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University of York


Chaos proves superior to order

Researchers have demonstrated that chaotic systems can store more light than ordered ones in optical cavities, with applications for quantum optics and solar cells. The study found a six-fold increase in energy storage in chaotic cavities, outperforming classical counterparts.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 7, 2013

York scientists discover driving force behind prostate cancer

Scientists at the University of York have discovered a cancer-inducing DNA realignment in human prostate cancer stem cells that can lead to more effective therapies targeting the root cause of the disease. This breakthrough has challenged previous understanding of solid cancers and offers new opportunities for targeted treatments.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 27, 2013

Laser empties atoms from the inside out

Researchers at the University of York and Joint Institute for High Temperatures used a petawatt laser to remove deeply bound electrons from atoms, creating a distinctive plasma state. The experiment aims to further understanding of fusion energy generation, which employs hotter plasmas than the Sun.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 25, 2013

Curtains down for the black hole firewall paradox

Researchers have found that entanglement across a black hole's event horizon plays a crucial role in determining the existence of a 'firewall' paradox. The study confirms and generalizes previous claims about entanglement in black holes, supporting Einstein's theory of gravity.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 6, 2013

Pioneering research helps to unravel the brain's vision secrets

A new study identified two neighboring areas of the cortex as processing different types of visual information independently. The researchers used magnetic fields to disrupt neural activity, revealing that one area plays a causal role in processing orientation, while another underpins shape recognition based on curvature differences.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 3, 2013

Snails signal a humid Mediterranean

A team of researchers from the University of York analyzed snail shells from Mediterranean caves to study past humidity levels. The findings show that the western Mediterranean was warmer and stickier when first farmers arrived in Italy and Spain thousands of years ago.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalQuaternary International·DateJan 30, 2013

Neon lights up exploding stars

Researchers from the University of York and Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya have made significant discoveries about novae, explosive events driven by nuclear processes. The study's findings improve our understanding of key nuclear reactions and the final abundance of radioactive isotopes involved in these explosions.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 15, 2013

'Trust' provides answer to handaxe enigma

Research suggests that the fine crafting of handaxes by Homo erectus/ergaster in the Lower Palaeolithic period was driven by a desire to prove trustworthiness rather than physical fitness. The 'trustworthy handaxe theory' proposes that attention to detail is about demonstrating emotional reliability and capacity for strong relationships.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalWorld Archaeology·DateNov 21, 2012

Steps in the right direction for conservation

A University of York-led study reveals that strategically placed habitat 'stepping stones' can accelerate species range expansion, even in fragmented landscapes. The research offers a new approach to conservation planning, prioritizing areas where gaps between habitats are most difficult to cross.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 17, 2012

Stepping stones to the north

A new study reveals that protected areas are crucial habitats for animal species to colonize and thrive as they migrate towards the poles. The research analyzed millions of records from citizen scientists and found that nature reserves are 4 times more likely to be colonized than expected, providing vital refuges against climate change.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2012

Research charts growing threats to biodiversity 'arks'

A recent study published in Nature highlights the challenges facing tropical protected areas, but also shows that long-term engagement with conservation can have positive results. Conservation efforts in Tanzania's Udzungwa mountains have paid dividends, with the reserve remaining relatively unchanged from a biodiversity point of view.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature·DateJul 25, 2012

Maths experts question key ecological theory

Researchers at University of York and University of Canterbury disprove the accepted theory of nestedness, finding instead that a species' number of mutualistic partners is a better predictor of individual survival and community persistence. This challenges the idea that ecological communities exhibit nested structures.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature·DateJun 20, 2012

Gourmet butterflies speed north

A new study found that warmer summers have allowed the Brown Argus butterfly to shift its diet to wild Geranium plants, enabling it to expand its range in Britain at a rapid rate. Over 20 years, the butterfly has spread northwards by 79km, becoming common in southern England.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 2012

Pioneering research reveals bacterium's secrets

The study has provided novel insights into the regulatory processes that help Bacillus subtilis cells maintain their metabolism in prime condition. It identified 512 new potential genes in the bacterium and has implications for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical industries.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalScience·DateMar 1, 2012

York and Brighton researchers 'dig for data'

Researchers from York and Brighton are developing new tools to explore European medieval charters, providing a rich source of information on people's lives in the past. The project aims to enable users to dig into these records, recovering descriptions of places and people, and going beyond current digital catalogues.

Scientists 'record' magnetic breakthrough

A team of international scientists has developed a new way of magnetic recording that uses only heat to process information hundreds of times faster than current hard drive technology. This breakthrough could make future magnetic recording devices significantly faster and more energy-efficient.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2012

Scientists discover new clue to the chemical origins of life

Researchers at the University of York have successfully recreated a process that could be responsible for the origin of carbohydrates in life. By using simple left-handed amino acids as catalysts, they produced predominantly right-handed sugars, shedding light on how these building blocks came to dominate nature.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalOrganic & Biomolecular Chemistry·DateJan 24, 2012

No more free rides for 'piggy-backing' viruses

Researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of endomannosidase, an enzyme used by devastating human viruses like HIV and Hepatitis C to replicate. This breakthrough opens the door to developing inhibitors that block both pathways used by these viruses.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 4, 2012

Yoga aids chronic back pain sufferers

A study led by the University of York found that a specially-designed 12-week yoga programme improved back function and confidence in people with chronic lower back pain. After nine months, participants continued to experience benefits, including increased ability to perform daily activities.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 31, 2011

Ancient cooking pots reveal gradual transition to agriculture

Researchers analyzed ancient pottery for signs of terrestrial, marine, and freshwater organisms, finding that fish and aquatic resources continued to be exploited after the advent of farming. This suggests a gradual transition from hunting to agriculture in Western Europe, challenging previous assumptions about the abrupt shift.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2011

Researchers study aging's effect on the brain

Research by biologists at the University of York has revealed that under stressful conditions, synapses can grow excessively, potentially contributing to dysfunction. This finding has strong implications for neuronal function as brains age and adds significantly to our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2011