Latest news with #UniversityofGlasgow
Yahoo
a day ago
- Science
- Yahoo
The Rocks Beneath Your Feet Are Younger Than Your Parents and Made of Your Trash
Here's what you'll learn when you read this story: The rock cycle naturally takes thousands to millions of years, but scientists just identified a new form of rock that cements in under four decades. Researchers believe the natural cements found in industrial waste react with the ocean, leading to rapid cementation. Experts were able to estimate the cementation timeline using modern objects found in the rock, some of which include a zipper, a King Charles V coin, and a soda tab. Fossils are amazing; not only can they spark inspiration for iconic movie franchises (I'm looking at you, Jurassic Park), but they more importantly also provide accurate timestamps that help researchers piece together history from across millennia. Incredibly, scientists are starting to find examples of a new kind of fossil—well, sort of. Researchers from the University of Glasgow found modern society's detritus, including things like soda tabs, cemented inside a new form of rock. Published in the journal Geology, the study reconsiders everything we know about the rock cycle and how humans affect it. Typically, rocks take thousands to millions of years to form, with processes like heating, compaction, and melting producing different types of rock over long periods of time. The recent study, however, found that the anthropoclastic rock cycle is forming rocks in just 35 years rather than hundreds. Researchers realized this when they were studying slag deposits—or byproducts from industrial production—at Derwent Howe in West Cumbria. The region was formerly home to steel and iron-making plants, and scientists noticed irregular formations in the coastal cliffs, leading them to investigate 13 different sites in the area. Using methods including electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy (chemical analysis), the team determined the slag is made of 'natural cements' like calcite, goethite, and brucite. They explain in the study that the rapid cementation is likely a reaction between the waste and the sea water. Researchers were able to pinpoint just how rapid this new rock formation is by using the 'anthropogenic material'—or, more simply put, modern junk—they found hiding inside the rock. 'We found both a King George V coin from 1934 and an aluminium can tab with a design that we realised couldn't have been manufactured before 1989 embedded in the material,' John MacDonald, co-author of the study, explained in a press release. 'This gives us a maximum time frame of 35 years for this rock formation, well within the course of a single human lifetime.' Other discoveries include a zipper, copper wire, and even a tire. 'This is an example in microcosm of how all the activity we're undertaking at the Earth's surface will eventually end up in the geological record as rock,' MacDonald continued, 'but this process is happening with remarkable, unprecedented speed.' Researchers also expressed the environmental concerns the new rock form poses. The study suggests that we don't have as much time to dispose of loose waste material as we previously believed—and it only gets worse after it hardens. According to experts, excess anthropoclastic rocks could affect life both above and below the water's surface, especially as coastal ecosystems change with rising sea levels. 'What's remarkable here is that we've found these human-made materials being incorporated into natural systems and becoming lithified—essentially turning into rock—over the course of decades instead,' co-author Amanda Owen said in the release. 'It challenges our understanding of how a rock is formed, and suggests that the waste material we've produced in creating the modern world is going to have an irreversible impact on our future.' While this isn't the first time the anthropoclastic rock cycle was recorded, it is the first time researchers could put a definitive timeline on the process. The team explained in the release that the effects of anthropoclastic rock aren't currently included in models of erosion and land management, which are crucial parts of combating climate change. In the future, the researchers hope to study more deposits throughout Europe and further understand the rapid anthropoclastic rock cycle. You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Texas star Sharleen Spiteri recalls early days in music as she collects honorary degree
Texas star Sharleen Spiteri recalls early days in music as she collects honorary degree The singer, who formed Scots rock group Texas in 1986 with her bandmates, said she never anticipated the band achieving global success Texas front woman Sharleen Spiteri (Image: Liverpool Echo ) Sharleen Spiteri has said she would have been happy if her band had written "just one hit record" when she started out as she was awarded an honorary doctorate for her services to music. The singer, who formed Scots rock group Texas in 1986 with her bandmates, said she never anticipated the band achieving global success as she sat recording debut single, I Don't Want A Lover, which kickstarted the group's path to fame. On Wednesday, the University of Glasgow (UoG) recognised a number of individuals for services to their respective fields and industries, including: Spiteri; broadcaster Kirsty Young; political scientist Professor Sir John Curtice; and the author and journalist, Sally Magnusson. Following the special commemoration day ceremony, which marked the foundation of the university, Spiteri, originally from Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, said it was "emotional" to have received such recognition for her career in music, and said she and her sister wished their mother could have been there to witness the occasion. She told the PA News Agency: "When I got the call, the first thing I did was phone my sister, Corrine, up and said, 'you will never believe this' and both us us were wishing my mum could have been here to see it, which makes it really special. "In the moment, you're sitting in there and you're surrounded by the other honoraries and you listen to their stories. Article continues below "You're listening to what they've done and it gets really emotional because you're thinking about all the people that got you here. She added: "It takes a lot of people to allow you to support you and to be successful. You don't start successful, nobody does." The band's current line-up, consists of Spiteri, Johnny McElhone (bass, guitar, keyboards); Ally McErlaine (guitar); Eddie Campbell (keyboards); Tony McGovern (guitar, backing vocals); and Cat Myers (drums). Next year, the band marks 40 years together, and Spiteri said she had no idea the group would have ever become as famous as they are now. She said: "Honest to god, I thought if I could just write one hit record, I'd be happy. "Johnny McElhone and I thought that as the two of us sat there in a spare room, literally recording on a four-track, writing I Don't Want A Lover and we thought, 'we can write one song'. "He had already been in successful bands before, he'd already written a few hit records, so I feel that I probably had a better chance than a lot of people." Asked if the band has any plans to mark the 40th anniversary, Spiteri said: "Well, if I tell you, then you know about it, don't you? It's what you don't know about you'll have to wait and see. "We've got a big summer this year, we've got 30 festivals around the world. So we're doing that and I'm actually heading off now to literally get back on the tour bus." Asked what advice she would offer any young, aspiring musicians hoping to get into the industry, she joked: "Don't listen to people like me." Also honoured, Kirsty Young spent 35 years working as a broadcaster across a number of TV and radio outlets, including the BBC, STV, Channel 5 and ITV. She was made an Honorary Doctor for her services to her industry, and said it means a "huge amount" to her. She told the PA News Agency: "The thing about this honorary degree is it genuinely, deeply feels like an honour." She added: "My mother is a Glaswegian, my grandparents and great grandparents were Glaswegian, so to be in this great city and receive this award means a huge amount." Asked what advice she would offer those who want to work in broadcasting, she said: "I think the best thing you can do if you're interested in breaking into broadcasting is become a kind of citizen journalist. "You've got it all in your hands – when I started I was packing camera cases for camera men, there were no camera women in those days or female sound recorders. "I was labelling tapes, it was a very big, cumbersome operation, but anybody who is at university now will know that it can just be them and their phone or a little camera and they can make news and they can upload it to YouTube and do their own thing. "So, I would say, get experience by getting the on-air miles under your belt by doing that, and badger organisations that you want to work for. It's a really hard game and it's harder than ever now because people aren't used to paying for content. "Stick at it, it's a hard game, but it will give you a fantastically interesting life, and you will have access to people and places that most people never get to see or speak to so it's really worth it." Professor Sir John Curtice, who was awarded an honorary doctorate of letters, said: "It's a great delight to receive an honorary degree from the university. It is a rare accolade, and I appreciate the university for having awarded it to me. "In a sense, it's a recognition or a celebration of the fact that I have been able to work with Glasgow University over a number of years. And the fact that, although I'm a member of a different, somewhat rival institution on the other side of the city, it's been perfectly willing to allow me to work, or to be involved in some of the work of this institution as well." Article continues below Sally Magnusson, who was awarded a doctor of the university degree, added: "I'm absolutely thrilled to have got this wonderful doctorate, from the University of Glasgow. "It has been a real thrill for me to discover what the inside of this lovely university is like, and to be part of its history is tremendous. Centuries and centuries of history and beauty and learning – it's fantastic."
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Glasgow study reveals 'significant role' of genetics in Alzheimer's disease
A new study has revealed that genetics may play a more significant role in the development of Alzheimer's disease than previously thought. The research, led by the University of Glasgow, published in the journal npj Dementia, found that while better memory, reasoning, and reaction times were linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease up to 15 years later, this protective effect was significantly reduced in people with a higher genetic risk. Researchers focused on the APOE e4 genotype, which is present in roughly one in four people and is the strongest known genetic predictor of late-onset Alzheimer's. Read more: Glasgow drugs trial to use genetics to 'personalise' treatments A single copy of the APOE e4 gene increases Alzheimer's risk threefold, while two copies raise the risk by twelvefold. Dr Donald Lyall, senior lecturer in population brain health at the University of Glasgow's School of Health and Wellbeing, said: "Our study adds to the knowledge gap that exists on the relationship between genetic factors, cognitive health generally, and subsequent risk of dementia in later life. "Our findings suggest that genetics plays a more significant role than previously thought and may influence the risk or protection conferred by other factors like premorbid cognitive health." In the study, people with above-average reasoning ability were found to have a 36% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's within 15 years. However, for those who also carried the APOE e4 gene, the risk reduction dropped to just 21%. More strikingly, individuals with high reasoning skills but who carried the APOE e4 genotype were more likely to develop Alzheimer's than those with below-average reasoning but no genetic risk factor. The researchers analysed data from over 252,000 UK Biobank participants aged 55 and older, with the average age at the start of the study being just over 62. To ensure long-term accuracy, individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's within two years of testing were excluded. Researchers excluded individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's within two years of cognitive testing. The study reinforces the challenges in identifying effective therapies for Alzheimer's, particularly given the influence of genetic factors. Read more: Public urged to shape health board's anti-racism strategy - how you can help Dr Lyall said: "Our study has important implications regarding dementia; namely that genetics clearly plays a significant role in influencing someone's overall risk of Alzheimer's disease as they age." The findings underscore the complex interplay between cognitive health and genetics and the challenges in developing therapies that can effectively prevent or treat Alzheimer's. While cognitive resilience still matters, the research highlights the urgent need to understand genetic risk factors in the fight against one of the world's most devastating neurodegenerative conditions.
South Wales Guardian
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Texas star Spiteri recalls early days in music as she collects honorary degree
The singer, who formed Scots rock group Texas in 1986 with her bandmates, said she never anticipated the band achieving global success as she sat recording debut single, I Don't Want A Lover, which kickstarted the group's path to fame. On Wednesday, the University of Glasgow (UoG) recognised a number of individuals for services to their respective fields and industries, including: Spiteri; broadcaster Kirsty Young; political scientist Professor Sir John Curtice; and the author and journalist, Sally Magnusson. Following the special commemoration day ceremony, which marked the foundation of the university, Spiteri, originally from Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, said it was 'emotional' to have received such recognition for her career in music, and said she and her sister wished their mother could have been there to witness the occasion. She told the PA News Agency: 'When I got the call, the first thing I did was phone my sister, Corrine, up and said, 'you will never believe this' and both us us were wishing my mum could have been here to see it, which makes it really special. 'In the moment, you're sitting in there and you're surrounded by the other honoraries and you listen to their stories. 'You're listening to what they've done and it gets really emotional because you're thinking about all the people that got you here. She added: 'It takes a lot of people to allow you to support you and to be successful. You don't start successful, nobody does.' The band's current line-up, consists of Spiteri, Johnny McElhone (bass, guitar, keyboards); Ally McErlaine (guitar); Eddie Campbell (keyboards); Tony McGovern (guitar, backing vocals); and Cat Myers (drums). Next year, the band marks 40 years together, and Spiteri said she had no idea the group would have ever become as famous as they are now. She said: 'Honest to god, I thought if I could just write one hit record, I'd be happy. 'Johnny McElhone and I thought that as the two of us sat there in a spare room, literally recording on a four-track, writing I Don't Want A Lover and we thought, 'we can write one song'. 'He had already been in successful bands before, he'd already written a few hit records, so I feel that I probably had a better chance than a lot of people.' Asked if the band has any plans to mark the 40th anniversary, Spiteri said: 'Well, if I tell you, then you know about it, don't you? It's what you don't know about you'll have to wait and see. 'We've got a big summer this year, we've got 30 festivals around the world. So we're doing that and I'm actually heading off now to literally get back on the tour bus.' Asked what advice she would offer any young, aspiring musicians hoping to get into the industry, she joked: 'Don't listen to people like me.' Also honoured, Kirsty Young spent 35 years working as a broadcaster across a number of TV and radio outlets, including the BBC, STV, Channel 5 and ITV. She was made an Honorary Doctor for her services to her industry, and said it means a 'huge amount' to her. She told the PA News Agency: 'The thing about this honorary degree is it genuinely, deeply feels like an honour.' She added: 'My mother is a Glaswegian, my grandparents and great grandparents were Glaswegian, so to be in this great city and receive this award means a huge amount.' Asked what advice she would offer those who want to work in broadcasting, she said: 'I think the best thing you can do if you're interested in breaking into broadcasting is become a kind of citizen journalist. 'You've got it all in your hands – when I started I was packing camera cases for camera men, there were no camera women in those days or female sound recorders. 'I was labelling tapes, it was a very big, cumbersome operation, but anybody who is at university now will know that it can just be them and their phone or a little camera and they can make news and they can upload it to YouTube and do their own thing. 'So, I would say, get experience by getting the on-air miles under your belt by doing that, and badger organisations that you want to work for. It's a really hard game and it's harder than ever now because people aren't used to paying for content. 'Stick at it, it's a hard game, but it will give you a fantastically interesting life, and you will have access to people and places that most people never get to see or speak to so it's really worth it.' Professor Sir John Curtice, who was awarded an honorary doctorate of letters, said: 'It's a great delight to receive an honorary degree from the university. It is a rare accolade, and I appreciate the university for having awarded it to me. 'In a sense, it's a recognition or a celebration of the fact that I have been able to work with Glasgow University over a number of years. And the fact that, although I'm a member of a different, somewhat rival institution on the other side of the city, it's been perfectly willing to allow me to work, or to be involved in some of the work of this institution as well.' Sally Magnusson, who was awarded a doctor of the university degree, added: 'I'm absolutely thrilled to have got this wonderful doctorate, from the University of Glasgow. 'It has been a real thrill for me to discover what the inside of this lovely university is like, and to be part of its history is tremendous. Centuries and centuries of history and beauty and learning – it's fantastic.'
North Wales Chronicle
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Texas star Spiteri recalls early days in music as she collects honorary degree
The singer, who formed Scots rock group Texas in 1986 with her bandmates, said she never anticipated the band achieving global success as she sat recording debut single, I Don't Want A Lover, which kickstarted the group's path to fame. On Wednesday, the University of Glasgow (UoG) recognised a number of individuals for services to their respective fields and industries, including: Spiteri; broadcaster Kirsty Young; political scientist Professor Sir John Curtice; and the author and journalist, Sally Magnusson. Following the special commemoration day ceremony, which marked the foundation of the university, Spiteri, originally from Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, said it was 'emotional' to have received such recognition for her career in music, and said she and her sister wished their mother could have been there to witness the occasion. She told the PA News Agency: 'When I got the call, the first thing I did was phone my sister, Corrine, up and said, 'you will never believe this' and both us us were wishing my mum could have been here to see it, which makes it really special. 'In the moment, you're sitting in there and you're surrounded by the other honoraries and you listen to their stories. 'You're listening to what they've done and it gets really emotional because you're thinking about all the people that got you here. She added: 'It takes a lot of people to allow you to support you and to be successful. You don't start successful, nobody does.' The band's current line-up, consists of Spiteri, Johnny McElhone (bass, guitar, keyboards); Ally McErlaine (guitar); Eddie Campbell (keyboards); Tony McGovern (guitar, backing vocals); and Cat Myers (drums). Next year, the band marks 40 years together, and Spiteri said she had no idea the group would have ever become as famous as they are now. She said: 'Honest to god, I thought if I could just write one hit record, I'd be happy. 'Johnny McElhone and I thought that as the two of us sat there in a spare room, literally recording on a four-track, writing I Don't Want A Lover and we thought, 'we can write one song'. 'He had already been in successful bands before, he'd already written a few hit records, so I feel that I probably had a better chance than a lot of people.' Asked if the band has any plans to mark the 40th anniversary, Spiteri said: 'Well, if I tell you, then you know about it, don't you? It's what you don't know about you'll have to wait and see. 'We've got a big summer this year, we've got 30 festivals around the world. So we're doing that and I'm actually heading off now to literally get back on the tour bus.' Asked what advice she would offer any young, aspiring musicians hoping to get into the industry, she joked: 'Don't listen to people like me.' Also honoured, Kirsty Young spent 35 years working as a broadcaster across a number of TV and radio outlets, including the BBC, STV, Channel 5 and ITV. She was made an Honorary Doctor for her services to her industry, and said it means a 'huge amount' to her. She told the PA News Agency: 'The thing about this honorary degree is it genuinely, deeply feels like an honour.' She added: 'My mother is a Glaswegian, my grandparents and great grandparents were Glaswegian, so to be in this great city and receive this award means a huge amount.' Asked what advice she would offer those who want to work in broadcasting, she said: 'I think the best thing you can do if you're interested in breaking into broadcasting is become a kind of citizen journalist. 'You've got it all in your hands – when I started I was packing camera cases for camera men, there were no camera women in those days or female sound recorders. 'I was labelling tapes, it was a very big, cumbersome operation, but anybody who is at university now will know that it can just be them and their phone or a little camera and they can make news and they can upload it to YouTube and do their own thing. 'So, I would say, get experience by getting the on-air miles under your belt by doing that, and badger organisations that you want to work for. It's a really hard game and it's harder than ever now because people aren't used to paying for content. 'Stick at it, it's a hard game, but it will give you a fantastically interesting life, and you will have access to people and places that most people never get to see or speak to so it's really worth it.' Professor Sir John Curtice, who was awarded an honorary doctorate of letters, said: 'It's a great delight to receive an honorary degree from the university. It is a rare accolade, and I appreciate the university for having awarded it to me. 'In a sense, it's a recognition or a celebration of the fact that I have been able to work with Glasgow University over a number of years. And the fact that, although I'm a member of a different, somewhat rival institution on the other side of the city, it's been perfectly willing to allow me to work, or to be involved in some of the work of this institution as well.' Sally Magnusson, who was awarded a doctor of the university degree, added: 'I'm absolutely thrilled to have got this wonderful doctorate, from the University of Glasgow. 'It has been a real thrill for me to discover what the inside of this lovely university is like, and to be part of its history is tremendous. Centuries and centuries of history and beauty and learning – it's fantastic.'
