Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Newcastle University


Climate change amplifies severity of combined wind-rain extremes over the UK and Ireland

New research shows climate change will cause more severe combined wind-rain extremes in the UK and Ireland, leading to increased flooding and damage. The study found that stronger winds and heavier rainfall are likely to occur together, posing challenges for coastal areas and emergency response resources.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalWeather and Climate Extremes·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 3, 2024

Mystery of unexplained kidney disease revealed to patients

Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a new approach to analyzing genomic data, enabling doctors to provide a precise diagnosis for patients with unexplained kidney failure. This breakthrough has huge implications for families affected by kidney disease, allowing for more accurate investigations, treatments, and management.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalGenetics in Medicine Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 22, 2024

Research exposes security, privacy and safety issues in female technology apps used to track fertility, menopause and monthly cycle

Research highlights significant security, privacy and safety issues in female-oriented technologies, including period-tracker apps and fertility smart devices. The study found inadequate regulations and industry practices in data collection and sharing, posing a potential threat to users' sensitive information.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalFrontiers in the Internet of Things·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2024

Clarity needed for businesses to achieve greenhouse gas mitigation

A new study reveals conflicting national and sectorial targets, as well as differing availability of abatement options, hinder companies' ability to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers propose introducing a carbon measurement and management process alongside a dynamic framework to align climate targets and actions.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalBusiness Strategy and the Environment·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 7, 2024

New research sheds light on a phenomenon known as ‘false vacuum decay’

A team of researchers has observed bubble formation through false vacuum decay in atomic systems, shedding light on this long-theorized phenomenon. The study confirms the quantum field origin of the decay and its thermal activation, opening up new avenues for understanding early universe and ferromagnetic quantum phase transitions.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2024

Study uncovers potential origins of life in ancient hot springs

Researchers at Newcastle University discovered that mixing hydrogen, bicarbonate, and iron-rich magnetite can form organic molecules, including fatty acids. These findings suggest that life's essential molecules could be produced from inorganic chemicals, shedding light on the origins of life on Earth.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 12, 2024

In the driver’s seat: study explores how we interact with remote drivers

Researchers studied user perceptions and requirements for remote driving in L4 AVs, highlighting the importance of clear communication and reliable teleoperation systems. The study found that users support remote driving as a failsafe mechanism but raise concerns about cybersecurity, privacy, and performance.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalTransportation Research Part F Traffic Psychology and Behaviour·TypeSurvey·DateJan 11, 2024

Scientists spread festive cheer as research reveals Christmas dinner can be healthy

Researchers found that steaming Brussels sprouts retains glucosinolates, which may aid in fighting chronic conditions such as diabetes and cancer. Carrots also showed a significant reduction in developing all types of cancer with regular consumption. Potatoes are recommended for roasting as they are rich in fibre.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 18, 2023

Fewer but more intense tropical storms predicted over the Ganges and Mekong

Climate experts predict a decline in tropical storm frequency by 50% by 2050 across the Ganges and Mekong basins, but an increase in intensity, with high-resolution models showing significant increases for intense storms. This shift could impact disaster risk mitigation and climate adaptation strategies.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 12, 2023

Glacial flooding threatens millions globally

A global assessment identifies areas most vulnerable to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods, highlighting the need for targeted risk management actions. The study reveals 9.3 million people in High Mountain Asia are at highest risk, with India and Pakistan accounting for nearly half of the global total.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2023

Landslide risk remains long after an earthquake

The study found that earthquake-accelerated landslides (EALs) can maintain accelerated motion for a long time after the earthquake, causing particularly serious human casualties in seismically active areas. Satellite radar observations detected and investigated EALs in Central Italy, leading to the first ever complete EAL inventory.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 30, 2022

Reducing bycatch with sensory deterrents

A new study suggests that sensory deterrents can work in some circumstances and may be part of the solution to reduce bycatch. The authors found that LED lights were the only technology to date found successful in trials across all marine megafauna groups, but also led to increased bycatch in some species.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalReviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 17, 2022

Machine learning may enable bioengineering of the most abundant enzyme on the planet

A Newcastle University study has developed a machine learning tool that can predict the performance properties of land plant Rubisco proteins with high accuracy. This prediction will enable researchers to identify and engineer 'supercharged' Rubisco proteins that can increase atmospheric CO2 uptake and store in crops such as wheat.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2022

Newcastle University research reveals remarkable variability in coral heat tolerance

A new study by Newcastle University found that individual corals have varying levels of heat tolerance, with some able to withstand double the heat stress required to induce bleaching and mortality. This variability suggests capacity for adaptation if some of the toughest corals can survive marine heatwaves.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2022

Shark depredation impacts support for shark conservation

A new study reveals that shark depredation is increasing in the Maldives shark sanctuary, resulting in significant catch and income losses. Fishers who experience greater losses due to depredation show reduced support for conservation efforts, highlighting the need for more inclusive approaches to manage conflicts.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalConservation Letters·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2022

Gender affects driverless car performance

A recent study published in Nature Scientific Reports has found that women are better at taking over control of automated cars compared to men. The research involved 76 drivers who participated in a driving simulator study and showed that women exhibited faster reaction times and more stable operation of the steering wheel.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 2022

New database to support conservation

A new database has been created to support conservation efforts by filling the large gaps in our understanding of where and how human activities threaten wild species around the world. The database presents a valuable tool for planning conservation actions at any spatial scale and preventing species extinctions globally.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalEnvironmental Evidence·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 19, 2022

Over half of threatened species require targeted recovery actions

New research reveals that over half of threatened species require targeted recovery actions to ensure their survival. The study found that while expanding protected areas and reducing pollution will benefit many species, 57% would still need specialized interventions such as captive breeding, reintroduction, and vaccination.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 18, 2022

Sustainable practices improve farmers’ wellbeing

Research funded by UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund reveals agroecological practices like agroforestry improve farmers' financial savings, land area, and household assets. Adopting such practices can also enhance food security and wellbeing for smallholder farmers in rural Tanzania.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAgronomy for Sustainable Development·TypeSurvey·DateJun 28, 2022

Mechanism of expanding bacteria revealed

Gram-negative bacteria rely on cell wall to synchronize outer membrane building, but a new study identified 'old' peptidoglycan as the key factor controlling this process. Disrupting this mechanism makes Gram-negative bacteria vulnerable to targeted antibiotics.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2022

Fernandina Island Galapagos giant tortoise is not extinct

A Galapagos giant tortoise species previously believed to be extinct has been confirmed to still exist, thanks to genetic research that sequenced the genome of a single specimen and compared it with living individuals. The study's findings offer hope for the recovery of this species.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 9, 2022

New liver and kidney disease identified

Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered a new inherited condition, TULP3-related ciliopathy, which causes kidney and liver failure in children and adults. The study identified the faulty gene responsible for increased fibrosis in the liver and kidney, leading to organ failure.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 27, 2022