogen-powered vehicles. This breakthrough could lead to longer driving ranges and reduced production costs.
A new study reveals that UK viewers are increasingly opting for data-intensive streaming services, leading to a significant increase in household data demand. The research found that YouTube was the most data-demanding watching service, while smartphones were the most commonly owned devices.