UKRI EPSRC is the UK's main funding agency for engineering and physical sciences research, part of @UKRI_News. Blog: https://t.co/jnvI69bpwL…
Oct 1, 2020 • 6 tweets • 2 min read
We’ve been listening to our communities’ concerns about diversity in EPSRC’s portfolio. As a first step in addressing one strand of this issue, we’ve published a detailed analysis of gender in our large grants portfolio (thread) epsrc.ukri.org/newsevents/new…
It shows that underrepresentation of women remains one of our biggest equality, diversity and inclusion challenges
Sep 7, 2020 • 5 tweets • 3 min read
From walk-through cancer diagnosis to robotic muscles, six new projects aim to develop revolutionary new technology that transforms care and treatments in the NHS by 2050.
epsrc.ukri.org/newsevents/new…
A project led by @EdinburghUni aims to develop optical ‘X-Rays’ capable of walk-through diagnosis for conditions such as cancer, while the team at @BristolUni will develop artificial robotic muscular assistance to restore strength in people who have lost muscle capability.
Jan 15, 2020 • 5 tweets • 2 min read
If you're worried about microfibre release from your clothing, what's the best way to approach laundry? In the past few years, UKRI-funded research has highlighted the environmental damage caused by #microplastics, including tiny synthetic fibres from clothes. (Thread)
Some people have responded to this news by replacing their synthetic clothing with natural fibre alternatives, but this generates waste and uses lots of resources to make new clothing. Instead, taking better care of your existing clothes is probably a better long-term option.
Dec 18, 2019 • 8 tweets • 2 min read
This is a scaled-up model of the most expensive product in the world. No, not gold, diamonds or pixie dust, but nitrogen atom-based endohedral fullerenes – essentially a minuscule cage of carbon atoms, with a nitrogen atom inside. Price per gram? £110 million. /1
What actually are they? Fullerenes are a type of carbon nanomaterial which, like graphene and carbon nanotubes, has unique physical properties leading to applications in areas as diverse as energy and medicine. /2
Dec 17, 2019 • 7 tweets • 2 min read
From fiction to reality: one of Wallace and Gromit's gadgets was re-imagined for real-life applications last year by engineers at The University of Bristol. But which one was it? (1/7) #WallaceAndGromit
Answer: Robotic Trousers! Rather than allowing people to walk up walls, however, it's hoped that "The Right Trousers" will assist people with mobility issues