Latest news with #OxfordBrookesUniversity
The Print
2 days ago
- Science
- The Print
Largest-ever map of universe is as big as a 13x13 feet mural, with 800,000 galaxies
What is striking about the map is its gigantic size and scale. If the Hubble telescope image of the universe is printed on a sheet of A4-size paper, the new map would be a 13-foot by 13-foot mural, said a scientist associated with the COSMOS project . Released by NASA in 2004, the Hubble image, encompassing 10,000 galaxies, had remained the most in-demand image of the universe before the release of the COSMOS map. A team of 200 researchers from over 12 countries came together for an international project and created the COSMOS map with data from the James Webb Space Telescope. The scientists have made the raw data from the telescope publicly accessible to every student, researcher and scientist. New Delhi: On 5 June, scientists unveiled the COSMOS map, the largest map of our universe to date, encompassing 800,000 galaxies. Not only does the COSMOS map provide in-depth imagery of the universe, but it also challenges several notions. For instance, the number of early galaxies that existed in the universe, considering the ones captured on the COSMOS map. With the map made public, the scientists hope it will encourage more research on the universe. Increase in captive lions in Thailand A new study by Oxford Brookes University and Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand tracking the number of captive lions in Thailand from 2018 to 2024 has found an increase from 131 to 444 lions, marking a threefold rise in just six years. The study has pointed out that the trend is worrying, especially in the context of white lions. Of the 101 cubs born every year in captivity in Thailand, white lions accounted for 45%. In zoos and parks, white lions are considered a Thai speciality, but their colour is due to a recessive gene caused by inbreeding. The study has found more lions in captivity in private homes and zoos since the Thailand Wild Animal Preservation and Protection Act of 2019 came into force. It has also noted an unregulated increase in breeding among the big cats in captivity, further increasing their number—a trend detrimental to lion conservation. The study has called for improved legislation and stricter enforcement of laws that ban keeping lions captive in private homes and ensure the safety of the already-captive lions. Also Read: Humans depended on whales even 20,000 yrs ago. Discovery of tools in Spanish cave is proof Natural history museums & pollution studies A paper released on 30 May by the University of Texas, Arlington, stands out for the new way it has found to track the history of environmental pollution—museum specimens. According to the paper, natural history specimens such as preserved birds and fish can act as time capsules, helping scientists trace pollution trends over the past 200 years. The specimens, they have found, often store traces of pollutants such as metals and soot from the environments around them. The researchers could detect pollution from eras long before modern monitoring tools existed by analysing the feathers, tissues, and dust on old bird skins. An example in the paper was of a field sparrow specimen from the Rust Belt region of the US from 1906. It was coated in black soot from coal-burning industries, whereas another field sparrow specimen from 1996 was relatively clean. The difference was a visual of how air quality has changed over time. The authors have argued in the paper that their discovery opens up a whole new arena of research on the environment and the history of pollution. Early cancer detection in bloodstream Cancer, a new study by Johns Hopkins University has revealed, can be detected years before its diagnosis. Scientists involved in the research have shown that studying genetic material that tumours shed into the bloodstream of humans can detect cancers earlier than currently possible. Published in the Cancer Discovery journal, their paper has said that cancer is detectable in the bloodstream—up to three years before diagnosis because the tumour-derived genetic material shows up in the bloodstream way before actual cancer symptoms start appearing. The scientists, who used sensitive sequencing tools and analysed blood from a large National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded heart study, have found that multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test could catch cancer-related mutations—even years in advance. In one part of the study, four out of six people had detectable tumour DNA in samples taken more than three years before their diagnosis. While this has huge promise for early cancer detection, the technology is still in the works, and there are certain questions on how to follow up once the test is positive. (Edited by Madhurita Goswami) Also Read: 007 would drool. Chinese researchers invent contact lenses that let you see even with your eyes closed
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Northern Ireland Department of Education To Launch Research Study to Evaluate AI's Role in Advancing Literacy for Students
Research initiative, led by Oxford Brookes University (OBU) and using Amira, will evaluate evidence-based AI reading interventions to support students and inform national literacy policy BELFAST, Northern Ireland, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Northern Ireland Department of Education announced it will fund a national research study to evaluate the impact of AI-powered literacy interventions on reading outcomes with Amira Learning (Amira), particularly for disadvantaged pupils and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as part of the RAISE initiative. The study, led by Oxford Brookes University (OBU) and using Amira, will assess the effectiveness of evidence-based AI literacy tools on improving reading outcomes. The study will use a matched-pair design to identify rigorous, policy-relevant evidence to inform national literacy policy and support targeted interventions. For this study, over 15,000 participating pupils will first complete a brief 15-minute baseline assessment to evaluate their literacy skills and identify potential challenges such as dyslexia. This assessment utilizes Amira's AI-powered technology, developed from decades of research at Carnegie Mellon and validated by leading universities, which listens to students read aloud and identifies reading challenges through next-generation assessment capabilities. Over the duration of the study, pupils will engage with Amira, an AI-assisted reading tutor for frequent sessions totaling 20-40 minutes weekly for 12 months. The research methodology includes continuous monitoring and data collection to evaluate effectiveness. Teachers will receive face to face and online training from Oxford Brookes University to support teachers to interpret assessment data through detailed reports, enabling them to identify struggling readers and then implement individualized, evidence-based, targeted interventions aligned with the Science of Reading. This comprehensive approach supports Northern Ireland's ongoing shift toward evidence-based tools making a positive impact on reading outcomes while providing data-driven insights to inform both classroom practices and broader educational policy decisions. Professor Tim Vorley, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Oxford Brookes University, said, "This study gives us a chance to rigorously test how tools like Amira can support what we already know works in primary reading. It's about applying the evidence, not replacing it—with technology that complements and boosts the professionalism of the teachers, rather than competing with it." Minister of Education, Paul Givan MLA, said, "Literacy is core to allowing pupils to access knowledge and all areas of learning within the curriculum. It is the key to unlocking the curriculum and a love for learning. I am looking forward to the outcomes of this research project and how these can inform my Department's policy going forward." Mark Angel, CEO of Amira Learning, said, "Literacy is the foundation of all learning, and it's critical that we ground our efforts in evidence-based practices that actually move the needle for students. This study is an important opportunity to show how AI and the Science of Reading can come together to deliver real, measurable impact in the classroom. At Amira, we're proud to support educators with reading solutions that are not only research-backed, but proven in practice." For more information, visit: About Oxford Brookes University Oxford Brookes is one of the UK's leading modern universities, and is amongst the world's top universities in 23 subject areas. Set in a world-famous student city, it enjoys an international reputation for teaching excellence as well as strong links with business, industry and the public sector. The University is a national leader in teacher education, with over 25 years' experience in preparing teachers, supporting schools, and shaping education policy. Its research in primary literacy, inclusive pedagogy and professional development has informed practice across the UK and beyond. Through its education publishing and development arm, Hamilton Brookes, the university works directly with schools and systems to co-design practical resources that help teachers apply research in real-world settings. Visit for more information. About Amira LearningAmira Learning accelerates literacy outcomes by delivering the latest reading and neuroscience with AI. Propelling gains exceeding human tutoring, Amira is the only AI edtech validated by university and SEA efficacy research. Amira bridges assessment, instruction, and tutoring across one seamless cycle, helping districts achieve instructional coherence. Serving more than 4+ million students and trusted by more than 2,000 schools worldwide, Amira is the intelligent assistant teachers need to turn students into motivated and masterful readers. Visit to learn more. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Amira Learning
BBC News
11-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Gen Z hybrid working stories explored in Oxford exhibition
An interactive exhibition has showcased young people's "lonely", "productive" and "empowering" experiences within a hybrid work Hybrid Work, which is part of the Oxford Brookes University Think Human festival, explored both the challenges and the perks of this work lead Sylwia Ciuk said the team had spent about 70 hours interviewing recent university graduates about their director Mitaali Katoch said she hoped the research would have an influence on policy, adding the team had submitted evidence to parliament, suggesting the need for more guidance around hybrid work which could promote workplace diversity. Hybrid working means an employee works partly from an office and partly either from home or another location, as well as working with different people, and sometimes in different time zones. Recent business management graduate Kofi Owusu-Aidoo, 24, works in a hybrid role and said a lot of young people "enjoy the flexibility and the empowerment" it April 2024, UK workers have had the right - introduced under the previous Conservative government - to ask for flexible working as soon as they start a job, but firms do not have to Mr Owusu-Aidoo said many employers "are starting to recognise Gen Z and how to cater to their needs in the workplace"."People like put their voices out to say, 'my employer trusted me and these are the results I've been able to produce', so showing these stories can be replicated across the country." Why younger workers want hybrid work mostWhy Gen Z workers are starting on the back foot'Office culture' as we know it is dead. Workers have other ideas Gen Z represents about 27% of the workforce in 2025."We were interested in getting a broad range of perspectives, looking at both home graduates and international graduates," Ms Ciuk captured various work experiences, from large organisations, universities, and charities to start-ups and local administrations. Ms Ciuk said "the saddest stories" from the research were linked to home situations where some people were "lonely".Another had to work as a "tiny kitchen table"."It was close to where all the traffic in the family was taking place, there was a dog that was barking all the time, there were a lot of deliveries because their mum did not realise that would actually be disturbing," she explainedShe said many talked about the lack of financial resources to buy appropriate equipment which affected them physically and Katoch said: "This project has legs to make a huge impact, to make a change."Ms Ciuk said the team was "concerned about the increased popularity of the return to the office mandate"."We see the new industrial strategy is also concerned with the issue of diversifying their workforce and opening opportunities for employment for wider groups," she said that more guidance was needed on the eight reasons for refusing flexible work."Clearly, there are difficulties in terms of transitioning to this form of employment," she said."But we've spoken to people with neurodiversity and long-term illnesses and they told us that because of hybrid work, they are able to participate in employment to a much broader extend than they would have been without this."Although the exhibition has now closed the team is still looking for more people to take part in the research. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
The Guardian
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
On my radar: Kit de Waal's cultural highlights
Born in Birmingham in 1960, Mandy Theresa O'Loughlin is better known as author Kit de Waal. After a career as a magistrate specialising in adoption and foster care, she studied creative writing at Oxford Brookes University. Her debut novel, My Name Is Leon, was published in 2016, winning the Kerry Group Irish novel of the year award. De Waal, who chairs this year's judging panel for the Women's prize for fiction, is a fellow at Birkbeck, University of London, where she set up a scholarship for writers from marginalised backgrounds. Her latest book, The Best of Everything, is out now (Tinder Press. Dr Strangelove, Noël Coward theatre This was just extraordinary. Steve Coogan, who played Dr Strangelove and three other characters, has such stage presence that you don't notice it's a translation. You think of him as a comedian, but he's a really, really good actor. It's not the same as the film, but it translates very well. The set was incredible. Obviously, there are resonances between what's going on now and Dr Strangelove. It's cleverly done – a brilliant production. Sean Foley, who adapted and directed it, is a genius. Two Women Wearing Cosmetic Patches, Compton Verney, Warwickshire Compton Verney is a beautiful art gallery. At the moment it's displaying this unusual 17th-century painting: often you've got a white woman next to a black woman, but the black woman is subservient. This is one of the few paintings where both women are the same size and position. They're wearing these little spots of paper in the shape of a sun, moon and stars. They were a vanity thing: 'Oh, look at me. I look fabulous.' They look very strange, in fact – like when a man has shaved and he's got a bit of toilet paper on his face. Scott Matthews I recently went to see Scott Matthews, a folk singer I absolutely adore. He has won an Ivor Novello award but he's very under the radar. I've probably seen him five times. He's a sign writer by trade, so a friend of mine got him to write out the lyrics to my favourite song of his, calligraphy style. It's called Mona, which was the inspiration for my second novel: it's about a woman who doesn't come home, and it's about yearning. His music's fantastic, but the lyrics are extraordinary. I think the only person who has lyrics as good is Joni Mitchell. Paris Noir, Centre Pompidou At the weekend I'm going to Paris, and I can't wait. This is an exhibition of 150 black artists in France from 1950 to 2000, tracing their influence on French life, Paris and the international scene. I saw that it was coming and I couldn't have got tickets any faster. I think it's great to have something dedicated to black art at such a prestigious venue. I really applaud them for doing that. The work being showcased in the publicity material looked incredible. Rachmaninov 2nd Piano Concerto by Candlelight, St Mary le Strand, London I go to hear this at least once a year – it's my favourite piece of music. I call it the theme music to Brief Encounter, which is probably a bit of an insult. It's a wonderful pairing of music and film: it speaks about sadness and deep love. I first saw the film when I was 18, and since then I can't bear to just hear one of the three movements. If ever I put it on, I make sure I've got 33 minutes to myself, so I can hear the whole thing. Whitby Abbey Last weekend, I went to Whitby and took the 199 steps up to Whitby Abbey to see where Bram Stoker got the inspiration for Dracula. It's very beautiful, atmospheric. I can absolutely see why he got the idea for a vampire from there. It's a gothic ruin on the top of a hill, overlooking the sea. It's black stone. While he was waiting for his wife to join him in Whitby, he found a book that talked about this count in Romania who used to kill his enemies with a stake through the heart, and he just put two and two together.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Yahoo
Researchers make disturbing discovery in market set up for tourists: 'It's there for all to see'
It's perfectly reasonable for any tourist to want to collect a few souvenirs to remember an enjoyable trip. However, according to researchers from Oxford Brookes University, popular tourist shops in Bali contain a large assortment of illegally obtained skulls of primates. The practice is jeopardizing the safety of a sizable portion of threatened species, per reports by Eco-Business. According to a recent study published in the journal Primate Conservation, two researchers uncovered a disturbing market for primate skulls in Indonesia. As noted by the study, the market appears to be most active on the island of Bali, which caters "primarily to international tourists." The study was conducted in eight separate assessments between 2013 and 2024. The researchers indicated that four towns and a temple complex in Bali served as the main hub for the market. Throughout the 11 years of the study, the researchers observed 754 primate skulls that included macaques, langurs, proboscis monkeys, and orangutans. According to the IUCN Red List, the proboscis monkey and several species of macaques and langurs are considered to be threatened species. To make matters worse, the study reveals that the primate skulls mainly originated from Java and Indonesian Borneo. In fact, there was "minimal local sourcing" when it came to supplying the skulls inside the shops. This points to the likelihood of illegal animal trading activity in the region. According to the World Wildlife Fund, the illegal wildlife trade impacts hundreds of millions of animals and plants each year. The trade severely damages animal populations all throughout the globe. This leads to the possible destruction of delicate ecosystems and region-specific habitats. Not only does this threaten animals, but it can also disrupt the balance of our food chain. While many people might picture the illegal wildlife trade as a seedy underworld, this is not always the case. Study co-author Vincent Nijman from the Oxford Wildlife Trade Research Group at Oxford Brookes told Eco-Business that the primate skull market isn't exactly a well-kept secret. "People always think that wildlife trade happens in dark alleys or under the table. Not this trade," Nijman said. "It is literally in glass cases, in shop windows, on shelves. It's there for all to see." For now, there are a few ways that people are helping to fight the illegal wildlife trade. The easiest method is awareness campaigns to help persuade potential buyers against smuggling items such as primate skulls. Without demand, the illegal wildlife trade would reduce the supply. Should tourists be responsible for cleaning up their own trash? Absolutely In most cases It depends on the place No, they shouldn't Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. According to the World Wildlife Fund, addressing the illegal wildlife trade through stricter legislation can also go a long way in reducing its impact. By promoting tighter laws, illegal traders may be deterred from continuing their practice. "It would be beneficial to all if simple, appropriate action is taken. And that simply means shutting down this trade," Nijman told Eco-Business. "Don't buy wildlife. There's no real need for it." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
