Science news

Landing of Italian Troops in Tripoli, Libya in October 1911. (Image supplied by the Illustrations Bureau (Whitefriars, London)).

Photos of wartime Europe still shape views of conflict – here’s how we’re trying to right the record

A war in Europe instantly creates parallels with the world wars for people in the UK and other European countries. This connection represents what most people know and are taught about conflict on the continent. The media coverage and response to the war in Ukraine have also invoked familiar images of the second world war, in particular those of bombed buildings, armed soldiers and civilians, and children clinging to their parents.
A child doing timestables

More maths testing could be good for primary schoolchildren – if done in the right way

Recently published UK government plans proposed that by 2030, 90% of children leaving primary school in England should reach the expected standards in reading, writing and maths, compared with 65% in 2019.

Ocean of thoughts - New theory on how the brain recognises patterns

New research shows that our ability to recognise and differentiate between objects is caused by a complex pattern of brain waves interacting with each other.

Study aims to learn more about the links between physical activity and mood, stress and arousal

Researchers are hoping to learn more about the relationship between physical activity and a healthy mind.
man with long nose surronded by technology and covid illustrations

Not calling out friends’ and family’s COVID-19 vaccine falsehoods on WhatsApp can further the spread of misinformation – here’s why we don’t correct them

When people see COVID-19 vaccine misinformation on online personal messaging platforms and don’t speak up, this can boost the legitimacy of false claims and further their spread. So why don’t we correct our peers?
A child with their head against a board showing maths equations.

Being anxious about studying maths doesn’t mean you’re not good at it, but it can result in negative outcomes, says expert

Have you ever felt stressed or anxious while staring at your maths homework? Did the idea of your maths teacher asking you a question in class fill you with dread?

Photograph of Italian troops in Libya in October 1911. It was taken by journalist and reporter Victor Forbin for several French newspapers. (Image from the Service Historique de la Défense (2K34-161) form the Rumpf archival fonds.)

“Historical photographs of armed violence can impact our view of present conflicts”: New project to use AI to collate overlooked war images

“When we focus too much on the First and Second World Wars, this has an impact on our view of present conflicts.
Exercise kit with breast cancer ribbon

Exercise improves physical and mental side effects of breast cancer treatments, new study finds

Exercise helps breast cancer patients with the physical and mental side effects of treatment, a new Loughborough University study has found, and ultimately it may improve disease prognosis.

Faster analogue computer could be based on mathematics of complex systems

Researchers have proposed a novel principle for a unique kind of computer which would use analogue technology in place of digital or quantum components.

New AI model will speed up document analysis for the banking, financial and insurance industries

Researchers have developed an AI-based solution which can automatically analyse and extract large amounts of information from computer documents.
Students walking

Loughborough University degree programmes receive Society for Natural Sciences accreditation

Loughborough University is among the first group of institutions whose degree programmes have been accredited by the Society for Natural Sciences (SNS).
Man in suit holding mobile

COVID misinformation is a health risk – tech companies need to remove harmful content not tweak their algorithms

Many worldwide have now caught COVID. But during the pandemic many more are likely to have encountered something else that’s been spreading virally: misinformation. False information has plagued the COVID response, erroneously convincing people that the virus isn’t harmful, of the merits of various ineffective treatments, or of false dangers associated with vaccines.

Loughborough to play key role in new programme which puts the Midlands at forefront of hydrogen innovation

Loughborough University experts are part of a new programme designed to support, foster, and accelerate the hydrogen economy in the Midlands.
Images of 3D bones with implants on them

Bone-building cells favour different orthopaedic implant designs and this can be exploited to create devices that promote faster healing, new study finds

New orthopaedic implant devices that promote faster healing and ultimately reduce the strain on the NHS could be available in the future thanks to new research by Loughborough University engineering experts that reveals which structures best promote bone healing.

Santa walking

It could take 12 hours of walking to burn off your Christmas dinner

Overeating at Christmas time is almost like a tradition. Many of us look forward to piling our plates full of festive foods, snacking on chocolate throughout the holidays or sipping on festive drinks. Even if you were trying to eat healthier, indulgent foods are often displayed more prominently in supermarkets and shops during the holidays, making it difficult to pass up on our favourite foods and drinks.
Ashleigh Filtness

Senior Lecturer announced as part of the Foundation of Science and Technology Future Leaders 2022

Dr Ashleigh Filtness, a Senior Lecturer in Human Factors and Transport Safety, has been selected to be a part of Foundation Future Leaders 2022.
Polar bears in the Arctic

Why increased rainfall in the Arctic is bad news for the whole world

Before the end of this century, most of the Arctic will for the first time receive more rain than snow across a whole year. That’s one of the key findings of a new study on precipitation in the Arctic which has major implications – not just for the polar region, but for the whole world.
Soiled solar panel next to a clean one

New project to develop anti-soiling coating for solar modules to increase power output and help the UK achieve its net zero goals

Solar experts from Loughborough University have been awarded funding to create a durable and scalable anti-soiling coating for solar modules.
Sign saying 'there is no planet b'

“We’re at the start of a critical decade”: Climate expert discusses hopes and fears around the future of our planet and why we must focus on the possible

“In my view, a lot of thinking about what to do about climate change has been bogged down by the fear of uncertainty.

A field of solar panels

COP26 explainer: The importance of solar energy and its incredible growth story

Accelerating the transition from coal to clean power is a key focus of this year’s COP26.
Green home cut out in front of grass

Inspired by COP26? Here's how you can live more sustainably at home

COP26 has prompted many of us to think about how our actions impact the planet and what positive changes we can make to reduce our carbon footprint.

Earth on fire.

What would 4°C of global warming feel like?

COP26 is underway and keeping 1.5°C within reach will feature prominently in world leaders’ discussions.

COP26 banner

COP26: a four-minute guide by a climate scientist

COP26, which is taking place in Glasgow, is the latest in a series of meetings through which the world’s governments attempt to deal with climate change.
Preview of the infographics created by Dr Richard Hodgkins.

Good COP, bad COP: How decisions made at COP26 could impact weather and temperatures in the East Midlands

New infographics created by a Loughborough University physical geographer explore how decisions made at the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP) may impact weather and temperatures experienced in the East Midlands.
Woman cooking with biomass

COP26 EXPLAINER: Biomass: what is it, why cooking with it is an issue, and what Loughborough is doing to develop and promote alternatives

A rapid and just transition to clean energy across the globe will dominate discussions at COP26 as it is crucial to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement for avoiding dangerous climate change and limiting global warming to 1.5°C.