Impacting life on Earth

We're working with the NHS on the health of newborn babies - Our Astronomy and Cosmology research is having an impact on life here on Earth. Our researchers are using their skills to help newborn babies, stop the spread of Covid-19 and protect coffee plants. Newborn babies Drawing on their experience of dealing with huge amounts of astronomical data, our researchers have worked with the NHS to establish the standard for recognising vital signs in healthy newborn babies. They looked at a wealth of information to see what the normal parameters were for issues such as pulse rate and oxygen saturation. Their long-term aim is to devise a computer programme that helps doctors determine the need for specialist treatment in premature newborns. The type of treatment premature babies might receive in their first few hours of life can have important implications for the child and knowing whether or not infants need this specialist care is a crucial part of doctors' decision-making. Limiting the spread of Covid-19 Our particle physics and cosmology research students are also using their knowledge of maths and big data in the fight against Covid-19.