Reporter 503 | 29 November 2004

Why is the Eastern Mediterranean so blue?

The eastern Mediterranean is the cradle of western civilisation. Around its shores have developed many of the great ancient civilisations. Despite being the home to millions of people, and holiday destination for millions the waters are for the most part crystal clear and blue. Very different from the murky green-grey waters that one associates with seawater polluted with sewage and other nutrients.

Rebuilding Iraq from the classroom upwards

The struggle by the people of Iraq to rebuild their country is being supported by the University. The school of education is helping a visiting Iraqi team of policy-makers and teachers develop a new curriculum for English – the first in 30 years – for all schools across Iraq.

Turning research into money-spinners

Revolutionary technology to predict when a mother will go into labour is a step closer to the marketplace thanks to the merger of spin-out company Jopejo with In Vivo Medical Diagnostics (IVMD).

Searching Europe for a working balance

‘Family friendly’ working practices such as flexitime may actually benefit employers more than their staff since they bring about a much longer working day, according to law lecturer Annick Masselot.

Robotic help for stroke victims

Every year over 130,000 people in England and Wales suffer a stroke and up to 85% of them are left with weakness in their arms, making day-to-day tasks difficult. New robotic technology being developed at Leeds will help patients to recover more quickly and regain their independence.

Germany in a spell of trouble with the people's language

We might moan that young people can’t spell. But is there such a thing as standard English – and would we even want such a thing? New research suggests that language cannot be standardised, but has to constantly evolve – otherwise its speakers might start a rebellion.

Team's breathtaking results

Leeds researchers have found the ‘missing link’ in understanding how the body reacts to being short of oxygen.

Leader column

This month Professor Michael Arthur focuses on the exciting future for the University of Leeds, and outlines some of the key strategies we need to adopt to continue our success.

Chairs

List of those appointed to chairs at Leeds.

Retirements confirmed

Page owner: pressoffice@leeds.ac.uk | Updated: 08/12/04