Queen Mary University of London Comment

Mortimer the Drumming Robot features in Royal Institution Christmas Lectures

Mortimer, the robot developed by PhD student Louis McCallum from the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, has taken a key role in the prestigious Royal Institution (RI) Christmas Lectures.

Armed virus shows promise as treatment for pancreatic cancer

A new combination of two different approaches – virotherapy and immunotherapy - is showing “great promise” as a treatment for pancreatic cancer, according to new research from QMUL.

Queen Mary ranked fifth in the UK for research quality

The results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), published today, confirm Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)’s place in the very top group of research-led universities.

Professor Seán McConville awarded major grant for research into Irish political prisoners

Violence and retribution, hunger and strip strikes, targeted assassinations, - and somewhere the seeds of a far off peace. These are amongst the many themes and events that will be explored by law professor and historian Seán McConville, in his third and final volume on Irish political prisoners.

Blog: William Hague's plans could be highly contentious, but it's time to address the English question

Professor Michael Kenny, Director of the Mile End Institute, says there is an increasingly compelling, precautionary case for constitutional reform - but William Hague's "hard" plans aren't positive or carefully calibrated enough.

QMUL Mile End Institute announces speakers and events for 2015 programme

The Mile End Institute (MEI) has announced a series of events and high-profile speakers for 2015, a year which promises to have a momentous effect on politics and public life in the United Kingdom.

Special series with Open Democracy seeks to lift the veil on state crime

Professor Penny Green, Director of the International State Crime Initiative (ISCI) at Queen Mary University of London, will this week edit a special feature in Open Democracy on state crime and resistance.

Do you speak cow? Researchers listen in on ‘conversations’ between calves and their mothers

Researchers have been eavesdropping on ‘conversations’ between calves and their mothers — measuring the process of how cows communicate using detailed acoustic analysis for the first time.

Blog: Syphilis sailed the ocean blue: why a bent femur won’t overturn Columbus theory

Following recent dispute over its origins in Europe, Dr Rob Knell from the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences explains why he is yet to be convinced by any alternative to the theory that Columbus brought syphilis across the Atlantic.

New evidence reveals tamoxifen reduces breast cancer rates by nearly a third for 20 years

The preventive effect of breast cancer drug ‘tamoxifen’ remains virtually constant for at least 20 years – with rates reduced by around 30 per cent – new analysis published in The Lancet Oncology reveals.  

Blog: On immigration, the The Tories should stop following and start leading

Tim Bale, Professor of Politics at Queen Mary University of London, delivers a warning to the Conservative Party about the likely effects of an increasingly reactive policy on immigration. 

Blog: Ukip's sexual harassment row rumbles on, but it's not the only party failing women

It's been a bad week for Ukip, but according to QMUL's Dr Rainbow Murrary, it's not the only party failing women.

Blog: Syria: The view from Moscow

QMUL's Dr Christopher Phillips argues that despite a weaker economy and the domestic threat of ISIS, Moscow is unlikely to change course on Syria.

QMUL awarded £5million to create new labs and expand science and engineering teaching

Queen Mary has been awarded the maximum allocation of £5million of new funding by the government in order to create two new facilities on our Mile End campus.

Feature: QMUL researcher conducts experiments with Science Museum visitors

Londoners are notorious for avoiding eye contact with each other but how bad are we really? That’s one of the things visitors to the Science Museum can currently help to find out if they take part in an experiment being run by QMUL and UCL researchers to learn how long people can comfortably make eye contact with someone else.

Study reveals text messages prevent one in six patients from failing to take medicine

Scientists from Queen Mary University of London have found text messaging prevents one in six patients from forgetting to take, or stopping, their prescribed medicines.

Blog: Professor Iwan Williams on his role in the Rosetta comet mission

The world was enraptured last month as the Rosetta mission’s Philae lander made its historic landing on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. QMUL’s Professor Iwan Williams had more reason than most to be interested, as he was one of a team of investigators working the CONSERT instrument that is part of the mission. Here he explains what CONSERT is trying to find out and how it took on a vital new function after the landing.

QMUL’s Dr Neha Pathak wins Cosmopolitan Magazine’s Ultimate Women Award

Dr Neha Pathak, an Academic Clinical Fellow from Queen Mary University of London, was last night awarded the ‘Ultimate Game Changer’ prize at the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Awards.

Blog: Our groaning global energy system leaves us all vulnerable

In this article, Rafael Leal-Arcas, of QMUL’s Centre for Commercial Law Studies (CCLS), argues that our system of global energy governance is ad hoc and in need of reform.

New league table suggests David Cameron is the Conservatives' most successful leader

Prime Minister David Cameron is the Conservatives' most successful leader, according to a new league table, presented today at an event organised by Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and the University of East Anglia (UEA).

Lewis Carroll's Alice and the emergence of a style icon

She’s influenced Lizzie Jagger, inspired Gwen Stefani, and her iconic look has been adapted for everything from tattoos to the hijab. Few literary characters have influenced the way we dress quite so remarkably as Lewis Carroll’s Alice.

Blog: François Hollande’s Tartuffe Syndrome

In a joint article with Hans-Olaf Henkel, QMUL’s Professor Brigitte Granville analyses the mounting woes of François Hollande’s beleaguered presidency.

Animal welfare could be improved by new understanding of their emotions

A new study from researchers at Queen Mary University of London looking at how goats express subtle positive emotions could lead to greater understanding of animal welfare.

Vitamin D reduces lung disease flare-ups by over 40%

Vitamin D supplements can reduce COPD lung disease flare-ups by over 40% in patients with a vitamin D deficiency – according to new research from Queen Mary University of London.

Scientists discover treatment breakthrough for advanced bladder cancer

Scientists from Queen Mary University of London's Barts Cancer Institute have made a breakthrough in developing a new therapy for advanced bladder cancer – for which there have been no major treatment advances in the past 30 years.

New anthology offers comprehensive insight into the life and works of Margaret Thatcher

A new anthology, edited and introduced by Tim Bale, Professor of Politics at Queen Mary University of London, provides one the most comprehensive and eclectic accounts to date of Margaret Thatcher’s extraordinary impact on politics and public life in the United Kingdom.

QMUL hosts panel discussion on children and sport

Public health experts, doctors, professional sports players and parents are gathering at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) on 27-28 November to debate issues around children and sport, including managing injury and increasing participation.

QMUL helps launch crowd funded moon mission

With the success of the Rosetta Mission comet landing still fresh in people’s minds Queen Mary have joined a consortium of British organisation to plan a crowd-funded mission to the moon.

Blog: Why Labour should think culturally as well as economically about immigration

According to Professor Tim Bale, Ed Miliband can avoid a damaging split between his party's 'beer drinkers' and 'wine drinkers' on immigration - but he shouldn't rely solely on economic arguments.

QMUL announces Professor Michael Kenny as Director of Mile End Institute

Professor Michael Kenny has been appointed Director of the Mile End Institute, a major new policy centre at Queen Mary.

Professor Seán McConville calls for Royal Commission on the penal system

Our penal system is dangerously dysfunctional and only a Royal Commission can fix it, according to a new report from from Professor Seán McConville and Sir Louis Blom-Cooper.

Magic tricks created using artificial intelligence for the first time

Researchers working on artificial intelligence at Queen Mary have taught a computer to create magic tricks.

Whitechapel Vision nominated for national award

New plans to regenerate the Whitechapel area have been recognised at the national 2014 Planning Awards.

Two prestigious appointments for QMUL’s Shazia Choudhry

Shazia Choudhry, Reader in Law at Queen Mary University of London, has been appointed Specialist Legal Adviser to the Joint Committee on Human Rights.

Blog: Politicisation of the European Arrest Warrant is dangerous and unnecessary

Professor Valsamis Mitsilegas argues that we need clarity on the European Arrest Warrant so that this logical and useful legal instrument does not fall victim to an emotive political bun fight.

Queen Mary University of London and University of Warwick to launch Global Shakespeare

On 13 November 2014, Queen Mary University of London and University of Warwick will launch Global Shakespeare; a research and teaching collaboration which aims to shape the future agenda in Shakespeare studies across criticism, performance, history, media and popular culture.

Quentin Skinner offers a new perspective on some of Shakespeare’s greatest works

A book by renowned scholar and author Professor Quentin Skinner offers a fascinating new perspective on some of William Shakespeare’s most studied works.

Research and Industrial Engagement Showcase 2014 at Queen Mary

Queen Mary’s first ever science and engineering research and industrial engagement conference took place on Thursday 6th November, showcasing our work to an audience of top businesses.

One in six women who have a large amount of tissue removed (15+mm) during colposcopy, to treat abnormal cells on the cervix, will go on to have a premature birth. This is double the number compared to those who have only a small amount removed – according to new findings from Queen Mary University of London.

Opting out of European Arrest Warrant will make Britain less safe, says QMUL Professor

Britain risks becoming a safe haven for fugitives if it opts out of the European Arrest Warrant, according to Valsamis Mitsilegas, Head of Department of Law and Professor of European Criminal Law at Queen Mary University of London.

Blog: Norman Baker's resignation and the future of the coalition

Emma Sanderson-Nash, Lecturer in Politics at Queen Mary University of London, argues that Norman Baker's resignation tells us more about the man that it does about the health of the coalition. 

Blog: Death of President Michael Sata leaves Zambia with a constitutional conundrum

Dr Clive Gabay, specialist in African politics and Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary University of London, analyses events in Zambia following the death of President Michael Sata.

Students and staff plant poppies at the Tower of London

Seventy Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) students and members of staff were among the volunteers who have helped create the Tower of London’s hugely popular installation, Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, which marks the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

QMUL scientists win Cancer Research UK prize

A team of researchers led by Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) have been awarded the 2014 Cancer Research UK Prize for Translational Cancer Research at the NCRI Cancer Conference in Liverpool.

Students at Queen Mary uncover stories of wartime East London

Captured spies, two-penny dinners, the suffragettes, and the rallying cry of war. These are among the many stories that offer a glimpse into East London life a century ago, in the shadow of World War One.

QMUL Professor calls for living wage standard across UK higher education

Universities are in danger of diminishing their place in society by neglecting the interests of lower paid workers, says Jane Wills, Professor of Human Geography at Queen Mary University of London.

QMUL publishes archive dedicated to life and works of Professor Sir Neil MacCormick

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have published a digital archive dedicated to the life and works of Professor Sir Neil MacCormick (1941-2009), one of the twentieth century’s most important jurists.

QMUL scientist creates automatic birdsong recognition app

Warblr is an app is based on technology developed at QMUL and the prototype was developed with an Innovation Fund grant.

QMUL scientists find further evidence that fish are cleverer than previously thought

Scientists working at Queen Mary University of London and University of Bath have found that zebrafish are able to visually process multiple objects simultaneously, more proof that fish are cleverer than their ‘three-second memory’ reputation suggests.

The first UK medical school launches Google Glass technology in curriculum

Queen Mary University of London's Medical School – Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry – is launching the ground-breaking use of Google Glass technology into its undergraduate curriculum, primarily within surgical teaching. This is the first of its kind outside of North America, having only been used by a small number of medical schools in the USA so far.

A large analysis of over 40,000 individuals on statin treatment has identified two new genetic variants which influence how 'bad' cholesterol levels respond to statin therapy.

Blog: European Union must now support Ukraine’s fragile democracy

Initial results from Ukraine’s parliamentary elections have thrown down a challenge to the European Union, according to Russia expert and QMUL Research Fellow Dr Eleanor Bindman.

Music and Arts Technology students demonstrate PhD work in Tech City

QMUL PhD students who are part of a programme to combine research with digital creativity took part in a research showcase in East London.

Blog: Ebola: West Africa is facing a humanitarian crisis of extraordinary proportions

Professor Allyson Pollock replies to questions on the Ebola crisis – originally asked prior to the BBC Politics show on 19 October

Blog: Economic and social future of Ukraine hangs in the balance

As the nation prepares to elect a new parliament on 26 October, Dr Eleanor Bindman, specialist in Russian politics and Research Fellow at QMUL’s School of Politics and International Relations, looks at what might lie ahead for the region.

New brain tumour research Centre of Excellence is unveiled at QMUL

Patients, carers, scientists, clinicians and charities from across the UK will gather today for the launch of a ground-breaking new partnership between the charity Brain Tumour Research and Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) in collaboration with the UCL Institute of Neurology.

Season of Bangla Drama returns to Queen Mary

Identity, love and migration are amongst the themes that will be explored by the 12th Season of Bangla Drama festival, which returns to Queen Mary University of London this November.

Students on new QMUL course make important dinosaur discovery in Canada

Final year undergraduate students from the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences studying a new module called Species and their Relationships: Dinosaurs to DNA have uncovered a rare and important dinosaur skull while on a trip to Canada as part of the course.

Centre for Public Engagement funds eight new projects

Every year the QMUL Centre for Public Engagement distributes Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) awards to support activities that bring new audiences to the work being done here at the university.

Diversity vital for excellence, say Vice-Chancellors

Queen Mary University of London’s Principal has joined university leaders from across the country in outlining their conviction that equality and diversity are integral to a university’s excellence.

Entire amphibian communities are being wiped out by emerging viruses

Scientists from QMUL, UCL, Zoological Society of London, and the National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN-CSIC) in Madrid, tracing the real-time impact of viruses in the wild have found that entire amphibian communities are being killed off by closely related viruses introduced to mountainous areas of northern Spain.

Graduate’s ‘Iranian-American bisexual comedy’ premieres at London Film Festival

A film made by two former Queen Mary University of London students has made its UK debut at the BFI London Film Festival 2014, the UK’s biggest celebration of international cinema.

Feature: Latin London and every day urban violence

Robbery on buses, hijacked delivery vehicles, muggings on the street, and demands for protection money. This is every day urban violence; a quiet epidemic which plagues Latin American cities.

Celebrating Ada Lovelace Day at QMUL

Ada Lovelace Day is an annual celebration of the contributions of women to science, technology engineering, and mathematics. This year we wanted to keep our celebrations close to home by giving some of those working at QMUL the opportunity to introduce themselves and their work.

Scientists identify potential cause for 40 per cent of pre-term births

Scientists from Queen Mary University of London and UCL (University College London) have identified what they believe could be a cause of pre-term premature rupture of the fetal membrane (PPROM), which accounts for 40 per cent of pre-term births, the main reason for infant death world-wide.

Research on a urine test for cervical cancer wins prize for QMUL academic clinical fellow

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has awarded the Edgar Gentilli Prize to Dr Neha Pathak, a QMUL academic clinical fellow, for her research on a urine test for cervical cancer.

Health sector regulator using powers to reduce hospital and community services, warn experts

Licence conditions imposed by the health sector regulator, Monitor, on NHS foundation trusts in England will lead to a reduction in hospital community services under the guise of ‘continuity’, warn experts from Queen Mary University of London.  

NICE recommends brief counselling and as-needed nalmefene to help people with alcohol dependence

The drug nalmefene, which can help people dependent on alcohol cut down on the amount they drink, has been recommended in final draft guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Queen Mary receives share of £125m for bioscience PhD students

Queen Mary University of London is part of a group of London-based institutions awarded £15m to train bioscience PhD students as part of a £125m nationwide campaign to support the training and development of PhD students tackling some of the world’s major challenges.

750 million people worldwide suffering from severe gum disease

Hundreds of millions of people across the globe are suffering from severe gum infections, according to research led by Queen Mary University of London.

Blog: Belgrade 2014: Pride, prejudice and European politics

Koen Slootmaeckers, PhD candidate at Queen Mary University of London, writes about Sunday's LGBT Pride parade in Belgrade, and explores the implications for Serbian politics and the county's path to the EU.

THE World University Rankings: Medicine ranked in world top 50

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) has been named amongst the top 50 universities in the world for Medicine in the influential Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2014-15.

Blog: Sarkozy's return is bound to deepen divisions within the UMP

It’s 32 months until the French presidential elections in 2017 and former president Nicolas Sarkozy's return to centre stage promises to make French politics a lively affair in the meantime.

Blog: London’s high-rise dreams

Dr Richard Baxter critiques the ongoing public debate about the UK high-rise and argues that the environment has still not been fully explored

New study finds vulnerability to radicalisation is linked to depression

Members of the British Muslim community who are most at risk of radicalisation are more likely to have depression and be socially isolated, a pioneering research study led by Queen Mary University of London has found.

Blog: Tunisia’s forthcoming elections: transition to democracy is at risk and arms sales won’t help

Dr Sarah Wolff explains how, with presidential and legislative elections on the horizon, and mounting geopolitical chaos and insecurity, Tunisia feels that Europe and America is “leaving it in the lurch” at a critical time.

Blog: Power, royalty and the smile revolution

What's in a smile? Colin Jones, Professor of History at Queen Mary University of London, writes about royal teeth, power, and the smile revolution.

History of Modern Biomedicine Research Group celebrates twenty-one years of innovation

The History of Modern Biomedicine Research Group has published an anthology of stories behind many of our most important medical discoveries. The publication marks the twenty-first anniversary of the group's inaugural Witness Seminar.

Blog: No shortage of ‘friends’ – but Miliband left them hanging

Tim Bale, Professor of Politics at Queen Mary University of London, reflects upon Ed Miliband's party conference speech and concludes that it "just about did the job".

Vampires and monsters invade Centre of the Cell for Halloween

Vicious vampires, microscopic monsters, deadly diseases and an interactive snot show come to Centre of the Cell - Queen Mary University of London’s science education Pod in Whitechapel - this October.

Drama, Medicine and Dentistry amongst best in UK in Sunday Times guide

Drama, Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) all appear in the UK’s top 5 in the influential The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2015, released on Sunday 21 September.

QMUL Astronomer Awarded Royal Society University Research Fellowship

Dr David Mulryne, a postdoctoral Research Assistant in Queen Mary University of London’s School of Physics and Astronomy, has been awarded a prestigious University Research Fellowship by the Royal Society.

Blog: Britain's constitutional crisis moves from acute to severe

Dr Robert Saunders, Lecturer in Modern British History at Queen Mary University of London, argues that promises made in the final weeks of the campaign may result in a political hangover for David Cameron and his government.

False memories could be a side-effect of human ability to learn rules

Our tendency to create false memories could be related to our ability to learn rules according to research from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL).

New approach to arthritis treatment could avoid serious side-effects

A new approach to arthritis treatment, which avoids unforeseen side-effects by delivering drugs exclusively to affected inflamed joints, has been developed by researchers at Queen Mary University of London.

Online endocrinology degree shortlisted for national e-learning award

A Queen Mary University of London postgraduate course focusing on the science of hormone medicine has been shortlisted at this year’s national e-learning awards, in the category of ‘best online distance learning programme’.

Blog: We are all sweet enough; it’s time for less sugar now

Katharine Jenner, Lecturer in Nutrition and Public Health at QMUL, asks - should we be eating sugar at all?

Blog: A Yes vote would see the UK civil service face its biggest test since 1922

Professor Perri 6 from QMUL's School of Business and Management explores the implications for civil servants and the national interest in the event of a Yes vote in the Scottish referendum.

Urine HPV test could offer alternative to conventional smear and improve screening uptake

A simple urine test for human papillomavirus (HPV) could offer a more acceptable, non-invasive alternative to the conventional cervical test and improve screening uptake, researchers from Queen Mary University of London have found.

Major grant for research into wound-healing

The UK’s leading medical charity for animal replacement research, the Dr Hadwen Trust (DHT), has awarded a major grant to Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) for research into healing chronic wounds, such as diabetes ulcers – a major healthcare concern in the UK.

Tower Hamlets student bursary scheme launches for 2014/15

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) has offered its support for a council awards scheme aimed at helping young people in Tower Hamlets achieve their potential through higher education.

Queen Mary ranked in top 100 universities in the world

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) has been ranked among the top 100 universities in the world in the latest edition of the respected QS World University Rankings, released today (Tuesday 16 September).

Peter Hennessy to deliver valedictory lecture at QMUL

Professor Peter Hennessy, renowned historian, journalist and academic, will deliver his valedictory lecture to a public audience at Queen Mary University of London on 7 October.

Blog: How could smartphones be easier to use when we can’t look at the screen?

Dr Nick Bryan-Kinns, Reader in Interaction Design in the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science tells us about his latest research into how sighted and visually impaired people use touchscreen devices that they can’t see. This paper won the Best Short Paper prize at the Human Computer Interaction Conference 2014.

qLegal awarded £90,000 to expand free legal advice programme for entrepreneurs

The Legal Advice Centre (LAC) at Queen Mary University of London has received a grant of £90,000 to expand qLegal, a community initiative which provides free legal advice to entrepreneurs and technology start-ups.

Feature: Alumni celebrate 50 years of football and friendship

A group of Queen Mary University of London alumni, brought together in the 1960s by their love of football, have just celebrated their 50th “old boys” sports tour.

Chemistry students discover new way of identifying hydrogen peroxide

Chemists from Queen Mary University of London have discovered a new way of identifying peroxide-based explosives, which could make detection of suspect devices more cost-effective in the future.

Blog: Ebola and West Africa: where did all the development money go?

Dr Sophie Harman argues that while the inadequate international response has compounded the Ebola crisis, it is the region’s chronically weak and desperately resourced health infrastructure which is the critical factor.

Blog: UN managerialism should not stifle the voices of the poor

Dr Clive Gabay, Senior Lecturer in politics at Queen Mary University of London, looks ahead to the expiration of the Millennium Development goals and asks if we're destined to repeat the same mistakes.

Gender equality award for Politics at QMUL

The School of Politics and International Relations (SPIR) at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) has been awarded for its commitment to gender equality, in an extension of the highly successful Athena SWAN charter.

Blog: More women into construction? Olympic Park project shows the way

Dr Tessa Wright, Senior Lecturer from QMUL's School of Business and Management, reflects on the success of the Women into Construction project.

QMUL’s drumming robot makes first public appearance at British Science Festival

A stripped down version of the drumming robot developed by researchers at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) has delivered its first public appearance, playing along with a young audience member.

Report on e-cigarette dangers is misleading, say experts

World leading tobacco experts, including Professor Peter Hajek from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), argue that a recently published World Health Organization (WHO)-commissioned review of evidence on e-cigarettes contains important errors, misinterpretations and misrepresentations.  

Teaching innovation at QMUL highlighted at Times Higher Education Awards shortlist

Two projects from Queen Mary University of London highlighting innovation in teaching have been shortlisted for the Times Higher Education Awards.

Public Health experts launch consultation on Draft Bill to restore the NHS

Leading public health experts have launched a consultation on a new Bill which aims to reverse the failings of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and fully restore the National Health Service (NHS) in England as an accountable public service.

New book by QMUL historian reveals the mysteries of more than 60 era-defining maps

From a crude marking, carved in stone more than 3,500 years ago, to the modern revolution in mobile location services, maps have shaped our world and shone light on distant places for generations.

A new website from Queen Mary University of London, ‘Meanings of Military Service’, draws on archive material to ‘bring to life’ individual stories of wartime service.

Researchers identify link between breastfeeding and mothers’ mental health

A study of more than 10,000 expectant mothers has shown that women who plan to and successfully breastfeed their babies are less likely to experience postnatal depression

Blog: Politics: It’s time to talk about quotas for men

Dr Rainbow Murray of QMUL's School of Politics and International Relations argues that it is time to "reframe gender quotas as quotas for men."

Mobile phones come alive with the sound of music

Charging mobile phones with sound, like chants from at football ground, could become a reality, according to a new collaboration between scientists from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and Microsoft.

Scientists make major breakthrough in understanding leukaemia

Scientists from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) have discovered mutations in genes that lead to childhood leukaemia of the acute lymphoblastic type – the most common childhood cancer in the world.

Scientists discover link between skin diseases and Sudden Cardiac Death Syndrome

Scientists from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) who specialise in genetics of the skin are investigating an unlikely link between skin disease and heart disease which will hopefully shed new light on why someone is predisposed to sudden cardiac death syndrome.

Audience arousal gauged during live performances

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London’s Centre for Digital Music have created a tool that allows real-time visualisations of the audience’s reaction during live music performances.

Nine subjects at QMUL rank top in London for student satisfaction

Nine subjects taught at Queen Mary University of London have been ranked top in London for student satisfaction, and eight subjects are top ten in the UK, according to the latest results of a nationwide survey of final-year undergraduates.

QMUL Historian Presents New Series of Voices from the Old Bailey

Amanda Vickery, Professor of Early Modern History at Queen Mary University of London, will present a new series of the critically acclaimed social history programme Voices from the Old Bailey, beginning 14 August on BBC Radio 4.

Scientists uncover stem cell behaviour of human bowel for the first time

For the first time, scientists have uncovered new information on how stem cells in the human bowel behave, revealing vital clues about the earliest stages in bowel cancer development and how we may begin to prevent it.

Blog: What next for Boris Johnson and the Conservative Party?

Professor Tim Bale reflects on Boris Johnson’s planned return to the House of Commons, and asks if he has what it takes to make it to the top.

QMUL conference marks the outbreak of the First World War

An international conference, marking 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War, was held at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) on 1-4 August.        

Aspirin: scientists believe cancer prevention benefits outweigh harms

New research from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) reveals taking aspirin can significantly reduce the risk of developing – and dying from – the major cancers of the digestive tract, i.e. bowel, stomach and oesophageal cancer.

Amanda Vickery Presents BBC Series on the War that Changed the World

Amanda Vickery, Professor of Early Modern History at Queen Mary University of London, is co-presenting a major multi-part series on BBC World Service, to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.     

Human Harp to unleash the voice of the Roundhouse

An artist in residence at Queen Mary University of London has developed a new instrument, once used to play the Brooklyn Bridge for its 130th birthday, which will unleash the voice of the Roundhouse during a one-off residency.

Researchers determine why tendons break down with age

Scientists at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) have identified differences in the proteins present in young and old tendons, in new research that could guide the development of treatments to stop tissue breakdown from occurring.

Queen Mary University of London awarded £24m from MRC to support the 100,000 Genomes Project

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) has been awarded £24m from the MRC to support Genomics England in the delivery of the Government's 100,000 Genomes Project. The award will go directly towards providing cutting-edge Genomics Medicine Data Architecture.

Current evidence suggests benefits of e-cigarettes outweigh harms

A major scientific review of available research on the use, content, and safety of e-cigarettes has concluded that – although long-term health effects of e-cigarette use are unknown – compared with conventional cigarettes they are likely to be much less harmful to users or bystanders.

New drug target can break down cancer's barrier against treatment

Scientists at Queen Mary University of London's Barts Cancer Institute have found that targeting a molecule in blood vessels can make cancer therapy significantly more effective, according to research published in Nature today (Monday 28 July),

Prestigious fellowship to support software inspired by the human ear

A researcher from Queen Mary University of London has won a new fellowship from the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) to develop versatile algorithms that can separate and interpret sounds, based on the way the human auditory system works.

QMUL alumni named ‘Rising Stars’ by Rare

Two recent graduates from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) are amongst ten young people to be named ‘Rising Stars’ in an annual celebration of the achievements of black students in the UK.

New grants boost QMUL’s commercial collaborations in audio

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London’s Centre for Digital Music have teamed up with commercial sound recognition pioneer Audio Analytic, with the support of two new grants worth £385K from the Technology Strategy Board.

Charities, community projects and students benefit from volunteering

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is on the lookout for more London charities and non-profit groups, to add to the hundreds who have already benefited from the support of student volunteers.

Feature: Physics Nobel Prize winners attend conference at QMUL

A conference marking 50 years since the discovery of CP violation, a tiny difference between matter and antimatter that is vital for our existence, was held at Queen Mary University of London on 10-11 July.

QMUL antenna experts contribute to lighter, safer, more fuel efficient aircraft

Experts in in antennas and electromagnetics from Queen Mary University of London will work with industry partners in a £11.6m project looking at future communications systems for civil aircraft.

Honorary Fellowships for leaders in education, health and heritage

During Summer Graduation 2014, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) awarded three Honorary Fellowships to leaders in the fields of education, culture and heritage, and health.

Honorary doctorates for disease research pioneers

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) has awarded honorary degrees to pioneers in the fields of cancer research and the biology of infectious diseases in wildlife.

Birdsongs automatically decoded by computer scientists

Scientists from Queen Mary University of London have found a successful way of identifying bird sounds from large audio collections, which could be useful for expert and amateur bird-watchers alike.

New academic dress for 2014 graduating students

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) graduates debuted a new scheme of academic dress this year, after the university exercised its degree-awarding powers for the first time.

Graduation 2014: celebrating our exceptional students

Some 3,000 Queen Mary University of London students are graduating between 14-18 July at a series of ceremonies held in the Great Hall of the People’s Palace in Mile End, attended by 10,000 graduands, family and friends. All have made huge achievements during their time at QMUL. Here, we tell some of their stories:

Four Queen Mary University of London scientists make Highly Cited Researchers 2014 List

Professor Mark Caulfield, Professor Jack Cuzick, Professor Trish Greenhalgh, and Professor Panos Deloukas have all been selected by Thomson Reuters for inclusion in their prestigious list of Highly Cited Researchers 2014

Report finds authors are increasingly on the bread line

New research by Queen Mary University of London into authors’ earnings has found a dramatic drop in income and the number of full-time writers.

Queen Mary student advocates are mooting champions

Law students at Queen Mary University of London have won the Oxford University Press (OUP) and BPP National Mooting Competition 2013-2014.

Queen Mary ranked in top one per cent worldwide

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is ranked 18th in the UK and amongst the top one per cent of universities worldwide, in a global league table released today (Tuesday 15 July).

Blog: Google Glass in the operating theatre

By Shafi Ahmed, Associate Dean at Queen Mary University of London and Colorectal Cancer Lead at Barts Health NHS Trust

Summer sports challenges help fund the fight against cancer

Queen Mary University of London staff, students and alumni are helping fund the fight against cancer with a series of charity sports challenges this summer, including the British 10k Run, the London Triathlon and the Thames Path Challenge.

Physiological Society Honorary Membership for QMUL medical historian

Professor of the History of Modern Medical Sciences Tilli Tansey OBE has been elected as an Honorary Member of the Physiological Society for her contributions to the advancement of physiology.

Scientists improve metal detectors for early diagnosis of lifestyle and age-related diseases

Sensors created by chemists at Queen Mary University of London could lead to a set of new tools for researchers to investigate conditions like diabetes resulting in earlier diagnosis and new treatments.   

Significant discovery could tackle spread of breast cancer

• New discovery reveals testing for molecule αvβ6 could identify a subset of breast cancer patients at high risk of their tumours spreading from the breast - and therefore twice as likely to die within five years
• Combining αvβ6- antibody drug with breast cancer drug Herceptin ‘eradicated’ tumours in mice
• Researchers are now looking at options to progress to a clinical trial in breast cancer patients

Campaign for real evidence-based medicine launches today

A campaign to put patient care at the centre of evidence-based medicine (EBM) is launched today by Professor Trish Greenhalgh, Public Health expert at Queen Mary University of London, at the BioMed Central’s Health Services Research conference at Kings’ College London.

Report urges for less reliance on imprisonment as punishment

A law expert from Queen Mary University of London is among the writers of a new report, which is urging for less reliance on imprisonment as a form of punishment in the UK.

Nature of solids and liquids explored through new pitch drop experiment

Physicists at Queen Mary University of London have set up a new pitch drop experiment for students to explore the difference between solid and liquids.

QMUL scientists discover teeth protein promises bone regeneration

Patients suffering from osteoporosis or bone fractures might benefit from a new discovery of a protein that plays an important role in bone regeneration made by bioengineers at Queen Mary University of London.

QMUL celebrates 10-year partnership with BUPT

To mark the 10-year anniversary of Queen Mary University of London’s (QMUL) partnership with the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (BUPT), the institutions have signed a letter of intent and exchanged QMUL-BUPT Joint Programme 10th anniversary plaques.

Unleash your inner engineer with a new Kickstarter campaign

Graduate designers from Queen Mary University of London are raising money through crowd-funding site Kickstarter to manufacture a new Lego-like construction set.

Top professional engineering body endorses QMUL’s Joint Programme in China

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has reconfirmed the academic accreditation of the three courses offered by the Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) Joint Programme with Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (BUPT).    

Silver lining found for making new drugs

Chemists at Queen Mary University of London have discovered a new chemical to aid drug manufacturing processes, making it more environmentally-friendly and easier to scale up for industry.

New study investigating impact of asthma on school children launches today

Asthma affects one in 11 children and young people in the UK. On average, this is two children in every classroom.  Today scientists in East London are launching a new study to measure the impact asthma has on school children, with the aim of improving school life for those with asthma.

Student entrepreneurs kick-start new businesses at ‘start-up bootcamp’

Queen Mary University of London held its first ‘enterprise bootcamp’ last week, as part of London Technology Week (16-20 June) – a week-long celebration of the city’s role as the digital capital of Europe.

National architecture award for Drapers’ Academy

The £22m Drapers’ Academy building in Romford, designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios with significant design input from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), has received a National Award from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

QMUL wins prestigious business impact award

Queen Mary University of London has won the Business Impact Achieved Award  from an influential UK network that supports innovation and commercialisation of research for a spin-out called Actual Experience plc.    

CBE for our historian of French culture

A historian from Queen Mary University of London has been made a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Blog: How does online dispute resolution empower consumers?

Online dispute resolution (ODR) offers an invaluable means of access to justice for consumers who have a dispute with a business, but are deterred by the costs and barriers involved from going to court.

East London study looking into effects of Mediterranean diet in pregnancy launches today

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is today launching a new East London based study looking into the effects of a Mediterranean diet during pregnancy, and its ability to reduce pregnancy-related complications such as pre-eclampsia.

QMUL signs head and neck cancer research agreement with Guiyang Medical University

Head and neck cancer experts at the Institute of Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, have signed a joint agreement with their counterparts in China, to increase international exchanges and initiatives and raise standards of research in the field.

The UK’s first new dental school and hospital for 40 years opens today

Patients and students in London’s East End are set to benefit as the UK’s first new dental school and hospital in nearly 40 years – the £78m Royal London Dental Hospital – officially opens its doors today.

Royal recognition for tech start-up entrepreneur and QMUL researcher

A scientist from Queen Mary University of London attended a prestigious reception hosted by Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace on Monday 9 June to recognise the growing potential of UK tech start-ups.

Christina von Hodenberg recognised for German history research

A professor of European history at Queen Mary University of London has been elected the recipient of a prestigious Humboldt Research Award, in recognition of lifetime achievements in research.

Stem cells are a soft touch for nano-engineered biomaterials

Scientists from Queen Mary University of London have shown that stem cell behaviour can be modified by manipulating the nanoscale properties of the material they are grown on - improving the potential of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering as a result.

Student creativity unleashed by new apps

A zombie game is just one of three new smartphone apps created by students at Queen Mary University of London and supported by QApps, the university’s ground-breaking app development venture.

Explore media piracy and policy with international industry experts

International media experts, entrepreneurs, film makers and activists will explore media piracy as a political and social act at a Queen Mary University of London symposium on Tuesday 17 June.

Astronomers discover ancient worlds from another galaxy next door

An international team of scientists, led by astronomers at Queen Mary University of London, report of two new planets orbiting Kapteyn’s star, one of the oldest stars found near the Sun. One of the newly-discovered planets could be ripe for life as it orbits at the right distance to the star to allow liquid water on its surface.

QMUL congratulates Professor Nick Lemoine on his NIHR Medical Director appointment

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is delighted to announce Professor Nick Lemoine, Director of QMUL’s Barts Cancer Institute, has been appointed to the new role of Medical Director at the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network.

Peopling the Palaces arts festival returns, 2-15 June

Peopling the Palaces – an eclectic two-week arts festival, jam-packed with an exciting selection of contemporary international works – returns to Queen Mary University of London from 2-15 June.

Newham pupils take law into their own hands at Queen Mary

Pupils at two Newham schools will have the chance to recreate ‘live’ court scenes, acting as judges, barristers, solicitors and witnesses, following the successful trial-run of a Queen Mary University of London School of Law initiative.

Campaign launches to end sexual violence in war zones

Leading female campaigners, human rights lawyers – including Queen Mary University of London’s Professor Geraldine Van Bueren QC – and UNICEF UK joined the Foreign Secretary William Hague this week to discuss how to drive forward international action to end the rape and abuse of children in war zones.

Double QMUL success in BBC's New Generation Thinkers competition

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) has again secured two of 10 places on a BBC-led competition to find young academic broadcasters of the future.

Distinctive 1960s university chapel recognised as East End landmark

The unusual domed chapel at Queen Mary University of London’s Mile End campus has been recognised as an important East End landmark, receiving a Grade II listing from English Heritage.

The UK’s first live-streamed surgical procedure takes place using Google Glass eyewear

Yesterday, for the first time in the UK, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and Barts Health NHS Trust broadcasted online a live surgical procedure using a pair of Google Glass eyewear.

Scientists at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) have uncovered a new mechanism which makes breast cancer cells move and invade the body, a discovery which could shed light on how to treat particularly aggressive forms of breast cancer and stop it spreading and recurring.         

Alumna named top Young Social Entrepreneur

A Queen Mary University of London alumna, Paralympic Games Maker and face of a recent national volunteering campaign has been named ‘Young Social Entrepreneur’ of the year by the leading provider of support to social entrepreneurs in the UK, UnLtd.

Best way to rid a garden of snails revealed by QMUL scientist

Gardeners wanting to rid their spring flowerbeds of pesky snails may have to ditch the beer traps and egg shells and revert to developing a strong throwing arm, according to new research co-authored by a physicist at Queen Mary University of London.

Chemistry festival for secondary school pupils returns to QMUL

Students from schools across London, Hertfordshire and Kent enjoyed an exciting day of hands-on fun activities at the Salters' Festival of Chemistry at Queen Mary University of London on Wednesday 14 May.

QMUL joins London Arts and Humanities Partnership

Queen Mary University of London’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences has announced that it is joining - as an associate member - the Arts and Humanities Research Council funded Doctoral Training Partnership, the London Arts and Humanities Partnership (LAHP).

Slip knot key to creating world’s toughest fibre

A new way of making super tough fibres could be realised by a simple knot, according to new research from a materials scientist at Queen Mary University of London.

UK top 10 for QMUL in international science and medicine rankings

A league table measuring the scientific performance of some 750 universities worldwide rates Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) 9 ^th in the UK and 52 ^nd globally.

Criminal profiling technique targets killer diseases

A mathematical tool used by the Metropolitan Police and FBI has been adapted by researchers at Queen Mary University of London to help control outbreaks of malaria, and has the potential to target other infectious diseases. 

Queen Mary University of London launches ground-breaking asthma research centre

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), along with colleagues from the University of Edinburgh and the charity Asthma UK, have today launched the UK’s first integrated Centre focused solely on improving the quality of life of people with asthma.

Dentistry ranked 1st and medicine 4th in UK by Complete University Guide

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) has been rated first in the UK for Dentistry and fourth for Medicine in the Complete University Guide 2015 subject league tables, published today.

Architectural recognition for Drapers’ Academy and Novo Cemetery

Queen Mary University of London partner school The Drapers’ Academy and the Novo Cemetery at Mile End campus have both been recognised in a celebration of the best new architecture in the capital.

Hat-trick of research awards for QMUL bee expert

A scientist from Queen Mary University of London, who studies how bees forage for food and the evolution of their sensory systems, has received a top prize from the UK’s national academy of science as well as a prestigious grant from the international Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP). These two awards are in addition to a major grant awarded by European Research Council last month.

Universities announce rare disease research agreement with Pfizer Inc.

Today, GMEC, the Global Medical Excellence Cluster, announced a five year collaborative agreement with Pfizer Inc. that provides a framework for the research and development of new and innovative medicines for rare diseases.

Queen Mary chemist wins prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry Award

Dr Stephen Goldup from Queen Mary University of London has been named the Royal Society of Chemistry Hickinbottom Award winner for 2014, recognising the contribution to organic chemistry of a researcher under the age of 35.

Queen Mary University of London comments on first confidential enquiry into asthma deaths

Today the National Review of Asthma Deaths (NRAD) is calling for an end to complacency around asthma care so more can be done to save lives.

Housing Crisis in Tower Hamlets: a Queen Mary and Tower Hamlets Citizens report

A community led research project released today (Tuesday 6 May), and authored by a Queen Mary University of London student, analyses the imminent housing crisis in Tower Hamlets and its effect on local citizens.

Dance with words at silent poetry disco

Queen Mary University of London’s innovative poetry collection The Archive of the Now has joined forces with the Rich Mix cultural centre in Bethnal Green for a celebratory day of poetry for families on Saturday 10 May.

Half-term science fun at Centre of the Cell

Parents looking for something to entertain and educate budding scientists during the next half term can breathe easy, as Centre of the Cell in Whitechapel presents ‘Something in the Air’ – an interactive show about air pollution.

Care Bill changes required to secure public trust and the availability of information for public health research

Writing in The Lancet today (Friday 2 May 2014), Allyson Pollock, Professor of Public Health Research and Policy and Peter Roderick, Barrister and Senior Research Fellow at Queen Mary University of London, call for crucial new amendments to the Care Bill in order to restore public trust in the use of patients’ data and to secure the on-going availability of genuinely anonymised information for public health research, planning and audit.

Dentistry at Queen Mary awarded for gender equality

Queen Mary University of London’s Institute of Dentistry has attained a Bronze award for the first time in the Athena SWAN scheme, which recognises excellence in recruiting and progressing women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).

Safe(bee) in numbers

Bumblebees can distinguish between safe and dangerous environments, and are attracted to land on flowers popular with other bees when exposed to perilous situations, according to new research from Queen Mary University of London.

Risk of caesarean delivery 12% lower with induced labour

New research from Queen Mary University of London has found risk of caesarean delivery was 12% lower among women whose labour was induced, compared with women who were managed with a "wait-and-see" approach (expectant management). The findings are contrary to the popular view that inducing labour (starting labour artificially) increases risk of caesarean delivery.

Guggenheim Fellowship for drama professor

A professor of contemporary performance at Queen Mary University of London has been awarded a 2014 Guggenheim Fellowship.

Tory defectors could further tip balance in UKIP's favour

More than a third of Conservative Party members are seriously considering voting for UKIP at the upcoming European elections.  What’s driving them is not just hostility to immigration and the EU, but their feelings about David Cameron, finds research from Queen Mary University of London and the University of Sussex.

Genetic legacy of rare dwarf trees is widespread

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have found genetic evidence that one of Britain’s native tree species, the dwarf birch found in the Scottish Highlands, was once common in England.

New book challenges the concept of ‘nudge’

Buying houses one can’t afford, not saving for the future, failing to stick to one’s diet, the list of examples of bad decision-making is lengthy. Psychologists and behavioural economists tell us that our unconscious mind is the problem, but also the solution, at least if we use ‘nudge’, an approach developed by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein to shape the unconscious mind.

QMUL professor and Facebook software engineer wins national award

A professor at Queen Mary University of London whose software company was acquired by Facebook is one of four recipients of the national academy for engineering’s coveted Silver Medal.

Queen Mary University of London appoints new Vice Principal (International)

Queen Mary University of London has appointed a new Vice Principal (International).

Queen Mary University of London to host Genomics England on campus during delivery of 100,000 Genomes Project

Genomics England – the company set up by the Department of Health to deliver the Government’s 100,000 Genomes Project – will move into newly refurbished headquarters on Queen Mary University of London’s Charterhouse Square campus from 21 April 2014.

Blog: Rwanda - The Politics of Success, Silence and Genocide Leverage

In the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has wisely used international aid to transform its infrastructure and economy. But how far is progress being marred by its oppressive political regime?

British scientists’ antenna lens could revolutionise design of aircraft and more

Scientists from Queen Mary University of London and BAE Systems have seemingly defied the laws of physics to create a new type of antenna lens which could revolutionise the design of aircraft, ships, radios and satellite dishes – potentially any product which uses an antenna.

Saturn’s rings reveal how to make a moon

Disturbances in the icy rings of Saturn have given scientists an insight into how moons are made.

Sculpting String Theory: Queen Mary physicist collaborates with Turner Prize winning artist for new exhibition

A Queen Mary physicist and a Turner Prize winning artist have teamed up to create a new exhibition of sculptures and drawings inspired by String Theory research.

Shahidha Bari talks at biggest philosophy festival on earth

Shahidha Bari, from the Department of English at Queen Mary University of London, will be speaking at the world’s largest philosophy and music festival this May.

Jewish cemetery at Mile End listed by English Heritage

The striking 19^th century Jewish cemetery at the centre of Queen Mary University of London’s Mile End campus has been awarded a Grade II listing by English Heritage.

Mayor launches MedCity with £4.1m investment

The Mayor of London today launched MedCity, a partnership between the academic health science centres, UCLPartners – of which Queen Mary University of London is a founding member – King’s Health Partners and Imperial College, working with the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge and the Greater London Authority. Through collaborative effort, MedCity seeks to establish London and the South East of England as a world-leading centre for life sciences.

Queen Mary University of London comments on Government handling of NHS Patient Data

Today the House of Commons Health Select Committee will hold an evidence session on Handling of NHS Patient Data. This will include hearing evidence from Kingsley Manning, Chair of the Health and Social Care Information Centre, and Max Jones, its Director of Information and Data Services.

New risk factors for avalanche trigger revealed

The amount of snow needed to trigger an avalanche in the Himalayans can be up to four times smaller than in the Alps, according to a new model from a materials scientist at Queen Mary University of London.

Audio: History of radical and inspiring women of east London

From the poor female match factory workers who downed tools in protest at their ill-treatment, to the suffragettes who faced brutality and hunger strikes to give women the votes, east London has an interesting history of women who sacrificed so much for better rights and equality. I'm Emma Lowry and in this podcast I'll be speaking to Dr Nadia Valman and Dr Alastair Owens about those stories.

Grant won to study New Zealand landslide

A geographer from Queen Mary University of London is investigating a recent landslide that dammed the Dart River in New Zealand’s South Island, creating a three kilometre-wide lake.

Students join east London start-ups in £120,000 internship scheme

Dozens of start-up businesses in east London are being offered the support of talented students and graduates, thanks to a £120,000 work placement scheme run by Queen Mary University of London.

New research unlocks how people learn languages

Humans innately impose grammatical structure on to languages that they learn, suggests research co-authored by a linguist from Queen Mary University of London.

Not so dirty: methane fuels life in pristine chalk rivers

Scientists from Queen Mary University of London have found that naturally high concentrations of the greenhouse gas methane contributes to energy production in chalk rivers, in a new study published today in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

Student’s stand-up robot photo wins national competition

A PhD student from Queen Mary University of London won the overall prize in a national photo competition with an image of robot that can tailor its stand-up comedy routine in response to the audience’s reaction.

Queen Mary leads the way in widening participation

The percentage of state school pupils studying at Queen Mary University of London has increased to almost 86 per cent, more than four per cent above the university’s benchmark, according to the latest figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

Goats are far more clever than previously thought

Goats learn how to solve complicated tasks quickly and can recall how to perform them for at least 10 months, which might explain their remarkable ability to adapt to harsh environments, say researchers at Queen Mary University of London.

New research to help save UK trees from beetle threat

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London are among seven UK teams to secure a share of £7m in funding for the fight against pests and diseases endangering Britain’s woodlands.

Queen Mary scientists take research to Parliament

Two Queen Mary University of London researchers were shortlisted from hundreds of applicants to present their work to politicians and a panel of expert judges as part of a poster competition for the sciences earlier this month.

Faulty gene can delay or block puberty

Scientists from Queen Mary University of London have identified a new gene that may influence the timing of puberty, according to new research presented at today at the Society for Endocrinology annual BES conference. Until now, very little has been known about the genetic control of puberty.

Barts Pathology Museum shortlisted for top culture award

Barts Pathology Museum at Queen Mary University of London has reached the final of the prestigious Museums and Heritage Awards 2014.

Queen Mary wins BBSRC Activating Impact award

Queen Mary University of London is this year’s joint winner of a prestigious Activating Impact award from the BBSRC, the UK’s lead funding agency for academic research and training in the biosciences.

Youth, wealth and education found to be risk factors for violent radicalisation

New research from Queen Mary University of London has found youth, wealth, and being in full-time education to be risk factors associated with violent radicalisation. Contrary to popular views – religious practice, health and social inequalities, discrimination, and political engagement showed no links.

Blog: World War II symbolism runs deep in Ukraine-Russia standoff

Many of the images of pro-Russian demonstrators in Ukraine, from Crimea to Donetsk, have shown them wearing black-and-orange-striped ribbons. The symbolism here is opaque to most Western observers, it is the “George Ribbon”, from a Tsarist-era medal for bravery that was reinstated under a different name following the battle of Stalingrad in 1943.

Europe’s resilience of natural gas networks during conflicts and crises probed with maths

Gas networks in Eastern European countries, such as Ukraine and Belarus are less resilient than the UK during conflicts and crises, according to new research from mathematicians at Queen Mary University of London.

Queen Mary's Women's Health Research Unit launches ELLY appeal

Queen Mary University of London’s Women's Health Research Unit and Barts Health NHS Trust are collaborating with clinicians, researchers and volunteers to launch the East London International Women's Health appeal, also known as the ELLY Appeal.  

Blog: Are Tory activists weeding out 'moderate' MPs?

When two Conservative MPs were deselected in rapid succession by their local constituency associations, it marked to some a welcome assertion of grassroots rights and power.  To others, it was no such thing.

School of Law shortlisted for national pro bono award

The School of Law at Queen Mary University of London is in the running for a top national award for its voluntary work with communities, charities and businesses in east London.

Blog: Searching for patterns is essential for our survival

Iconic musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin and Amy Winehouse all died at the age of 27. Why do we read into these random instances as patterns?

Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts elects QML alumna

A graduate of Queen Mary University of London’s School of Law has been awarded the prestigious honour of being elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts.

Queen Mary retains HR Excellence in Research Award

Queen Mary University of London (QML) has retained its award from the European Commission for its continued work in improving working conditions and advancing career development for research staff.

Blog: Are we really wedded to gay rights?

For British gay rights campaigners, 2014 already looks like a year to remember. England and Wales will join the small club of nations that allow same-sex couples to marry. Meanwhile, the Sochi winter Olympics have sparked global outrage against Russian homophobia. Surely reasons to celebrate?

Blog: The Tories should stop their silly games about a second coalition

Tactically, strategically and constitutionally, it's utter madness for the Prime Minister to rule out another coalition, says Tim Bale.

Queen Mary film festival celebrates British classics

A celebration of iconic UK film and culture – from Indo-British classics to horror masterpieces - will be held at Queen Mary University of London from 26-28 March.

New study suggests each red dwarf star has at least one planet

Three new planets with properties that might make them suitable for life are amongst eight new planets discovered orbiting nearby red dwarf stars by an international team of astronomers, including scientists from Queen Mary University of London.

Blog: What does canine anatomy have to do with clinical trials?

Queen Mary academics Dr Richard Hooper and Dr Liam Bourke put a new twist on a classic research design.

Queen Mary announces new research partnership with Brain Tumour Research

Queen Mary University of London is delighted to announce a ground-breaking new research partnership with UCL Institute of Neurology (under UCLPartners) and the charity Brain Tumour Research. The partnership begins a new chapter in long-term, sustainable and continuous research into brain tumours, the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40.

Flood insurance: murky waters?

Floods reinforce the impression of harried communities at the mercy of nature and abandoned by government, emergency services and insurers. Insurance companies are the bad guys, right? It’s not that straightforward.

Plants convert energy at lightning speed

A new way of measuring how much light a plant can tolerate could be useful in growing crops resilient to a changing climate, according to scientists from Queen Mary University of London.

A prequel that outshines the original: the exceptional 160-million-year-old fossils found in Inner Mongolia

A new fauna of fossil species at 160 million year old sites in China have been co-discovered by a scientist at Queen Mary University of London.

Mayor of London's Chief Economic Advisor talk

Boris Johnson’s chief economic advisor is to give his insights on globalisation and the UK economy to students and staff at Queen Mary University of London. 

Queen Mary University of London welcomes Dr Sally Burtles as Director of Research Services and Business Development

Queen Mary University of London is delighted to announce the arrival of Dr Sally Burtles as Director of Research Services and Business Development.  Sally’s role will be to provide leadership and management to the teams within the Business Development Unit and the Joint Research and Management Office.

Guardian Awards win for student work experience project

A Queen Mary University of London work experience scheme that supports its students and East End charities has been awarded the Employability Initiative of the year title at the Guardian University Awards 2014.

Launch of £44m research fund to improve health outcomes for local people

A new collaboration of health researchers across the NHS, world-leading universities – including Queen Mary University of London – local authorities, clinical commissioning groups, industry and charities has launched today. The partnership will lead and join up innovative research tackling some of the major health challenges in the north Thames region.

Digital music to feel impact of Big Data

A new project that will use large music collections – so called Big Data – to support music research has been launched by Queen Mary University of London, City University London, University College London and the British Library.

Queen Mary climbs QS World Rankings

A highly-regarded global analysis of 3,000 universities ranks 21 subjects taught at Queen Mary University of London as among the world’s best, two more subjects than in 2013.

QC appointment for Queen Mary professor

One of the UK's top tax barristers, and a legal academic from Queen Mary University of London, is to be appointed as Queen's Counsel, it has been announced.

QML welcomes Iraqi and Moroccan delegations

Queen Mary University of London (QML) hosted high level delegations from Iraq and Morocco this week, giving a first-hand insight into the opportunities and challenges faced in the home countries of our visitors.

Scientists discover 11 new genes affecting blood pressure

New research from Queen Mary University of London has discovered 11 new DNA sequence variants in genes influencing high blood pressure and heart disease.  

New study reveals communications potential of graphene

Providing secure wireless connections and improving the efficiency of communication devices could be another application for graphene, as demonstrated by scientists at Queen Mary University of London and the Cambridge Graphene Centre.

Two thirds of women are not taking folic acid supplements before pregnancy to prevent spina bifida

New research from Queen Mary University of London reveals less than 1 in 3 women have taken folic acid supplements before pregnancy to prevent spina bifida and other birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord (neural tube defects). This is despite research from 1991 showing that such conditions could be prevented in most cases by increasing the intake of the B-vitamin folic acid before pregnancy.

Fourfold rise in Actual Experience shares on first day of trading

A Queen Mary University of London spinout company, which helps companies manage their digital supply chains, saw shares jump to more than four times their float price on its first day listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM).

New UK-India study partnership in law, business, politics and public policy

Queen Mary University of London and OP Jindal Global University, based in Delhi, India, have signed an agreement to collaborate on research and teaching in social sciences subjects, including twinned Masters programmes.

Crayfish study provides complicated web of interactions

How different species of invasive crayfish interact with each other and affect their local environment has been uncovered for the first time by scientists at Queen Mary University of London.

Audio: 12 Years a Slave: Best Film?

Historical film epic, 12 Years a Slave, tells the harrowing true story of Solomon Northup who was sold into slavery in the 1850s - despite being a free citizen of New York. Film and American history experts at Queen Mary University of London discuss the award-winning screen adaptation and original book.

Student filmmakers host Shuffle Festival events at St Clement’s

Danny Boyle's award-winning arts festival is collaborating with staff and student-film makers at Queen Mary University of London this February for a new exhibition on the history of an east London psychiatric hospital.

Sixth-form students become cancer-research STARS

A-level students are gaining first-hand experience in cutting-edge cancer research, thanks to a new programme created at Queen Mary University of London’s Barts Cancer Institute (BCI).

Blog: Who is watching the watchers?

We are being watched. Our movements and activity tracked. Our data is being traded behind the scenes, changing hands many times without our knowledge.

Damon Albarn to play Queen Mary

Damon Albarn will be playing The Great Hall at Queen Mary University of London on 1 May, to coincide with the release of his first solo album, Everyday Robots.

Study reveals unexpected cell hijack method in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic stellate cells, which normally aid tissue repair, unwittingly help pancreatic cancer grow and spread in a method of ‘cell hijack’ only seen before in brain and breast cancer, according to new research from Queen Mary University of London.

Fight or flight? Vocal cues help deer decide during mating season

Male fallow deer are sensitive to changes in the groans that rivals make during mating season when competing for the attention of female deer, and can assess the level of threat other males pose simply from vocal cues, according to new research from Queen Mary University of London.

Audio: The Oscars 2014: our predictions

Film scholars, Dr Mark Glancy, Matt Jacobsen and Dr Lucy Bolton discuss the shortlisted contenders in this year's Academy Awards.

Queen Mary helps find Europe’s oldest footprints

The earliest human footprints outside of Africa have been uncovered, on the English coast, by a team of scientists led by Queen Mary University of London, the British Museum and the Natural History Museum.

Digital music gets a cubist makeover

An eight-inch wooden cube may be an unlikely spark for a musical revolution – but that’s the hope of a collaboration of electronic engineers at Queen Mary University of London and musicians working towards hackable electronic instruments that performers can easily modify to produce sounds in surprising new ways.

New disease gene discovery sheds light on cause of bone marrow failure

New research from Queen Mary University of London has identified a novel genetic defect among patients with bone marrow failure, which could reveal its underlying cause.

MRC awards announces £32 million towards improving data research

Queen Mary University of London, in partnership with UCL, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the Francis Crick Institute, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and the European Bioinformatics Institute, has been awarded nearly £9 million by the Medical Research Council (MRC) to improve capability, capacity, training and capital infrastructure in medical bioinformatics. 

Blog: Farming and wetlands: readdressing the balance

More than 50 per cent of our planet’s wetlands, from peatbogs to estuaries, both natural and man-made, are under threat from habitat destruction and climate change. 

Detection of Down syndrome during pregnancy improves for younger women

New figures from the National Down Syndrome Cytogenetic Register (NDSCR) based at Queen Mary University of London, reveal the proportion of Down syndrome cases diagnosed antenatally has increased in younger women.  Furthermore, Down syndrome diagnoses are occurring earlier in pregnancy for women of all ages. 

East London teenagers present 100 years of medical history

Young Londoners have travelled back in time some 100 years to discover how people lived, worked and died in the East End and what impact the area’s medical history has on the current generation.

Queen Mary’s Pathology Museum to host international mortality and mourning event

A three day discussion on mortality, mourning, death and dying, and their resonating effect on culture and history is set to take place at Barts Pathology Museum this April.

New programme to support computing teaching launched

A new set of free workshops and resources to support those who teach computing in London will be debuted at Queen Mary University of London on Monday 3 February.

Year on year rise in undergraduate student applications repeated for 2014

Applications to study at undergraduate level at Queen Mary University of London are up almost 15 per cent this year, according to statistics released by Ucas after their undergraduate application deadline in January*.

Queen Mary named one of world’s ‘most international’ universities

Queen Mary University of London has been named one of the most international universities in the world by the UK’s leading higher education magazine.

Blog: Why Holocaust films impel us to vigilance

In the digital age, smartphones are ubiquitous with 24-hour rolling news, their camera lens contributing to the narrative of world events.

Large-scale HPV self-testing proves effective for screening cervical cancer

Self-testing for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – the virus that causes cervical cancer – is as effective at detecting cancer as a conventional smear test (cytology screening) even when scaled up to test large populations.

Sense-ational school break science fun at Centre of the Cell

How can astronauts have secret conversations in space? Why do your feet go numb in cold water? And why does spicy food set your tongue on fire? Centre of the Cell will be answering these questions and more this half-term.

From Westminster to Whitechapel: Queen Mary takes part in Royal Society Pairing scheme

Professor Lord Winston – the distinguished medical scientist, television presenter and life peer – will be visiting Queen Mary University of London on January 17 2014 as part of a unique ‘pairing’ scheme run by the Royal Society, the UK national academy of science.

New discovery on Giant Cell Arteritis sheds light on cause

New research from Queen Mary University of London has revealed – for the first time – how the condition Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) may be caused by a certain group of white blood cells called ‘neutrophils’. GCA (also known as temporal arteritis) is a condition which causes severe inflammation in the blood vessels and primarily affects the elderly.

Economics and Finance partners with top European consultancy

Paid work placements with one of Europe’s leading economic consultancies will be open to Economics postgraduates at Queen Mary University of London, thanks to a new partnership.

Screening helps prevent cervical cancer in older women

New research from Queen Mary University of London reveals women over the age of 50 who don’t attend cervical screening are six times more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer in later life.

Alternative Valentine's at Barts Pathology Museum

Lovesick hysterics, plundered hearts and the history of sexually transmitted diseases will be discussed in a series of February lectures at Barts Pathology Museum, part of Queen Mary University of London.

Student-led legal service for Tech City entrepreneurs launches

Google Campus will host the launch of a free legal advice service for digital start-ups based in east London on Wednesday 22 January. 

Scientific journals show little enforcement of animal research reporting guidelines

New findings from Queen Mary University of London reveal experimental flaws and a lack of transparent reporting is compromising the quality of animal studies and their potential to translate into the clinic.

Register now for Drapers’ Lecture: Does student choice improve the quality of education?

A public lecture at Queen Mary University of London will explore how higher education is now alleged to be a market in which student choice ‘drives up quality’.

Discovery brings scientists one step closer to understanding tendon injury

Research led by Queen Mary University of London has discovered a specific mechanism that is crucial to effective tendon function, which could reveal why older people are more prone to tendon injury.   

Students kick off 2014 World Cup journey

Sporty students at Queen Mary University of London are taking part in the launch of a football relay from London to Rio – host city of the 2014 World Cup.

Medical historian recognised in New Year Honours list

Professor Tilli Tansey of Queen Mary University of London has been recognised with an OBE in the 2014 New Year Honours list, for services to Research in the Medical Sciences and to the Public Understanding of Science.