The project will develop a better understanding of nuclear radiation by integrating recent mathematical developments into radiation transport modelling. This will lead to improved nuclear safety, cancer radiotherapy, and shielding for astronauts from cosmic rays.
A new systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 studies involving 46,158 participants shows a sharp rise in depression and anxiety levels following the UK's first COVID-19 lockdown. The prevalence of diagnosed depression increased from 4% to 32%, while anxiety diagnoses rose from 5% to 31%. Experts are calling for greater evidence-base...
A landmark study demonstrates that a community-based group exercise programme can prevent physical decline and improve quality of life in older adults with mobility limitations. The REACT programme, which involves individually tailored exercises and social interaction, shows promising results in reducing health and care costs.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a new coating method for soft robots that allows them to change shape and movement through human-controlled activity. This breakthrough in active matter could lead to the creation of machines governed by individual units that cooperate to determine movement and function.
A new study suggests introducing a maximum price-cap on cigarettes in the UK could help reduce smoking rates by limiting tobacco companies' pricing strategies. The proposed measure would standardise cigarette prices, making future tax rises more effective.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a simple and rapid chemical recycling process for polycarbonates, breaking down plastic waste within 20 minutes at room temperature. The new process can convert waste into its chemical constituents, preserving product quality over an infinite number of cycles.
A study published in Immunogenetics found that male Kentish Plovers have stronger immune systems than females due to the presence of two active copies of immune genes on their Z chromosome. This may explain why males tend to survive longer than females in this species.
A new study from the University of Bath reveals that care from a co-worker inspires people to be supportive to their partner at home, leading to creative thinking at work. This 'gain spiral' benefits both members of a couple, with spouses passing on support received from co-workers.
A new review of theoretical models used to assess and treat mental health issues highlights the vast array of approaches. The lack of clear criteria poses significant implications for diagnosis, assessment, and support.
A new machine learning process has been developed to identify and classify hip fractures from X-rays, achieving 92% accuracy and confidence. This approach aims to improve patient outcomes, reduce care costs, and alleviate the bottleneck of unreported radiographs in the UK.
Research from the University of Bath finds that companies with strong diversity and inclusion climates can spur support for trans staff, even among those initially hesitant. The study emphasizes the importance of practical frameworks, leadership, and authentic allyship initiatives to create a more inclusive work environment.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a novel chemical glucose sensing method based on boronic acids and graphene foam. The new technique can accurately detect lower glucose concentrations than current systems, making it ideal for chronic conditions like diabetes.
A new study by University of Bath researchers suggests that installing solar panels on historic buildings like Bath Abbey could significantly reduce energy bills and carbon emissions. The proposed system would generate around 45 Mega-Watt hours per year, saving approximately 10 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
The University of Bath's Centre for Smart Warehousing and Logistics Systems is developing algorithmic expertise, while Logidot will further enhance IoT tracking technology to optimize warehouse operations. The project aims to address rising demands for fast deliveries, improve supply chain efficiency, and reduce costs.
Physicists at the University of Bath and Michigan discover a new photonic effect in semiconducting nanohelices, accelerating drug discovery and development. The effect enables chirality measurement in tiny volumes, potentially revolutionizing high-throughput screening for life-saving medicines.
A global survey of 10,000 children and young people found that nearly half report feeling anxious and distressed due to government inaction on climate change. The study concludes that governments must take collective action to protect the mental health of young people by addressing climate change.
The newly discovered dinosaur Vectiraptor greeni, from the Early Cretaceous period, was a large, heavily built relative of Velociraptor with powerful claws and serrated teeth. It is believed to have hunted larger prey, using its strength rather than speed.
Researchers found hundreds of genes awaken in human one-cell embryos, remaining active until the four-to-eight cell stage. The study's findings could illuminate events that initiate cancer and provide new diagnostic opportunities.
Researchers at the University of Bath have optimised a peptide that prevents alpha-synuclein misfolding, a key feature of Parkinson's disease. The new molecule, 4654W(N6A), has shown significant promise in lab experiments and could lead to the development of a disease-modifying treatment.
A new study from the University of Bath is shedding light on the behavior of saline solutions under extreme conditions, a crucial step towards carbon storage in deep-sea aquifers. The research uses neutron diffraction to examine the interaction between salt ions and water molecules at high pressures and temperatures.
The £17M Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST) aims to translate sustainable chemical technology research into commercial products. The centre will deliver 10 joint industry projects a year, tackling critical challenges in clean growth and addressing the UK's climate emergency.
Scientists at the University of Bath have developed a new method for synthesizing primary amines, used in over half of all pharmaceuticals, significantly reducing energy usage and chemical waste. This breakthrough aims to speed up drug discovery by making it easier to synthesize new chemical structures for testing.
A new study questions the existence of 'optimism bias,' suggesting that people's positive outlooks are not necessarily irrational. Researchers used a neutral approach to test the theory, finding an optimistic pattern despite neutral examples, casting doubt on previous research methods.
Researchers have identified a link between certain gut microbiome molecules and the immune system protein P-gp, which plays a critical role in gut inflammation. The study suggests that supporting a healthy balance of microbes in the gut may help regulate P-gp expression and prevent chronic inflammation.
Researchers found that DNA tangles create mutational hotspots in bacterial genomes, influencing evolution. By altering the sequence to prevent hairpin tangles, they can predict how microbes might mutate under selective pressure.
A new report highlights the complex and confusing nature of Universal Credit's monthly payment calculation, which can result in claimants not receiving the full value of the £20 weekly uplift. The research also reveals poor communication from the government to claimants about the increase and its temporary nature.
Researchers warn that climate change and human pressure have eroded benefits of long-distance migration for animals, leading to lower reproductive success and higher mortality. This has serious consequences for ecosystem structure and function, with many species unable to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Active video games have been shown to give similar physiological effects to traditional exercise, such as jogging, in type 1 diabetics. The studies found that playing these games could help lower blood glucose levels and improve cardiovascular health.
Researchers discovered structural differences in brain regions responsible for decision-making and empathy in adolescents with conduct disorder compared to their unaffected siblings. These findings suggest that small changes in brain function may contribute to the development of antisocial behavior in some siblings.
Researchers have developed ultra-thin, defect-free superconducting flakes for use in quantum computing. The twist angle of the flakes is used to modulate the maximum supercurrent, creating an extremely sensitive magnetic field sensor. This breakthrough has potential applications in healthcare and mineral exploration.
New research reveals that individual personal pension plans perform worse than group personal pensions by up to 1.67% per annum without investment oversight. The study highlights the need for better monitoring and regulation to improve returns for individual investors.
Physicists at the University of Bath have found a way to reveal the forbidden colours of light in twisted nanoparticles, opening up new possibilities for emerging nanotechnologies. This discovery has implications for communications, nanorobotics and ultra-thin optical components.
A pioneering EEG test has shown high effectiveness in detecting small changes in brain waves associated with memory recall. The passive test could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, potentially improving patient outcomes.
A new study by University of Bath psychologists suggests that Spice, a synthetic drug, is more harmful than cannabis and causes more severe withdrawal symptoms. Participants who tried to quit Spice reported experiencing sleep issues, irritability, and low mood, among other symptoms.
Researchers analyzed genome sequences and mobile phone data to track Covid-19 spread in Bangladesh. A three-day window between lockdown announcements and enforcement led to increased infections as citizens traveled to other areas.
A new study suggests that modern snakes originated from a few species that survived the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction event, which wiped out dinosaurs and other species. Snakes began to diversify into new habitats and exploit new prey, leading to the emergence of diverse lineages such as vipers, cobras, and pythons.
Researchers at the University of Bath found that large food companies and advertisers opposed Transport for London's 2019 ban, challenging its effectiveness and attempting to undermine policy. The ban was implemented despite commercial opposition, and its success sets a positive precedent for other authorities planning similar bans.
Researchers developed a new phosphorescent material inspired by wood's natural ability to faintly glow, using lignin trapped within a 3D polymer network. The material glows visibly for around one second and has potential applications in medical imaging, optical sensing, and textile industry.
A new study finds that UK politicians with social sciences backgrounds dominate Parliament, limiting debate on STEM topics. The researchers suggest increasing STEM diversity among MPs could improve policy decisions on complex scientific challenges.
Researchers found a solution to overcome ion interference in perovskite transistors, enabling room-temperature operation. The breakthrough uses ferroelectric materials to mitigate ion transport, promising applications in low-cost electronics.
A new study finds that Scotland's tougher drink drive limit since 2014 has not led to a decrease in alcohol-related road accidents. The researchers argue that policymakers need to back up stricter limits with tougher enforcement and alternative transport options.
Research by University of Bath shows patients who miss GP appointments also avoid hospital outpatient appointments. Missingness from outpatient mental health services is particularly high, linked to 'irregular discharge' from in-patient care.
A groundbreaking treatment using 3D printed implants has received approval to be trialled in UK patients, aiming to provide relief for knee osteoarthritis sufferers. The bespoke titanium alloy implants are designed to reduce discomfort and improve surgical accuracy, with the first trials expected to begin once clinical centres reopen.
A new study reveals that autistic personality traits are unrelated to environmental attitudes but can be linked to lower engagement in pro-environmental behaviors. The researchers emphasize the need for practical support, such as adapting cognitive behavioral therapy and early environmental education, to help individuals with autism an...
Researchers develop low-cost DNA biomarker technique to trace cocoa beans back to specific farms of origin. This approach could help end slavery and child labor in the global cocoa industry by providing consumers with accurate information about the ethics of their chocolate purchases.
A new study from Cardiff University found that the UK public views COVID-19 as a threat primarily because of government-imposed lockdowns. People who judged the risk based on this fact were more likely to support lockdown measures. Once restrictions are lifted, public perception may shift, and the threat may be downplayed.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a bioengineering process that uses grass blades to create scaffolds for animal cells to grow on, resulting in cultured meat. The study successfully demonstrates significant cell adhesion and tissue formation, paving the way for a more sustainable meat production method.
A new study from the University of Bath finds that strategically placed garment seams with conductive yarn can accurately track body motion, identifying subtle movements not picked up by popular fitness trackers. This technology has potential applications in physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and sports performance.
Researchers from University of Bath's Institute for Mathematical Innovation offer free virtual workshop to solve challenges posed by holding large events safely. The three-day event will bring together mathematical scientists and other disciplines to model transmission rates, queuing risks, and physical interventions.
A £14 million investment from UKRI and Versus Arthritis will massively scale up research into chronic pain, with a focus on the psychosocial aspect. The project aims to understand how psychological and social factors influence pain development and maintenance, and will work with people living with pain every step of the way.