Students win bursaries for innovative instruments

Robert Bedington (UCL Mullard Space Science Laboratory) received his award for developing miniaturised space plasma spectrometer instruments, which measure the energy and electrical charge of particles. Reducing the size and cost makes feasible large constellations of such satellites, which would greatly improve the accuracy of space weather forecasts. David Western (UCL Mechanical Engineering) won his bursary for work on the interpretation of electrogram recordings from within the heart, and on the development of computer algorithms to automate the interpretation of these recordings. It is hoped this will enable a massive increase in the amount of available human data pertaining to arrhythmias ? disturbances of the normal electrical rhythm of the heart ? and the creation of novel treatments for heart conditions. Related stories: - Scientists size up biggest comet on record - UCL study: Overtime 'bad for your heart'