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University of Leeds


What do the UK uplands mean to you?

The Sustainable Uplands project gives UK uplands a voice through ouruplands.co.uk, highlighting their diversity and importance. The platform showcases video-clips, written accounts, and artwork from various stakeholders, including farmers, landowners, and policy-makers.

Scorpion has welcome sting for heart bypass patients

Researchers have discovered a potent toxin in scorpion venom that can prevent neointimal hyperplasia, a leading cause of heart bypass graft failure. The compound, margatoxin, is up to 100 times more effective than other known inhibitors, offering new hope for patients undergoing bypass surgery.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCardiovascular Research·DateOct 22, 2010

100-million-year-old mistake provides snapshot of evolution

Researchers at the University of Leeds discovered a 100-million-year-old gene mutation that led to differences in how plants produce male and female parts. The study found that the mutation, which occurred around 20 million years ago, creates a new role for one of the duplicate genes, enabling it to make both male and female parts.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2010

Scientists perfect new nanowire technique

Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a novel technique to control molecular alignment in discotic liquid crystals, enabling the creation of stable nanowires. These wires could be used in low-cost biosensors for water quality testing and next-generation electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 14, 2010

Crop failures set to increase under climate change

A new study by the University of Leeds predicts that climate change will lead to more frequent and severe crop failures globally. However, the researchers suggest that adopting new crops that are more resilient to heat and water stress, combined with improved farming practices, can help mitigate these effects.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 7, 2010

A step toward lead-free electronics

A new material has been found to have piezoelectric properties similar to lead zirconium titanate (PZT), a commonly used material in electronic devices. The development is significant as it could pave the way for 100% lead-free electronics, reducing toxicity and environmental concerns.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 4, 2010

Pinpointing where volcanic eruptions could strike

Scientists have developed a new method to predict where volcanic eruptions will strike, using data from a rare sequence of 13 magmatic events in the Afar desert. By analyzing changes in the earth's crust tension, researchers can identify areas at risk and estimate likelihood of future eruptions.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 26, 2010

Rethinking the concrete jungle

Researchers at the University of Leeds are collaborating with artist Victoria Ferrand Scott to investigate new uses for concrete in art. The project aims to push the boundaries of creative possibilities for this often-maligned material, exploring alternative mixes and high-tech processing methods to create large-scale sculptures.

Energy storage system deals with sudden draws on the grid

Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed an integrated system that stores excess energy and uses it to supply electricity during peak demand. This innovative system cuts greenhouse gas emissions by reducing nitrogen oxide emissions and capturing carbon dioxide in solid form for storage.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalInternational Journal of Energy Research·DateAug 11, 2010

Waste chip fat fuels hydrogen economy

Researchers at the University of Leeds have found an innovative process to produce hydrogen from used cooking oil, generating some of the energy needed and producing a nearly carbon-neutral byproduct. This breakthrough technology has the potential to power cars, large-scale power plants, and even reduce energy loss during transmission.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBioresource Technology·DateJul 27, 2010

Organic farming shows limited benefit to wildlife

New research from the University of Leeds found that organic farming provides only a 12% increase in biodiversity compared to conventional farming, which produces higher yields. The study raises questions about how to balance food production with wildlife protection on agricultural land.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEcology Letters·DateMay 5, 2010

'Junk DNA' drives cancer growth

Researchers at University of Leeds and Charité University Medical School have discovered that 'junk' DNA promotes cancer cell growth in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Long terminal repeats (LTRs) are a form of genetic material that can activate cancer genes, leading to the growth of cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 2, 2010

Melting icebergs causing sea level rise

Scientists have discovered that changes in floating ice are causing sea levels to rise, resulting in a 2.6% increase of global sea levels. The study found that the loss of floating ice amounts to a sea level rise of 49 micrometers per year.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 28, 2010

New therapy targets for amyloid disease

Scientists at the University of Leeds have discovered that amyloid fibres are toxic and become more damaging when shorter, challenging accepted thinking about their inert nature. The study highlights a potential new area for therapeutics and may lead to the development of new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 4, 2009

New climate treaty could put species at risk

A new UN climate treaty may inadvertently increase the risk of extinction for some species as governments prioritize reducing deforestation in high-carbon forests. The REDD scheme aims to curb carbon emissions by financially rewarding tropical countries that reduce forest clearance.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 16, 2009

Acidic clouds nourish world's oceans

Scientists at the University of Leeds discovered that acidic clouds can convert large particles of iron from dust into small, soluble nanoparticles that plankton can use. This finding highlights a previously unknown source of bioavailable iron delivered to the Earth's surface in precipitation.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 5, 2009

Research gives new meaning to 'green' cross code

Research from the University of Leeds shows that air pollution levels change dramatically within small geographical areas dependent on wind patterns and street layout. Pedestrians can significantly reduce their exposure to traffic pollution by crossing one street away from main roads.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateOct 5, 2009

Invading black holes explain cosmic flashes

Mathematicians at the University of Leeds propose that black holes are directly responsible for producing gamma ray bursts, contradicting the orthodox model. The theory suggests that rotating black holes can devour nearby stars, creating long-lasting jets of plasma that produce the high-energy radiation.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 18, 2009