Latest Durham University Stories
A study released on Wednesday showed that climate change will force bone-weary birds migrating to Europe from Africa to log extra mileage, with possibly devastating consequences.The research found that the annual voyage of some species, which fly north in search of food and suitable climes, could increase by as much as 250 miles.Stephen Willis, a professor at Durham University in Britain and the main architect of the study, said marathon migrations for some birds are set to become even...
Scientists at the University of Liverpool and Durham University have developed a new material to further understanding of how superconductors could be used to transmit electricity to built-up areas and reduce global energy losses.The team has produced a material from a football-shaped molecule, called carbon60, to demonstrate how a superconductor "“ an element, compound or alloy that does not oppose the steady passage of an electric current "“ could work at temperatures suitable for...
The recovery of some stroke victims, those who suffer brain haemorrhage, could be vastly improved if they were tested and treated for post-traumatic stress disorder, a distressing psychological condition more commonly known to affect soldiers who have fought in war zones.A study of over 100 brain haemorrhage survivors, led by Durham University and funded by the Clarke Lister Brain Haemorrhage Foundation, found more than one third tested positive for the disorder, displaying symptoms such as...
It has 20 percent of the world's population with 1.4bn people "“ but China's rapid economic and social change has caused its pensioners to feel lonely and alienated, a new study suggests.Although capitalism has brought prosperity and increased political power to China, it has also caused the weakening of a traditional society that had collectivism and strong family ties at its heart.The study by Durham University and the University of Reading, published in Ageing and Society, examined in...
A lunar base on the Moon may be possible due to craters on the Moon's surface that astronomers believe could hold ice, providing a crucial water supply.Astrophysicists believe lunar ice could be hidden in the Moon's polar craters that are permanently shaded from the sun.NASA researchers analyzed data from a space probe sent to the Moon in 1998 that showed hydrogen on the moon is concentrated into craters in the Moon's poles where temperatures are colder than minus 170 degrees...
Scientists believe they may now have a better idea of where to search for dark matter thanks to the results of a giant computer simulation reported on Wednesday. Dark matter has puzzled scientists for about 75 years when they discovered its existence from its gravitational effects. The mysterious matter is considered to account for 85 percent of the universe's mass although it cannot be seen through telescopes.Researchers at the international Virgo Consortium, including cosmologists at Durham...
NORTH East education experts are calling for a new approach to how science is taught in primary schools. Durham University researchers say national testing distorts the teaching and reduces opportunities to harness children's natural curiosity. The Durham experts have written one of two independent reports published today by the Wellcome Trust. Both reports highlight widespread concern about the negative impact of national testing on young people's enjoyment and understanding of...
Scientists have exploited crystals from lavas to unravel the records of volcanic eruptions.The team, from Durham University and the University of Leeds, studied crystal formation from a volcano, in Santorini, in Greece, to calculate the timescale between the trigger of volcanic activity and the volcano's eruption.They say the technique can be applied to other volcanoes "“ such as Vesuvius, near Naples, in Italy "“ and will help inform the decisions of civil defense agencies.Worldwide, it...
Wednesday marked the unveiling of the "first ever" Arctic map to show the disputed territories in the resource-rich region, British researchers said.The map is designed to help world powers as they battle over rights to the remote but potentially lucrative area. It highlights Arctic areas where boundaries are already agreed, as well as areas where claims have been made and where disputes could break out."The map is the most precise depiction yet of the limits and the future dividing...
NINE-YEAR-OLD Emily Cutmore's childhood has been blighted by regular bouts of tonsillitis. But the illness has inspired her to win a national art competition when she turned an image of her tonsils into a piece of art. The Year Six pupil at Newker Primary School in Chester-le- Street, County Durham, has had her work shown at London's Royal Albert Hall after it won the Scopic competition whose judges included Brian May of Queen. Yesterday Emily's work was showcased at Durham University's...
