Science news

The Aftrak Team

University research and innovation feature among finalists of Leicestershire Innovation Awards 2024

Loughborough University has seven finalists across seven categories in the Leicestershire Innovation Awards 2024.
The Research Team standing outside the STEM Lab building

Loughborough University’s world-first lead-acid battery-electrolyser nominated in all three Academic Excellence categories of the 2024 Hydrogen Awards

Loughborough University’s world-first lead-acid battery-electrolyser has three nominations in the 2024 Hydrogen Awards which celebrate outstanding international achievements related to hydrogen adoption, implementation, and forward-thinking across various industries and sectors.
Pictured from the left is Professor Dan Parsons, Professor Mark Lewis, Professor Lucy Chappell, Professor Nick Jennings and Professor Amanda Daley

Chief Scientific Adviser visits University

Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser for the UK Department of Health and Social Care has spoken of the potential impact of research across the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, following a recent visit to the campus.
The winning team

Henry Royce Institute Sandpit Competition win for Green Hydrogen doctoral researcher

Loughborough University doctoral researcher Esther Mgbemeje was part of the winning team in the Henry Royce Institute PhD Student Research Sandpit 2023.
The latest experts in sport podcast logo featuring a leopard

Experts in Sport: Optimising athletic performance – lessons from the animal kingdom

When considering the optimisation of athletes’ endurance capacity within sport, many wouldn’t think to call upon the animal kingdom for answers.

Computer generated image showing a lock on top of a digital/tech looking background comprised of lines and small dots

Expert comment: AI Safety Summit - why it's important and what can be expected

For the next two days, leaders, tech executives, and experts - including Elon Musk, will gather at Bletchley Park for the AI Safety Summit 2023.
Two children playing with a multi-coloured foam maths game, shaped like squares

Labour’s plan to focus on early maths is solid – gaps in achievement start even before primary school

Politicians in the UK have maths on the mind. The Conservatives intend to extend compulsory maths education for young people until 18.
image of green cyanobacteria making a web-like pattern in a petri dish

Scientists explain unique formation of ancient algae that evolved photosynthesis and oxygenated our planet

Scientists have for the first time revealed how blue-green algae – visible as the slippery ‘green slime’ in stagnant water, riverbeds, and seashores – weaves itself into large web-like structures.

a man with a hot drink, smiling to the camera

The ‘male menopause’ – what you need to know

East Midlands Ambulance Service is reportedly giving men up to a year of paid leave for “andropause related issues”, which some are calling the “male menopause”.
A researcher working in the Loughborough University biotech spinout Figura Analytics' lab

Over £300,000 funding to fuel University boost to region’s innovation ecosystem

Loughborough University is part of a new regional initiative that has been awarded £330K by Research England to develop a pioneering approach to creating new products, services, and business from university ideas.

Every science lab should have an artist on the team – here’s why

I’ve been conducting scientific research with experts who specialise in advanced microscopy at Nottingham University for more than ten years. But I’m not a scientist – I’m an artist and lecturer in illustration.
Image of computer algorithms

Loughborough expands AI and data science programme scholarships for underrepresented students thanks to new partnership with Visa and the Office for Students

The University is delighted to announce that Visa, a world leader in digital payments, has partnered with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to co-fund data science and artificial intelligence (AI) scholarships for underrepresented students in postgraduate conversion courses based at Loughborough and the University of Leeds.

A woman cooking outside with a variety of pots

More than 1.1 billion African people unlikely to have access to clean cooking fuels and technologies by 2050, new study predicts

A new Loughborough University study on clean energy accessibility in Africa forecasts that 1.1 billion people will be without eco-friendly cooking fuels or technologies by 2050.
A baby lying on top of a giant tape measure

What makes people grow? Love and hope, concludes expert in human development

Love and hope are critical factors in promoting healthy human development and come together in complex ways to support emotional well-being, an expert in human development has concluded.

Fieldwork in Bhutan – Professor Liang (centre) with colleagues

Loughborough’s Professor Qiuhua Liang appointed as UNESCO Chair

Loughborough University will establish the UNESCO Chair in Informatics and Multi-hazard Risk Reduction, with Professor Qiuhua Liang as the Chair holder.
a boy smiling while taking part in a computer game at the NRC exhibition stand

Rehabilitation research centre stage at Royal Society showcase

Pioneering Loughborough research with the potential to transform the future of personalised rehabilitation was showcased at the Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition last week.

Loughborough research on show at Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition

Pioneering science and technology with the potential to transform the future of personalised rehabilitation will be on show at the Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition next week.

UK’s AI ‘twin’ will use big data to show the way to net zero

A new research project will develop a digital ‘twin’ of the UK that harnesses artificial intelligence and big data to meet its net zero target.
An image of a heat mannequin inside a temperature controlled chamber

Curly hair kept early humans cool

Curly hair does more than simply look good – it may explain how early humans stayed cool while conserving water, according to researchers who studied the role human hair textures play in regulating body temperature. The findings can shed light on an evolutionary adaptation that enabled the human brain to grow to modern-day sizes.
A collage of various small medical devices

Creating a safe circular economy for small medical devices

A collaboration between Loughborough University and the University of Leeds – is developing a circular economy (CE) approach to reducing the staggering amount of small medical device (SMD) waste generated each year.
Woman with eyes closed and a vector of a brain overlaying the photo. Image courtesy of Getty Images.

Technology is radically changing sleep as we know it

From sleep trackers to wakefulness drugs, the 21st century has seen an influx of new technology that could radically alter the way we sleep.
The researchers’ small molecule probe binding to 5-PP-InsP5 and emitting bright red light. Image generated by Dr Felix Plasser, Loughborough University.

Scientists develop probe that could unlock the mysteries of a vital cellular messenger and pave the way for new drug discoveries

A ground-breaking study by Loughborough University and the University of Oxford has led to the development of a small molecule probe that could deepen our understanding of a crucial cellular messenger and lead to the development of new therapeutic drugs.

Loughborough researchers help science come to life at the Summer Science Exhibition 2023

Loughborough University researchers are bringing to life science and technology that will revolutionise rehabilitation as part of the Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition from 4-9 July.
CarbonVue project partners (left to right): Chris Clemmow (SupplyVue), Clare Bailey (Tata Steel UK), Jan Godsell (Dean of Loughborough Business School), Andy Birtwistle (SupplyVue), Tim Stephenson (Tata Steel UK)

University research and innovation shortlisted at the 2023 British Data Awards

An Innovate UK collaboration with Loughborough Business School to help businesses reduce carbon in the supply chain and a mental fitness platform start-up are both nominated for the 2023 British Data Awards.

Tackling the “leaky pipeline of diversity” in STEM and beyond discussed on season finale of Cuppa with a Scientist

“There's still so much to do in the equity, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI) area. It's unreal. It's quite overwhelming sometimes.