Can a horse have depression or sleep problems? Researchers at Aberystwyth University are hoping to find out, after developing a test using touch screens. Horses use their noses to distinguish and match images, and are rewarded with food when they get this right. The BBC reports the study could have implications for how horses are … Continue reading Test to find out if horses can have depression

A team of researchers from Cardiff and Aberystwyth Universities have been awarded funding of nearly £1.2m by UKRI to develop a novel point of care mycobacterium tuberculosis detector for humans and animals capable of delivering a result within one hour. Cardiff University says the technology will be completely transformative in the rapid diagnosis of TB … Continue reading New user friendly technology will revolutionise the rapid diagnosis of TB

Welsh scientists are testing how people react to eating food containing insects as part of research into developing greener protein. Insects are a common feature of people’s everyday diets in countries around the world, such as Mexico, China and Ghana. They offer a more environmentally friendly source of protein than many other food stuffs, and … Continue reading Crickets in your brownies? Welsh scientists launch insect based food taste tests

A robotic pet dragon has been created to monitor a person’s movement, which can also help to combat loneliness if they live by themselves. The BBC reports it has been designed by Aberystwyth University’s Smart Home Lab as part of a study into how robots might help older people or those with health conditions to … Continue reading The robotic pet dragon helping with loneliness

Research undertaken at Aberystwyth University has demonstrated that magicians are less likely to suffer from the mental health challenges faced by other creative people, like musicians and comedians. From comedians like Robin Williams to poets and painters like Sylvia Plath and Vincent Van Gogh, many famous names have had well publicised mental health problems. While … Continue reading Magicians are less likely to have mental health problems

A crop developed at Aberystwyth University is set to help African farmers feed people in the face of climate change. Aberystwyth University reports its scientists, working with colleagues at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, based in Niamey, Niger, have developed a new drought resistant strain of pearl millet to help prepare … Continue reading The drought resistant Welsh crop that will help Africa’s farmers

An innovative collaboration be­­­­tween scientists at Aberystwyth University and industry could lead to a breakthrough in the early detection o­­­­f chronic diseases in humans and animals. Aberystwyth University reports researchers at its Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) are working on new diagnostic technologies which could save the lives of thousands of people. … Continue reading Aberystwyth University spinout company to develop diagnostic tests for human and animal diseases

Swansea University has been awarded funding from the UK Government to create one of sixteen new Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) in Artificial Intelligence. It is part of a £100m investment by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) aimed at enabling a new generation of PhD students to use AI technology to improve healthcare, tackle climate … Continue reading Funding to develop next generation of AI leaders

A three year project has been launched with the aim to not only increase the eating quality and value of Welsh beef production, but to improve returns to farmers and processors. Food Management Today reports the BeefQ Project is aiming to enhance the Welsh beef industry’s reputation and increase the eating quality and value of … Continue reading Welsh beef to benefit from new research at IBERS

Researchers at Aberystwyth University have been testing the accuracy of popular fitness trackers for BBC Wales consumer affairs programme X-Ray. Aberystwyth University reports Dr Rhys Thatcher, Reader in Exercise Physiology at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), was commissioned by the programme to test the Fitbit Charge 2, Letscom HR and Letsfit. … Continue reading Aberystwyth University tests accuracy of fitness trackers