Swansea University scientists developed a smart patch that can detect proinflammatory biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, using microneedle technology. The patches can be self-administered for point-of-care diagnosis and have the potential to change the landscape of early disease detection.
A new study published in Evolutionary Psychology examines the relationship between parental income and the sexual behavior of their adult children. The research found that children from low-income families had higher frequencies of same-sex attraction, while those from high-income families had lower frequencies.
Researchers found that men in a state of sexual arousal prefer casual, non-committed sex over long-term committed relationships, regardless of relationship status. Personality type and pornography consumption did not influence the results.
A Swansea University study finds that a simple therapeutic method, counterconditioning, can overcome pandemic-related fear and avoidance by pairing pleasant stimuli with Covid-19-relevant images. The online counterconditioning technique led to diminished threat expectancy and reduced avoidance in participants.
A Swansea University study found that people's fear of COVID-19 has a long-lasting impact on psychological wellbeing, affecting anxiety, depression and sleep difficulties. The study also found that older participants and those from minority ethnic groups were most likely to experience COVID-19 fear.
Researchers have discovered that the flight patterns of birds can be used to estimate fine-scale environmental conditions and turbulence levels. The team measured bird altitude and motion using GPS and data loggers attached to pigeons, finding a correlation between the birds' behavior and turbulence strength.
Experts found that large differences in finger length between left and right hands are associated with COVID-19 severity. The study may help identify those at greatest risk of hospitalization across age groups.
Researchers at Swansea University have developed a process to upcycle discarded facemasks into high-value materials, including high-quality Ethernet cables. The single-walled carbon nanotubes produced through this technique also have potential applications in lightweight batteries for electric cars and drones.
A new study conducted by Swansea University explored 20,000 children's opinions on play pre and post-COVID-19 school closures. The research identified five themes, including the importance of having space to play, time with friends, and protected time to play in school and at home.
Researchers found pelagic seabirds fly into the eye of a storm to reduce risk of injury or death. The birds' unique flight style allows them to navigate strong winds.
A Swansea University-led study found that parents with higher health literacy were more likely to get their children tested for COVID-19. The research also identified factors associated with increased likelihood of positive test results, including deprived areas and physical activity levels.
A new study of coastal geography and a medieval map proposes that two islands in Cardigan Bay, Wales, which are no longer exist, could have come into existence and disappeared due to erosion. The research, published in Atlantic Geosciences, suggests the islands may be remnants of a low-lying landscape underlain by soft glacial deposits.
Research by Swansea University found that an optional wellbeing science module significantly improved university students' feelings of wellbeing. The study demonstrated the beneficial impact of strategically designed modules on student wellbeing during challenging times, including the Covid pandemic.
Experts argue that seagrasses are crucial for achieving the UN Sustainable Development goals due to their carbon absorption and biodiversity benefits. The conservation and restoration of seagrass meadows can help tackle climate change and promote biodiversity recovery, making them a nature-based solution for the planet's future.
A team of experts is working on new software tools and industrial guides to improve concrete mixes, structural designs, and construction processes. The project aims to mitigate the risk of construction defects related to fresh concrete, reducing costs and delays.
Swansea University's nanomaterials researcher, Professor Christian Klinke, has secured £250,000 in funding to recruit early-career scientists. The new appointments will strengthen the research group's focus on nanocrystalline materials used in solar cells and LEDs.
A study by Swansea University found that people find structures with a wide variety of sea life to be more visually pleasing and interesting, as well as more likely to relieve stress. The research suggests that designing seawalls to support biodiversity can benefit both wildlife and human wellbeing.
A new study aims to assess the effectiveness of sun safety policies in primary schools in Wales. The project will examine what is currently being taught about sun safety and its impact on knowledge and behavior among children, teachers, staff, and school managers.
Researchers at Swansea University developed a new method to stop molecular rotation using ultra-low energy, which governs surface chemistry processes. They achieved this by manipulating the quantum state of a molecule just before collision with a surface.
A UK-wide study found that menstrual cycle education is inconsistent and inadequate in UK schools. Teachers reported feeling unconfident and lacking knowledge to teach this subject, affecting pupils' attendance, behavior, and confidence.
A new Swansea-led project will analyze the chemistry of ancient oak trees to reconstruct the climate of north-west Europe and improve dating accuracy for wooden structures. The QUERCUS project aims to develop the first annually-resolved tree-ring isotopic chronologies for the UK and north-western Europe, extending back 4,500 years.
A new review found that Autistic women face significant challenges in breastfeeding, despite being motivated to do so. The lack of understanding of their needs and limited support from healthcare professionals exacerbate these issues.
Researchers developed an eco-friendly nano asphalt binder that significantly reduces energy consumption while minimizing vapours and greenhouse gas emissions during production. The technology can provide increased efficiency and reduce carbon production, with CO2 reductions of up to 15%, leading to significant environmental benefits.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that patients with 'feminized' short fingers tend to experience severe Covid-19 symptoms, while those with large right-hand-left hand differences have elevated probabilities of hospitalization. The research suggests a link between low testosterone and high oestrogen levels and Covid severity.
Researchers from Swansea University and University of Cape Town used GPS collars to study baboons' collective behavior in urban and natural spaces. The study found that despite changes in movement patterns, leader-follower roles remained consistent, suggesting flexibility and robustness in group cohesion.
A new paper by Swansea University academics highlights the importance of wellbeing in health, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions. The researchers develop a transdisciplinary framework to improve 'whole health' outcomes, which has been applied to various populations and led to significant benefits.
A recent study by Swansea University found that experts and bipartisan coalitions are more effective in securing public support for COVID-19 policies compared to politicians from one party. The research showed that policies backed by experts gained more support and avoided polarizing effects.
A Swansea law expert has been awarded €1.5 million to study the impact of deepfakes on public perceptions of user-generated evidence in human rights trials. The project, TRUE, will track changes in trust over time and develop a systematic account of its role in accountability processes.
Researchers used Rayleigh waves to produce high-resolution images of the rocks underneath the ice sheet, identifying key factors controlling ice flow. The study provides a better understanding of processes contributing to accelerated ice discharge into the ocean and sea level rise.
A new study from Swansea University introduces a framework to calculate the material properties of two-dimensional curved hexagonal lattices, potentially improving mechanical metamaterials. The research team developed generalized closed-form expressions, expanding design space and flexibility.
Researchers found that pupils with mental and neurodevelopmental disorders or who self-harm are more likely to miss school, indicating potential indicators of current or future poor mental health. The study highlights the importance of integrated school-based and healthcare strategies to support young people's engagement with education.
A new study of family doctors' views and experiences reveals that a software tool meant to reduce emergency hospital admissions is of limited use and benefit. The researchers found mixed views and experiences among GPs and practice managers about the tool, which was used in Wales as part of an earlier trial.
Researchers at Swansea University and international partners use aerial scanning to detect infectious plant diseases caused by Xylella fastidiosa before symptoms appear. The method achieves up to 92% accuracy in detecting the pathogen and could help reduce global economic losses and environmental damage.
A major new survey of UK ambulance services found over 600,000 emergency calls for suspected COVID-19 during the first wave, with ambulances sent to nearly 80% of cases. Care received varied widely by geographic area, with some services sending ambulances to under 60% of Covid callers.
A new algorithm can help engineers predict how cellular materials will react to different loads, conditions, and constraints. The research found that this approach can achieve extreme mechanical properties, including negative Poisson's ratio and elastic modulus.
A recent study published by Swansea University found that venomous fish and insects diversified faster than their non-venomous counterparts. This is attributed to the use of venom as a means of repelling predators or catching prey, leading to increased opportunities for species to exploit their environment.
A new £1.1 million research project will develop personalized rehabilitation programs for people with long Covid, which is estimated to affect at least 10% of those who test positive for Covid-19 in the UK. The project aims to improve outcomes and experiences for this growing patient group while ensuring cost-effectiveness.
Researchers used hyperspectral and thermal imaging to predict holm oak decline at an early stage, detecting changes in physiological condition before visible symptoms. This integrated approach is vital for large-scale monitoring of forest decline and could apply to other forest diseases.
A new study reveals that coastal wetlands provide more flood protection than previously thought, reducing water levels by up to 2 metres and protecting inland areas. The research found that wetlands can reduce storm-driven flooding by 35% and damages caused by 37%.
Scientists discover fumed silica nanoparticles as an anti-ageing binder to reduce moisture susceptibility and increase durability in warm mix asphalt. The findings offer a cost-effective solution to minimize asphalt-related emissions, paving the way for longer-lasting roadways.
A study by Swansea University researchers suggests that a compound found in green tea could combat the coronavirus behind COVID-19. The team used an artificial intelligence-aided computer programme to screen and sort natural compounds, identifying gallocatechin as a potential lead compound.
Scientists at Swansea University have discovered a non-toxic biodegradable solvent called γ-Valerolactone (GVL) that can replace toxic solvents without impacting cell performance. This breakthrough could improve the commercial viability of carbon perovskite solar devices, making them more environmentally sustainable.
Researchers at Swansea and Cardiff universities have developed the Risk of Suicide Protocol (RoSP), a guide for health professionals to identify individuals at risk of taking their own lives. The protocol assesses 20 key aspects of a person's life, enabling clinicians to formulate problems and develop safety plans to help those in need.
Research by Swansea University highlights the importance of taking a wider approach to wellbeing influenced by issues like inequality and climate change. The study presents a transdisciplinary framework to understand and improve wellbeing, emphasizing the need for focused efforts to tackle societal challenges.
Researchers found high levels of lead, antimony, and copper in disposable face masks, posing a risk to human health and the environment. The study highlights the need for stricter regulations on mask production and disposal to mitigate these risks.
Researchers have identified a new technique to test the quality of quantum correlations in large systems, reducing resource intensity and increasing noise resilience. By combining two processes, they enable efficient certification of correlations in complex systems.
Physicists at CERN have demonstrated laser cooling of antihydrogen atoms for the first time, producing colder antimatter and enabling new experiments. The temperature of the antihydrogen atoms was reduced, slowing them down and reducing their space in a magnetic bottle.
New research from Swansea University found that warmer temperatures help invasive species establish themselves and alter ecosystem structures. The study analyzed the synergistic effects of temperature and invasions on communities, revealing that temperature and invasion act together to increase species loss and create smaller networks.
A Swansea University research project aims to assess the evidence on shielding vulnerable people from COVID-19. The study will examine how shielding affected deaths, hospital admissions, and quality-of-life in Wales.
A new research project aims to understand the psychological impact of COVID-19 restrictions on prisoners and prison staff. The study, funded by £251,240, will examine how lockdown measures affect prisoners' behavior and mental health.