Air pollution experts at the University of Surrey recommend wearing respirator masks between 3.2 to 9.5 hours for maximum effectiveness, with 97% effective in protecting against virus-laden particles. Medical and handmade masks also provide protection but with lower usage time and effectiveness.
A new study published in The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people of African descent are at risk of vitamin D deficiency, particularly in countries with high latitudes. To address this issue, researchers recommend increasing consumption of vitamin D-rich foods and taking supplements, especially during winter months.
A study of 247 Italian women found that exposure to sexualised imagery on Instagram led to increased body dissatisfaction. The research suggests that the type of comments accompanying the images also played a role, with objectifying features causing more concern among frequent Instagram users.
The University of Surrey has made significant progress in developing suitable solvents for perovskite inks, which are essential for producing high-quality thin films. This achievement is crucial for improving the power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells, as it enables the production of scalable and low-cost devices.
A University of Surrey AI model predicts compound properties that promote healthy ageing, identifying flavonoids, fatty acids, and organooxygens as promising candidates. The discovery paves the way for pharmaceutical innovations targeting age-related diseases.
A leading nano-technologist argues that there are no excuses left to justify the use of fossil fuels. Significant innovations in advanced batteries and energy storage technologies are needed to meet the goal of a carbon net-zero planet by 2050.
Researchers gathered data on prison cancer diagnoses to understand barriers in delivering quality healthcare. The study aims to improve prison cancer care through patient and public involvement.
A new study by the University of Surrey found that drivers in developing cities inhale a significant amount of fine air pollution particles even after spending short time in pollution hotspots. The research also showed that cities with lower GDP per capita experience higher economic losses due to PM2.5 car exposure.
Research reveals that people with frequent sleep problems are at a higher risk of dying than those without sleep problems. Specifically, individuals with Type-2 diabetes who also experience sleep disturbances face an increased mortality rate of 87%.
A new method has been developed to observe graphene growth on a microchip surface in real time, using a standard scanning electron microscope. This technique enables the reliable production of graphene layers and reduces growth times from several hours to just minutes.
Researchers developed advanced torque vectoring methods to enhance power consumption, safety, and driveability in electric vehicles. The innovative system uses predictive control models with fuzzy logic to adaptively prioritize vehicle dynamics or energy efficiency.
Scientists at the University of Surrey detail how they measure metabolite fluxes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, crucial for understanding its survival and developing effective treatments. This breakthrough could accelerate progress towards eliminating tuberculosis globally.
A study from the University of Surrey found that 67% of UK adults are overweight or obese, with time-restricted feeding showing potential to combat obesity. More than 400 participants believed they could reduce their 'feeding window' by three hours if associated health benefits were clear.
Researchers discovered that manganese-enhanced MRI scans provide more accurate details of heart function than traditional methods, potentially increasing survival chances. The study suggests that early detection within the first few hours of a heart attack can optimize treatment regimes and regulate cardiac muscle changes.
Researchers found that well-fitting three-layered cloth masks reduce exposure by up to 75% and can be as effective as surgical masks in preventing COVID-19 transmission. The study's findings suggest cloth masks can significantly reduce the risk of contraction, making them a valuable tool in community efforts
Researchers discovered silicon's strongest nonlinearity, allowing for extremely weak beams to be used in photonic applications. This breakthrough could lead to the production of silicon processors with built-in light beam control capabilities.
A daily dose of prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) improved mental wellbeing by reducing anxiety levels and enhancing gut health in a group of healthy female participants. The study found significant positive effects on both psychological and physiological markers of mental health.
A study by University of Surrey found that frequent internet use among older adults (55-75) was beneficial for mental health and quality of life under lockdown. Those who used the internet more frequently, particularly for communication, had lower depression scores and an enhanced quality of life.
Researchers developed a two-pronged approach targeting cancer progression and cell destruction, leveraging cathepsin S and p21 BAX proteins to treat kidney cancer. The novel peptide CS-PEP1 inhibits these proteins, encouraging cancer cell death and overcoming molecular resistance found in conventional chemotherapy treatment.
Researchers developed a computational model to simulate cell division and apoptosis in the cerebral cortex, finding that early cell death influences brain structure. The study replicated various brain structures in rats, macaques, and humans.
A comprehensive study published in Earth-Science Reviews journal found that remote monitoring techniques can accurately measure the effectiveness of nature-based solutions (NBS). This advancement offers hope for routine, continual, and accurate assessment of NBS, helping to quell skepticism around their use.
Researchers found that most classification systems' criteria diverge from scientific evidence on nutrition and food processing. A lack of consistency in categorizing foods deemed 'ultra-processed' and home-cooked foods hinders informed decision-making, according to the study.
A new study published in Psychiatry Research found that the Covid-19 pandemic significantly impacted the mental health of young people, with clinical depression rates more than doubling to 34.7% during lockdown. Additionally, a correlation was found between increased depression and lower sleep quality.
A new review by the University of Surrey highlights the most effective techniques for collecting airborne pathogens, particularly viruses, using cyclone sampling methods. Harvard impactor samplers are also found to be suitable for capturing fine and ultrafine particles for toxicity assessments.
Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed a new analysis of 2D perovskites, which could improve the stability of next-generation solar cells and LEDs. By combining lead with tin, they were able to reduce toxic lead quantities and tune key properties, leading to enhanced performance in photovoltaics and light-emitting diodes.
A new study found that gay men who believe they sound gay are more vigilant about others' reactions and expect acute rejection from heterosexuals. Researchers also discovered that essentialist beliefs regarding voice contribute to prejudice and stigmatization towards gay-sounding men.
Researchers found that actively preparing or watching others prepare food increases hunger and eating. Those who watched someone else prepare food or prepared their own nutritious food consumed more than those in the distraction group.
Researchers are investigating whether changing mealtimes to earlier or later in the day can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The study, led by Dr Denise Robertson and Professor Jonathan Johnston, aims to explore the impact on participants' blood pressure, waist and hip circumferences, and food preferences.
A significant number of patients with sudden loss of consciousness require pre-hospital critical care, according to a recent study. The research found that air ambulance dispatch teams can select patients needing HEMS-specific interventions and identify opportunities to improve triage.
Researchers developed a breakthrough sensor system and manufacturing process for smart contact lenses, featuring a photodetector, temperature sensor, and glucose sensor. The ultra-thin sensor layer offers high detection sensitivity, good biocompatibility, and mechanical robustness.
Researchers at the University of Surrey found that practicing gratitude and thinking about a positive future can improve social connectedness and overall wellbeing. The study suggests that focusing on the present moment and appreciating what is good in life can be more psychologically beneficial than dwelling on the past.
A new study found that young people who prefer to stay up late are more impulsive, anxious, and likely to engage in substance use. The research suggests that improving sleep hygiene could reduce these behaviors among young adults.
Researchers have developed a new one-step polymerization method to label and track nano-plastics, allowing for the investigation of their behavior in simulated lab environments. This breakthrough could help fill the knowledge gap on the effects and behavior of nano-plastics in the environment.
The University of Surrey's new hybrid X-ray detector architecture offers improved accuracy for cancer therapy, with higher sensitivity than traditional detectors. The device also boasts industry-standard low dark currents and fast response characteristics, making it a promising technology for various applications.
A new study by University of Surrey experts found that trees can effectively reduce the urban heat island effect in many European cities. The research simulated temperature increases in Guildford, UK under different green infrastructure scenarios and found that trees were the most effective form of mitigation.
The Surrey team developed highly effective cathodes using single-atom catalysts and produced atomic cobalt electrocatalysts that showed superior electrochemical performance in Li-Se batteries. The batteries demonstrated a high rate capability and excellent cycling stability with minimal capacity decay over 5000 cycles.
The University of Surrey has developed a Multimodal Transistor (MMT) that can perform complex operations as simple circuits, overcoming long-standing challenges. The device's immunity to parasitic effects enables efficient analogue computation for AI, robotic control, and unsupervised machine learning.
The University of Surrey has made significant advancements in perovskite tandem solar cells, achieving higher power conversion efficiencies through adjustments to thickness and the development of more effective protective layers. This progress holds promise for accelerating commercialization and promoting a shift towards green energy.
A new study found that homicides near schools decrease math test scores by 5% and attendance by 1%, with a similar effect to reducing teacher quality. Boys are more affected by violence than girls, leading to lower aspirations and attitudes towards education.
A study published in Science Advances found that removing a single gene from the poxvirus genome renders it harmless, triggering a potent immune response. The researchers used the ectromelia virus and discovered that disabling this gene made the infection detectable to the immune system.
A recent survey of UK professionals found that COVID-19 has caused significant disruptions to psycho-social care for cancer patients, leading to delays in accessing support. The study highlights the need for innovative solutions to address the growing demand for psychological support during the pandemic.
Scientists have made key discovery using pre-solar grains found in primitive meteorites, providing new insights into stellar explosions and element formation. The new method involves analyzing chemical and isotopic composition of grains to study nuclear reactions like proton capture on chlorine.
A study found that commuters in poor cities experience higher levels of in-car air pollution, with windows-open setting exposing passengers to hotspots of pollution for up to a third of the total travel length. Car cabin filters were more effective in removing pollutants than fine particles.
A new study found that 20% of middle-aged UK South Asians have a very severe vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to health problems such as osteomalacia. The study also identified factors like geographic location and BMI as contributors to the deficiency, highlighting the need for targeted public health campaigns.
Researchers from the University of Surrey have developed a pioneering circuit design using source-gated transistors to create compact circuit blocks. This innovative design improves performance, reduces waste and makes manufacturing more cost-effective.
A recent study found that COVID-19 lockdowns in five Indian cities reduced harmful fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations by up to 54%, comparable to reductions in other cities worldwide. The lockdown also saved an estimated 630 lives and $690 million in health costs.
Researchers found that a fundamental principle of lasers, compensating for losses with amplified light, is only an approximation. A tiny excess loss due to luminescence inside the laser provides the key to understanding the spectral linewidth.
A new study from the University of Surrey discovered that roadside hedges protect human health by reducing air pollution exposure, but at the cost of harming plant health. The researchers found that fine particles on leaves were more prevalent on the traffic-facing side of the hedge.
Researchers at the University of Surrey warn that many economies are experiencing prolonged periods of instability and slow growth due to 'secular stagnation'. The team's analysis suggests that the COVID-19 crisis may result in one of the weakest and most unstable recoveries in recorded history.
A new study urges judges to scrutinize algorithmic risk assessment tools used in criminal cases due to biases and weak statistical evidence. The review recommends three steps: fitness, accuracy, and reliability assessments to ensure the tool's relevance, performance, and trustworthiness.