Research News
Largest ever global air sampling maps fungal spread
Mushrooms and other fungi spread their spores in a more localised way than once thought and more similar to how animals and plant species migrate, new research has found.
Read article![Satellite Image of Juneau Icefield
Credit: Landsat imagery courtesy of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and U.S. Geological Survey](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Credyd_Credit_NASA-300x212.png)
Melting of Alaskan glaciers accelerating faster than thought
Melting of glaciers in a major Alaskan icefield has accelerated and could reach an irreversible tipping point earlier than previously thought, new research suggests.
Read article![RRS Sir David Attenborough research vessel, photo credit Jenna Plank, British Antarctic Survey.](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Llun-terfynol-1-300x168.jpg)
Seals reveal age of Antarctic water for first time
The age of water in the Antarctic is being revealed by seals for the first time.
Read article![](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Hidden-Harms-BSL-English-300x168.png)
Domestic violence and abuse research initiative releases new British Sign Language resource
The Dewis Choice Initiative is marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (15 June) with the release of a British Sign Language version of its impactful animation highlighting the unique challenges that older adults face when domestic abuse occurs.
Read article![Heather Heap, who is leading the research.](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Heather-Heap-300x168.png)
Are nasty jokes causing problems for elderly couples? New research begins
From classic knock-knock jokes to mother-in-law puns, researchers are looking at how humour affects older couples’ relationships.
Read article![Dr Sarah Dalesman, Aberystwyth University](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Dr-Sarah-Dalesman--300x200.jpg)
Antibiotic pollution makes snails forgetful by altering their gut microbiome
Antibiotics prevent snails from forming new memories by disrupting their gut microbiome - the community of beneficial bacteria found in their guts.
Read articleAberystwyth students win prestigious international research internships
Two Aberystwyth University undergraduate students will be spending the summer working in Canada after being awarded prestigious research internships.
Read article![Willow](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/willow-web-300x168.jpg)
Biomass crop research aims to boost rural economy
Aberystwyth University researchers are exploring the potential of crops like willow and alder as alternative sources of income for farmers.
Read article![Dr Jaykumar Patel](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Dr-Jay-Patel-2-300x190.jpg)
Drought resistant cereal research ‘vital’ as world population rises – new research fellow
Aberystwyth University’s world-renowned plant research has been boosted by a prestigious European Union-funded research fellowship.
Read article![Aberystwyth University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jon Timmis receiving the award from Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/MicrosoftTeams-image-(41)-300x420.png)
The Queen presents award to Aberystwyth University for parasite research
Queen Camilla has presented a prestigious award to Aberystwyth University for its pioneering parasitology work at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace today (Thursday, 22 February).
Read article![An EEG test at Aberystwyth University’s Psychology Department.](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/AU1324-300x200.jpg)
Can green tea prevent age-related disease? Research project
Aberystwyth University scientists are testing how nutrients in green tea can affect age-related diseases by monitoring people’s brain activity.
Read article![National Plant Phenomics Centre, IBERS, Aberystwyth University](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/028dwpps_gog_50714-1-300x153.jpg)
Unlocking clover’s potential to reduce fertiliser use – research aim
Scientists are aiming to unlock the potential of clover and other legumes to reduce the use of fertiliser and emissions from livestock agriculture, thanks to a £3.3 million UK Government grant.
Read article![An aerial view of Aberystwyth University’s Gogerddan campus.](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/prifysgol-aberystwyth-university-gogerddan-campus-aerial-1-300x225.jpg)
Major research investment into land use transformation at Aberystwyth University
Aberystwyth University is part of a new expert consortium established to help the Welsh Government and other UK administrations tackle greenhouse gas emissions from land use and agriculture.
Read article![Dr Onyinyechukwu Durueke](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Dr-Onyinyechukwu-Durueke---web-300x153.png)
Researching the impact of gender-based violence on men and boys in Nigeria
The impact of gender-based violence on men and boys in Nigeria is the focus of a new study at the University following the awarding of a prestigious fellowship.
Read article![Elephant Seals in the Antarctic](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/IMG_3384-web-300x200.jpg)
Antarctic seals help Aberystwyth scientist monitor ocean warming
Seals will be helping an Aberystwyth University academic monitor ocean warming in the Antarctic during a voyage of the RRS Sir David Attenborough.
Read article![Professor Luis Mur](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Professor-Luis-Mur-1-300x446.png)
£1 million for early lung cancer diagnosis test research
Scientists’ work to develop a new rapid diagnostic kit to detect lung cancer has received a £1 million grant boost.
Read article![](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/941-Aber_Town_Students-_AU_5810_54675---web-300x166.jpg)
Rural communities are being left behind because of poor digital infrastructure, research shows
Writing in The Conversation, Dr Aloysius Igboekwu, Dr Maria Plotnikova and Dr Sarah Lindop from Aberystwyth Business School discuss how rural communities are being left behind because of poor digital infrastructure.
Read article![The team accepting the award.](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/2)-Team-award-web-300x225.jpg)
Aberystwyth students win UN-backed prize for bird flu research
Aberystwyth University students have scooped a major World Food Forum award for their research tackling bird flu.
Read articleRoyal award for pioneering parasite research at Aberystwyth University
Aberystwyth University has been awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for its pioneering work in helping to tackle the devastating impact of parasitic flatworms.
Read article![Dr Dilan Okcuoglu](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Dr-Dilan-Okcuoglu-300x200.png)
Kurdish borderland conflict research begins at Aberystwyth University
The impact of the conflict in the Kurdish borderlands of Turkey will be the focus of new research, following the awarding of a prestigious fellowship.
Read article![Professor Elizabeth Treasure, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University, presenting the Award for Exceptional Research Impact to Professor Ryszard Piotrwicz.](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/AU31623-Research-Impact-Award-300x162.jpg)
Excellence awards for impact of research on global policies
The pioneering work of two researchers in the areas of global biodiversity and regulating human trafficking has been selected for special recognition.
Read article![Welsh Secretary David TC Davies (right) and Dr Kerrie Farrar from Aberystwyth University (left)](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/David-TC-Davies-a-Kerrie-Farrar-(2)-300x225.jpg)
Aberystwyth University showcases research to Ministers in London
Aberystwyth University scientists have discussed their research with UK Government Ministers at an event in London showcasing the very best of Welsh research and innovation.
Read article![Members of the Hakka community from Taiwan during their visit to Aberystwyth University to learn about the work being done to promote the Welsh language.](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/DSC_2641-web-300x156.jpg)
Aberystwyth shares research and experiences with Hakka speaking community
Members of the Hakka speaking community in Taiwan visited Aberystwyth University on Thursday 19 October to learn about research and practical experiences of promoting the use of Welsh.
Read article![Credit: Professor Bryn Hubbard](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Greenland-ice-sheet-300x147.jpg)
What will happen to the Greenland ice sheet if we miss our global warming targets
In an article for The Conversation, Professor Bryn Hubbard from the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences writes about a new study which suggests that the ice will survive if temperatures are soon brought back down.
Read articleStonehenge Altar Stone did not come from Wales – research
The origin of the largest “bluestone” at the heart of Stonehenge has been thrown into doubt by Aberystwyth University research.
Read article![Vice-Chancellor Professor Elizabeth Treasure (centre) and Dr Eva De Visscher, Trusts and Foundations Manager at Aberystwyth University (second right) mark the new Joy Welch endowment with researchers who have received support from the Trust (left to right) Dr Valerie Rodrigues (Life Sciences), Dr Alice Vernon (English and Creative Writing), Professor Stephen Tooth (Geography and Earth Sciences), Tracy Knight, Dr Sarah Dalesman and Dr Rhys Thatcher (Life Sciences), and Dr Rachel Cross (Physics).](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/AU20423-Joy-Welsh-Trust-presentation-web-300x179.jpg)
£3 million from Enigma codebreaker for Aberystwyth University research
An Aberystwyth graduate who contributed to the breaking of the German Enigma code during the Second World War has left over £3m to her former University.
Read article![Professor Luis Mur](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Professor-Luis-Mur-300x446.png)
Early lung cancer diagnosis aims for new test
Earlier detection of lung cancer could be possible thanks to a project led by Welsh scientists to develop a new rapid diagnostic kit.
Read article![The curlew, Europe’s largest wading bird with its distinctive long curved bill, is commonly found feeding on tidal mudflats, saltmarshes and nearby farmland in winter. It was added to the Red list on the UK Conservation Status Report in 2015.](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Curlew-web-300x142.jpg)
Research reveals climate change is driving endangered Irish and Welsh birds to new habitats
Research published this week reveals that the changing climate is driving the birds to winter in areas with more industrial sites and sports and agriculture fields, making them much more vulnerable.
Read article![Dr Danny Thorogood, Aberystwyth University](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Danny-Thorogood-Portrait-300x301.jpg)
Plant inbreeding secret unlocked, shedding light on Darwinian theory
Aberystwyth University scientists have helped identify the genes that stop plants breeding with close grass family relatives, opening the door to improved varieties of rice, corn and wheat.
Read article![A representation of what the European Solar Telescope will look like when constructed at the observatory in La Palma, Spain. Credit: IDOM](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/EST---credit-IDOM---web-300x168.jpg)
Aberystwyth physicists collaborate on solar telescope project
Aberystwyth University is part of an international collaboration to build the biggest solar telescope ever constructed in Europe.
Read article![Offshore wind farm](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/IMG-20210622-WA0019-300x225.jpg)
Offshore wind farms good habitats for lobsters – research
Offshore wind farms could offer new habitats for lobsters and possible biodiversity benefits, according to new research by led by Aberystwyth University academics.
Read article![Professor Inseop Shin and Professor Peter Merriman with the signed Memorandum of Understanding between Aberystwyth University and Konkuk University](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Llofnodi-Grwp-2-300x191.png)
Transport research boost with Aberystwyth’s South Korea partnership
Aberystwyth University has hailed a new partnership with Konkuk University in South Korea as a big boost for its transport and mobilities research.
Read articleVulnerable rock-covered glaciers investigated by Aberystwyth scientists
Scientists are investigating the increase in rock cover on glaciers that can affect the speed they melt as the climate changes.
Read article![Dr Roger Santer, Aberystwyth University](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Dr-Roger-Santer-300x200.jpg)
Mystery of why blue traps catch flies solved by AI research
The traditional method of using blue traps to catch biting flies works because the insects confuse the colour with animals they wish to bite, according to new research led by Aberystwyth University academics.
Read article![Dr Arwyn Edwards (right)](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Arwyn-Edwards-300x200.jpg)
Article - The melting Arctic is a crime scene
Writing in The Conversation, Dr Arwyn Edwards from the Department of Life Sciences likens the melting Arctic to a complex criminal investigation, and describes his scientific fieldwork as the documenting of crime scenes.
Read article![Miscanthus in Aberystwyth University fields](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Cae-miscanthus-300x224.jpg)
Half million boost for AI crop research at Aberystwyth University
Aberystwyth University has received a half a million pound boost from the UK Government to research the role of artificial intelligence in crop breeding.
Read article![Nancy Segal is Professor of Psychology at California State University, Fullerton.](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Segal,-Wang-Award,-Color,-1,2016-300x497.jpg)
Leading expert on twin studies presents research at Aberystwyth
A world-leading expert on the relationship between twins will speak about her latest research at Aberystwyth University in June 2023.
Read article![Rural Landscape, Wales](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Welsh-Landscape-web-300x131.jpg)
Researchers seek volunteers to tackle rural loneliness
Aberystwyth University academics are asking for people to share their experiences as part of research about how to overcome loneliness in rural areas.
Read article![Peas growing at Gogerddan, Aberystwyth University](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Pea-plants-webcrop-300x131.jpg)
£1 million pea protein research aims to cut soya imports
A new £1 million project will research new varieties of peas to reduce the UK’s reliance on soya imports, it has been announced today.
Read article![Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/028dwpps_gog_50714-300x131.jpg)
IBERS recognised as a sustainable farming research centre of excellence
Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) is joining sustainable farming organisation, Linking Environment and Farming’s (LEAF) UK network of world leading innovation centres and demonstration farms.
Read article![Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/IBERS-gwe-maint-iawn-300x200.jpg)
£9.8 million crops research boost for IBERS in Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) has received a funding boost of £9.8 million for its work on resilient crops.
Read article![Professor Richard Lucas](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Lucas-crop-300x215.png)
Welsh university helps space agencies track global forest carbon change
Aberystwyth academics’ contribution to mapping the biomass of the world’s forests for the European Space Agency (ESA) are helping efforts towards tackling climate change.
Read article![Professor Colin McInnes and Dr Patricia Shaw at the smart home construction site](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Smart_home-300x191.jpg)
Aberystwyth University to open smart home lab to test quality of life tech for the elderly
Autonomous wheelchairs and companion animals will be among the technology trialled at a new state of the art smart home at Aberystwyth University, which is aiming to improve quality of life for the elderly or people with health conditions.
Read article![Dr Ruth Wonfor](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/dr-ruth-wonfor-senedd-hydref22-wholepicture-web-300x200.jpg)
Research grant to help produce new sustainable foods
Scientists at Aberystwyth University are contributing to a multi-million-pound research project to produce sustainable alternative proteins to help feed the world’s growing population.
Read article![Professor Angela Hatton](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Yr-Athro-Angela-Hatton-300x186.jpg)
New Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Knowledge Exchange and Innovation appointed
Professor Angela Hatton has been appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Knowledge Exchange and Innovation at Aberystwyth University.
Read article![Dr John Scullion](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/John-Scullion-2-300x200.jpg)
Flood risk warning over liming on uplands - research
Aberystwyth University scientists have warned that flooding could worsen unless liming practices on uplands are maintained.
Read article![](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Richard-Wyn-Huw-a-Dr-Amanda-Lloyd-(002)web-300x153.jpg)
Glass made from slate tested for Welsh wine and cider producer
A new kind of glass made from discarded slate for a Welsh wine producer has been tested for its food preserving qualities by researchers at Aberystwyth University.
Read article![JUICE in transport container.](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Juice_web-300x186.jpg)
Aberystwyth scientists help protect Jupiter space mission from extreme radiation
A pioneering space mission to explore the moons of Jupiter will be protected from some of the harshest radiation in the Solar System, thanks to calculations by Aberystwyth University researchers.
Read article![Professor Michael Woods from the Department of Geography & Earth Sciences at Aberystwyth University.](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/michael-woods-llai-300x245.jpeg)
Research on rural support for disruptive political movements wins major European grant
The relationship between voter discontent in rural areas and support for disruptive political movements in Europe and the United States will be explored in a major study by an Aberystwyth University professor, following the award of a prestigious grant.
Read article![Peatland research site, Aberystwyth University](/en/rbi/research/aber-research/news/articles/Tir-Mawn-Pwllpeiran-llai-300x225.jpg)
Climate change-tackling peat restoration project begins at Aberystwyth University
Scientists at Aberystwyth University have started a project to restore peatlands as part of an effort to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
Read article