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Lancaster University


Honeybees are struggling to get enough good bacteria

A new study suggests that human changes to the landscape, such as monoculture farming and forestry, are affecting honeybees' long-term food supply. The diversity of bacteria associated with bee bread, a crucial food source for young bees, is lower in hives near agriculturally improved grasslands and coniferous forests.

SourceLancaster University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateApr 17, 2018

More people miss NHS appointments when the clocks go forward

Research finds that people are 5% more likely to miss NHS hospital outpatient appointments following the clock change in spring. The study, published in Chronobiology International, analyzed over 2 million appointments in Scotland from 2005 to 2010, revealing a significant increase in missed appointments after the clocks go forward.

SourceLancaster University·JournalChronobiology International·DateMar 23, 2018

Why some older people are rejecting digital technologies

A new study reveals that older adults' resistance to digital technologies stems from personal values, societal concerns, and fears. The study suggests that designers of online services must offer better safety nets and reassurance to attract older users. Social isolation and a desire for face-to-face interaction also contribute to this...

SourceLancaster University·JournalCommunications of the ACM·DateMar 12, 2018

Brain aging may begin earlier than expected

Researchers at Lancaster University have developed a new non-invasive technique to study brain function and its relation to aging. Preliminary results suggest that brain aging may begin earlier than expected, with declines in coherence between cerebrospinal fluid oscillations observed in participants over 25.

SourceLancaster University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2018

Report calls for national parks to get smart

A report suggests national parks adopt smart technologies, such as real-time environmental monitoring and sensor systems, to improve visitor experiences and conserve resources. The Smart Parks model demonstrates how high connectivity can benefit all stakeholders, from nature conservationists to park authorities and emergency services.

Could a new app help cure loneliness?

Researchers from Lancaster University are developing an app to tackle social isolation and loneliness in older adults. The app will provide users with information on local social opportunities and real-time data on factors that discourage outdoor activity, such as weather and daylight levels.

Insight into how infants learn to walk

Researchers at Lancaster University found that 10-week-old babies who practiced 'reflex walking' showed a stronger brain response when watching humans walk compared to those who didn't. The study suggests that experience can refine the perception of biological motion in early infancy.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateDec 14, 2017

How the UK smoking ban increased wellbeing

A study by Lancaster University found that the UK public smoking ban had a statistically significant positive impact on the well-being of married individuals, especially married women with dependent children. The researchers also discovered increases in happiness among men who quit smoking and those who never smoked.

SourceLancaster University·JournalScottish Journal of Political Economy·DateDec 4, 2017

Child-proofing the Internet of Things

A new project at Lancaster University aims to discover the likely privacy and security challenges arising from children using IoT devices. Researchers will work closely with child protection experts to provide guidelines and advice for children, their families, and teachers on programming IoT devices.

How to predict high school dropouts

Researchers from Lancaster University found that teenagers who do not access healthcare when needed are at greater risk of dropping out of high school. More than one in five young people globally experience this issue, leading to increased unemployment, poor health, and crime.

SourceLancaster University·JournalJournal of Economic Psychology·DateOct 24, 2017

Hydrogen power moves a step closer

Scientists are developing methods to create renewable fuel from water using quantum technology, marking a significant step forward in the pursuit of sustainable energy. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission revealed intense downpours within Hurricane Jose's powerful convective storms.

SourceLancaster University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 14, 2017

Ray of hope for more abundant wheat crops

Researchers at Lancaster University discovered that wheat crops experience a delay in photosynthesis when transitioning from shade to sunlight, resulting in a loss of up to 21% productivity. The study suggests that breeding varieties with faster adjustment times could lead to increased yields without requiring more water or nutrients.

SourceLancaster University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateAug 17, 2017

Rainforest metropolis casts 1,000 km shadow on wildlife

A new study published in PNAS reveals that urban food demand in the Amazon can impact wildlife as far as 1,000 km away from the city. Researchers found a 50% reduction in fish size and catch rate near Manaus due to overfishing by city-based boats, which also led to larger fish being more common and easier to catch further away.

SourceLancaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 2017

Remote Amazonian cities more vulnerable to climate change

Research by Lancaster University found that remote Amazonian cities are more vulnerable to environmental pollution, contaminated water, and health risks. Experts emphasize the need for 'adaptive capacity' through improved public services and disaster response planning to mitigate these effects.

SourceLancaster University·JournalAnnals of the American Association of Geographers·DateJul 5, 2017

Parents with bipolar benefit from self-help tool

Researchers at Lancaster University found that online self-management support for parents with Bipolar Disorder improves parenting skills, child behavior, and reduces parenting stress. The intervention combines self-management strategies with mood management to promote consistent parenting.

SourceLancaster University·JournalScandinavian Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology·DateMay 17, 2017