Science news

European Space Agency project will investigate how liquids behave in zero gravity

Understanding how liquids such as water, rocket fuel and blood behave in zero gravity is fundamental for improving conditions for astronauts and furthering space science research.

Using storybooks to help young children with maths – new review

Storybooks and tutoring could be important tools for improving young children’s maths skills, according to a new review.

Technology for screening fruit juice could provide rapid Covid screening

Loughborough University researchers are hoping a technology they developed to quickly screen liquids for microorganisms can be adapted to provide rapid testing for Covid-19.
Iwona, the ECR Award winner.

Elsevier and US-UK Fulbright Commission announce Loughborough University academic as winner of Early Career Researcher Award

A Loughborough University academic in the Department of Geography and Environment has been named as one of the 2020 winners of the prestigious Early Career Researcher (ECR) UK Awards.
Pictured are women that feature in the Faces of Women in Mathematics short film.

Loughborough academic behind novel film featuring 243 female mathematicians from around the world announced as Association for Women in Mathematics Fellow

A Loughborough University academic that put female mathematicians in the spotlight in a novel film has been announced as 2021 Fellow of the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM).

Loughborough maths professor honoured with prestigious Suffrage Science Award

Mathematician and physicist Professor Sara Lombardo has been chosen to receive a prestigious award celebrating the achievements of women in STEM.

Loughborough research leads to potential Covid-19 diagnosis with a non-invasive breath test that provides almost instant results

Initial findings from a new study led by Loughborough University – published by The Lancet – have shown how Covid-19 can be detected via a non-invasive breath test, providing almost instant results.
Presidential podium in the White House.

New white paper published: Loughborough expert part of network working with journalists to improve the quality of US election coverage

The upcoming US Presidential election poses unprecedented challenges to journalists in the States and around the globe.

vector of a man running

Buttock size matters: Researchers reveal a large gluteus maximus is key for sprint speed and performance after examining the anatomy of elite athletes

A Loughborough University study examining the muscle size of elite sprinters has revealed a large gluteus maximus (the muscle that forms the backside) is key to achieving top speeds on the track.

Retracing the first human steps out of Saudi Arabia: Scientists use footprints to recreate 120,000-year-old comfort break at prehistoric lake

Scientists have pieced together the movements of a small group of early humans as they journeyed out of Africa and into the Arabian Peninsula for the first time – more than 120,000 years ago.
photo of the Advanced Technology Innovation Centre

Campus partner offers free remote lab service to schools and colleges

University campus partner RLC Lab - based in the Advanced Technology Innovation Centre - is offering remote online access to laboratory equipment to enable science teachers and their students to conduct experiments in real time.
Illustration of pregnant woman

The emotional stress caused by COVID-19 will lead to smaller babies being born, predicts Loughborough scientist

Being pregnant is a wonderful experience, but at the same it can be incredibly stressful – throw a global pandemic into the mix and those nine months may see an expecting mother go from happy and joyful, to fearful and concerned.

Government funding helps advanced ceramics take shape in the Midlands

Government funding provided through UK Research and Innovation’s flagship ‘Strength in Places Fund’ has helped unlock plans to put the Midlands on a unique footing as a global centre for advanced technical ceramics.
London city landscape

Is humanity doomed because we can’t plan for the long term? Three experts discuss

While the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are still unclear, it is certain that they are a profound shock to the systems underpinning contemporary life.
A child playing a video game

Lockdown and loot boxes: Experts issue vital advice for parents of young gamers about risks of in-game purchases in response to recent screen-time concerns

Researchers from Loughborough and Newcastle Universities and the national charity Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) have teamed up to help parents and carers understand why, and control how, their children buy in-game items such as loot boxes.

EXPEDITION EVEREST: Loughborough climate scientist and team that installed world’s highest weather station feature in new documentary - catch it this weekend!

This time last year, Loughborough University was celebrating as Dr Tom Matthews, a climate scientist in the Geography and Environment Department, and a team of renowned researchers successfully installed the two highest weather stations in the world on Mount Everest.

A person receiving rehab

Academic experts come together to push forward innovation in clinical rehabilitation

COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of effective rehabilitation post serious illness or injury – saving lives is only one part of an overall care journey which necessarily needs good rehabilitation if a patient is to stand a chance of returning to their former selves.

Illustration of an older woman with a younger woman

New study further supports that age-related hearing loss in patients taking cognitive tests may result in misdiagnoses of dementia

The early and correct diagnosis of a cognitive impairment – such as dementia – is crucial as it allows interventions and treatments that may slow the progression of a patient's symptoms to be quickly put in place.

a scientific image of a runner

SURVEY: Destined for greatness? Do your genes give you a head start in sport?

Researchers from Loughborough University are investigating the role genetics play in sport – and they need your help.

Illustration of a woman in a face mask on the phone

Coronavirus scams: the science of how to spot and deal with nuisance callers

Most of us have experienced unwanted calls at home. This is in spite of efforts by regulators, including the Information Commissioner’s Office and Ofcom, whose most recent report shows that around half of the UK population still receive nuisance calls.
mike gleeson

Loughborough Professor releases new book highlighting how to beat type 2 diabetes

Emeritus Professor Michael Gleeson, Chair in Exercise Biochemistry, has written Beating Type 2 Diabetes, a new book that tells people exactly what they need to do to both reduce the health complications of the condition and how to get rid of it - without the need for medication.

The future of free, portable energy: Wearable technology that powers your devices as you move

Small, flexible generators which convert movement into electricity could soon be the future of free and unlimited energy thanks to a breakthrough in energy harvesting technology.
Footballers analysed using AI tech. Original image courtsey of Ben Lumley Photography.

AI technology developed at Loughborough University could reveal the next big names in football as it takes player performance analysis to a new dimension

Computer scientists at Loughborough University have developed novel artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms that are set to transform the way football clubs analyse team and individual players’ performances on the pitch.
Turtle trapped in a net

FEATURE: Pushing the boundaries of drone engineering to protect marine life from extinction

Commercial drone pilot Melissa Schiele has joined Loughborough University’s Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering – and she has big plans.
Pictured is the Hazelrigg Building.

Loughborough University staff are using their skills and expertise to help with the fight against COVID-19

Staff, students and the wider Loughborough University community have been working hard to help protect and assist those fighting the coronavirus pandemic head-on.