Pam Bird, 1928-20151 June 2015Pamela Bird (née Cobb), an administrator at the Graduate School of Education for almost 20 years, died peacefully in May, aged 87. Sara Meadows offers a tribute.
Microscopic sonic screwdriver invented29 May 2015A team of engineers have created tiny acoustic vortices and used them to grip and spin microscopic particles suspended in water.
Scientists discover key to what causes immune cell migration to wounds28 May 2015Immune cells play an important role in the upkeep and repair of our bodies, helping us to defend against infection and disease. Until now, how these cells detect a wounded or damaged site has largely remained a mystery. New research, led by University of Bristol academics in collaboration with a team from the University of Sheffield, has identified the triggers which lead these cells to react and respond in cell repair.
Gloucestershire town becomes a museum to display recently excavated castle finds28 May 2015The town of Berkeley in Gloucestershire has become a museum this week, with local homes and businesses caring for and displaying historic artefacts excavated by students and staff at the University of Bristol as part of ongoing archaeological investigations at Berkeley Castle.
Bristol retains HR Excellence in Research Award28 May 2015The University of Bristol has successfully retained its HR Excellence in Research Award, after being externally evaluated through the Vitae programme.
New book explores the body in literature 27 May 2015The first systematic analysis of the representation of the body in literature, edited by Dr Ulrika Maude of the University of Bristol and Dr David Hillman of the University of Cambridge, has just been published.
University pledges support for happier, healthier Bristol27 May 2015The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Guy Orpen, pledged his support for Bristol 2015’s latest campaign for a greener, happier and healthier Bristol, at the University’s internal Green Capital mingle on Monday 11 May.
Researchers develop intelligent handheld robots26 May 2015What if handheld tools know what needs to be done and were even able to guide and help inexperienced users to complete jobs that require skill? Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed and started studying a novel concept in robotics - intelligent handheld robots.
Leading animal welfare scientist presented with top award26 May 2015One of the UK’s leading experts on animal behaviour has been presented with a prestigious award in recognition of his contribution to improving animal welfare. Mike Mendl, Professor of Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Bristol, was awarded the RSPCA/BSAS Award for innovative developments in animal welfare last week [Wednesday 20 May].
Caution urged over giving patients online access to their health records26 May 2015The Government is aiming for all adults to have online access to their health and social care records by 2020, but researchers from the Institute of Child Health, QMUL and the University of Bristol are concerned about the potential for unintended harm.
Dyslexia and sight: the wider view25 May 2015There is widespread belief in the scientific community that dyslexia, which affects around 375,000 UK children and has a lifelong impact on learning, is not caused by sight problems. However, many practitioners and professional bodies offer dyslexic children eye treatments and routine eye checks to ensure glasses are offered if necessary and then that no further testing is needed. A new study, led by the universities of Bristol and Newcastle, which analysed the eye test results of 5,822 children found that the majority of the dyslexic children had perfect vision.
Study examines increase in calls to emergency services22 May 2015As calls to emergency services increase, there is an urgent need for a reliable and consistent method of measuring whether or not these calls are appropriate. These are the findings from a University of Bristol study, published in BMJ Open, which explored ambulance use among patients with problems that could potentially be managed by their GP or other primary care health services.
Matt’s paddleboard challenge to boost education in South Africa22 May 2015Travelling from Reading to Bristol is usually a pain-free and quick journey. But not if you’re moving at two miles an hour on a paddleboard. Matt Edwards, Sport Development Manager at the University of Bristol, will be attempting the tough challenge over four gruelling days.
Sudden onset of ice loss in Antarctica detected21 May 2015A group of scientists, led by a team from the University of Bristol, has observed a sudden increase of ice loss in a previously stable region of Antarctica. The research is published today in Science.
Flagship REACT projects propelled beyond prototype 21 May 2015Three collaborations between University of Bristol researchers and creative businesses have been awarded acceleration funding from REACT, an AHRC-funded knowledge exchange hub, to take their ground-breaking ideas to market.
Banana desserts vs quantum cryptography: New Enterprise Competition shortlist released21 May 2015Ten exciting new business ideas have reached the final round of the New Enterprise Competition (NEC) 2015. This year the competition has received over 100 entries from University of Bristol students, staff and graduates. The final ten are now in with a chance to win grants of up to £30,000 in October.
New insight into lethal fungus infection in wildlife21 May 2015The introduction of a lethal fungus infection that could threaten the UK's amphibian populations has not been caused by exposure to infected colonies of African clawed frogs, according to new research from the Universities of Bristol and Portsmouth.
Bristol dementia researchers in call for more volunteers20 May 2015On International Clinical Trials Day [Wednesday 20 May], researchers in the South West are urging more people in the region to consider volunteering for dementia studies. Many pioneering studies into the devastating condition are underway in the region, but efforts can be hampered if researchers can’t find people willing to take part.
Men experiencing or perpetrating domestic violence linked with two to three-fold increase in mental health problems20 May 2015Men visiting their GP with symptoms of anxiety or depression are more likely to have experienced or carried out some form of behaviour linked to domestic violence and abuse, according to a new University of Bristol study. Researchers say the findings highlight the need for GPs to ask male patients with mental health problems about domestic abuse.
New technology could fundamentally change future wireless communications19 May 2015Radio systems, such as mobile phones and wireless internet connections, have become an integral part of modern life. However, today’s devices use twice as much of the radio spectrum as is necessary. New technology is being developed that could fundamentally change radio design and could increase data rates and network capacity, reduce power consumption, create cheaper devices and enable global roaming.
Spotting pain in donkeys – learning the language18 May 2015Vets in Pakistan working for global equine welfare charity the Brooke have collaborated with the University of Bristol on a newly published paper to discover whether a donkey is in pain by just being observed.
Students challenged to go on a mathematical journey of discovery18 May 2015Year 12 students from across the country are being challenged to design a new seat for future space missions and win £1,000. The nationwide mathematical challenge, now in its third year, was launched by the University of Bristol’s Department of Engineering Mathematics last week.
Small changes to a child’s head size should not concern parents18 May 2015Measuring the size of a child’s head is done routinely worldwide to screen for possible learning or developmental problems but new research out today [18 May] suggests that differences within the normal range of measurements are common – and mainly due to human error – and should not unduly concern parents.
Celebrating research15 May 2015More than 250 students and staff attended the recent Bristol Doctoral College Festival of Postgraduate Research, an annual event designed to raise awareness of the range of research taking place at Bristol and to bring the postgraduate research community together.
Shaun the Sheep fever reaches Bristol15 May 2015First there were gorillas, then Gromits, now thousands of visitors are expected to take part in Bristol’s next public art trail involving 70 giant Shaun the Sheep across the city. Two University of Bristol locations – the Victoria Rooms and the Botanic Garden – have been unveiled as locations on the eagerly-anticipated Shaun in the City trail.
Students build the UK’s first successful lead balloon14 May 2015Engineering Design students from the University of Bristol have teamed up with Icon Films, a Bristol-based independent TV production company, to design and construct the UK’s first lead balloon for BBC One’s The One Show.
Bovine TB infection depends on feedback between cattle and badgers14 May 2015Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is an infectious disease affecting cattle and badgers. New research from the Universities of Bristol and Cambridge has found that BTB is most likely to be nearly under control in both species taken in isolation, however together, control is likely to be considerably more challenging.
Vet School research paves the way for a vision for rabbit welfare13 May 2015A vision for improving rabbit welfare has been set out following research carried out by the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Sciences. It is hoped the vision will enable one of Britain’s most popular pets to live healthier and happier lives.
What’s in a name? 13 May 2015Have you ever wondered how plants are classified and named? This question and many more will be answered this Sunday [May 17] when the University of Bristol Botanic Garden celebrates the third international Fascination of Plants Day.
Puppy love to help relieve exam stress12 May 2015With impending exams and dissertation deadlines, this time of the year is especially stressful for university students. But help is at hand for those studying at the University of Bristol thanks to a special ‘puppy room’ to aid relaxation and calmness.
Horse owners can improve animal welfare without risking livelihoods11 May 2015New research led by academics from the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Sciences have found it is possible for horse owners to make changes that improve the welfare of their animals without threatening their own livelihoods.
