The UK re-joining the Horizon research funding scheme benefits Europe too – the data backs it up: Amorn Suriyan / Shutterstock The UK has just rejoined the EU’s flagship research funding programmes, Horizon Europe and Copernicus. This is great news for science, the EU and the UK. The reasons are simple: science progresses through the …
Chronic pelvic pain affects up to 26% of women – our latest research brings us closer to better treating it: A lack of understanding about chronic pelvic pain has left women with limited treatment options. Studio Romantic/ Shutterstock Chronic pelvic pain affects between 5% and 26% of women worldwide. It can be associated with conditions …
Violence against workers increased during the pandemic – our research shows how it affected them: pixfly/Shutterstock For weeks of lockdown in the UK and beyond, people took part in nightly applause for healthcare staff and carers. Many expressed gratitude for other frontline workers: waste management workers, bus drivers, retail employees and others performing services that …
Anxiety and stress really can be lowered through colouring – here’s what our research has found: Colouring works in a similar way as mindfulness by helping people stay focused on the present moment. Jacob Lund/ Shutterstock When we think of the best ways to reduce stress, we might picture activities such as exercise or meditation. …
Why it’s good to talk about women’s health at work, according to research: Lucky Business/Shutterstock In the past couple of years, women’s health and wellbeing in mid to later life has gone from being whispered about in the shadows to being the subject of documentaries, newspaper articles and breakfast TV discussions. This “celebrity endorsement” of …
Proud Boys on trial: does remorse in court signal a change for this far right group? A psychologist reviews the research: When I watched the members of the US far-right group the Proud Boys from afar before and during the Capitol riots of January 6 2021, I thought their name was quite apt. They always …
People who grow their own fruit and veg waste less food and eat more healthily, says research: Households that produced their own fruit and veg wasted 95% less than the average UK household. Air Images/Shutterstock The rising cost of living is making it harder for people, especially those on lower incomes (who often have poorer …
How to prove you’ve discovered alien life – new research: In 2021, scientists thought they had discovered phosphine in the clouds of Venus. NASA In the past few decades, several phenomena have led to excited speculation in the scientific community that they might indeed be indications that there is extraterrestrial life. It will no doubt …
Why your perception of climate change threats might depend on where you live – new research: People's perceptions of the threat of climate change vary according to where they live. JaneHYork/Shutterstock Our planet has just seen its hottest month on record, with many places on fire or flooded. Few events can be directly attributed to …
Nudge theory: what 15 years of research tells us about its promises and politics: StunningArt/Shutterstock It’s been 15 years since a particular concept of behavioural science went mainstream. “Nudge theory”, the notion that our behaviour can be successfully influenced through “soft” interventions, has subsequently appealed to plenty of people seeking to change the way we …
It’s reassuring to think humans are evolution’s ultimate destination – but research shows we may be an accident: The Cambrian explosion, about 530 million years ago, was when most of the major groups of animals first appear in the fossil record. canbedone/Shutterstock Depending upon how you do the counting, there are around 9 million species …
Universities and their students are vulnerable to money laundering – new research: Students are at risk of being exploited by financial and organised criminals. Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock Money laundering jeopardises the security of UK citizens and the integrity of its economy. Money launderers often target financial institutions, but they are also increasingly targeting lesser regulated …
What is institutional misogyny in policing? Our research shows what it looks like – and why it matters: Protesters react to policing at a vigil for Sarah Everard. Vincenzo Lullo/Shutterstock Britain has witnessed a torrent of appalling examples of misogyny by those serving on the front line of public services in recent years. This has …
TB research shows a good diet can cut infections by nearly 50%: For centuries, we have known that tuberculosis is a social disease. It thrives on poverty and social factors such as malnutrition, poor housing, overcrowding, unsafe work environments and stigma. Globally in 2021 an estimated 2.2 million cases of TB were attributable to undernourishment, …
Plant-based meat sales are stagnating – our research suggests playing down its green benefits could attract more consumers: Geshas/Shutterstock It’s difficult to tell if the recent wave of anti-vegan sentiment has affected the plant-based meat market, but denigrating the image of vegans has certainly gone mainstream. Alongside negative comments about people who don’t eat meat …
New research reveals that Ötzi the iceman was bald and probably from a farming family – what else can DNA uncover?: In 1991, hikers came across a body that was partially contained in ice high up in the Alpine province of South Tyrol, Italy. Initially thought to be from a recent death, the body was …
The Lionesses had a terrific World Cup, but women’s football in England is on shaky economic ground – new research: Despite the disappointment of losing to Spain in the final, England’s women’s football team had a very good World Cup, on and off the pitch. Viewing figures were huge, media coverage was unprecedented and excitement …
Common heart medication less effective in south Asian people – new research: Clopidogrel is prescribed to prevent subsequent heart attacks. Towfiqu ahamed barbhuiya/ Shutterstock People who have recently had a heart attack are often prescribed clopidogrel, a medication that decreases the risk of having another heart attack. While the drug is very effective at preventing …