Virtual reality games could help bullying victims
A virtual reality game called FearNot! was tested on 1,129 children aged eight to nine in the UK and Germany. The result: a 26% decrease in bullying victimization over a three-week period.
University of Warwick
Researchers identify the 3 killer indicators that are even worse than high cholesterol
Researchers at the University of Warwick have identified central obesity, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar as the most dangerous combination of health factors for developing metabolic syndrome. This combination can increase the risk of heart attack by doubling it and mortality rates by three times.
Metals could forge new cancer drug
A new class of compounds containing Ruthenium and Osmium has been found to be highly effective in killing ovarian and colon cancer cells, even those resistant to Cisplatin. The discovery is a significant step forward in the field of medicinal chemistry.
£1 million award to address honeybee decline
A £1 million research project will investigate the decline of honeybees, exploring how disease and food supply affect bee survival in farmed landscapes. The team aims to build a predictive model to improve honeybee health and mitigate the impact on food security.
Fake video dramatically alters eyewitness accounts
Researchers found that nearly 50% of people shown fake footage were prepared to believe the video version rather than what they actually saw. Fake video evidence was used in an experiment to test whether it could induce individuals to accuse another person of doing something they never did.
Researchers using parallel processing computing could save thousands by using an Xbox
A University of Warwick researcher has demonstrated that an Xbox chip can be used as a cheaper alternative for modeling complex processes like cardiac arrhythmias. The study found that the XBox 360 GPU can perform high-end parallel computing on domestic hardware, saving researchers thousands of pounds.
Signs of ideal surfing conditions spotted in ocean of solar wind
Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a new type of turbulence in the solar wind that enables plasma particles to exchange energy without collisions. This finding has significant implications for fusion power development and could provide insights into energy dissipation in solar system-sized plasmas.
Icy exposure creates armored polymer high tech foams
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a novel method for creating high-tech armored foams using an 'ice-templating' process. This approach enables the creation of structured foams with promising results as low-power gas sensors, which can operate at room temperature.
DNA of ancient lost barley could help modern crops cope with water stress
Researchers at the University of Warwick discovered that an ancient form of barley could survive water stress better than modern varieties. The study found that a mutation in six-rowed barley led to its transformation into two-rowed barley, which was cultivated for over three millennia.
Lack of sleep could be more dangerous for women than men
Research by University of Warwick and University College London found that women's inflammatory markers vary significantly with sleep duration, while men do not. Short-term sleep deprivation studies suggest an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease in sleep-deprived individuals.
Targeting children effective use of limited supplies of flu vaccine and could help control flu spread
Researchers suggest targeting children for flu vaccination to support control measures and reduce pandemic spread. Vaccinating key individuals in households provides sufficient protection to others, potentially reducing the need for widespread vaccination.
New antibiotics could come from a DNA binding compound that kills bacteria in 2 minutes
Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a synthetic DNA binding compound that effectively kills bacteria within two minutes. The compound's ability to target and coil DNA makes it a promising approach to combatting drug-resistant bacteria.
Stellar explosion displays massive carbon footprint
Astronomers at the University of Warwick have discovered that the 2006 stellar explosion SCP 06F6 bears remarkable resemblance to extremely carbon-rich stars. The object's unusual characteristics suggest it may be a new type of supernova, with properties distinct from normal Type II supernovae.
Research says older people need more sun
Research shows a high correlation between low vitamin D levels and metabolic syndrome in older adults, who are more likely to have a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to an increased risk of having metabolic syndrome and related metabolic diseases.
Researchers find promotion is bad for mental health and stops your visiting the doctor
A study published at the Royal Economic Society's conference found that job promotions lead to increased mental strain, resulting in a 10% decrease in mental health. Promoted individuals also reported a 20% drop in doctor visits, possibly due to reduced time availability.
New flat flexible speakers might even help you catch planes and trains
Researchers at University of Warwick have developed a groundbreaking new loudspeaker technology that delivers planar directional sound waves, projecting further than conventional speakers. The 'Flat, Flexible Loudspeaker' (FFL) is lightweight, inexpensive to manufacture and can be concealed inside ceiling tiles or car interiors.
South Asians with diabetes more likely to lose their eyesight earlier than white Europeans
A UK study found South Asians with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy, leading to early vision loss. The study also revealed that South Asian patients were significantly younger when diagnosed with diabetes and developed retinopathy about seven years earlier than White Europeans.
Vitamin D may not be the answer to feeling SAD
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found no clear association between depressive symptoms and vitamin D levels in blood. The researchers tested over 3,000 participants and recruited community residents aged 50-70 from China, discovering low levels of vitamin D may not be connected to depression.
Extremely premature children at high risk of learning difficulties by age 11
A study found that almost two-thirds of extremely preterm children require additional support in school by age 11. The research also showed significant differences in reading and math scores, with boys more likely to have impairments than girls.
Quantum doughnuts slow and freeze light at will: 'Fast computing and slow glass'
A team of researchers from the University of Warwick has discovered a way to use doughnut-shaped quantum dots to slow and freeze light, paving the way for more efficient and effective light-based computing. This technique has significant implications for the development of 'slow glass' that can re-release photons in sequence.
Houseplant pest gives clue to potential new anthrax treatment
Researchers found a citric acid-based Achilles heel in the African Violet houseplant pathogen that could be exploited to treat Anthrax. A common strategy to block both Anthrax and African Violet siderophore synthesis pathways has been identified, offering new possibilities for combating infections.
Nanoparticles double their chances of getting into sticky situations
Scientists at the University of Warwick found that tiny nanoparticles can stick to liquid-liquid interfaces with increased ease, deviating from the standard model. This discovery has significant implications for the design of materials and technologies such as composite materials, quantum dots, and polymer paints.
GPS data and cell phone texts to give children's voice to urban expansion
A new research project aims to give children's voices to urban expansion in the UK. The project uses innovative technologies like GPS tracking and text messages to poll children on their daily activities and gather evidence on community design.
Girls twice as likely as boys to remain victims of bullying
Research from the University of Warwick and University of Hertfordshire found girls are two and a half times more likely to remain bullied at age ten than boys. The study also revealed that relational victimization increases as children grow older.
How chromosomes meet in the dark -- switch that turns on X chromosome matchmaking
Scientists at the University of Warwick have discovered a thermodynamic switch that enables the pairing of X chromosomes in female cells during embryo development. The discovery sheds light on the complex mechanism behind X-chromosome inactivation and its role in preventing medical conditions such as Down's Syndrome and Turner's Syndrome.
New tool could unpick complex cancer causes and help sociologists mine Facebook
Researchers have developed a new tool using graphical models to analyze complex systems, which can help uncover the underlying causes of cancer and enable sociologists to extract valuable insights from social media data. The 'Informative Priors' method incorporates current knowledge into mathematical analysis, providing more accurate r...
Vitamin B1 could reverse early-stage kidney disease in diabetes patients
Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered that high doses of thiamine can dramatically decrease albumin excretion and reverse early-stage diabetic kidney disease. The study found that 300mg of thiamine taken orally daily for three months reduced albumin excretion by 41% in type 2 diabetes patients.
Hands-free cell phone conversations add 5 m to drivers' braking distances
Research by University of Warwick reveals that hands-free cell phone conversations impair drivers' visual attention, increasing braking distances and errors. The study found that even passive listening to a conversation has a significant negative impact on driving performance.
Polymers 'battered' with nanoparticles could create self healing paints and clever packaging
Researchers at University of Warwick developed a single-step process to coat polymers with silica-based nanoparticles, creating versatile materials for self-healing paints and intelligent packaging. The process produces high-performance materials with tailored water or air permeability.
Over 50 percent of people with high blood pressure unaware they have condition
A European study found that 24% of participants had high blood pressure, with 56% of those unaware of their condition. Less than half of aware individuals had controlled blood pressure. The study suggests a call for better hypertension management and prevention.
Dead famous: Research says 18th century obituaries sparked modern cult of celebrity
Research by Dr Elizabeth Barry reveals how 18th century obituaries popularized the concept of celebrity, shifting attention from historically significant achievements to eccentric lives. The rise of newspapers and magazines played a crucial role in this phenomenon, cementing the public's fascination with famous individuals.
Spy researcher says once improbable Bond villains now close to real thing
A University of Warwick professor argues that the former James Bond villains have become eerily relevant in today's world, mirroring modern security threats. Their tactics, such as exploiting globalization and secrecy, are now employed by real-world enemies like terrorist groups, arms smugglers, and warlords.
Researchers find new chemical key that could unlock hundreds of new antibiotics
Scientists at the University of Warwick have found a novel signalling molecule that could stimulate hundreds of new antibiotic pathways in up to 50% of Streptomyces bacteria. The discovery was made using NMR technology and genome mining, and has potential to unlock new antibiotics to combat growing bacterial resistance.
Warwick first UK university to acquire von Hagens plastinations for anatomy teaching
The University of Warwick is acquiring over 200 plastinated body parts from Germany for its medical school, a £400,000 investment in anatomy education. These specimens will be used by students to understand human anatomy and develop surgical skills.
Research says singling out sheep will save 1.3 million from lameness
New research identifies key factor in treatment delay: flock management philosophy. Early identification and individualized treatment of footrot can reduce lameness incidence by up to 80%. The study suggests farmers have the skills to follow best practices but may need resources to implement them.
Research finds customers' fixation on minimum payments drives up credit card bills
A new study by University of Warwick researcher Dr Neil Stewart reveals that the presence of a minimum payment on credit card bills can lead to lower actual repayments, increasing interest charges and debt duration. The study found that customers who make partial repayments are particularly affected by anchoring.
Research finds split in perception of similarity that could double Web advertising
A study by University of Warwick researchers found a radical 50/50 split in how people decide what makes two things seem similar. This could lead to advertisers and marketers reaching up to half of their potential audience, doubling the number of opportunities available in web advertising methods like Google AdWords.
Research pushes back history of crop development 10,000 years
A new mathematical model developed by researchers at the University of Warwick suggests that plant agriculture began much earlier than previously thought, around 23,000 years ago. The study found that useful gene types took thousands of years to become stable and that crop development was a slow process.
Century-old rule of chemistry overturned -- major implications for drug delivery
Research at the University of Warwick has challenged a century-old rule in pharmacology, suggesting that key chemicals can pass across cell walls much slower than predicted. The findings have major implications for the development and testing of future drugs.
Scientists use old enemy to K.O. cancer
Researchers use ruthenium as a catalyst to increase oxidant levels in infected cells, ultimately destroying cancerous cells. The study offers a promising alternative to traditional cancer treatments, which often adapt quickly to targeted drugs.
Fungus foot baths could save bees
Scientists at the University of Warwick have found four types of fungi effective against varroa mites, which feed on honey bee circulatory fluid and transmit diseases. The researchers are exploring ways to deliver these killer fungi through various methods, including foot baths and powder sprays.
Suckling infants trigger surges of trust hormone in mothers' brains
Researchers discovered how suckling babies stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone linked to trust and love. The study found that dendrites play a crucial role in coordinating oxytocin production, leading to synchronized bursts of activity.
Diabetes could be a hidden condition for heart disease patients
A recent study published in Diabetes Care found high levels of oxidative stress in coronary heart disease patients without type 2 diabetes were actually indicative of overt diabetes. This discovery highlights the importance of considering glucose abnormality as a potential underlying condition for heart disease.
Study says cut to junior doctors' hours does not compromise patients' safety
Researchers found that shorter work rotas significantly improved patient care, with a 32.7% reduction in medical errors. However, there were concerns about reduced educational opportunities for junior doctors and potential delays in patient health investigations.
Engineers create 3-D model to help biologists combat blue tongue virus
A large 3D model of the Blue Tongue virus has been created by WMG engineers, helping biologists devise new ways to combat the virus and potentially develop anti-viral drugs. The model is 5,200,000 times larger than the real thing and will be on display at the Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition.
Wavelets crunch through doctors' day long struggle to diagnose brain tumors
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed an automated technique using wavelets to analyze brain tumors, providing a preliminary diagnosis in seconds. The method improves upon existing methods by analyzing hundreds of slides with millions of pixels, increasing accuracy and reducing analysis time.
Nanotube production leaps from sooty mess in test tube to ready formed chemical microsensors
The new ultramicroelecrodes can detect chemicals up to 1000 times more sensitive than conventional sensors, with fast response times 10 times faster than traditional sensors.
Researchers important markers of high risk of type 2 diabetes
Researchers found high levels of E-selectin, white blood cells, and low serum albumin levels are clear predictors of high risk for type 2 diabetes. The study used data from the Western New York Health Study and found that combining these markers increased identification of high-risk patients by 8%.
Research could put penicillin back in battle against antibiotic resistant bugs that kill millions
Researchers have uncovered how Streptococcus pneumoniae builds its penicillin immunity and opened up ways to disrupt this mechanism, potentially restoring penicillin as a weapon against the bacterium. The discovery also offers hope for treating MRSA using penicillin.
Sun's corona is both hot and kinky
Scientists at University of Warwick argue that Alfvén waves, thought to superheat the Corona, are actually kink waves, a bending of the magnetic field. This reinterpretation throws doubt on previous research and leaves the question of the Corona's extreme heat unresolved.