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Current Research News

Three likely scenarios for Venezuela after Donald Trump's meddling

After months of threats, which included the seizure of oil tankers, and air-strikes on alleged drug boats, on January 3rd, the United States removed Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s leader, and charged him with drug trafficking offences. Dr Omar Hammoud Gallego from our School of Government and International Affairs gives his analysis of the situation. 
A man holding the Venezuelan flag in front of a building.

How medieval monks tried to stay warm in the winter

Hot water bottles, electric blankets and the heating on – some of the ways we try and keep ourselves warm in the 21st century, but how did the medieval monks manage it? Historian Professor Giles Gasper takes a step back in time to explain.
Rievaulx Abbey in York

New materials conduct ions in solids as easily as in liquids

We’re part of an international team of scientists behind the creation of a new family of organic materials that can conduct ions - atoms or molecules with a net electrical charge - in solids.
A series of swirling spirals against a black backdrop.

Scientists secure major award to drive sustainable consumer innovation

We have been awarded a share of more than £24 million of national funding for the prestigious Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award (IDLA) to advance research into sustainable consumer goods.
Researchers at library

New £2m facility unlocks access to heritage science

Our Archaeology department is home to a new £2m facility providing cutting-edge tools to support heritage science across North East England and nationally.
A researcher looks at scan images on a computer screen

Fuel made from just air, power and water is taking off – but several things are holding it back

The use of e-fuels could be the way forward but there are some barriers. Jon Gluyas, who is a Professor in Geoenergy, Carbon Capture and Storage, takes us through the challenges.
Front view of an aeroplane on the runway.

Medieval peasants enjoyed a surprising range of sick, annual and bereavement leave benefits

Dr Alex Brown and Dr Grace Owen from our Department of History explore the surprising range of workplace benefits that existed for peasant workers in medieval England.
Section of an image from 1863 depicting men and women cutting grass in Medieval time. Taken from  the vintage book Les Evangiles, edited by Curmet, 1863, Paris

Breaking the sound barriers: Understanding the academic risks of mild and unilateral hearing loss

Imagine a busy classroom with children hearing and interpreting lots of sounds around them. PhD student, Katherine Collier, from our School of Education has looked at the academic impact on children with mild and unilateral hearing loss.
Young children sitting at a classroom table with the teacher doing crafts

UK to overhaul asylum policy – will the new measures work?

Professor Jonathan Darling, from our Department of Geography, explores the UK Home Secretary's proposed reforms to the asylum system.
A group of women standing around with bags on the floor.

How ‘campus climate’ affects students’ attitudes to people of different religions

New research shows there are some key things universities can do to create climates where students are able to relate to others of different religious backgrounds. Professor Mathew Guest from our Department of Theology and Religion, with colleagues from Coventry University and Ohio State University, explains the findings.
Two female students looking at a laptop screen.

Chemists discover why sunscreen stains leave you seeing red

Have you ever tried bleaching sunscreen stains on clothing, only to be left with bright red results?
Sunscreen bottles arranged in a circle around a sun drawn in white cream on a bright blue background

How a medieval Oxford friar used light and colour to find out what stars and planets are made of

A medieval friar challenged the scientific orthodoxy of his day around the make-up of stars and planets. Dr William Crozier from our Department of Theology and Religion sheds a light on this 13th century “controversy”.
The moon
4 students in lab coats in a laboratory

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