The incredible history behind one of Bristol’s hidden gems
Kings Weston House, Bristol’s finest 18th century building, celebrates its 300th anniversary this weekend with a free event to explore its extensive history.
News in 2012
Soldiers’ lives shed new light on the history of post-colonial South America
A collective biography of the veterans of the Battle of El Santuario, fought in Colombia in 1829, is published today by Dr Matthew Brown in the School of Modern Languages at the University of Bristol.
EngD researchers reach Strictly Engineering final
EngD in Systems research engineers Natasha Watson and Ellie Cosgrave are finalists in the British Science Association’s Strictly Engineering challenge and will present posters at the British Science Festival in Aberdeen in September on their respective research projects.
Go wild at the Festival of Nature this weekend
The Bristol Festival of Nature will unleash the city's wild side this weekend [16-17 June] when it returns to the city’s Harbourside, giving visitors the chance to interact with everything from tree graffiti to mud painting. It’s the UK’s largest free celebration of the natural world and features a programme of talks, workshops, screenings and stalls from 150 exhibitors, including the University of Bristol.
Scientists correct Amazon water level gauges from space
NASA’s laser satellite, ICESat, has been used to make corrections to water level gauges that are critical in monitoring water flow in the Amazon, the world’s largest river. The new study, conducted by scientists at the University of Bristol, will improve our understanding of water flows and floodplain processes.
Reorganisation of NHS cleft services shows improved care for children
A new study by researchers at the University of Bristol has found the reorganisation of NHS services for children in the UK with cleft lip and palate has improved standards of care.
The future of education comes under the spotlight in Bristol
The effect of technology on youngsters’ brains and how to inspire school children to become the Brunels of the future will be just two of the important topics debated at the Bristol Festival of Education, which begins on Monday [11 June].
University research comes to life in new magazine
Volcanoes erupting from the page of a magazine, cows that smile when stroked and bees which reveal interesting facts when touched – these are just some of the research stories which are being brought to life in an innovative new publication being launched to excite prospective students about higher education.
Student’s research on nanofilms spotlighted by leading European institute
Research by Francesca Speranza, a PhD student in Dr Wuge Briscoe’s group funded by the School of Chemistry, has been selected by the Director of Research at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) to be highlighted as a Spotlight on Science.
UK study into whether physical activity aids depression finds no additional benefit
Current clinical guidance recommends physical activity to alleviate the symptoms of depression. However, new research published today [6 June] in the BMJ, suggests that adding a physical activity intervention to usual care did not reduce symptoms of depression more than usual care alone, even though it increased levels of physical activity.
Animal welfare initiative to improve the lives of millions of dairy cows
A new animal welfare tool is being launched to help improve the lives of millions of dairy cows across the UK through practical, reliable and scientifically robust methods of direct observation.
The Bristol Dinosaur comes to life in drawing competition
Budding artists have drawn what they think Bristol’s very own dinosaur looked like, with their efforts being judged by the world’s leading dinosaur illustrator Luis Rey. The Bristol Dinosaur Project, based at the University of Bristol, asked entrants from around the world to recreate the Thecodontosaurus – affectionately known as Theco – who was only the fourth dinosaur to be discovered in the world.
Scientists identify mechanisms in aspirin that help protect against cancer
Researchers from the Universities of Bristol and Sheffield have identified how long-term use and low doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin may help to stave off cancer.
Student's tree carvings research covered by UK and Canadian media
An archaeology student's research into tree carvings made by soldiers in World War Two was covered by the Daily Mail, Telegraph, Scotsman and newspapers in Canada.
Student Andreas to fire gun salute for the Queen
A student from the University of Bristol will be at the heart of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations this weekend. Andreas Stradis, 25, is part of the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) and will be playing a key role in the two gun salutes at the Tower of London as part of the historic celebrations which will be viewed across the world.
New books tell the story of engineering and bridge building
Two books, one examining the nature and practice of engineering and another on the story of bridges beyond science and technology are published by an engineer at the University of Bristol.
Media coverage for research on earliest evidence of hereditary inequality
New research which found that hereditary inequality began over 7,000 years ago in the early Neolithic era was covered by BBC News, the Daily Mail, the Scotsman, Wired and other media.
University to host linguist Diego Marani
Eminent author, translator and linguist Diego Marani is to deliver a lecture on the secret life of dead languages on Thursday 14 June at 6.30 pm, Lecture Theatre 1, School of Chemistry.
Still time to enter ICT Pioneers competition
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council’s (EPSRC) is inviting PhD students to enter its ICT Pioneers competition, which aims to recognise those who are able to communicate and demonstrate the excellence and exploitation potential of their research.
Exhibition to celebrate Bristol flora and rare plants of the region
The first public exhibition of a collection of original paintings and drawings by six local botanical artists commissioned to record the rare and endangered plants of south west England will be on display at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden this weekend.
Bristol University named among the country’s greenest universities
The University of Bristol has been awarded a First Class Award for its environmental and ethical efforts – an honour placing it among the greenest universities in the country. It was placed 36 out of 145 in the People & Planet Green League 2012 – the UK's only comprehensive and independent green ranking of universities, which was unveiled today [29 May] in The Guardian.
New study shows why swine flu virus develops drug resistance
Computer chips of a type more commonly found in games consoles have been used by scientists at the University of Bristol to reveal how the flu virus resists anti-flu drugs such as Relenza and Tamiflu.
Bristol Heart Institute to trial new tool to combat high blood pressure
Doctors at the Bristol Heart Institute (BHI) are the first in the South West to offer patients with high blood pressure the opportunity to control their condition with a new type of treatment.
£500,000 funding for research into ash cloud dangers
The untold disruption caused by the eruption of an Icelandic volcano will come under the spotlight at the University of Bristol thanks to the creation of a new research post to look at the hazards of volcanic ash and how its risks can be managed.
Blowing in the wind: how hidden flower features are crucial for bees
As gardeners get busy filling tubs and borders with colourful bedding plants, scientists at the Universities of Bristol and Cambridge have discovered more about what makes flowers attractive to bees rather than humans. Published today in the British Ecological Society's journal Functional Ecology, their research reveals that Velcro-like cells on plant petals play a crucial role in helping bees grip flowers – especially when the wind gets up.
Hereditary inequality dates back to the Stone Age
Hereditary inequality began over 7,000 years ago in the early Neolithic era, with new evidence showing that farmers buried with tools had access to better land than those buried without.
Students’ award-winning appetite to help beat food poverty
A social enterprise run by students at the University of Bristol has won a top award for its efforts to provide free meals for the community from food which would otherwise be thrown away. FoodCycle Bristol, an initiative which helps to alleviate food poverty in the city, was named Best Social Enterprise at the SETsquared Partnership’s second annual student enterprise awards.
2011/12 Engagement Award winners announced
The winners of the University’s 2011/12 Engagement Awards have been announced.
Hands across the sea to fight inflammatory eye diseases
Two of the world’s most prestigious eye health research institutions in Britain and America have joined forces to study and combat some of the most common eye diseases.
New EPSRC Industrial Doctorate Centre in Composites Manufacture
The University of Bristol has been awarded funding of £3.8 million by the EPSRC for a new Industrial Doctorate Centre, to provide the composites manufacturing industry with elite research engineers of the future.
10 million years to recover from mass extinction
It took some 10 million years for Earth to recover from the greatest mass extinction of all time, latest research has revealed. Life was nearly wiped out 250 million years ago, with only 10 per cent of plants and animals surviving. It is currently much debated how life recovered from this cataclysm, whether quickly or slowly.
Bristol researchers to gain from £250 million investment in UK biosciences
Researchers within the School of Biological Sciences are set to gain from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council’s (BBSRC’s) recent announcement that it is to invest £250 million in UK bioscience.
Questioning the fundamentals in Afghanistan
Journalists covering aid and development in areas like Afghanistan are missing some of the basic questions, according to Dr Karl Sandstrom.
Your chance to hold a piece of London 2012 history
Bristolians are being given the chance to hold the most talked about object in the country at the moment – the Olympic torch. Torchbearers Shirley Hume and Bettina Urban wanted to share the excitement of the torch relay and are inviting people along to the University of Bristol to pose with their iconic gold torches.
Autopsy of an eruption: Linking crystal growth to volcano seismicity
A forensic approach that links changes deep below a volcano to signals at the surface is described by scientists from the University of Bristol in a paper published today in Science. The research could ultimately help to predict future volcanic eruptions with greater accuracy.
University torchbearers have their moment to shine
With cheering crowds, bright sunshine and an abundance of Union Jacks, the University of Bristol’s proud torchbearers say their memories of carrying the Olympic flame through the packed streets of Bristol will last a lifetime.
Bristol botanist awarded prestigious medal for her contribution to natural history
A Bristol botanist is to be awarded the prestigious H. H. Bloomer medal by the Linnean Society for her contribution to natural history today [24 May 2012].
Students’ novel catering idea hits the festival circuit
Healthy food and a good book is proving to be a recipe for success for Bristol University student Millie Forrest, whose novel catering experience is taking the festival circuit by storm. The Soup Library gives revellers a chance to escape from the melee and enjoy wholesome soup in a library setting, complete with books and friendly librarians.
Burmese cats to benefit from genetic test for newly discovered mutation
A genetic test for an inherited disease in Burmese cats, called Burmese hypokalaemia, has been developed thanks to the identification of the genetic mutation responsible for the disease by a research team, including academics from the University of Bristol's School of Veterinary Sciences.
Trench art features in new WW1 exhibition
Research by Bristol archaeologist Dr Nicholas Saunders into the trench art made by soldiers in the First World War has helped to inform a major new exhibition at the Pompidou Centre in Metz which focuses on one year of that conflict.