Micrscope image of phages attacking bacteria

MPs back inquiry into powerful new weapon against antibiotic resistance

A University of Brighton researcher has gained Parliamentary support to investigate an ancient foe of bacteria as a weapon against antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic resistance is a global threat of huge proportions. A 2019 study published in the Lancet estimated that drug resistant infections contribute to 4.95 million deaths per year on average (12,000 of those in the UK) – with the global figure expected to rise to 10 million by 2050. Continue reading “MPs back inquiry into powerful new weapon against antibiotic resistance”

crabs and lobster baskets at the beach

Study probes sharp fall in Sussex crab and lobster catch

University of Brighton experts are investigating a steep decline in the catch of crab and lobster in key fishing waters off Selsey in West Sussex.

Three female researchers at the beachDr Heidi Burgess is working alongside University of Brighton students as part of the CHASM (Crustaceans, Habitat And Sediment Movement) Project, in partnership with Chichester District Council, the Channel Coastal Observatory, and University of Southampton. The project is also supported by over 20 national, regional, and local environmental organisations with interests in the marine environment. Continue reading “Study probes sharp fall in Sussex crab and lobster catch”

Dr Corina Ciocan at the harbour

Brighton research on microplastic marine pollution raises primetime alarm

Research by University of Brighton on an overlooked cause of potentially health-damaging marine pollution has been highlighted on BBC1’s The One Show.

The programme on 6 September featured University of Brighton’s marine biologist Dr. Corina Ciocan, whose research team has found alarming evidence of tiny shards of fibreglass shed from ageing or discarded boats being taken up by marine organisms – including those we eat. Continue reading “Brighton research on microplastic marine pollution raises primetime alarm”

Dr Sarah Pitt Media Fellow 2022 promo

Media fellowship puts biomedical expert behind the scenes at the BBC

University of Brighton’s Dr Sarah Pitt will team up with the BBC Science Unit as part of a Media Fellowship from the Association of British Science Writers.

As a virologist, Dr Pitt has made regular appearances on TV, radio and in print since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing expert insights on the disease itself, as well as infection rates, new variants and vaccinations. More recently, she has been called upon to comment on other topics such as the discovery of polio in London water and the ongoing monkeypox outbreak. Continue reading “Media fellowship puts biomedical expert behind the scenes at the BBC”

Dr Lorna Linch head shot

Earth: Digging Deep in British Art 1781 – 2022

Earth: Digging Deep in British Art 1781-2022 is a major exhibition spanning four centuries of artwork, at the Royal West of England Academy’s (RWA) newly refurbished galleries this summer. The final instalment of the RWA’s elements series, Earth tackles the most expansive and urgent of subject matters, bringing together important modern, historical and contemporary artworks. Continue reading “Earth: Digging Deep in British Art 1781 – 2022”

Students wearing organ donor hoodies

Funding boost for student-led drive on minority ethnic organ donation

University of Brighton students are playing a key role in encouraging people from minority ethnic backgrounds to consider organ and blood donation.

The University of Brighton’s Donor Research Team has been awarded new funding as part of this year’s Community Investment Scheme led by NHS Blood and Transplant, which will receive £440,000 funding as part of the Government’s effort to tackle health inequalities in minority ethnic communities.

Continue reading “Funding boost for student-led drive on minority ethnic organ donation”
Hybricks product image

Brighton team helping create world-first 100% hydrogen fired bricks

University of Brighton is part of a pilot project to create the world’s first clay bricks made 100% using green hydrogen energy rather than natural gas.

A trio of Brighton researchers – Dr Kevin Wyche, Doug Gregg and Dr Kirsty Smallbone – are involved in an initiative which could significantly reduce the huge climate impact of the construction industry worldwide. Continue reading “Brighton team helping create world-first 100% hydrogen fired bricks”

Bearspace logo

New study shows plus-size men face stigma in gay spaces 

A study by University of Brighton researcher Nick McGlynn is spotlighting the often difficult  experiences of fatter men in gay spaces across the UK.

Dr McGlynn’s report – entitled Bearspace – is the largest ever study of the UK’s community of ‘Bears’, a term referring to big and hairy gay men who typically present in a more ‘masculine’ way, and who make up one of the UK’s largest gay male subcultures. This groundbreaking research explores the experiences of fat gay, bi and queer (GBQ) men in spaces used and created by Bear communities in the UK, drawing on data from focus groups, interviews and Nick’s own observations.

Continue reading “New study shows plus-size men face stigma in gay spaces “