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Current Research News

Can you help record the UK’s mammal activity?

If you’re interested in conservation and ecology, our MammalWeb project needs your help to chart the activity of the UK’s mammals.
Otters stare at the camera after being caught on a camera trap

Fetuses react to taste and smell in the womb

Our psychologists have shown the first direct evidence that babies react differently to various smells and tastes while in the womb by looking at their facial expressions.
4-D ultrasound scan of a baby showing a laugh face reaction

Durham University and Atom bank agree five-year partnership

We have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Durham-based Atom bank, the UK’s first app-based bank, to carry out collaborative research that addresses longer term opportunities and challenges facing both organisations and wider society, such as climate change.
Karen O'Brien Durham University and Edward Twiddy Atom bank signing memorandum

Music festivals urged to do more to tackle sexual violence

The set up and culture of music festivals can create dangerous spaces where sexual violence and harassment can be perpetrated.
Silhouette of a woman in a crowd cheering on a music band

Need help tackling your procrastination? This could be the book for you!

Professor Fuschia Sirois, a globally renowned expert in the psychology of procrastination in our Department of Psychology, has distilled her game-changing insights into a new book to help procrastinators understand the issue, and how to tackle it.
Image of alarm clock with notes about delaying tasks

£2bn cost of mental ill health ‘parallel pandemic’

We’ve contributed to a report which shows that the negative effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on mental health was largest and most prolonged in the North of England.
A close up of people holding hands

Scientists discover world’s longest underwater avalanche after rescue of lost data

We’ve discovered the world’s longest underwater avalanche – after recovering lost data swept away by the dramatic event.
A sensor is lowered from a boat into the ocean

Highest ever temperature recorded in Durham

Durham has recorded its highest ever maximum temperature of 36.9°C.
A view of Durham Cathedral and Castle on a sunny day

First images from new space telescope part-developed in Durham

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) – which Durham helped to develop and engineer – has captured its first images.
James Webb first deep field image

Uncovering the mystery of the origins of dogs

One of the biggest unanswered questions about human prehistory is where dogs underwent domestication.
Close up of a grey wolf

Encouraging writers to present an accurate view of self-harm

We’ve created new resources designed to help writers present an accurate view of people at risk of self-harm.
A couple holding hands in a comforting way

600,000-year-old finds point to some of Britain’s earliest humans

Early humans were present in Britain between 560,000 and 620,000 years ago, according to new research involving our Department of Geography.
Artist's impression of early humans
4 students in lab coats in a laboratory

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