Science news

Graphic of a brain inside a pint glass labelled 'Pint of Science' alongside text reading '19-21 May 2025, 4pm-7pm, #pint25'.

Pint of Science festival returns to ºìÐÓÊÓƵ

Quench your thirst for knowledge and come along to a series of local science talks led by doctoral researchers and academics from across the University. 
A person pointing at x-ray images of a human brain.

ºìÐÓÊÓƵ lecturer awarded funding from Academy of Medical Sciences

Dr Amanda Pearce, a lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ, has been awarded funding by the Academy of Medical Sciences to tackle dementia, as part of its initiative to support early-career researchers.
Digital drawing of blue sperm swimming on a black background

Scientists uncover how microswimmers move faster in groups – paving the way for tiny drug-delivering robots

Scientists have revealed how tiny swimming cells – such as sperm and bacteria – are able to move faster when travelling as a group, and the research could accelerate the development of microscopic robots that deliver drugs to specific regions of the body.

steak cooking on a grill

Processed red meat isn’t just bad for your heart, it’s also associated with dementia

Less red meat is good for the planet and a growing number of people have started the new year resolving to pursue a meat-free diet.
A person holding a magnifying glass to a microchip board.

Next generation computers: new wiring material could transform chip technology

The rapid technological advancements of our world have been enabled by our capacity to design and fabricate ever smaller electronic chips. These underpin computers, mobile phones and every smart device deployed to date.
A sundew carnivorous plants digesting a fly

Sundews’ secret to survival: ºìÐÓÊÓƵ reveals how carnivorous plants adapt to microhabitat challenges

Scientists have uncovered how sundews, Charles Darwin’s favourite plant, become more carnivorous in certain habitats.
Cyanobacteria filaments under a microscope.

Scientists unravel how ancient bacteria weave living mats – solving one of nature’s oldest mysteries (FEATURE)

Scientists have uncovered how cyanobacteria — Earth's first photosynthetic organisms — self-organise into intricate living mats, offering insights into aquatic ecosystems and potential inspiration for material design.
Smart nanoparticles

Computer simulations to aid in ºìÐÓÊÓƵ push for more effective drug delivery

A ºìÐÓÊÓƵ project will use computer simulations and practical experiments to explore whether there’s a safer, more effective way for smart polymer nanoparticles to be designed for drug delivery and medical imaging.
Concept image showing an atom and electrons surrounding it with wavelengths going through the middle. Rainbow-colour scheme on a black background

Physicists' breakthrough in fine-tuning electron behaviour in quantum materials could fast-track next generation of technology

Physicists at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ have made an exciting breakthrough in understanding how to fine-tune the behaviour of electrons in quantum materials poised to drive the next generation of advanced technologies.

the 'loughborough university' sign outside campus

World-class ‘accelerator’ to speed development of crucial rehabilitation technologies

A world-class impact accelerator will connect hundreds of East Midlands MedTech SMEs with health and care professionals, academics and the public to drive the design, development and delivery of pioneering rehabilitation technologies.
A shot of the Think Human exhibition in Derby.

Museum exhibit showcases ºìÐÓÊÓƵ's excellence in ergonomics & human factors

A museum exhibit developed in collaboration with ºìÐÓÊÓƵ is showcasing how ergonomics helps human development – from securing Olympic gold medals for Team GB to helping navigate rail stations and delivering progress to latest cancer treatments.
Dame McLean and Professor Nick Jennings stood together in a lecture theatre

Professor Dame Angela McLean visits ºìÐÓÊÓƵ to share insights as a Government Chief Scientific Adviser

Professor Dame Angela McLean DBE FRS, the Government Chief Scientific Adviser and Honorary Distinguished Professor at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ, gave a public lecture to staff, students, and members of the public at the East Midlands campus earlier this month.

Image from an MRI scan showing a human face pointing to the left and the human brain can be seen.

Expert explainer: Why identifying lifestyle changes and treatments that reduce dementia risk is complicated

Studies that find a reduction in dementia risk through lifestyle changes and treatments are frequently reported in the news.
The drosera carnivorous plant

New discovery fundamentally changes the way we understand Charles Darwin’s most beloved plant – the sundew

A new study has found a symbiotic relationship that has evolved between Darwin’s favourite carnivorous plant and a specific type of fungus which lives inside it and helps it digest its prey.
Two researchers in the Emergent Photonics Research Centre

ºìÐÓÊÓƵ to play key role in new £21.9m quantum technology hub

ºìÐÓÊÓƵ researchers are to play a key role in a new £21.9m government-funded quantum technology hub.

A boy takes part in an interactive rehabilitation game

Rehabilitation research centre-stage at Royal Society showcase

Pioneering science and technology with the potential to transform the future of personalised rehabilitation will be showcased at Jodrell Bank Observatory next month.
a test tube behind held by a gloved hand

Doping in sport – what’s the testing process? (VIDEO)

Ahead of a busy summer of sport, the issue of doping remains firmly in the news headlines.
A researcher in the Emergent Photonics Research Centre

Emergent Photonics Research Centre opens at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ

ºìÐÓÊÓƵ has launched a new research centre dedicated to revolutionising science and technology through photonics – the study of lasers and light waves.
From the back of the room, looking over the audience toward the Pint of Science panel

ºìÐÓÊÓƵ research community breaks its Pint of Science record

ºìÐÓÊÓƵ’s research community recorded the third largest Pint of Science event in the UK, with 55 doctoral researchers and staff delivering 21 events, 53 talks and two panel discussions in a variety of public spaces in ºìÐÓÊÓƵ town on 13-15 May.
a woman wearing mouthpiece technology

ºìÐÓÊÓƵ developing breath test to predict health in older people

ºìÐÓÊÓƵ research is underway to develop a breath test to predict when health and physical function is at risk of declining in older people.
A gel lifter being used to lift fingerprints by a person in blue gloves

New hope for cold cases due to breakthrough in forensic fingerprint research

Researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking method capable of detecting drug substances from fingerprints lifted from crime scenes, which could provide fresh insights into unsolved cases.
Pint of Science logo

Pint of Science ºìÐÓÊÓƵ brings the stars behind the latest research to a venue near you

The international science outreach festival Pint of Science returns to ºìÐÓÊÓƵ as the University’s research community make their way from labs and offices to local cafés, restaurants and pubs to share their research stories.
A man and girl take part in a festival exhibit in the Discover Zone

ºìÐÓÊÓƵ researchers bringing science to life at Cheltenham Science Festival

Researchers from ºìÐÓÊÓƵ are bringing the science of healthy eating and exercise to life at this year’s Cheltenham Science Festival.

Dr Mats Vermeeren

Dr Mats Vermeeren awarded prestigious EPSRC Fellowship

ºìÐÓÊÓƵ’s Dr Mats Vermeeren has been awarded an EPSRC Fellowship to continue his research into dynamical systems.
Smart robotics, dissembling and remanufacturing medical devices

ºìÐÓÊÓƵ hosts upcoming Manufacturing and Trade Conference

ºìÐÓÊÓƵ is hosting the East Midlands Chamber’s Manufacturing and Trade Conference on Tuesday 26 March.