News archive: 2025 releases
Wednesday's child is not "full of woe," new study finds, debunking popular nursery rhyme
Posted on Wednesday 16 July 2025
A University of York study has found no link between a child's day of birth and their destiny, reassuring parents that the age-old verse is simply “harmless fun.”
Optical telescope on York rooftop to advance communication between space and earth
Posted on Wednesday 16 July 2025
Two high-precision optical telescopes have been installed on a rooftop at the University of York to help advance methods of quantum communications.
Study helps urban farmers create ‘light recipe’ to increase crop yield
Posted on Thursday 10 July 2025
Researchers have developed a new formula to allow urban farmers to design their own ‘light recipe’ - a combination of different colours of lighting that could help increase crop yields in vertical farms.
University of York performs strongly in National Student Survey 2025
Posted on Thursday 10 July 2025
York has performed strongly in this year’s National Student Survey - with increases in satisfaction rates across all of the University’s institutional feedback themes.
Ancient Rhino tooth helps push the boundaries of evolutionary research
Posted on Wednesday 9 July 2025
Scientists have shed new light on the rhino family tree after recovering a protein sequence from a fossilised tooth from more than 20 million years ago.
York academics behind major new report looking at obesity and food insecurity in the North of England
Posted on Tuesday 8 July 2025
A major new report co-authored by York academics shows regional inequalities in levels of children’s food security and obesity.
Focusing on preventing cancer could save both lives and money, study suggests
Posted on Monday 7 July 2025
A shift in focus from treatment to prevention to find cancer earlier could save the UK economy billions of pounds, according to a study involving the University of York.
Culture Secretary sees future of live performance at CoSTAR Live Lab
Posted on Monday 7 July 2025
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport visited a University of York-led R&D facility, observing firsthand how its cutting-edge technology is revolutionising live performance.
New research reveals increasing surface meltwater in East Antarctica
Posted on Friday 4 July 2025
A team of researchers, led by the University of York, has discovered a trend of increasing surface meltwater in East Antarctica.
Honorary graduates for 2025 announced
Posted on Thursday 3 July 2025
The University of York has announced that 10 leading figures will receive honorary degrees during graduation ceremonies at Central Hall.
Shifting UK car exhausts to the right could dramatically cut roadside air pollution, new research reveals
Posted on Wednesday 2 July 2025
Harmful air pollutants on UK pavements generated by diesel cars could be slashed by a third if car exhausts were positioned on the right, according to a new study.
A creative, collaborative and sustainable approach to pub crawls could safeguard the British boozer
Posted on Wednesday 25 June 2025
Pubs could safeguard their future by creating more collaborative and sustainable pub crawls, according to research by the University of York.
Study casts doubt on ‘incestuous royalty’ in Neolithic Ireland
Posted on Tuesday 24 June 2025
New research has cast doubts over suggestions an incestuous social elite ruled over the ancient people of Ireland more than 5,000 years ago.
‘Slow pit-cooking’ likeliest method to extract animal teeth for Stone Age ornaments, study shows
Posted on Monday 23 June 2025
Prehistoric people used a culinary method, similar to slow cooking today, to carefully extract animal teeth to use in decorative crafts, such as pendant-making, archaeologists have shown.
Ethical concerns a barrier to use of AI tools in fundraising, new report shows
Posted on Friday 20 June 2025
A new report has revealed that fundraisers have concerns around the ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their work with donors.
Prestigious Lister Prize awarded to York academic
Posted on Thursday 19 June 2025
A University of York academic has been awarded the prestigious Lister Institute Research Prize in the 2025 competition, recognising exceptional early-career biomedical scientists in the UK.
York climbs world rankings league table
Posted on Thursday 19 June 2025
The University of York has climbed 15 places in the latest QS World University rankings.
York wins continued recognition for its work supporting care experienced and estranged students
Posted on Wednesday 18 June 2025
The University’s Quality Mark from The National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL) has been renewed, recognising the University’s ongoing commitment and expertise in supporting estranged students and those with care experience.
Jamming with AI: Jazz trio plays live with AI-generated sound
Posted on Wednesday 18 June 2025
A recent development enabling musicians to improvise live music with AI-generated sound could be the biggest innovation since the advent of sampling, or perhaps even the invention of recorded sound, according to a researcher at York.
University signs MoU with Indian Institute for Creative Technologies
Posted on Monday 16 June 2025
The University of York, UK, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the newly created Indian Institute for Creative Technologies (IICT).
High levels of 'forever chemicals' found in UK rivers, study finds
Posted on Monday 16 June 2025
A University of York study into the presence of ‘forever chemicals’ in UK rivers has found some of the highest levels ever recorded.
York reaccredited as a University of Sanctuary
Posted on Monday 16 June 2025
The University of York has been reaccredited as a “University of Sanctuary” in recognition of the work of its staff and students in welcoming forced migrants into the community and promoting a culture of inclusion.
University of York granted licence to open Mumbai campus
Posted on Monday 16 June 2025
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has awarded a licence to the University of York to establish a campus in Mumbai.
University of York staff recognised in King’s Birthday Honours
Posted on Saturday 14 June 2025
A leading environmental scientist has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours, alongside a former Academic Registrar from the University of York.
Famous Ice Age ‘puppies’ likely wolf cubs and not dogs, study shows
Posted on Thursday 12 June 2025
New analysis of the remains of two ‘puppies’ dating back more than 14,000 years ago has shown that they are most likely wolves, and not related to domestic dogs, as previously suggested.
University at forefront of pioneering AI Growth Zone Bid
Posted on Tuesday 10 June 2025
The University of York is a key partner in a groundbreaking bid for York and North Yorkshire to become one of the UK’s new AI Growth Zones.
York climbs rankings in The Complete University Guide 2026
Posted on Tuesday 10 June 2025
The University of York has risen to 12th place in the latest guide for UK Universities.
Mayor’s funding awarded to University of York for creative digital project with Walmgate’s communities
Posted on Monday 9 June 2025
The University of York has been awarded funding to lead Walmgate Reframed, an ambitious community heritage project that will celebrate the rich identity of the high street through the production of new-media artwork.
York graduate wins prestigious BAFTA
Posted on Friday 6 June 2025
A graduate from the University of York’s School of Arts and Creative Technologies has picked up a prestigious BAFTA for his work on the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series Slow Horses.
York showcases international partnerships and research collaborations
Posted on Friday 6 June 2025
The University of York led a delegation to the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) Annual General Meeting to highlight the benefits of international partnerships and research collaboration.
Time-series database offers unprecedented picture of global biodiversity change
Posted on Friday 30 May 2025
Researchers have updated the largest biodiversity time-series database on the planet to include data from over half a million locations worldwide.
Proteins from two-million-year-old teeth reveal unprecedented insights into extinct human relative
Posted on Thursday 29 May 2025
Scientists have successfully extracted ancient proteins from two-million-year-old teeth, a breakthrough providing previously unobtainable details on the biological sex and genetic makeup of an extinct human relative.
York academics elected Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences
Posted on Thursday 22 May 2025
Two York professors have been elected Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences in recognition of their achievements in the fields of stem cell biology and orthopaedic surgery.
York students awarded for their outstanding contributions to the community
Posted on Wednesday 21 May 2025
The outstanding contributions made by University of York students to the wider community have been recognised at an awards night.
Widespread availability of crack cocaine driving high levels of use among marginalised people
Posted on Wednesday 21 May 2025
Easy access to crack cocaine is fuelling addiction and leading to a cycle of hardship, mental health issues and homelessness in deprived communities, particularly in the North of England, a new study suggests.
York graduate plays key role in Oscar-winning cinematography for The Brutalist
Posted on Tuesday 20 May 2025
A University of York lecturer has spoken of his pride after the work of a film and television production graduate contributed to the Oscar-winning success of The Brutalist.
University in final push to save archive on the “inventors of the British sitcom” for the nation
Posted on Tuesday 20 May 2025
A fundraising campaign has been launched by the University of York to secure the archive of Ray Galton and Alan Simpson - the comedy script writing duo credited with inventing the British sitcom.
York professors elected Fellows of the Royal Society
Posted on Tuesday 20 May 2025
Two University of York scientists have been elected Fellows of the Royal Society in recognition of their achievements in the fields of ecology and mathematical virology.
Undervalued nursing staff doing “box-ticking” exercises forcing them out, say researchers
Posted on Tuesday 20 May 2025
A lack of recognition and the de-professionalisation of nursing is driving many to leave the profession in significant numbers, according to the findings of a new study.
World-famous Schöningen spears are 100,000 years younger than previously claimed, new research suggests
Posted on Monday 12 May 2025
Scientists have analysed amino acids locked in snail shells to establish a new age for the world’s oldest complete wooden hunting weapons.
National policing strategy needed to tackle County Lines child exploitation, study shows
Posted on Thursday 8 May 2025
There is no consistent approach to the policing of County Lines drug distribution, leaving children and adults vulnerable to exploitation and harm, according to a landmark study.
The untold story of the environmental impact of AI and big data
Posted on Wednesday 7 May 2025
Our increasingly online lives have a remarkably high energy cost and there is an untold story regarding a huge environmental impact, according to new research from the University of York.
York academics to work on Born in Bradford research programme following major funding boost
Posted on Wednesday 7 May 2025
A team of York academics are to collaborate on a new expansion of the internationally renowned Born in Bradford research programme following a £4.5 million funding boost.
University of York announces plans to open campus in India
Posted on Friday 2 May 2025
The University of York has announced its intention to open a new campus in Mumbai.
York Festival of Ideas unveils 2025 programme
Posted on Thursday 1 May 2025
York Festival of Ideas has unveiled its programme for 2025, based on the theme of ‘Making Waves’.
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New research aims to transform treatments of aggressive blood cancer
Posted on Wednesday 30 April 2025
A new study involving researchers from the University of York is set to transform treatments for one of the most aggressive and hard-to-treat blood cancers - acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).
Billions made by companies involved in UK border security, study shows
Posted on Wednesday 30 April 2025
Research has revealed that over £3.77 billion in government contracts has been awarded to private companies since 2015 for managing border security and small boat crossings in the English Channel.
Study reveals skeletal evidence of Roman gladiator bitten by lion in combat
Posted on Wednesday 23 April 2025
Bite marks found on a skeleton discovered in a Roman cemetery in York have revealed the first archaeological evidence of gladiatorial combat between a human and a lion.
New report provides snapshot of human rights in the City of York
Posted on Wednesday 23 April 2025
A new report documents the impact of the recent cost-of-living crisis and over a decade of austerity measures on the lives and rights of York residents.
York student creates fully-sustainable bio-polymer with potential to replace traditional plastic
Posted on Wednesday 23 April 2025
A biodegradable material which has the potential to transform the global fight against plastic pollution has been created by a University of York student.
Driving down child poverty in Scotland - participants from York's Changing Realities project meet with Scotland's First Minister
Posted on Tuesday 22 April 2025
Parents participating in the University of York's Changing Realities project met with Scotland's First Minister for an in-depth discussion focused on tackling child poverty.
Nature-based activity is effective therapy for anxiety and depression, study shows
Posted on Wednesday 16 April 2025
Researchers evaluating a nature-based programme of activities for patients with mild to moderate mental health conditions have shown that improvements in mood and anxiety levels can be seen in as little as 12 weeks.
Professor Ahmed El Antably to lead new project in School of Architecture
Posted on Friday 11 April 2025
A new research project will examine cultural heritage of Lower Nubia; an area of Egypt submerged following the construction of the Aswan Dam in the 1960s.
Study to recover hidden history of once-banned LGBTQ+ novel
Posted on Friday 11 April 2025
The famously banned novel, The Well of Loneliness, is the focus of a new international project that will bring together generations of readers to uncover how it reached and touched so many people around the world.
Gas boilers now biggest source of air pollution in central London, study shows
Posted on Wednesday 9 April 2025
A new study has revealed a significant shift in the sources of nitrogen oxides (NOx) pollution in central London, with gas boilers used for heating now identified as the primary contributor.
Harnessing Earth's clean energy - pioneering new geothermal project launched at University of York
Posted on Tuesday 8 April 2025
The University of York is launching a landmark geothermal project that aims to cut fossil fuel use across Campus and spearhead the City's Net Zero ambitions.
New Grimsby education centre will provide opportunities for thousands of local young people
Posted on Thursday 3 April 2025
A new learning centre to provide opportunities for thousands of local young people facing barriers to higher education from Grimsby and the surrounding areas has been officially launched.
Michael Morpurgo Celebration Day announced by York Festival of Ideas
Posted on Wednesday 2 April 2025
Thousands of schoolchildren from across the country are being invited to take part in a Michael Morpurgo Celebration Day on 3 June as part of York Festival of Ideas.
Research suggests 700,000 children could be lifted out of poverty overnight by following Scotland's approach
Posted on Thursday 27 March 2025
The Westminster government could cut child poverty in the UK by a sixth – or 700,000 children – if they were to match Scotland’s investment in social security, according to a new report.
Could a deeper understanding of the seasons and how they are changing improve resilience to climate change?
Posted on Thursday 27 March 2025
Are daffodils in bloom earlier? Does cherry blossom appear earlier these days? And are distinct, new ‘seasons’ starting to appear too? New University of York research is examining changing seasons and what this means for how we approach climate change.
Perceived 'burden' of AI greatest threat to uptake in healthcare, study shows
Posted on Wednesday 26 March 2025
The potential benefits of AI to patient care may be overlooked if urgent steps are not taken to ensure that the technologies are effective for the clinicians using them, a new White Paper outlines.
York writer receives prestigious Windham-Campbell prize
Posted on Tuesday 25 March 2025
University of York Writer-in-Residence, Anthony V. Capildeo, has been awarded the Windham-Campbell Prize for poetry.
Researchers mark 250 years of Jane Austen and JMW Turner with major new exhibition
Posted on Tuesday 25 March 2025
Researchers at the University of York are working with Harewood House to shed new light on the social and cultural life of the country house in celebration of 250 years of novelist, Jane Austen, and painter, JMW Turner.
New study on medicinal plants established with York’s twin city in China
Posted on Monday 24 March 2025
Researchers are working with scientists based in York’s twin city of Nanjing to further understanding of how the mint family of plants produce therapeutic benefits.
York innovators connect with industry leaders to tackle real-world problems through AI
Posted on Wednesday 19 March 2025
The University of York is hosting an event that will bring together entrepreneurs and industry leaders to tackle real-world problems with the help of artificial intelligence.
Digitalising essential services risk widening inequalities for minoritised ethnic communities, research study warns
Posted on Friday 14 March 2025
The rapid digitisation of essential services in the UK is deepening inequalities for minoritised ethnic communities, a major three-year research project involving the University of York has found.
York student filmmakers recognised at prestigious Royal Television Society Student awards
Posted on Thursday 13 March 2025
A group of talented University of York student filmmakers have picked up a top accolade at the prestigious Royal Television Society Student awards.
York reaches new milestone with CITY College partnership in Greece
Posted on Tuesday 11 March 2025
The University of York and CITY College, Greece, have begun discussions to expand their partnership, creating new sites in Thessaloniki and Athens in the coming years.
York first higher education institution to sign up to partnership to improve Public Involvement in Research
Posted on Monday 10 March 2025
The University of York has become the first higher education institution (HEI) to join a partnership that fosters better collaboration between researchers and members of the public.
University acquires Eric Morecambe’s handwritten joke books
Posted on Monday 10 March 2025
The University has acquired a collection of Eric Morecambe’s handwritten joke books revealing classic Morecambe one-liners like, "I won't believe in colour TV until I’ve seen it in black and white”.
New study to further understanding of mysterious Roman burial practice
Posted on Tuesday 4 March 2025
A new £1 million project will investigate the mysterious Roman burial practice of pouring liquid gypsum over the clothed bodies of adults and children laid to rest in stone or lead coffins before burial.
New research to tackle poor mental health in young mothers
Posted on Thursday 27 February 2025
A University of York researcher is leading a new project to identify ways to boost mental health support for young mothers and birthing parents.
Universities team up to open education centre to create new opportunities for young people in Bridlington
Posted on Thursday 27 February 2025
The universities of York and Hull have partnered with national education charity IntoUniversity to open a new learning centre to provide opportunities for thousands of local young people in Bridlington and the surrounding area.
Resources needed for school teachers to address challenges of online misogyny, study shows
Posted on Wednesday 26 February 2025
A new study into the ‘manosphere’ has shown that 90% of secondary school teachers and 68% of primary teachers strongly feel that schools would benefit from teaching material addressing online misogyny.
Study suggests 'local practitioners' needed for policies on coexistence with large carnivores
Posted on Monday 24 February 2025
Researchers have suggested appointing practitioners or stewards to bring together local knowledge and conservation practices to inform policies on coexistence with large carnivores such as wolves, bears and lynx.
Government Chief Scientific Adviser visits University of York
Posted on Wednesday 19 February 2025
The Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA) visited the University of York to find out more about its leading research programmes and how universities are playing a vital role in driving regional economic growth.
Restoring wildlife habitats in wealthy nations could drive extinctions in species-rich regions, experts warn
Posted on Tuesday 18 February 2025
Efforts to preserve or rewild natural habitats are shifting harmful land use to other parts of the world – and this could drive an even steeper decline in the planet’s species, according to new research.
Study sheds new light on bear baiting in early modern England
Posted on Monday 17 February 2025
Archaeologists have created a new model to help identify archaeological bear baiting assemblages in England and beyond.
New £1.2 million study investigates ways to improve emergency healthcare in rural and coastal areas
Posted on Monday 10 February 2025
In a new £1.2 million study, researchers will investigate ways to improve how urgent and emergency care could be improved for patients living in rural and coastal areas.
Musician Jamie Cullum headlines launch of CoSTAR Live Lab in Wakefield
Posted on Friday 7 February 2025
Musician Jamie Cullum headlined the official launch of CoSTAR Live Lab - a state-of-the art research and development facility based near Wakefield for the creative industries.
The early roots of carnival? Research reveals evidence of seasonal celebrations in pre-colonial Brazil
Posted on Wednesday 5 February 2025
Pre-colonial people in Brazil may have gathered in summer months to feast on migratory fish and share alcoholic drinks, a new study suggests.
Climate change impacts in African mountains are greater than previously thought
Posted on Wednesday 5 February 2025
Researchers know that mountain communities are particularly vulnerable to climate change, but there is limited understanding of climate change impacts in most African mountains due to lack of data. This might be surprising given that around 288 million people live in Africa mountain regions.
Insider account of unsolved 1952 London mail van robbery documented for first time
Posted on Tuesday 4 February 2025
A University of York academic has used a series of ‘forgotten’ cassette recordings to help piece together the plot behind an infamous mail van robbery from the 1950s.
London cabbies’ planning strategies could help inform future of AI
Posted on Friday 24 January 2025
Researchers have measured the thinking time of London taxi drivers - famous for their knowledge of more than 26,000 streets across the city - as part of a study into the future of AI route-mapping.
Study to inform government on impact of smartphones and social media on young people
Posted on Thursday 16 January 2025
Researchers are to look at the links between children’s mental health and smartphone and social media use as part of a Government commissioned research project.
Study explains why some osteoporosis drugs may protect against Covid-19
Posted on Tuesday 14 January 2025
Researchers have provided the molecular explanation for why some osteoporosis drugs offer protection against Covid-19.
Scientists show how sleep deprived brain permits intrusive thoughts
Posted on Wednesday 8 January 2025
A new study has shown that sleep deprivation can inhibit the brain’s ability to suppress unwanted memories and intrusive thoughts.
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