Research News

Aberystwyth Prof gains top fellowship

An Aberystwyth University professor has received an esteemed fellowship from the Academy of Social Sciences

The Altar Stone, seen here underneath two bigger Sarsen stones. Credit: Professor Nick Pearce, Aberystwyth University.

Stonehenge origins search heats up as Orkney ruled out

Scientists’ search for the source of Stonehenge’s iconic Altar Stone has intensified, with a new paper ruling out Orkney as where it came from.

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Aberystwyth hosts annual UK conference for Apple developers

Software experts from across the world gather at Aberystwyth University this week (2-5 September) to hear about the latest advancements in the field of iOS development.

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Regional approach to ending TB discussed in Aberystwyth

TB experts will gather in Aberystwyth this month to discuss how local, regional and national collaboration can help to control the spread of bovine tuberculosis.

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Greater plant diversity in world’s drylands surprises scientists

Plant life becomes more diverse in drier areas of the world as it adapts to more arid conditions, according to a new study that has surprised scientists.

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Stonehenge Altar Stone came from Scotland, not Wales

The largest “bluestone” at the heart of Stonehenge came from northern Scotland, not Wales, according to new research.

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Left to right: Dr Gwennan Higham from Swansea University, Professor Leigh Oakes from Queen Mary University of London and Dr Huw Lewis from Aberystwyth University.

New research on how language helps integrate newcomers

In an era of increased migration, what are the best ways of integrating newcomers into the language of their host country? It’s a question which is being addressed as part of an innovative study funded by a prestigious Leverhulme Trust research project grant.

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Image from May's aurora borealis taken just outside of Aberystwyth [CREDIT: ABERYSTWYTH UNIVERSITY].

New radar to be used to take first 3D measurements of Northern Lights

A new radar being built in Scandinavia will be used by researchers at Aberystwyth University to capture three-dimensional measurements of the Northern Lights for the very first time.

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Butterflies prefer UV lights says new study

Butterflies prefer lighting that contains ultraviolet according to a new study by Aberystwyth University scientists that could help improve how insects are kept indoors.

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Eisteddfod weather researchers ask for public’s memories

If you remember the scorching weather at the Cardigan National Eisteddfod in 1976 or, the strong winds in Tŷ Ddewi in 2002 or the rain in Anglesey seven years ago, researchers want your memories

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Insects being grown at Aberystwyth University

Crickets in your brownies? Insect-based food taste tests

Welsh scientists are testing how people react to eating food containing insects as part of research into greener protein.

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A coronal mass ejection is seen erupting from the Sun in 2015. Credit: NASA Goddard Flight Center.

New dawn for space storm alerts could help shield Earth's tech

Space storms could soon be forecasted with greater accuracy than ever before thanks to a big leap forward in our understanding of exactly when a violent solar eruption may hit Earth.

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Aberystwyth University research uses AI to improve support for modern slavery survivors

Organisations and policymakers supporting survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery now have a better understanding of their needs, thanks to an innovative research project led by an Aberystwyth law professor.

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President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Photo credit: Palácio do Planalto {cc-by-2.0})

Aberystwyth University project to study climate action in the Amazon

An Aberystwyth academic is leading an international team to explore the position of the Amazon Rainforest in climate politics and its place in the academic study of international relations.

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Professor Gareth Griffith with one of the air sampling machines

Largest ever global air sampling maps fungal spread

Mushrooms and other fungi spread their spores in a more localised way than once thought and more similar to how animals and plant species migrate, new research has found.

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Satellite Image of Juneau Icefield
Credit: Landsat imagery courtesy of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and U.S. Geological Survey

Melting of Alaskan glaciers accelerating faster than thought

Melting of glaciers in a major Alaskan icefield has accelerated and could reach an irreversible tipping point earlier than previously thought, new research suggests.

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RRS Sir David Attenborough research vessel, photo credit Jenna Plank, British Antarctic Survey.

Seals reveal age of Antarctic water for first time

The age of water in the Antarctic is being revealed by seals for the first time.

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Domestic violence and abuse research initiative releases new British Sign Language resource

The Dewis Choice Initiative is marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (15 June) with the release of a British Sign Language version of its impactful animation highlighting the unique challenges that older adults face when domestic abuse occurs.

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Heather Heap, who is leading the research.

Are nasty jokes causing problems for elderly couples? New research begins

From classic knock-knock jokes to mother-in-law puns, researchers are looking at how humour affects older couples’ relationships.

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Dr Sarah Dalesman, Aberystwyth University

Antibiotic pollution makes snails forgetful by altering their gut microbiome

Antibiotics prevent snails from forming new memories by disrupting their gut microbiome - the community of beneficial bacteria found in their guts.

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Cordelia Bryant (left) and Alice Walker who will be working in Canada over the summer after securing on the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship programme.

Aberystwyth students win prestigious international research internships

Two Aberystwyth University undergraduate students will be spending the summer working in Canada after being awarded prestigious research internships.

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Biomass crop research aims to boost rural economy

Aberystwyth University researchers are exploring the potential of crops like willow and alder as alternative sources of income for farmers.

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Drought resistant cereal research ‘vital’ as world population rises – new research fellow

Aberystwyth University’s world-renowned plant research has been boosted by a prestigious European Union-funded research fellowship.

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Dr Catherine Howarth from IBERS at Aberystwyth University with the rest of the oat breeding team.

New Aberystwyth oats make esteemed National List

Four new oat varieties bred at Aberystwyth University have received top level approval after being recommended to farmers by the government’s industry board.

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Aberystwyth University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jon Timmis receiving the award from Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace

The Queen presents award to Aberystwyth University for parasite research

Queen Camilla has presented a prestigious award to Aberystwyth University for its pioneering parasitology work at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace today (Thursday, 22 February).

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An EEG test at Aberystwyth University’s Psychology Department.

Can green tea prevent age-related disease? Research project

Aberystwyth University scientists are testing how nutrients in green tea can affect age-related diseases by monitoring people’s brain activity.

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National Plant Phenomics Centre, IBERS, Aberystwyth University

Unlocking clover’s potential to reduce fertiliser use – research aim

Scientists are aiming to unlock the potential of clover and other legumes to reduce the use of fertiliser and emissions from livestock agriculture, thanks to a £3.3 million UK Government grant.

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An aerial view of Aberystwyth University’s Gogerddan campus.

Major research investment into land use transformation at Aberystwyth University

Aberystwyth University is part of a new expert consortium established to help the Welsh Government and other UK administrations tackle greenhouse gas emissions from land use and agriculture.

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Researching the impact of gender-based violence on men and boys in Nigeria

The impact of gender-based violence on men and boys in Nigeria is the focus of a new study at the University following the awarding of a prestigious fellowship.

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Antarctic seals help Aberystwyth scientist monitor ocean warming

Seals will be helping an Aberystwyth University academic monitor ocean warming in the Antarctic during a voyage of the RRS Sir David Attenborough.

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£1 million for early lung cancer diagnosis test research

Scientists’ work to develop a new rapid diagnostic kit to detect lung cancer has received a £1 million grant boost.

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Rural communities are being left behind because of poor digital infrastructure, research shows

Writing in The Conversation, Dr Aloysius Igboekwu, Dr Maria Plotnikova and Dr Sarah Lindop from Aberystwyth Business School discuss how rural communities are being left behind because of poor digital infrastructure.

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Aberystwyth students win UN-backed prize for bird flu research

Aberystwyth University students have scooped a major World Food Forum award for their research tackling bird flu.

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Schistosomiasis affects more than 200 million people globally and is transmitted by freshwater snails in tropical areas of Africa, Asia and South America.

Royal award for pioneering parasite research at Aberystwyth University

Aberystwyth University has been awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for its pioneering work in helping to tackle the devastating impact of parasitic flatworms.

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Kurdish borderland conflict research begins at Aberystwyth University

The impact of the conflict in the Kurdish borderlands of Turkey will be the focus of new research, following the awarding of a prestigious fellowship.

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Professor Elizabeth Treasure, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University, presenting the Award for Exceptional Research Impact to Professor Ryszard Piotrwicz.

Excellence awards for impact of research on global policies

The pioneering work of two researchers in the areas of global biodiversity and regulating human trafficking has been selected for special recognition.

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Welsh Secretary David TC Davies (right) and Dr Kerrie Farrar from Aberystwyth University (left)

Aberystwyth University showcases research to Ministers in London

Aberystwyth University scientists have discussed their research with UK Government Ministers at an event in London showcasing the very best of Welsh research and innovation.

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Members of the Hakka community from Taiwan during their visit to Aberystwyth University to learn about the work being done to promote the Welsh language.

Aberystwyth shares research and experiences with Hakka speaking community

Members of the Hakka speaking community in Taiwan visited Aberystwyth University on Thursday 19 October to learn about research and practical experiences of promoting the use of Welsh.

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What will happen to the Greenland ice sheet if we miss our global warming targets

In an article for The Conversation, Professor Bryn Hubbard from the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences writes about a new study which suggests that the ice will survive if temperatures are soon brought back down.

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Stonehenge Altar Stone did not come from Wales – research

The origin of the largest “bluestone” at the heart of Stonehenge has been thrown into doubt by Aberystwyth University research.

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Vice-Chancellor Professor Elizabeth Treasure (centre) and Dr Eva De Visscher, Trusts and Foundations Manager at Aberystwyth University (second right) mark the new Joy Welch endowment with researchers who have received support from the Trust (left to right) Dr Valerie Rodrigues (Life Sciences), Dr Alice Vernon (English and Creative Writing), Professor Stephen Tooth (Geography and Earth Sciences), Tracy Knight, Dr Sarah Dalesman and Dr Rhys Thatcher (Life Sciences), and Dr Rachel Cross (Physics).

£3 million from Enigma codebreaker for Aberystwyth University research

An Aberystwyth graduate who contributed to the breaking of the German Enigma code during the Second World War has left over £3m to her former University.

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Early lung cancer diagnosis aims for new test

Earlier detection of lung cancer could be possible thanks to a project led by Welsh scientists to develop a new rapid diagnostic kit.

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The curlew, Europe’s largest wading bird with its distinctive long curved bill, is commonly found feeding on tidal mudflats, saltmarshes and nearby farmland in winter. It was added to the Red list on the UK Conservation Status Report in 2015.

Research reveals climate change is driving endangered Irish and Welsh birds to new habitats

Research published this week reveals that the changing climate is driving the birds to winter in areas with more industrial sites and sports and agriculture fields, making them much more vulnerable.

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Dr Danny Thorogood, Aberystwyth University

Plant inbreeding secret unlocked, shedding light on Darwinian theory

Aberystwyth University scientists have helped identify the genes that stop plants breeding with close grass family relatives, opening the door to improved varieties of rice, corn and wheat.

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A representation of what the European Solar Telescope will look like when constructed at the observatory in La Palma, Spain. Credit: IDOM

Aberystwyth physicists collaborate on solar telescope project

Aberystwyth University is part of an international collaboration to build the biggest solar telescope ever constructed in Europe.

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Offshore wind farms good habitats for lobsters – research

Offshore wind farms could offer new habitats for lobsters and possible biodiversity benefits, according to new research by led by Aberystwyth University academics.

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Professor Inseop Shin and Professor Peter Merriman with the signed Memorandum of Understanding between Aberystwyth University and Konkuk University

Transport research boost with Aberystwyth’s South Korea partnership

Aberystwyth University has hailed a new partnership with Konkuk University in South Korea as a big boost for its transport and mobilities research.

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Aberystwyth University scientists at Alpine glaciers

Vulnerable rock-covered glaciers investigated by Aberystwyth scientists

Scientists are investigating the increase in rock cover on glaciers that can affect the speed they melt as the climate changes.

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Mystery of why blue traps catch flies solved by AI research

The traditional method of using blue traps to catch biting flies works because the insects confuse the colour with animals they wish to bite, according to new research led by Aberystwyth University academics.

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Article - The melting Arctic is a crime scene

Writing in The Conversation, Dr Arwyn Edwards from the Department of Life Sciences likens the melting Arctic to a complex criminal investigation, and describes his scientific fieldwork as the documenting of crime scenes.

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