Accessibility statement

News archive: Research press releases 2021

New research could open up a new era of antiviral therapies

Posted on Wednesday 22 December 2021

Researchers have proposed a novel antiviral strategy which repurposes and misdirects how a virus assembles.


Ancient DNA study reveals large scale migrations into Bronze Age Britain

Posted on Wednesday 22 December 2021

A major new study of ancient DNA has traced the movement of people into southern Britain during the Bronze Age.


Ancient DNA reveals the world’s oldest family tree

Posted on Wednesday 22 December 2021

Most of the people buried in one of the best-preserved Neolithic tombs in Britain were from five continuous generations of a single extended family, new research involving the University of York has revealed.


Researchers pinpoint factors in blood linked to severe Covid

Posted on Tuesday 21 December 2021

Scientists have identified unique “indicators” in the blood of patients with severe and fatal Covid, paving the way for simple diagnostic tests to help doctors identify who will go on to become critically ill.


A more comprehensive system of risk management needed to deal with environmental risks, report says

Posted on Monday 20 December 2021

Complex risks to human health and wellbeing have been neglected by governments and NGOs because of a failure to appreciate the complex nature of environmental risks, a new report involving the University of York warns.


Women are homeless in greater numbers than has previously been assumed, new research shows

Posted on Thursday 16 December 2021

Women's homelessness occurs at a far greater scale than is recognised and systemic failures leave many in a “state of survival,” new study reveals.


University of York involved in new project to expand 5G services across the country

Posted on Tuesday 14 December 2021

The University of York is part of a new multi-million pound project to expand 5G services across the country.


New research identifies previously unrecorded tsunami in Chile

Posted on Thursday 9 December 2021

Researchers have identified a previously unrecorded tsunami off the coast of Chile.


Microplastics found to be harmful to human cells

Posted on Wednesday 8 December 2021

High levels of ingested microplastics in the human body have the potential to have harmful effects, a new study reveals.


Widening inequalities for children in the North of England cost billions, increase poverty and cost children’s lives

Posted on Monday 6 December 2021

A major new report out today paints a stark picture of inequality for children growing up in the North of England post-pandemic compared to those in the rest of the country.


Project to provide new way of looking at St Paul’s iconic monuments

Posted on Monday 6 December 2021

A project to stimulate new ways in which the public can engage with the monuments of St Paul’s Cathedral has been launched.


New research centre to transform understanding of children’s mathematics learning

Posted on Thursday 2 December 2021

The University of York is one of seven founding partners to establish the new Centre for Early Mathematics Learning (CEML).


Assistance dogs significantly improve the lives of people living with hearing loss

Posted on Tuesday 30 November 2021

New research shows that assistance dogs trained to support deaf people, and those living with hearing loss, have positive and wide-ranging impacts on people’s lives.


Groundbreaking research centre to explore how policing can better service the needs of vulnerable groups

Posted on Tuesday 30 November 2021

The universities of York and Leeds are to jointly lead a £10m research centre dedicated to better understanding how the police and other services can prevent and reduce vulnerabilities.


Digital Museum of Dress Accessories to launch at the University of York

Posted on Thursday 25 November 2021

Marilyn Monroe had one naturally, and so does Madonna. Cindy Crawford, Eva Mendes and Rachel McAdams have them too. Burlesque star Dita Von Teese wanted one so badly that at 18 she had it tattooed on.


Sugar could help repair artificial human joints

Posted on Wednesday 24 November 2021

A sugar-containing polymer coating could one day help repair artificial joint implants, like hip replacements, when they are damaged through wear and tear, according to new research.


Researchers to develop framework to determine legal and moral responsibilities for autonomous systems

Posted on Wednesday 24 November 2021

University of York academics have been awarded £700,000 to develop a legal and moral framework for tracing and allocating responsibility behind autonomous systems, such as driverless cars or medical systems.


Consortium led by York investing over £3.6m to improve opportunities for under-represented Postgraduate students

Posted on Tuesday 23 November 2021

The University of York is leading a region-wide project to help improve opportunities for under-represented Postgraduate Students.


York MP calls for investment in BioYorkshire during House of Commons debate

Posted on Monday 22 November 2021

A Yorkshire MP has called on the Government to back the BioYorkshire initiative - a 10-year plan to transform Yorkshire into the UK hub for green innovation and enterprise.


New report highlights action needed to tackle social mobility across the country

Posted on Sunday 21 November 2021

A new report launched today warns that more needs to be done to address social mobility across the country, with a plea to “turn the lessons of the pandemic into a powerful agent for change.”


Human challenge study to lay the foundations for vaccine development for neglected tropical disease

Posted on Thursday 18 November 2021

The University of York is leading a study to develop a controlled human infection model to pave the way for testing new vaccines against the neglected disease leishmaniasis.


York academics lead partnership to revitalise famous York Street

Posted on Friday 12 November 2021

A project to breathe new life into one of York’s historic streets has been given the go-ahead after receiving funding of almost half a million pounds from the Government’s Community Renewal Fund.


University of York researchers have their say on the Government’s National Food Strategy

Posted on Wednesday 10 November 2021

Experts from the University of York have responded to the National Food Strategy – which advises the Government on how to implement key policy measures to ensure a healthy and sustainable food system in England.


University of York researchers present evidence to MPs on Government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme

Posted on Thursday 4 November 2021

The Government has committed to long-term funding of the HAF programme - after research revealed the benefits of attending the holiday clubs were felt both by children and their wider families.


Global study takes stock of human adaptation to climate change

Posted on Thursday 4 November 2021

The global response to adapting to climate change is fragmented and incremental undertaken by individuals rather than a comprehensive and coherent effort by communities and institutions, a new study has revealed.


Survey reveals "eco-anxiety" over climate crisis

Posted on Tuesday 2 November 2021

A majority of people believe that climate change will have a more significant effect on humanity than will Covid-19, according to a survey involving the University of York..


Scientists build on AI modelling to understand more about protein-sugar structures

Posted on Tuesday 2 November 2021

New research building on AI algorithms has enabled scientists to create more complete models of the protein structures in our bodies - paving the way for faster design of therapeutics and vaccines.


Researchers develop new methods to enhance film experience for visually impaired audiences

Posted on Monday 1 November 2021

Researchers at the University of York have developed a new way for visually impaired audiences to experience and enjoy films.


University of York scientist joins global call to ban harmful fisheries subsidies

Posted on Friday 29 October 2021

Almost 300 scientists from across the world have joined forces to help tackle overfishing by calling for an end to harmful fisheries subsidies.


North of England research collaboration awarded £1.9 million to study MRSA decolonisation

Posted on Thursday 28 October 2021

A project involving academics from the University of York has been awarded funding of £1.98m for research into the treatment of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA).


New photography exhibition showing York’s climate research launches

Posted on Monday 25 October 2021

A new exhibition featuring photographs of University of York researchers looking at the impact of climate change is set to open to the public.


University acquires new Frankie Howerd archive – revealing new insights into the comic actor’s life

Posted on Thursday 21 October 2021

A new archive detailing Frankie Howerd’s career containing previously unseen scripts, correspondence and memorabilia has been acquired by the University of York.


Scientists discover how bacteria use liquid protein droplets to overcome stress

Posted on Wednesday 20 October 2021

Scientists have revealed how bacteria make tiny liquid droplets from proteins to help them survive harsh environments and thus reduce their chances of being killed by antibiotics.


York scientist provides expertise for ambitious bid to host UK’s first prototype fusion energy plant

Posted on Thursday 14 October 2021

A University of York academic is part of a team aiming to bring an ambitious prototype fusion energy plant to Yorkshire.


Ground-breaking trial prevents loneliness among older people during Covid pandemic

Posted on Tuesday 12 October 2021

A simple form of talking therapy, delivered by trained support workers over the telephone, reduced loneliness in older people left isolated during the pandemic, the initial results of a new study has revealed.


York physicists to help develop new detector technology for a new powerful particle collider

Posted on Monday 11 October 2021

University of York scientists are part of a team developing new detector technology needed for the next powerful particle accelerator, the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC).


Links between railways and slavery to be explored in new research project

Posted on Sunday 10 October 2021

Universities and museums across Yorkshire and the North of England will explore the links between the railways and the global slave trade as part of a new research project.


Nature-based activities can improve mood and reduce anxiety, new study shows

Posted on Thursday 7 October 2021

Outdoor nature-based activities are effective for improving mental health in adults, including those with pre-existing mental health problems, a new study has found.


New climate projections show an Earth that is alien to humans by 2500

Posted on Friday 1 October 2021

Parts of the Earth will be uninhabitable by 2500 if the current level of effort to address the climate emergency is maintained, a new study predicts.


Sibling bullying associated with poor mental health outcomes years later, new study finds

Posted on Thursday 30 September 2021

Young people who are repeatedly bullied by siblings are more likely to suffer from poor mental health and wellbeing issues later in adolescence, a new study has suggested.


Staying on long-term antidepressants reduces risk of relapse

Posted on Wednesday 29 September 2021

When people stop taking antidepressants after a long period of use, more than half (56 per cent) experience a relapse within a year, compared to 39 per cent of those who stay on medication, a new study shows.


The Botstiber Institute for Wildlife Fertility Control opens a new European office at York

Posted on Wednesday 29 September 2021

The University of York is to become a new European base for The Botstiber Institute for Wildlife Fertility Control (BIWFC).


UK’s first ever claimant-led guide to Universal Credit launches as furlough ends

Posted on Wednesday 29 September 2021

A guide to help Universal Credit claimants has been launched - just as furlough ends and as thousands more people are expected to claim.


Lockdown changed how much we thought about the future and other people, new study shows

Posted on Monday 27 September 2021

Prolonged social isolation and changes to work opportunities during the first UK lockdown were linked with important changes in people’s thought patterns, a new study suggests.


New research reveals climate change risks to global food trade and food security

Posted on Wednesday 22 September 2021

Climate change poses a huge risk to both the global trade of agricultural commodities and food security, a new report reveals.


University collaborates with Beverley Minster on new ‘Sanctuary’ exhibition

Posted on Friday 10 September 2021

University of York researchers have helped develop an interactive exhibition at Beverley Minster which explores the town’s history of offering sanctuary since medieval times.


Grow It York brings vertical farming to community container park

Posted on Wednesday 8 September 2021

The University of York has teamed up with LettUs Grow, an indoor farming technology provider from Bristol and Spark:York, to create “Grow It York” - a vertical, community farm at the heart of a vibrant container park in the city.


North inequalities cost UK economy £7.3bn over first year of the pandemic

Posted on Tuesday 7 September 2021

Northerners were more likely to die from Covid-19, spent nearly a month and-a-half more in lockdowns, suffered worse mental health and were made poorer than the rest of England during the first year of the pandemic, according to a new report.


Conservation commitments should focus on the best places to protect rare species, new study suggests

Posted on Tuesday 7 September 2021

The Prime Minister has pledged to protect 30 per cent of land to support the recovery of nature, but a new study finds that much of the new land that has been allocated to meet this aspiration is not in the highest priority areas for biodiversity conservation.


Failing to deliver: parcel delivery companies disappointed customers during lockdown

Posted on Thursday 2 September 2021

Parcel delivery companies failed to keep customers satisfied during lockdown, with a “remarkable” decline in their service rating, according to new research.


Male frontline NHS workers to be offered support from mental health programme designed by York researchers

Posted on Thursday 26 August 2021

Male NHS frontline workers - particularly those who have experienced emotional and mental health problems due to Covid - will be offered support in a new project being developed by the University of York.


Tropical forests in Africa’s mountains store more carbon than previously thought – but are disappearing fast

Posted on Wednesday 25 August 2021

Scientists studying tropical forests in Africa’s mountains were surprised to uncover how much carbon they store, and how fast some of these forests are being cleared.


Roadmap plan to boost UK industrial hemp production and processing

Posted on Wednesday 25 August 2021

The first stage of an ambitious ten-year roadmap designed to boost the production and processing of industrial hemp across the UK has won government backing.


New research shows men and women of Roman Herculaneum had different diets

Posted on Wednesday 25 August 2021

Archaeologists examining the Herculaneum skeletal remains of the victims of Vesuvius say they have helped shed new light on the eating habits of ancient Romans - with food differentiated along gender lines and revealing women ate more animal products and locally grown fruit and vegetables while the men dined on more expensive fish.


Conflict amongst siblings increased during lockdown, new study shows

Posted on Sunday 22 August 2021

Conflict amongst siblings increased during the first UK lockdown according to a new study of children with special education needs and disabilities (SENDs).


Researchers identify new enzyme that infects plants - paving the way for potential disease prevention

Posted on Thursday 12 August 2021

Scientists have identified an unusual enzyme that plays a major role in the infection of plants - and have shown that disabling this enzyme effectively stops plant disease in its tracks.


York to investigate the value rooted in UK treescapes

Posted on Saturday 7 August 2021

Researchers from the University of York are taking part in three projects totalling £6m which aim to improve our understanding of the functions and services provided by treescapes.


More mental health support needed for frontline workers tackling Covid, study reveals

Posted on Wednesday 4 August 2021

More support needs to be put in place for hospital workers dealing with the Covid pandemic after a global review of studies found high levels of depression, PTSD, anxiety and burn-out amongst frontline staff.


New £1.2m UK Centre of Excellence in York to turn waste into a resource

Posted on Wednesday 4 August 2021

The University of York and Yorkshire Water are establishing a Centre of Excellence for anaerobic digestion (AD) research.


New book brings Yorkshire’s lost words to life

Posted on Saturday 31 July 2021

A new volume of a historical dictionary revealing thousands of Yorkshire words which had been lost for centuries is being launched on Yorkshire Day (1 August).


Study sheds new light on behaviour called joint attention

Posted on Thursday 29 July 2021

Scientists have shed new light on a human behaviour called joint attention - the ability for two or more people to share attention about something in the world around us.


The reduction of armed conflict in Colombia led to better pregnancy outcomes, study suggests

Posted on Thursday 29 July 2021

A new study has linked a July 2015 ceasefire of conflict violence in Colombia with better pregnancy outcomes for women.


More tolerant primates have a greater need to communicate vocally, new study shows

Posted on Thursday 29 July 2021

Primates who are more tolerant of each other use vocal communication more than their stricter counterparts, research from the University of York shows.


Maths-based marine management project wins £1.5m funding

Posted on Friday 23 July 2021

An innovative research project which combines multidimensional mathematical models, marine ecology and consumer behaviour to redefine fishing catch limits has been awarded £1.5m funding.


Study to investigate how air pollution in indoor spaces affects health

Posted on Thursday 22 July 2021

A major new research project led by the University of York will investigate how air pollutants in homes can adversely affect the health of the people living in them.


Smokeless tobacco used more by pregnant women in South East Asia than non-pregnant women

Posted on Wednesday 21 July 2021

Pregnant women in South East Asia are more likely to use smokeless tobacco than non-pregnant women, despite the added risk of foetal harm during pregnancy.


Teacher burnout causing exodus from the profession, study finds

Posted on Wednesday 21 July 2021

The risk of teacher attrition from burnout may be worse than it has ever been, according to a study involving the University of York.


Pandemic had greater impact on younger age groups in deprived areas

Posted on Monday 19 July 2021

In the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, deprived areas in the UK suffered more excess deaths than affluent areas, with a disproportionate impact on their younger age groups, according to a new study from the universities of York and Manchester.


York joins largest clinical trial to date that aims to develop and evaluate integrated care for long COVID

Posted on Monday 19 July 2021

A major new consortium involving the University of York has been awarded £6.8 million by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) to conduct the largest clinical study of long COVID over the next two years.


Reporting of adverse effects in drug trials has only improved slightly in 17 years, new study shows.

Posted on Friday 9 July 2021

A new study suggests that better reporting of adverse effects in drug trials would help inform the public of any potential harms.


Risks of severe illness in children from COVID-19 shown to be very low in largest study yet

Posted on Thursday 8 July 2021

The risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19, is extremely low in children and teenagers, new research shows.


Canine faeces reveal more about 17th century working sled dogs

Posted on Tuesday 6 July 2021

Proteins from frozen canine faeces have been successfully extracted for the first time to reveal more about the diets of Arctic sled dogs.


Archaeologists to recover lost World War II US bomber crew in West Sussex field

Posted on Friday 2 July 2021

University of York archaeologists are working with British and US military veterans to recover the remains of a World War II bomber crew.


Researchers develop a new test for recruiting passport officers

Posted on Monday 28 June 2021

Researchers have updated a face matching test, originally launched 10 years ago, that is used to select staff for professional roles involving face identification.


Have cats become more affectionate in lockdown? New research shows the impact of the pandemic on pets

Posted on Monday 28 June 2021

Researchers looking at the impact of the pandemic on pets have discovered a higher proportion of cat owners reporting their companion was more affectionate during lockdown.


Government loans have helped widen access to postgraduate study but rising tuition fees risk wiping out progress

Posted on Thursday 24 June 2021

Government loans to cover the cost of postgraduate study have increased access - but rising tuition fees risk wiping out these gains, according to new research.


‘Cyber-seed’ that manufactures products to be created by researchers

Posted on Thursday 24 June 2021

The first-ever manufacturing ‘cyber-seed’ - which grows just like a plant and produces innovative designs for products ranging from aircraft parts to medical devices - is being designed by researchers.


Housing supply to lower-income private renters is not sustainable, new research shows

Posted on Wednesday 23 June 2021

Reduced investment in social housing and the sale of social housing stock via right to buy have led to an increased reliance on the private rented sector by low-income households, a new study reveals.


Kit clashes affect performance in football matches, new study shows

Posted on Wednesday 23 June 2021

The response times of footballers is slowed down when part of the kit worn by both teams is of the same colour, a new study shows.


The tradition of keeping mementos in memory of loved ones dates back at least 2,000 years

Posted on Monday 21 June 2021

Holding onto everyday items as keepsakes when a loved one dies was as commonplace in prehistory as it is today, a new study suggests.


One of the largest ever land mammals evolved into a dwarf elephant, study finds

Posted on Monday 21 June 2021

An extinct species of dwarf elephant experienced a weight and height reduction of 8,000kg and almost two metres after evolving from one of the largest land mammals that ever lived, a new study has confirmed.


Drone study finds killer whales can have close friendships

Posted on Friday 18 June 2021

Scientists from the University of York were part of an international research team that used drone footage to study killer whales and their social networks.


York researchers take part in new monitoring campaign in a bid to find out more about air pollution

Posted on Wednesday 16 June 2021

Scientists from the University of York are taking part in a national research project to measure air quality across the UK, which aims to provide new insight into the formation of air pollution and its impact on people.


Research suggests ways to tackle water security challenges in world’s drylands

Posted on Wednesday 16 June 2021

Global access to water should be managed in a more integrated way to counter the effects of climate change on drylands, a new study suggests.


University of York supports campaign to feed children over the summer holidays

Posted on Tuesday 15 June 2021

The University is supporting a campaign fronted by footballer, Marcus Rashford, offering food and holiday activities to children in England this summer.


Ceramics provide insights into medieval Islamic cuisine

Posted on Friday 11 June 2021

An international team of researchers, led by the University of York, has shed new light on the differences between rural and urban cuisines in Islamic-ruled medieval Sicily.


Scientists uncover the mysteries of how viruses evolve

Posted on Thursday 10 June 2021

An international team of researchers have shed new light on the early stages of viral evolution.


York scientists win prestigious prizes from Royal Society of Chemistry

Posted on Thursday 10 June 2021

Scientists from the University of York have been recognised for their pioneering work in the inaugural ‘Horizon Prizes’ awarded by the Royal Society of Chemistry.


Plants start their day faster than first thought, scientists find

Posted on Tuesday 8 June 2021

Scientists studying the early morning activity of plants have found they make a rapid start to their day – within minutes of dawn.


Study reveals worrying disparity in excess deaths during pandemic

Posted on Monday 7 June 2021

A new study has revealed strong disparities in rates of excess deaths in England and Wales during the first 30 weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic.


Gene research on brassicas provides potential for making better and more climate resilient crops

Posted on Thursday 27 May 2021

Scientists have used gene technology to understand more about the make-up of the evolution of brassicas – paving the way for bigger and more climate resilient yields from this group of crops that have been grown for thousands of years.


New vaccine provides promise to tackle sleeping sickness in Africa, study shows

Posted on Wednesday 26 May 2021

Scientists have identified a promising vaccine candidate for a parasitic disease that causes a chronic wasting disease in livestock animals across sub Saharan Africa.


Step closer to nasal spray drug delivery for Parkinson’s disease

Posted on Monday 24 May 2021

Scientists at the University of York have made significant progress in the development of a nasal spray treatment for patients with Parkinson’s disease.


University of York spin out company acquired in £21m deal

Posted on Friday 21 May 2021

A University ‘spin-out’ company is the first at York to be listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).


Can York academics win this year’s AI Song Contest?

Posted on Thursday 20 May 2021

A team of researchers from the University of York have submitted an entry to this year’s AI Song Contest.


University signs new agreement with hospital trust that will see vital mental health research being carried out

Posted on Wednesday 19 May 2021

The University of York has signed a new agreement with the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust that will see vital mental health research being carried out at Foss Park Hospital in York.


African rainforests still slowed climate change despite record heat and drought

Posted on Tuesday 18 May 2021

African rainforests appear more resistant to some additional warming and drought compared to rainforests in Amazonia and Borneo, a new study has concluded.


Churches have vital role to play in post pandemic recovery, new report says

Posted on Monday 17 May 2021

Churches and other places of worship have a vital role to play in the post pandemic recovery, expanding their contribution as important community hubs, new research shows.


New paper sets out mental health research goals for the next decade

Posted on Friday 14 May 2021

Researchers from the Universities of York, Oxford, Cambridge and King's College London have co-authored a report commissioned by the Chief Medical Officer for England, outlining the future direction for mental health research.


A bird rare to the UK ruffles feathers at the University of York

Posted on Thursday 13 May 2021

A bird which is rarely ever seen in Britain has been spotted at the University of York - the first time it has ever been recorded in the city.


Researchers call for improvements to Universal Credit to better support mental health

Posted on Wednesday 12 May 2021

Antidepressant use has gone up in places where more people have moved on to Universal Credit, a new study has shown.


Study reveals how lockdown playlists were used to express emotions during the pandemic

Posted on Tuesday 11 May 2021

Playlists compiled through the pandemic reveal a largely upbeat mindset as listeners turned to music to beat the lockdown blues, new research shows.


Could wider use of gene reserves protect rare species?

Posted on Monday 10 May 2021

UK landowners and conservationists welcome wider-spread use of Gene Conservation Units (GCUs) to help protect some of the rarest plants and insects, research at the University of York has shown.


Urgent steps must be taken to reduce methane emissions, new report says

Posted on Friday 7 May 2021

Methane emissions can be reduced by up to 45 per cent this decade to help hit targets for managing global warming, according to new research.


University takes part in global Covid vaccine trial

Posted on Wednesday 5 May 2021

The University of York is hosting a trial of a new COVID-19 vaccine.


New book sheds light on one of York’s most influential figures

Posted on Tuesday 4 May 2021

A former researcher at the University of York’s Borthwick Institute for Archives has written a new book on the life of JB Morrell - the first detailed study of one of the most important figures of 20th Century York.


Wood ants show the way when it comes to getting a good meal

Posted on Tuesday 4 May 2021

With lockdown easing it is a dilemma many of us are facing: should we choose to go to the best place to eat out, or the nearest place that is good enough?


Pandemic deepens health inequalities for mental health patients

Posted on Tuesday 4 May 2021

A study at the University of York suggests that health inequalities have been made worse during the pandemic for people who use mental health services.


GM grass cleanses soil of toxic pollutants left by military explosives, new research shows

Posted on Monday 3 May 2021

A grass commonly used to fight soil erosion has been genetically modified to successfully remove toxic chemicals left in the ground from munitions that are dangerous to human health, new research shows.


“Dominating” fungus could provide solution to producing more biofuels and valuable chemicals

Posted on Wednesday 28 April 2021

The discovery of a novel enzyme that releases a valuable chemical from agricultural waste could provide an important breakthrough in the upscaling of renewable fuels and chemicals, a new study shows.


Household aerosols now release more harmful smog chemicals than all vehicles in the country

Posted on Wednesday 28 April 2021

Aerosol products used in the home now emit more harmful volatile organic compound (VOC) air pollution than all the vehicles in the UK, new research shows.


Digital healthcare challenging to people with severe mental health illnesses

Posted on Tuesday 27 April 2021

Research from the University of York has shown that a more digitised healthcare service could pose significant challenges to those with severe mental ill health.


Prosperity gap between social renters and the national average narrows, new research shows

Posted on Friday 23 April 2021

Living in social housing is no longer an accurate indicator of prosperity, with new research indicating a narrowing of the gap between social renters and the private sector in terms of income, job status and social class.


Project to explore 5G connected ‘extended reality’ worlds

Posted on Thursday 22 April 2021

The University of York has teamed up with entertainment giant WarnerMedia to explore how the UK's creative industries can make the most of 5G technologies.


UK's carbon footprint down as pandemic prompts move to eco-friendly lifestyles, study shows

Posted on Wednesday 21 April 2021

The UK's overall carbon footprint has fallen by 17%, a major study involving the University of York has found.


Explore hidden world of microbes in new comic book

Posted on Wednesday 21 April 2021

A team of scientists have co-written a comic book aimed at helping young people aged 10 and above understand the world of microbes.


Significant number of UK websites do not comply with law on cookie banners

Posted on Tuesday 20 April 2021

Research at the University of York has shown that around one in four websites do not comply with even the basic regulations on gaining permission from users to track and store their data.


Buying school uniform post-lockdown “unmanageable” for low income families

Posted on Monday 19 April 2021

School uniforms present an unmanageable cost for families on a low income with children returning to school after lockdown, a new study from the University of York says.


Trial shows York leishmaniasis vaccine safe and induces immune responses in patients

Posted on Thursday 15 April 2021

The results of the first clinical trial of a new vaccine for a neglected tropical disease have demonstrated that it is safe and induces immune responses in patients with the infection.


Grave goods show gendered roles for Neolithic farmers

Posted on Wednesday 14 April 2021

Grave goods, such as stone tools, have revealed that Neolithic farmers had different work-related activities for men and women.


Latest lockdown had less impact on UK air pollution levels than the first, new analysis shows

Posted on Wednesday 14 April 2021

The latest winter lockdown did not have the same impact on air pollution levels as the first lockdown of 2020, new research from the University of York shows.


New study showing how the brain retrieves facts and personal experiences may help people with memory disorders

Posted on Monday 12 April 2021

A shared set of systems in the brain may play an important role in controlling the retrieval of facts and personal memories utilised in everyday life, new research shows.


Impacts of sunscreen on coral reefs needs urgent attention, say scientists

Posted on Wednesday 31 March 2021

More research is needed on the environmental impact of sunscreen on the world’s coral reefs, scientists at the University of York say.


Steroid hormone could reduce risk of preterm birth for high-risk single baby pregnancies

Posted on Wednesday 31 March 2021

Taking progestogens - steroid hormones - during pregnancy could reduce the risk of preterm birth in high-risk single baby pregnancies, research has shown.


Independent commission places wellbeing and equality at heart of public policy

Posted on Friday 26 March 2021

An independent commission, chaired by Professor Kate Pickett from University of York, has set out a range of measures for transforming public policy related to inequalities.


Sheepskin was the anti-fraud device of choice for lawyers for hundreds of years, study shows

Posted on Wednesday 24 March 2021

Medieval and early modern lawyers chose to write on sheepskin parchment because it helped prevent fraud, new analysis shows.


Community ‘voice’ should guide expanding African cities

Posted on Monday 22 March 2021

Two new environmental policy briefings, aimed at decision makers working on rapidly expanding urban areas in southern Africa, emphasise that local community voices must be included in the early planning stages to minimise ecological impacts.


Poetry session out of this world for lecturer joined live by commander of the International Space Station

Posted on Thursday 18 March 2021

A University of York academic was joined live by the commander of the International Space Station for a Russian poetry seminar.


Mothers caring for children with life-limiting conditions at greater risk of health problems and premature death

Posted on Tuesday 16 March 2021

Mothers of children with life-limiting conditions are more likely to develop serious health problems and die prematurely, compared to mothers caring for children with no long-term health condition, new research shows.


COVID waste: archaeologists have a role to play in informing environmental policy

Posted on Monday 15 March 2021

Archaeologists have a vital role to play in documenting COVID-19 waste but also in informing the policies that may mitigate its longer-term impact, a new study suggests.


New research reveals possible cause of mystery condition that leaves people paralysed

Posted on Monday 15 March 2021

Researchers believe they may have discovered a possible cause of a mystery condition that can leave sufferers suddenly unable to walk, talk or see.


Pandemic likely to result in long-lasting socio-economic impacts on York, new study says

Posted on Thursday 11 March 2021

The Covid pandemic has exacerbated issues of inequality and discrimination in the city, a new report says.


Royal “love letters” revealed as evidence of an unwelcome pursuit

Posted on Sunday 7 March 2021

A series of newly-transcribed letters between the future George IV and his family’s governess, Mary Hamilton, have shed new light on their relationship.


Human instinct can be as useful as algorithms in detecting online ‘deception’

Posted on Tuesday 2 March 2021

Travellers looking to book a hotel should trust their gut instinct when it comes to online reviews rather than relying on computer algorithms to weed out the fake ones, a new study suggests.


Plants set a “bedtime” alarm to ensure their survival, new study shows.

Posted on Monday 1 March 2021

Plants have a metabolic signal that adjusts their circadian clock in the evening to ensure they store enough energy to survive the night, a new study reveals.


Families have high awareness of healthy eating but low income means many struggle to access good food

Posted on Tuesday 23 February 2021

Low-income families have a high awareness of healthy diets but can’t afford good quality and nutritious food, new research shows.


Medieval containers hint at thriving wine trade in Islamic Sicily

Posted on Tuesday 23 February 2021

Researchers at the University of York have found chemical residues of grapes in medieval containers indicating a prosperous wine trade in Islamic Sicily.


Common weed killers favour antibiotic resistant bacteria, new study shows

Posted on Tuesday 16 February 2021

The use of weed killers can increase the prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in soil, a new study from the University of York shows.


First videos to show the helix of ‘dancing DNA’ developed by scientists

Posted on Tuesday 16 February 2021

Videos allowing us to see for the first time how small circles of DNA adopt dance-like movements inside a cell have been developed by researchers at universities in Yorkshire.


Long-term environmental damage from transportation projects in Kenya, scientists warn

Posted on Wednesday 10 February 2021

The construction of a major railway through Kenya will have long-term environmental impacts on the area, suggesting more work needs to be done to limit the damage on future infrastructure projects, a major study reveals.


Activists have been silenced by governments during the pandemic, new report says

Posted on Tuesday 9 February 2021

Human rights defenders continue to face arrest, experience attacks, threats and repression during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new report says.


Study to investigate if early dose of antibiotics could save children with leukaemia

Posted on Tuesday 9 February 2021

Children being treated for a form of leukaemia are to be given a daily dose of antibiotics as part of a six-year trial to see if it reduces severe infections.


Challenges of animal ownership during the pandemic should be considered alongside the potential benefits, study shows

Posted on Tuesday 9 February 2021

Animal owners frequently report concerns and worries relating to caring for their animal during the pandemic, new research suggests.


Study suggests environmental factors played a key role in the evolution of human tolerance and friendliness

Posted on Wednesday 3 February 2021

Environmental pressures may have led humans to become more tolerant and friendly towards each other as the need to share food and raw materials became mutually beneficial, a new study suggests.


Films shine a spotlight on discrimination in the screen industries

Posted on Wednesday 27 January 2021

The University of York has collaborated with a Bafta-nominated TV company to produce a series of films highlighting discrimination within the screen industries.


Social media study reveals diabetics’ fear of disrupted insulin supplies because of Brexit

Posted on Wednesday 27 January 2021

Diabetics living in the UK worry about disruption to insulin supplies as a result of Brexit, new research shows.


New scheme provides early escape route for victims of domestic violence, study shows

Posted on Wednesday 27 January 2021

Survivors of domestic violence are being given a better route out of abuse through an innovative early intervention scheme, a new study shows.


Solar material can “self-heal” imperfections, new research shows

Posted on Tuesday 26 January 2021

A material that can be used in technologies such as solar power has been found to self-heal, a new study shows.


Researchers improve data readout by using ‘quantum entanglement’

Posted on Thursday 21 January 2021

Researchers say they have been able to greatly improve the readout of data from digital memories - thanks to a phenomenon known as ‘quantum entanglement’.


NHS advised to recommend ultra-grip shoes to reduce staff injuries

Posted on Wednesday 20 January 2021

Researchers at the University of York have shown that wearing Health and Safety Executive (HSE) rated ultra-grip shoes could reduce injury to NHS staff if they were to be made a recommended part of the uniform.


Whale sharks at risk of injury as they linger at coastal ‘hotspots’

Posted on Tuesday 19 January 2021

Researchers are calling for greater protection for whale sharks after new data revealed the world’s largest fish are increasingly being injured as a result of tourism-related activity.


Ancient DNA reveals secrets of Game of Thrones wolves

Posted on Wednesday 13 January 2021

Extinct dire wolves split off from other canines nearly six million years ago and were only a distant relative of today’s species, a new study says.


Rising health risks mean stronger regulations needed for smokeless tobacco

Posted on Tuesday 12 January 2021

Researchers at the University of York are calling for more stringent regulatory measures to reduce the health burden of smokeless tobacco, a product often found in UK stores without the proper health warnings and as a result of illicit trading.


Extra living costs pile financial pressure on low-income families during lockdown

Posted on Monday 11 January 2021

The pandemic has placed significant financial pressures on poorer households – with the cost of extra food, energy, and remote learning having a greater impact on low-income families, a new study shows.


Scientists reach new milestone in vaccine development for neglected tropical disease

Posted on Monday 11 January 2021

Researchers have taken an important step forward in developing a controlled human infection model to test leishmaniasis vaccines.


Unravelling the mystery that makes viruses infectious

Posted on Friday 8 January 2021

Researchers have for the first time identified the way viruses like the poliovirus and the common cold virus ‘package up’ their genetic code, allowing them to infect cells.


One million COVID-19 Universal Credit claimants have deductions from benefits, study shows

Posted on Friday 8 January 2021

Around one million people who claimed benefits during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic are having money regularly deducted from their payments, according to analysis by the University of York.


Study uses computer modelling to identify ‘vulnerable sites’ on coronavirus protein

Posted on Wednesday 6 January 2021

Scientists have used computer modelling to identify potential ‘vulnerable sites’ on a key protein found in coronavirus - paving the way for possible new drug treatments in the future.


Women more likely than men to suffer psychological distress from having their homes flooded

Posted on Monday 4 January 2021

Severe weather events such as flooding can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - with women more likely to suffer with the condition than men, new research shows.


Who to contact

  • Press office
    pressoffice@york.ac.uk
    01904 322029
  • Out of hours service
    To contact the Press Office out of hours call 07795 315 029 or the Security Centre on 01904 324444