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University of Warwick


An ethical eye on AI

Researchers have found a mathematical means to help regulators and businesses manage AI systems' biases towards making unethical and costly commercial choices. The new 'Unethical Optimization Principle' provides a simple formula to estimate its impact, aiming to reduce the risk of AI-driven unethical strategies.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 29, 2020

How Dashcams help and hinder forensics

Researchers from WMG, University of Warwick assessed seven dashcam devices to identify artefacts that can be synthesised using tools such as native video players. The study found that digital forensics faces significant issues in managing and processing dashcam evidence.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalForensic Science International·DateJun 11, 2020

Appetite can be increased by cells in the brain

Researchers at University of Warwick discover that tanycytes, a type of glial cell in the brain, can increase appetite by delivering signals to neurons. The study found that stimulating tanycytes leads to an increase in food intake due to the activation of two pathways involved in feeding behavior.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

A new understanding of everyday cellular processes

The study suggests that cells can be understood as electrical entities, enabling predictive biological understanding and potential new treatments for conditions like heart failure and diabetes. The researchers' bioelectrical conceptualisation of cells could pave the way for breakthroughs in healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMay 20, 2020

Cell muscle movements visualized for first time

Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a new microscopy technique that allows them to visualize the dynamics of protein assemblies in cells, providing insights into cellular muscle movements. The study reveals that myosin proteins exhibit different regimes of fluctuations, enabling the cell to exert forces and propagate.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateApr 6, 2020

Leaving your baby to 'cry it out' has no adverse effects on child development

Researchers at the University of Warwick found that leaving babies to 'cry it out' does not affect their behavior or attachment, but may actually help them learn self-regulation and reduce crying duration. Parents who adapt to their baby's needs and wait before intervening can provide a safe space for their child to develop.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateMar 10, 2020

Two stars merged to form massive white dwarf

Astronomers have identified a massive white dwarf star with a unique carbon-rich atmosphere, suggesting it was formed from the merger of two white dwarfs. The discovery raises questions about the evolution of massive white dwarf stars and the number of supernovae in our galaxy.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMar 2, 2020

Supercharged light pulverises asteroids, study finds

According to a University of Warwick astronomer, the majority of stars in the universe will become luminous enough to blast surrounding asteroids into successively smaller fragments. This process will be triggered by the YORP effect, which creates an imbalance that spins up orbiting asteroids until they break apart.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 10, 2020

Stars need a partner to spin universe's brightest explosions

Researchers have discovered that tidal effects from a close binary companion can cause a star to spin fast enough to launch material into space, forming a gamma-ray burst. This phenomenon is necessary for creating the most luminous events in the universe, observable from Earth when their jet of material is pointed directly at us.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 13, 2020

Commercial weight management groups could support women to manage their weight after giving birth

Women who were overweight at the start of their pregnancy benefit from attending commercial weight management groups post-pregnancy, losing around 3kgs by 12 months. The researchers argue that a larger clinical trial is needed to determine the definitive health and cost-effectiveness benefits of such programs.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology·DateJan 6, 2020