Offshore wind farms which are to be built in waters around the UK could pose a greater threat to protected populations of gannets than previously thought, research led by the University of Leeds says.

A huge volcanic eruption in Iceland emitted on average three times as much of a toxic gas as all European industry combined, a study led by the University of Leeds has revealed. Discharge of lava from the eruption at Bárðarbunga volcano, starting in August 2014, released a huge mass – up to 120,000 tonnes per day – of sulphur dioxide gas.

Astronomers have successfully peered through the 'amniotic sac' of a star that is still forming to observe the innermost region of a burgeoning solar system for the first time. In a research paper published today in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society , an international team of astronomers describe surprising findings in their observations of the parent star, which is called HD 100546.

Researchers have shown for the first time that phytoplankton (plant life) in remote ocean regions can contribute to rare airborne particles that trigger ice formation in clouds. A study published online today in the journal Nature shows that the organic waste from life in the oceans, which is ejected into the atmosphere along with sea spray from breaking waves, stimulates cloud droplets to freeze into ice particles.

The venom of a wasp native to Brazil could be used in the fight against cancer, according to new University of Leeds research. The social wasp Polybia paulista protects itself against predators by producing venom known to contain a powerful cancer-fighting ingredient.

Offshore wind farms which are to be built in waters around the UK could pose a greater threat to protected populations of gannets than previously thought, research led by the University of Leeds says.

New research suggests that the movements involved in fidgeting may counteract the adverse health impacts of sitting for long periods. In a study published today in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, a team of researchers, co-led by the University of Leeds and UCL, report that an increased risk of mortality from sitting for long periods was only found in those who consider themselves very occasional fidgeters.

These proteins are vital to complex life, forming the transport infrastructure that allows different parts of cells to specialise in particular functions. Until now, the way they move has never been directly observed.

The University of Leeds has secured a £2.25 million investment to support the commercialisation of medical technologies developed by five universities in the Leeds City Region. The Medical Technologies Innovation Catalyst project, funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), will translate the region’s best medical technology research into practical products available to patients.

Most people in England could not get work without motorised modes of transport, according to new research by the University of Leeds. Dr Ian Philips from the School of Geography modelled the capacity of individuals to complete journeys by walking or cycling in the event of a fuel shock, finding that capacity varies significantly depending on location – both at the district level and within districts.