Researchers found that integrating optometrists into community clinics reduces patient wait times and lower costs for the NHS. Local optician practices handle conditions like nAMD and glaucoma, delivering quality care while optimizing resources.
Professor Tom Crick has made a significant contribution to advancing the vision and mission of the British Science Association. He joins an exceptional group of individuals who have received this honor, recognizing his work in promoting science and society together.
Researchers found that marine animals across species save energy by swimming at similar relative depths when traveling and not feeding. This 'sweet spot' minimizes wave formation and vertical distance traveled, allowing animals to conserve energy on long journeys.
Researchers have developed a coral-inspired biomimetic material that promotes faster healing and dissolves naturally in the body. The material has been shown to fully repair bone defects within 3-6 months, overcoming limitations of traditional synthetic substitutes.
A new study by Swansea University researchers found a relationship between high alcohol consumption and long ring fingers compared to index fingers. The study used a sample of 258 university students and revealed that high prenatal testosterone relative to oestrogen is linked to high alcohol consumption in men, but not women.
A new study published in Journal of Biogeography finds that malaria-like blood parasites increase in prevalence with the number of bird species present, highlighting the importance of host diversity. The research also shows that parasites can spread more rapidly when they specialize in closely related or functionally similar bird species.
The study predicts light transmission, absorption, and power generation of different PV materials, enabling the selection of optimal materials for agrivoltaics. By carefully tuning the 'colour' of light transmitted through semi-transparent PVs, researchers can enhance crop growth while generating solar power.
Researchers at Swansea University have created a new framework to understand how complex bacterial communities form associations with multicellular hosts. The study aims to provide a holistic picture of microbiome assembly and its importance in the persistence of both host and microbiome.
A pioneering technique for producing large-scale graphene current collectors has been developed to significantly enhance the safety and performance of lithium-ion batteries. The new process allows for the production of graphene foils with customizable thicknesses, which could lead to even more efficient and safer batteries.
Researchers have developed a new imaging method for neutral atomic beam microscopes that can improve image resolution without significantly increasing measurement time. The new method uses magnetic spin precession to encode the position of beam particles, which interact with the sample.
A new study published in Andrology has found that patients with lower testosterone levels tend to have short little fingers, which is associated with an increased risk of severe Covid-19. The research suggests that testosterone may reduce inflammation in the lungs and other organs, providing a protective effect against severe illness.
A recent study from Swansea University found that high levels of allogrooming were followed by higher physiological stress levels in wild female baboons, contrary to expectations. However, long-term positive effects of grooming on health and fitness remain consistent with previous research.
Physicists have developed a new analytical model that sheds light on how thin-film solar cells achieve optimal efficiency. The study reveals a critical balance between collecting electricity and minimizing losses due to recombination.
A £800,000 project aims to optimise a flexible floating offshore wind platform for applications in the Celtic Sea. The initiative will support local supply chains and increase the use of local steel in fabrication, with the goal of reducing costs and environmental impact.
Researchers compared human hearts with those of great apes, discovering a more compact muscle structure in humans, related to greater cardiac function. This finding supports the hypothesis that human heart evolved to meet higher demands of human physiology, such as larger brain size and physical activity.
Researchers found sharks maintained high levels of functional diversity for most of the Cenozoic era before declining over the last 10 million years. The decline is attributed to the loss of ecologically unique species, including the megalodon, a key apex predator.
A Swansea University-led project aims to address the concerning rise of skin cancer in Wales by exploring current perceptions of tanning among children, parents/carers, and educators. The results will support the development of a new sun-safety educational toolkit for the Welsh curriculum.
A Swansea University study found that disengaged students are more likely to use AI tools like ChatGPT for assignments, highlighting the need for proactive interventions. Degree apathy emerged as a significant predictor of AI tool usage, regardless of personality traits or academic performance.
A Swansea University-led study investigates the impact of omega-3 supplements on children's behavior, mood, and mental wellbeing. The research aims to identify which children may benefit most from supplements and how they can be best identified.
A new study found that consuming sugary drinks in early childhood increases the risk of obesity later in life. The research tracked 14,000 British children from birth to adulthood and discovered a link between sugar-sweetened drinks and poor diet patterns.
Research reveals people with neurodevelopmental conditions possess various strengths, including improved social skills, creativity, and problem-solving. The study aims to reduce stigma by promoting greater social inclusion and societal benefits.
A new study found that COVID-19 vaccine uptake was low across all four UK nations, with only 35% of children receiving the first dose. The study also revealed disparities in vaccination rates based on age, sex, household factors, and location.
A new study led by Swansea University found that people with epilepsy had a significantly higher risk of COVID hospitalizations and deaths during the pandemic. Researchers analyzed data from 27,000 people with epilepsy in Wales and compared them to a control group of 135,000 without epilepsy.
A recent study by Swansea University analyzed the link between digit ratio and oxygen consumption in professional football players. The research found that athletes with longer ring digits relative to their index fingers had more efficient oxygen metabolism, reaching high maximal oxygen consumption during a cardiopulmonary test.
A new study by Swansea University found that nine percent of men and five percent of women in the UK are open to sharing a partner or being shared with someone else. This suggests a significant disparity between men's and women's attitudes towards non-monogamous relationships.
A new study found that sensory differences exacerbate loneliness and poor mental health in Autistic adults, highlighting the need for inclusive social spaces. The research also showed that financial inequalities and lack of employment opportunities contribute to feelings of isolation among Autistic individuals.
A study by Swansea University found that 85% of powdered infant formula preparation machines failed to reach a temperature of at least 70°C, a crucial step in killing bacteria. The researchers recommend stronger consumer protections and updated labelling requirements for infant formula preparation devices.
Researchers identified serious flaws in NICE-recommended health passports, which may contribute to inaccessible healthcare and early death. They call for new interventions to improve healthcare accessibility and quality for Autistic people, including removing barriers such as lack of staff time and knowledge of Autism.
A Swansea University study explores the rationale behind the UK's COVID-19 shielding policy for clinically vulnerable individuals, finding it was an untested strategy based on risk mitigation rather than evidence-based intervention. The research reveals challenges in implementing the policy and its impact on organizations and populations.
A Swansea University-led study found that Welsh breastfeeding rates increased during the pandemic, with a significant correlation between mothers' intention to breastfeed and exclusive breastfeeding duration. The study proposes targeted interventions during pregnancy and policies to support families to improve breastfeeding duration.
A new research programme called Prevail teaches employees evidence-based psychological techniques to manage mental health conditions, reducing stigma and sick days. The study found a 22% drop in recorded sick days among staff at the DVLA after implementing the programme.
A study by Swansea University found that teaching mental health literacy in schools significantly improves pupils' knowledge, behaviours, and intentions to seek help. The Guide Cymru programme, developed with Action for Children, demonstrates a positive impact on young people's wellbeing.
Analysis of the Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica shows there is less sedimentary rock than expected, a finding that could affect how the ice slides into the ocean. The new map of the geology of the region provides an exciting basis for better predictions of future ice flow and sea level rise.
Researchers develop a new efficient material using alginate, a non-toxic seaweed derivative, that can store heat for reuse. The material boasts increased salt capacity, achieving up to four times greater energy density than previous carrier materials.
A study from Swansea University and the University of Cape Town tracked the movements of 13 chacma baboons in Cape Town, South Africa. The data revealed that female baboons stopped using urban space after giving birth, suggesting they adapt to reduce risks for their newborns.
A new study found that canagliflozin, a type 2 diabetes drug, can dampen down T-cell activation, suggesting it could be repurposed to treat certain autoimmune diseases. This discovery provides a potential therapeutic route for patients with autoimmune disorders.
A systematic review from Swansea University highlights the need for better data on breastfeeding and medicines used during pregnancy, labour, and after birth. The study recommends including education outcomes in population databases to inform research on the benefits and harms of medicines during breastfeeding.
Researchers tracked social grooming behavior in wild baboons using collars-mounted accelerometers, identifying and quantifying giving and receiving grooming with high accuracy. The study's findings have important implications for the study of social behavior in animals, particularly non-human primates.
A new study published in Public Health found no evidence that shielding reduced COVID-19 infections in Wales. The researchers compared the 117,000 people who were shielding with the rest of the population and found no clear impact on infection rates.
A Swansea University study reveals the potential of machine learning in identifying Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) patients, reducing diagnosis delays from eight years to earlier. The research uses a national data repository to develop a predictive model for AS detection, empowering GPs to refer patients more efficiently.
Research suggests that high doses of sucralose can lower activation of T-cells, an important component of the immune system, in mice. This finding could lead to a new way of using sucralose therapeutically to help dampen T-cell responses in patients with autoimmune diseases.
Researchers have developed a practical method to generate green hydrogen using natural enzymes, which contain only earth-abundant elements. The new approach enables the efficient production of green hydrogen from sunlight, making it a promising solution for decarbonizing transportation and industries.
A new point-of-care testing kit will facilitate early diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer's Disease in primary clinics or home settings. The kit detects biomarkers in skin samples, enabling early identification of individuals at greatest risk of dementia.
A Swansea University research study has evaluated the long-term environmental impacts of different Japanese knotweed management methods. The study found that glyphosate-based foliar spray control is the most sustainable approach, using the least materials and having the lowest economic costs.
Researchers at Swansea University have created a low-cost and scalable method to manufacture fully printable perovskite photovoltaics using carbon ink. The devices achieved similar performance to conventional gold electrodes, with power conversion efficiencies of up to 14%.
A population data linkage study found fewer people in Wales diagnosed with long-term conditions in 2020 and 2021 than expected, indicating a potential backlog of undiagnosed patients. This disparity affects chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and anxiety disorders, corresponding to over 30 and 80 missing diagnoses respectively.
Researchers from Swansea University and Université Grenoble Alpes demonstrate the effectiveness of selenium nanoparticles in killing ovarian cancer cell models. The study reveals a novel biological mechanism underlying the anti-cancer effect, involving histone methylatransferases and epigenetic processes.
A study from Swansea University found that reducing social media use by 15 minutes a day can significantly improve physical health and psychological well-being. The results showed a 15% improvement in immune function, 50% improvement in sleep quality, and 30% fewer depressive symptoms.
Researchers investigated how seabird flight characteristics vary among different species in response to cyclone-strength winds. Birds living in windier environments are faster fliers, while tropical species use strategies to cope with extreme events. Some albatrosses even avoid strong winds by flying into the eye of the storm.
A 20-year study by Swansea University researchers found that mothers with a history of substance misuse, smoking, or mental health conditions are at higher risk of having low-birth-weight babies. The study analyzed data from over 693,000 children born in Wales between 1998 and 2018.