Researchers at Northumbria University have been awarded £4m to unlock the secrets of Earth's radiation belts. The project will combine extensive spacecraft data with advanced computer modelling to determine what controls energy transfer through the magnetosphere and into the radiation belts.
A medical device company spun out of Northumbria University has developed a non-invasive breath sampling device that can reliably collect saliva-free exhaled breath condensates from the deep lung. The CE-marked and US FDA-registered PBM-Hale platform addresses a long-standing challenge in respiratory medicine, enabling clinicians to di...
Researchers at Northumbria University used the James Webb Space Telescope to map Saturn's auroral region, revealing a complex pattern of heating and cooling. The findings show that Saturn's aurora is not just a visual display but actively heats its atmosphere, driving winds that generate electrical currents.
A team of scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope discovered a cold spot within Io's auroral footprint with temperatures much lower than expected and extraordinarily high densities. This finding opens up new ways to study Jupiter and its moon system, potentially revealing similar phenomena in other planetary systems.
A Northumbria University PhD student has led an international team in creating the first-ever three-dimensional map of Uranus's upper atmosphere. The observations provide detailed information on where auroras form and how energy moves through the planet's atmosphere, confirming that the upper atmosphere is still cooling.
The study reveals improvements in solar cell efficiency can drive environmental benefits beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Realistic decarbonisation of global mixes offers savings of up to 8.2 gigatonnes of equivalent carbon dioxide emissions.
New research reveals that Antarctic mountain peaks can significantly increase the supply of vital nutrients to the Southern Ocean, enhancing its ability to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide. Sediments from exposed rock surfaces contain higher concentrations of bioavailable iron, which fuels phytoplankton growth and absorbs CO2 through ...
Scientists have discovered small-scale torsional Alfvén waves in the Sun's corona, which are magnetic disturbances that can carry energy through plasma. These waves could power the Sun's outer atmosphere, reaching temperatures of millions of degrees.
Leading fashion brands and textile manufacturers have joined forces to address the microfiber pollution crisis through a comprehensive study. The project, led by Fashion for Good and Northumbria University, tested 24 fabric types and revealed complex challenges within the textile supply chain, including potential contamination levels.
A study using James Webb Space Telescope data has revealed complex features in Saturn's atmospheric structure, including fine-scaled bead-like patterns and an asymmetric star-shaped feature. These findings suggest new insights into the energy exchange driving Saturn's aurora and previously unknown atmospheric processes.
Researchers are exploring how fluorescent OLED materials can detect pesticide residue and herbicides in food production, addressing concerns in Brazil. The project aims to develop sensors that respond with light when interacting with pesticides, enabling early detection and reducing contamination.
A team of Northumbria University academics is developing a revolutionary new approach to food security using engineered bacterial conduits. These smart bacteria can sense environmental cues and plant stress signals, then intervene to rebalance plant hormones in real-time, enabling crops to maintain growth under moderate stress conditions.
Researchers found evidence that the Asian continent was free of permafrost when Earth's average temperature was 4.5˚C warmer than today. The study suggests that a 4.5˚C rise in global temperatures would release up to 130 billion tonnes of carbon currently frozen in the ground.
Researchers from Northumbria University found that smokers have tell-tale signs of their smoking habits ingrained deep within their teeth. The study revealed evidence of smoking damage in 70% of ex-smokers and 33% of current smokers, compared to just 3% of non-smokers.
A new national strategy is needed to address the rising prevalence of eating disorders in England, according to research by Northumbria University. The study highlights the importance of incorporating evidence-based guidelines specific to remote delivery of eating disorder services.
Researchers uncover high nitrogen isotope values in 2.75 billion-year-old stromatolites, suggesting ammonium accumulation in deep waters and upwelling bringing it to shallow waters. This finding supports the proposal that volcanic activity fueled early life's growth.
A groundbreaking research project is exploring the unique role of kittiwakes in urban ecology, aiming to establish a governance framework that promotes harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife. The study will employ various tools, including machine learning and GIS, to assess the impacts of urban development on biodiversity.
A new research hub at Northumbria University is exploring the extent of microfibre loss from textiles and its environmental impact. The Fibre-fragmentation and Environment Research Hub will test various fabrics to determine microfibre shedding rates under different conditions, aiming to develop more sustainable textiles.
Scientists have come closer to understanding the acceleration of electrons in collisionless shock environments. A new study using satellite observations from NASA's MMS and THEMIS/ARTEMIS missions found that electrons can be accelerated to high energies through the interaction of multiple processes across different scales.
Dr John Coxon, a Science and Technology Facilities Council Ernest Rutherford Fellow, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Fowler Award from the Royal Astronomical Society. His research focuses on Birkeland currents, which play a key role in space weather effects on Earth.
A recent study analyzed data from over 6,500 contestants across 16 major international tournaments and found that wearing red had no significant impact on winning outcomes. The researchers believe the 'red advantage' has faded due to changes in tournament rules and technology-driven scoring systems.
The S2Cool project aims to design and develop a Novel Indirect Evaporative Cooler (NIEC) that addresses the constraints of current IEC systems through simplified design and optimised airflow. The technology has the potential to deliver transformative benefits, including up to 65% energy savings and significant reductions in CO2 emissions.
Scientists have used data from CryoSat-2 and ICESat-2 to track changes in the Greenland Ice Sheet's thickness, revealing an average thinning of 1.2 meters between 2010 and 2023. The study confirms that combining satellite measurements can produce a more reliable estimate of ice loss.
Researchers found significant increases in anxiety, stress, and cortisol among emergency responders during training, highlighting the importance of recovery time. The study's results shine a spotlight on burnout affecting over 50% of healthcare professionals.
Researchers found that mangrove forests in the Maldives have lost over half of their cover since 2020 due to rising sea levels and climate change. The findings indicate that the Indian Ocean Dipole and accelerated sea level rise led to dieback, causing the trees to drown.
A team of leading sleep researchers from the British Sleep Society recommends abolishing twice-yearly clock changes in the UK due to their adverse effects on sleep and circadian health. The Society suggests adopting Standard Time throughout the year, closely aligning with natural light-dark cycles.
Researchers have identified a critical genetic group that is near incurable using current therapies, leading to improved survival and quality of life for children with Group 3 medulloblastoma. The study also uncovered a potential targetable mechanism for new therapies aimed at improving outcomes.
Scientists have identified the mysterious origins of the 'slow' solar wind using data from Solar Orbiter's first close journey to the Sun. The slow wind is thought to originate from areas where open and closed magnetic field lines meet, allowing it to escape into space through a process of breaking and reconnection.
Researchers explored the use of AI to analyze video footage from wearable devices and glasses to provide a more comprehensive picture of how patients move in their environments. The study found that obscured video footage can help clinicians identify potential fall risks and develop personalized care plans.
A new type of contact lens has been developed to diagnose glaucoma by monitoring eye pressure, providing a more accurate diagnosis and easier treatment. The lenses contain micro-sensors that track changes in intraocular pressure over several hours, sending the data wirelessly for analysis by an ophthalmologist.
Researchers confirm Pine Island Glacier passed a tipping point between 1940s and 1970s, leading to an irreversible loss of ice over several decades. The study provides insights into the interactions between ocean and glaciers in Antarctica, highlighting concerns for future mass loss unless global warming is kept within limits.
The new centre, NESST, will support the creation of over 350 jobs and inject £260m into the North East economy. It will be a hub for collaborative research, technology development, and STEM engagement activities.
A new map of 20th century land use in Britain shows that semi-natural grasslands lost 90% of their lowland meadows and pasture due to intensified agriculture. The researchers found that only a small proportion of species' responses to environmental change were strongly interactive, with most being 'idiosyncratic'.
A recent study by Northumbria University reveals that firms with LGBT CEOs are substantially underestimated and undervalued on the stock market. The researchers found that such companies outperform the market by 0.69%-1.08% per month, making them a hidden gem of an investment opportunity.
A new study by Northumbria University found that consuming Quorn protein for two weeks reduced 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels by 12% and waist circumference by almost 1cm. This could lead to a 9% lower risk of dying from a stroke or coronary heart disease, according to the research.
Two renowned biomedical researchers, Professor Emile R. Chimusa and Professor Simon Johnson, have been awarded £1 million to conduct world-leading research into prostate cancer and mitochondrial disease. The grant will support the establishment of new interdisciplinary research teams and advance medical science.
Scientists have discovered a new technique to analyze stalagmites for insights into seasonal rainfall patterns in Southeast Asia over thousands of years. The study reveals potential to refine climate models' predictions on winter monsoon rainfall, which can inform policies to mitigate intense rainfall impacts.
New research from Northumbria University suggests that the West Antarctic ice sheet has not yet reached a tipping point towards irreversible collapse. The study, which used three different computer models to simulate the ice sheet's behavior, found that large-scale, irreversible ice loss in Antarctica is possible but not imminent.
Northumbria University is set to launch the UK's first university-led multi-satellite space mission with a new laser-based satellite communications system. The £5 million award will allow researchers to design, test and build the first CubeSat with laser optical communications technology.
A new study reveals that condenser tumble dryers release hundreds of tonnes of potentially harmful microfibers into waterways and oceans across the UK and Europe. The researchers found that while vented dryers produce more airborne microfibers, condenser dryers are a significant contributor to waterborne microfiber pollution.
A model sailing boat representing a key part of the Flipflopi project, which recovered 135 tonnes of post-consumer plastics, is on a global tour to highlight plastic pollution and its impact. The exhibition aims to inspire communities, governments, and businesses to take action against environmental pollution.
The seven worst years for polar ice sheet melting and losing ice have occurred during the past decade, with 2019 being the worst year on record. Global heating is driving up sea levels and coastal flooding around the world, with melting ice sheets accounting for a quarter of all sea level rise.
Researchers at Northumbria University have established a comprehensive database of ETA's activities, revealing 1,047 attacks and 957 confirmed fatalities between 1959 and 2010. The study's findings suggest the total number of victims could be significantly higher than previously acknowledged.
A team of scientists led by Dr Gerrit Hilgen have won funding to research age-related macular degeneration, a common disease affecting over 190 million people worldwide. The £100,000 award will support the study of human induced pluripotent stem cell models and help develop new treatments for the condition.
A report by Northumbria University found that 40% of military widows feel lonely or socially isolated, with some feeling abandoned by the military community. The researchers are calling for improvements to support available, not just after bereavement but in the months and years following.
UK breweries adapted to the pandemic crisis by embracing urban locations and innovations, such as free same-day local delivery and tap takeovers. The research highlights the importance of community support and financial assistance in helping breweries survive.
Replacing red and processed meat with Quorn's mycoprotein reduces intestinal genotoxins, a risk factor for bowel cancer, and increases beneficial gut bacteria. The study found significant reductions in harmful chemicals and improvements in gut health in participants consuming the mycoprotein diet.
Researchers at Northumbria University are developing artificial intelligence to forecast space weather and predict serious space storms. The technology aims to protect the Earth's power grid and communication systems from disruptions caused by solar eruptions.
Researchers found that people living with HIV have a significantly delayed internal body clock, consistent with the symptoms of jet lag. This disruption may contribute to increased health problems experienced by those with HIV. The study suggests a strong need for further research on younger people living with HIV in other countries.
A new study has found that Psychological First Aid training can help healthcare workers in care homes improve their own mental wellbeing. The training, originally created for people to support others, offers guidance on delivering psychosocial care in emergency situations.