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Current Research News

Infrared light therapy might aid dementia patients

We’re working on a new infrared light therapy that might have the potential to help people with dementia.
Tracy Sloan, who took part in a trial study to test the effectiveness of the infrared light therapy helmet she is wearing.

Pioneering research of first published African American doctor revealed

We’ve found new evidence of the first known research paper to be published in a British medical journal by an African American.
A portrait of Dr James McCune Smith

Law professor to help review UK medical practice

One of our Law professors will play a key role in the review of professional values, knowledge and behaviours expected of UK medics.
A doctor check their records on a tablet device

Prestigious award for galaxy evolution research

Did you know that the giant galaxies we see today grew from tiny fluctuations imprinted in the very first instants in the life of our universe?
Professor Carlos Frenk has won the Royal Society's Rumford Medal.

Most detailed-ever images of galaxies revealed with LOFAR

Have you ever wondered what the heart of a galaxy looks like? Or what is really going on in a super-massive black hole? Well now, an international team of astronomers led by our very own Dr Leah Morabito, has revealed the most detailed-ever radio images of galaxies at frequencies around the FM radio band.
Merging Galaxies image, credit - N. Ramírez-Olivencia et el. [radio]; NASA, ESA, the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration and A. Evans (University of Virginia, Charlottesville/NRAO/Stony Brook University), edited by R. Cumming [optical]).

Breakthrough in supermassive black hole research

Professor Simone Scaringi, from our Department of Physics, has been part of an international study calculating the size of Supermassive black holes (SMBHs) by looking at their feeding patterns.

Unravelling the Sun’s knotty problem

Our mathematicians are helping to unravel the knotty problem of how solar energy is injected into the Sun’s atmosphere before being released into space.
Magnetic loops on the Sun

Gigantic helium balloon to launch space telescope

Our astronomers are part of an international team building a new kind of telescope.

Child protection pioneer appointed as professor

We’ve appointed a leading expert in the safeguarding of young people at risk of abuse as a professor in our Department of Sociology.
Professor Carlene Firmin, Department of Sociology

Record-breaking whale migration raises conservation questions

One of our professors has used genetics to identify the birthplace of a grey whale which was discovered nearly halfway round the world from its native habitat, a new record for the longest recorded distance for a marine mammal, fish or reptile.
Grey whale by NOAA and Dr. Steven Swartz

New £1.4m enterprise zone at NETPark opens

The zone will provide bespoke support to technology and science-focused small and medium enterprises.
Sophie Walton (Group Director of Academic Engagement at CPI), Jenny Taylor (Head of Economic Development at Durham University), Sarah Slaven (Managing Director at Business Durham)

Astronomers apply their skills to cancer research

You might not think that studying the universe could benefit research into serious illnesses like cancer, but Durham’s astronomers have joined forces with cancer researchers to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Astronomy cancer research homepage