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University of Nottingham


The garden microbe with a sense of touch

A study by Dr James Stratford and Dr Simon Park found that Bacillus mycoides responds to subtle changes in its environment, producing whirlpool-shaped structures in response to curved surfaces. The microbe's ability to respond to force could signal potential useful scientific applications.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 11, 2013

Crossing continents -- where we drive affects how we drive

A study by University of Nottingham researchers found that Malaysian drivers are less likely to identify situations as dangerous and react to them later than British drivers. The study suggests that hazard perception tests may need to be adapted for developing countries where road safety is a primary concern.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalTransportation Research Part F Traffic Psychology and Behaviour·DateNov 28, 2013

Life, but not as we know it

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have found a type of archaea that can reproduce without normal replication processes, growing faster in its absence. This discovery challenges existing understanding of DNA replication and has implications for cancer research.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature·DateNov 3, 2013

Speeding up cancer diagnosis during surgery

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a highly accurate prototype technique to detect cancerous tissue during surgery. This technique can produce detailed maps of tissue rich in information at the molecular level, enabling fast and objective diagnosis of cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2013

Do conservation scientists work too hard?

Conservation scientists work a substantial amount of their time outside regular office hours, with Japanese and Chinese researchers submitting nearly 40% of their manuscripts outside regular office hours. This trend is increasing, with potential negative impacts on the quality of scientific work and life-work balance.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBiological Conservation·DateAug 13, 2013

A new tool for brain research

Researchers used fMRI and EEG to study brain function, mapping a previously unexplored aspect of brain activity. They found that post-stimulus signal in fMRI reflects changes in brain signalling, not just blood flow.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2013

A better way to prevent child abuse

A UK study found that the £10 million Family Nurse Partnership program can only tackle around 10% of families involved in child maltreatment. Researchers suggest using different risk factors to identify vulnerable children could reach three times more abusive families.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateMay 14, 2013

Valuing nature is not enough

A new concept has emerged to describe the natural world's resources supplied to humans, but its application raises ethical concerns about social equity and responsibilities. The study highlights the need for considering multiple values and interests when analyzing nature's contribution to humanity.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBioScience·DateJan 24, 2013

How does your garden glow?

Researchers create mathematical model of plant petals to understand iridescence and its role in attracting pollinators. The study, published in Journal of the Royal Society Interface, provides a first analysis of how petal surface patterns might be produced.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJan 14, 2013

The secret sex life of the penicillin-producing fungus could make it more productive

Researchers have discovered a method to induce sexual reproduction in Penicillium chrysogenum, leading to the development of new strains with improved industrial characteristics. This breakthrough aims to increase penicillin production, making it cheaper to produce, and potentially applicable to other economically important fungi.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2013