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University of Bath


Simple test could improve public attitudes to autism

Researchers propose a simplification in measuring public attitudes towards people with autism, using a single 'thermometer scale' survey. They found that non-autistic students rated autistic people relatively favourably, averaging 71/100, but there is still a long way to go in understanding and changing negative attitudes.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalExperimental Results·DateAug 21, 2020

Nutrition labelling is improving nation's diet - new study

A new study finds that Front-of-Pack labelling on food products leads to a reduction in the quantity of labelled store-branded food purchased and an overall improvement in nutritional composition of consumers' shopping baskets. The study, published in the Journal of Health Economics, shows significant improvements in poorer households.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Health Economics·DateAug 12, 2020

Prescribed CBD could help people quit cannabis

A randomized clinical trial found that prescribed doses of non-intoxicating CBD reduced cannabis use and increased abstinence days. Participants treated with 400mg or 800mg CBD showed lower levels of cannabis in their urine and more days abstinent compared to placebo.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 28, 2020

A plot twist in pharmaceuticals: Single nanoparticles could pave the way for medicines on demand

Physicists at the University of Bath have accurately measured and characterised a single, twisted nanoparticle using a new method, taking them closer to producing medicines on demand. The discovery could lead to mini-labs that can mix substances in a completely new way, producing pharmaceuticals from minute droplets of active ingredients.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 20, 2020

Report points to intergroup tensions from different interpretations of social distancing

A new report from psychologists at the University of Bath highlights emerging tensions between groups who interpret social distancing guidelines differently. As lockdown measures ease, people are now negotiating social distancing on an interpersonal level, leading to challenges for those who want to maintain strict practices.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·DateJun 28, 2020

Getting real with immersive sword fights

A team at the University of Bath has developed Touche, a data-driven computer model that generates responsive animations against attacks and eliminates non-reactive behavior from characters. This framework simplifies the necessary technical work to achieve a convincing simulation, resulting in more realistic results for game developers.

Bread mould avoids infection by mutating its own DNA

Scientists discovered that Neurospora crassa, a type of bread mould, actively mutates its own DNA to fight virus-like infections. The fungus uses a process called Repeat-Induced Point mutation (RIP) to rapidly degrade transposable elements, but this comes at a cost of considerable collateral damage.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalGenome Biology·DateJun 22, 2020

Digitize your dog into a computer game

Researchers from the University of Bath have developed motion capture technology that can digitise dogs without a suit and using only one camera. This technology has various applications, including helping vets diagnose lameness and monitoring recovery in canine patients.