Damaging effects of biochar on plant defence casts doubt on geoengineering claims
In the first study of its kind, research undertaken at the University of Southampton has cast significant doubt over the use of biochar to alleviate climate change.
Climate change will reduce crop yields sooner than we thought
A study led by the University of Leeds has shown that global warming of only 2°C will be detrimental to crops in temperate and tropical regions, with reduced yields from the 2030s onwards.
David Willetts champions competition and collaboration in science and technology
In a keynote address to newly elected Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Chicago, the Rt Hon David Willetts encouraged a spirit of competition and collaboration in science and technology, and underlined the importance of researcher mobility.
Early pregnancy alcohol linked to heightened premature and small baby risk
Research by the University of Leeds has linked drinking alcohol during the first three months of pregnancy to a higher risk of having a premature or unexpectedly small baby.
Leading minds gather in Cape Town to explore threats and solutions at the intersection of public health and climate change
Scientists, practitioners, and representatives of community organisations, government bodies and industry will gather in Cape Town on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 March to discuss the challenges that lie at the intersection of public health and climate change and to discuss solutions that will have meaningful impact, particularly in Africa.
University of Southampton announces UK’s first Regius Professorship in Computer Science
The University of Southampton is pleased to announce that Nick Jennings, Professor of Computer Science and a Chief Scientific Advisor to the UK Government, has been appointed as its first Regius Professor in Computer Science.
Blood test may help predict whether a child will become obese
Scientists have found that a simple blood test, which can read DNA, could be used to predict obesity levels in children.
Researchers at the Universities of Southampton, Exeter and Plymouth used the test to assess the levels of epigenetic switches in the PGC1a gene – a gene that regulates fat storage in the body.
Children’s activity levels reflect the activity levels of their mothers
The study, from the Medical Research Council Units and the Universities of Southampton and Cambridge, showed that mothers’ activity levels differed depending on her level of education, number of children and weekly working hours. It also showed that many mothers were not meeting the government’s recommended amount of physical activity per week.
Discover the ancient port of Rome with online learning from the University of Southampton
The University of Southampton has launched a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), giving people the opportunity to explore Portus, the ancient port of Rome.
Southampton scientist to help design and build the world’s largest telescope
Professor Anna Scaife, from the University’s Astronomy Group, will join other UK scientists, engineers and industries in supporting the design of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), which will be the largest and most sensitive radio telescope in the world.