Science news

a close up of cameras in place to capture a tennis player's serve

Wimbledon in focus: Advantage Loughborough – serving up research and innovation in tennis (VIDEO)

Loughborough University is using science to its advantage as new research examines how tennis players can improve the power, accuracy, and consistency of their serve.
Members of the Centre for Circular Chemical Economy team stood together smiling at the camera inside

UK-wide research group wins prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry Prize for advancing circular economy solutions in the chemical sector 

The UKRI Interdisciplinary Centre for Circular Chemical Economy team has been named winner of one of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Horizon Prizes, which celebrate discoveries and innovations that push the boundaries of science.  

The nanoscale violin under a microscope

Loughborough University physicists create ‘the world’s smallest violin’ using nanotechnology

Physicists at Loughborough University have used cutting-edge nanotechnology to create what they believe may be ‘the world’s smallest violin’, which is small enough to fit within the width of a human hair.
Materials pressured between two graphene layers melt in complex ways. Illustration: Ville Heirola/Aalto University.

Physicists use artificial intelligence to reveal how layered gases and metals melt

A team of physicists – including a Nobel Prize winner – has used artificial intelligence to uncover how layered materials melt and shift between physical states when confined to two dimensions.
Graphic of a glowing blue brain surrounded by blue lines.

Loughborough set to play pivotal role in new UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing

Loughborough University researchers are set to play a pivotal role in the new UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing, established to pioneer brain-inspired, energy-efficient computing technologies.
Graphic of a brain inside a pint glass labelled 'Pint of Science' alongside text reading '19-21 May 2025, 4pm-7pm, #pint25'.

Pint of Science festival returns to Loughborough

Quench your thirst for knowledge and come along to a series of local science talks led by doctoral researchers and academics from across the University. 
A person pointing at x-ray images of a human brain.

Loughborough lecturer awarded funding from Academy of Medical Sciences

Dr Amanda Pearce, a lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at Loughborough University, has been awarded funding by the Academy of Medical Sciences to tackle dementia, as part of its initiative to support early-career researchers.
Digital drawing of blue sperm swimming on a black background

Scientists uncover how microswimmers move faster in groups – paving the way for tiny drug-delivering robots

Scientists have revealed how tiny swimming cells – such as sperm and bacteria – are able to move faster when travelling as a group, and the research could accelerate the development of microscopic robots that deliver drugs to specific regions of the body.

steak cooking on a grill

Processed red meat isn’t just bad for your heart, it’s also associated with dementia

Less red meat is good for the planet and a growing number of people have started the new year resolving to pursue a meat-free diet.
A person holding a magnifying glass to a microchip board.

Next generation computers: new wiring material could transform chip technology

The rapid technological advancements of our world have been enabled by our capacity to design and fabricate ever smaller electronic chips. These underpin computers, mobile phones and every smart device deployed to date.
A sundew carnivorous plants digesting a fly

Sundews’ secret to survival: Study reveals how carnivorous plants adapt to microhabitat challenges

Scientists have uncovered how sundews, Charles Darwin’s favourite plant, become more carnivorous in certain habitats.
Cyanobacteria filaments under a microscope.

Scientists unravel how ancient bacteria weave living mats – solving one of nature’s oldest mysteries (FEATURE)

Scientists have uncovered how cyanobacteria — Earth's first photosynthetic organisms — self-organise into intricate living mats, offering insights into aquatic ecosystems and potential inspiration for material design.
Smart nanoparticles

Computer simulations to aid in Loughborough push for more effective drug delivery

A Loughborough University project will use computer simulations and practical experiments to explore whether there’s a safer, more effective way for smart polymer nanoparticles to be designed for drug delivery and medical imaging.
Concept image showing an atom and electrons surrounding it with wavelengths going through the middle. Rainbow-colour scheme on a black background

Physicists' breakthrough in fine-tuning electron behaviour in quantum materials could fast-track next generation of technology

Physicists at Loughborough University have made an exciting breakthrough in understanding how to fine-tune the behaviour of electrons in quantum materials poised to drive the next generation of advanced technologies.

the 'loughborough university' sign outside campus

World-class ‘accelerator’ to speed development of crucial rehabilitation technologies

A world-class impact accelerator will connect hundreds of East Midlands MedTech SMEs with health and care professionals, academics and the public to drive the design, development and delivery of pioneering rehabilitation technologies.
A shot of the Think Human exhibition in Derby.

Museum exhibit showcases Loughborough's excellence in ergonomics & human factors

A museum exhibit developed in collaboration with Loughborough University is showcasing how ergonomics helps human development – from securing Olympic gold medals for Team GB to helping navigate rail stations and delivering progress to latest cancer treatments.
Dame McLean and Professor Nick Jennings stood together in a lecture theatre

Professor Dame Angela McLean visits Loughborough University to share insights as a Government Chief Scientific Adviser

Professor Dame Angela McLean DBE FRS, the Government Chief Scientific Adviser and Honorary Distinguished Professor at Loughborough University, gave a public lecture to staff, students, and members of the public at the East Midlands campus earlier this month.

Image from an MRI scan showing a human face pointing to the left and the human brain can be seen.

Expert explainer: Why identifying lifestyle changes and treatments that reduce dementia risk is complicated

Studies that find a reduction in dementia risk through lifestyle changes and treatments are frequently reported in the news.
The drosera carnivorous plant

New discovery fundamentally changes the way we understand Charles Darwin’s most beloved plant – the sundew

A new study has found a symbiotic relationship that has evolved between Darwin’s favourite carnivorous plant and a specific type of fungus which lives inside it and helps it digest its prey.
Two researchers in the Emergent Photonics Research Centre

Loughborough University to play key role in new £21.9m quantum technology hub

Loughborough University researchers are to play a key role in a new £21.9m government-funded quantum technology hub.

A boy takes part in an interactive rehabilitation game

Rehabilitation research centre-stage at Royal Society showcase

Pioneering science and technology with the potential to transform the future of personalised rehabilitation will be showcased at Jodrell Bank Observatory next month.
a test tube behind held by a gloved hand

Doping in sport – what’s the testing process? (VIDEO)

Ahead of a busy summer of sport, the issue of doping remains firmly in the news headlines.
A researcher in the Emergent Photonics Research Centre

Emergent Photonics Research Centre opens at Loughborough University

Loughborough University has launched a new research centre dedicated to revolutionising science and technology through photonics – the study of lasers and light waves.
From the back of the room, looking over the audience toward the Pint of Science panel

Loughborough research community breaks its Pint of Science record

Loughborough University’s research community recorded the third largest Pint of Science event in the UK, with 55 doctoral researchers and staff delivering 21 events, 53 talks and two panel discussions in a variety of public spaces in Loughborough town on 13-15 May.
a woman wearing mouthpiece technology

Loughborough University developing breath test to predict health in older people

Loughborough University research is underway to develop a breath test to predict when health and physical function is at risk of declining in older people.