Tag Archives: University of Sheffield

Biotechnology could tackle Tinsley air pollution

A group of architecture students from the University of Sheffield are working with the university’s bioengineering department to investigate the use of algae to clean up air pollution and recycle waste into bioplastics. The students will be running a community event in Tinsley on 29 October with the aim of exploring applications of green technology in an area which is severely polluted by the nearby M1. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Sheffield students occupy Arts Tower in support of striking lecturers

A group of students have occupied the Arts Tower at the University of Sheffield in support of lecturers on strike over pensions. The University and College Union (UCU) is in dispute with Universities UK, the employer organisation for universities nationwide, over changes to staff pensions arrangements. The students say university management are complicit in “attacks” on pensions as “part of a wider agenda of marketisation” of the education system. A University of Sheffield spokesperson told Sheffield Live: “The University is aware of the situation and will be providing information as appropriate to staff and students”. Baillor Jalloh reports.

PhD student speaks of detention centre experience

An Iraqi student in Sheffield has spoken of the distress he faced whilst he was detained by the Home Office at Morton Hall detention centre. Ahmed Sedeeq, an atheist who came to the UK in 2011, told Sheffield Live! “detention is not a picnic” and living an uncertain life is distressing. Ahmed was detained and threatened with deportation by UK border officers on 18 December 2017 but released a week later after more than 11,000 signed a petition asking the Home Office and The University of Sheffield to let him continue his studies.

Thousands sign petition to allow PhD student continue studies

More than 11,000 people signed a petition calling on the Home Office and the University of Sheffield to allow a PhD student to continue his studies. Ahmed Sedeeq was detained and threatened with deportation by UK border officers on 18 December 2017 but has since been released by the Home Office. Sanaz Raji, of Unis Resist Border Control, accused The University of Sheffield of “colluding with the Home Office” and doing little to support Ahmed following his detention. A University of Sheffield spokesperson told Sheffield Live! “Our student support staff have been in regular contact with both Ahmed and his solicitor since we were made aware of the case some weeks ago, including liaising with his legal advisers over the Christmas period. We have now received confirmation in regards to Ahmed’s immigration status which has enabled us to restore his university registration and continue to support him in resuming his studies at the University”. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Arthritis drug could help treat blood cancer patients

Scientists at the University of Sheffield have found that an arthritis drug could be effective in the treatment of blood cancer patients. Polycythemia vera is a type of blood cancer which affects 3,000 people a year. Current treatments dont slow progression of the disease and provide little relief from symptoms.The University of Sheffield research group found that a commonly used to treatment for arthiritis, Methotrixate, could also slow the blood cancer disease by directly inhibiting the molecular pathway responsible. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to Martin Zeidler, of the University of Sheffield’s Department of Biomedical Science.

Sheffield skywatchers look out for ‘supermoon’

Skywatchers in Sheffield have been enjoying a ‘supermoon’ sighting as the Earth’s satellite makes its closest approach since 1948. The supermoon was at its brightest on Monday night when, for observers, it appeared about seven per cent larger and fifteen per cent brighter than normal. The moon will not be this close again until 25 November 2034. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke with astrophysicist Professor Simon Goodwin from University of Sheffield.

Local research in to secondary breast cancer makes major break thorough

University of Sheffield have announced ground breaking research  into the prevention of secondary breast cancer. The research in partnership with the University of Copenhagen has found that high levels of  a particular enzyme is what leaves to secondary or metastatic breast cancer. The pioneering research, co-led by Dr Alison Gartland at the University of Sheffield’s Department of Human Metabolism, could lead to a better prognosis for cancer patients in the longer term.