Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Swansea University


High fructose diets could cause immune system damage

A new study published in Nature Communications found that high fructose diets can cause the immune system to become inflamed, leading to damage and increasing the risk of disease. The research also suggests a link between fructose consumption and obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 22, 2021

Children's finger length points to mothers' income level

Research suggests that high-income mothers tend to produce higher levels of testosterone, leading to a more masculinized fetus, while low-income mothers produce lower levels of testosterone, resulting in a more feminized fetus. This phenomenon has been linked to increased disease risk, including cardiovascular disease and mortality.

SourceSwansea University·JournalJournal of Biosocial Science·DateFeb 9, 2021

Smart vaccine patch research gets go-ahead

Researchers at Swansea University have received £230,000 to develop a smart vaccine device that delivers the COVID-19 vaccine and measures its efficacy through monitoring biomarkers in the skin. The device uses microneedles for minimally invasive delivery and offers a personalized vaccination approach.

Faster, greener way of producing carbon spheres

Researchers at Swansea University have developed a faster, greener way to produce porous carbon spheres, which are crucial for carbon capture technology and renewable energy storage. The new method produces spheres with high carbon capture capacity and works effectively at large scales.

SourceSwansea University·JournalCarbon·DateDec 28, 2020

Cultural diversity and racism in the Ancient World

A new display at Swansea University's Egypt Centre will showcase artefacts from Egypt, Greece, Rome, and other ancient civilizations to educate visitors about issues like identity, racism, and xenophobia. The exhibit aims to spark meaningful discussions on these topics, drawing from the rich material available in the ancient world.

Animal mummies unwrapped with hi-res 3D X-rays

Three ancient Egyptian animals, a snake, bird, and cat, have been digitally unwrapped using high-resolution 3D scans. The scans revealed the animals' ages, possible causes of death, and conditions they were kept in, providing new insights into animal mummification, religion, and human-animal relationships in ancient Egypt.

SourceSwansea University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 20, 2020

Vaccines through microneedle skin patches

Researchers are developing and testing technology for delivering vaccine doses via the skin using microneedles. This innovative approach aims to improve patient compliance and yield better health outcomes, with potential benefits including reduced burden on healthcare systems and increased accessibility for self-administration at home.

The solar cell you can print

The £6 million grant will advance organic and perovskite solar cells into new applications, including 5G, the Internet of Things, and zero-carbon buildings. The project aims to develop low-cost manufacturing methods and prototypes to showcase their potential in these areas.

Online tools can improve autism diagnosis

The survey found that online tools can improve services in autism care by reducing delays, improving outcomes, and enabling families to access professionals remotely. The two approaches, Real-Time and Store-and-Forward methods, have good diagnostic accuracy and enable natural behaviors in the home setting to be observed.

SourceSwansea University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 23, 2020

Record efficiency for printed solar cells

Swansea University researchers have reported a record efficiency of 12.2% for four layers of roll-to-roll printed perovskite solar cells (PSCs), marking a significant step towards commercialization. This achievement utilizes the advantages of slot-die coating, which provides controlled wet film thickness and efficient material usage.

SourceSwansea University·JournalSustainable Energy & Fuels·DateJul 8, 2020

Helicopter or cartwheel?

The study investigates how molecules rotate when colliding with surfaces and its impact on the outcome of collisions. The research found that the rotational orientation of hydrogen molecules significantly influences their interaction with a Lithium Fluoride surface, affecting scattering probabilities, adsorption, or decomposition.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2020

Virus prevalence associated with habitat

New research finds that virus infection rates in lobsters are related to their habitat, with seagrass meadows showing a protective effect against the spread of disease. The study's findings support efforts to safeguard Caribbean spiny lobster populations and boost understanding of viral dynamics.

SourceSwansea University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 20, 2020

Snake venom evolved for prey not protection

A new study suggests that snake venom did not evolve primarily as a defense mechanism, but rather to overpower and kill prey. Researchers surveyed nearly 400 people who work with snakes and found that only a minority of bites cause immediate pain, implying that the venom's composition has not been optimized for defensive purposes.

SourceSwansea University·JournalToxins·DateMar 25, 2020