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University of Southampton


Copper destroys MRSA at a touch

Researchers at the University of Southampton found that copper can destroy MRSA bacteria by damaging their DNA and respiration, making it difficult for them to survive. This discovery explains why touch surfaces made from solid antimicrobial copper are effective in reducing the spread of infections.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 23, 2016

Use your loaf to save British wildlife

A new farming scheme has been found to support 20% more species of butterflies while producing the same amount of crops as conventional farms. Farmers who sign up to the non-organic Fair to Nature growing protocol gain a premium price for their crops, in return for setting aside and actively managing wildlife habitat.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateNov 18, 2015

Muscle loss linked with falls and fractures in elderly

Researchers found that older people with an age-related loss of muscle mass and strength are at a greater risk of falling and bone fractures. The study identified the International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS) definition as the most effective means of identifying individuals at risk of adverse musculoskeletal events.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalCalcified Tissue International·DateNov 3, 2015

Scientists identify climate 'tipping points'

An international team of scientists has identified 41 potential 'tipping points' where regional climate shifts could occur, including abrupt changes in ocean circulation patterns and vegetation. These events may happen at global warming levels below two degrees, challenging the notion of a safe limit.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2015

Could 'The Day After Tomorrow' happen?

A University of Southampton study suggests that an abrupt collapse of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) could lead to cooling, rather than warming, for a period of 20 years. Global warming would continue after this initial cooling, with a globally averaged temperature offset of about 0.8°C.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 9, 2015

Scientists solve deep ocean carbon riddle

Research reveals that hydrothermal vent systems convert long-lived organic carbon into more readily available forms, balancing the continuous supply from surface oceans. This mechanism addresses the long-standing question of why deep ocean dissolved organic carbon (DOC) levels remain constant.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 28, 2015

Using ultrasound to clean medical instruments

A pioneering ultrasonic device called StarStream has been developed to improve the cleaning of medical instruments using cold water, eliminating biological contamination and bacterial biofilms. The device has shown significant effectiveness in removing complex contaminants such as brain tissue from surgical steel.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateSep 16, 2015