The students at the Leicester ISC were tasked to find out by performing a calorimetry experiment in the Chemistry labs, University of Leicester.
For information on studying at the University of Leicester International Study Centre, please visit the website.
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER REVEALS:
• Wealth of evidence, including radiocarbon dating, radiological evidence, DNA and bone analysis and archaeological results, confirms identity of last Plantagenet king who died over 500 years ago
• DNA from skeleton matches TWO of Richard III’s maternal line relatives. Leicester genealogist verifies living relatives of Richard III’s family
• Individual likely to have been killed by one of two fatal injuries to the skull – one possibly from a sword and one possibly from a halberd
• 10 wounds discovered on skeleton – Richard III killed by trauma to the back of the head. Part of the skull sliced off
• Radiocarbon dating reveals individual had a high protein diet – including significant amounts of seafood – meaning he was likely to be of high status
• Radiocarbon dating reveals individual died in the second half of the 15th or in the early 16th century – consistent with Richard’s death in 1485
• Skeleton reveals severe scoliosis – onset believed to have occurred at the time of puberty
• Although around 5 feet 8 inches tall (1.72m), condition meant King Richard III would have stood significantly shorter and his right shoulder may have been higher than the left
• Feet were truncated at an unknown point in the past, but a significant time after the burial
• Corpse was subjected to ‘humiliation injuries’ –including a sword through the right buttock
• Individual had unusually slender, almost feminine, build for a man – in keeping with contemporaneous accounts
• No evidence for ‘withered arm’ –as portrayed by Shakespeare – found
• Possibility that the individual’s hands were tied
• Grave was hastily dug, was not big enough and there was no shroud or coffin
The University of Leicester has confirmed that it has discovered the remains of King Richard III.
At a specially convened media conference, experts from across the University unanimously identified the remains discovered in Leicester city centre as being those of the last Plantagenet king who died in 1485.
Rigorous scientific investigations confirmed the strong circumstantial evidence that the skeleton found at the site of the Grey Friars church in Leicester was indeed that of King Richard III.
University of Leicester researchers have revealed a wealth of evidence – including DNA analysis, radiocarbon dating and skeletal examination – proving the identity of the skeleton.
University of Leicester archaeologists co-director Richard Buckley, the lead archaeologist on the Search for Richard III, said: “It is the academic conclusion of the University of Leicester that the individual exhumed at Grey Friars in August 2012 is indeed King Richard III, the last Plantagenet King of England.
“It has been an honour and privilege for all of us to be at the centre of an academic project that has had such phenomenal global interest and mass public appeal. Rarely have the conclusions of academic research been so eagerly awaited.”
University of Leicester geneticist Dr Turi King confirmed that DNA from the skeleton matches that of two of Richard III’s family descendants – Canadian-born furniture maker Michael Ibsen and a second person who wishes to remain anonymous.
Dr King, of the University’s Department of Genetics, said: “The DNA sequence obtained from the Grey Friars skeletal remains was compared with the two maternal line relatives of Richard III. We were very excited to find that there is a DNA match between the maternal DNA from the family of Richard the Third and the skeletal remains we found at the Grey Friars dig.”
Skeletal analysis carried out by University of Leicester osteoarchaeologist Dr Jo Appleby showed that the individual was male and in his late 20s to late 30s. Richard III was 32 when he was killed at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.
The individual had a slender physique and severe scoliosis – a curvature of the spine – possibly with one shoulder visibly higher than the other. This is consistent with descriptions of Richard III’s appearance from the time.
Trauma to the skeleton indicates the individual died after one of two significant wounds to the back of the skull – possibly caused by a sword and a halberd.
This is consistent with contemporary accounts of Richard being killed after receiving a blow to the back of his head.
The skeleton also showed a number of non-fatal injuries to the head, rib and pelvis – believed to have been caused by a wound through the right buttock – which may have been caused by ‘humiliation injuries’ after death.
Dr Appleby’s analysis is backed up by radiological evidence carried out by University of Leicester forensic pathologists and forensic engineering experts.
Dr Appleby, of the University’s School of Archaeology and Ancient History, said: “The skeleton has a number of unusual features: its slender build, the scoliosis and the battle-related trauma. All of these are highly consistent with the information that we have about Richard III in life and about the circumstances of his death. Taken as a whole, the skeletal evidence provides a highly convincing case for identification as Richard III.”
The verdict also drew from circumstantial evidence at the dig site, radiocarbon dating, genealogical evidence and comparison with historical sources.
The University of Leicester, in association with Leicester City Council and the Richard III Society, led the Search for Richard III.
The Search for Richard III is also the subject of a Channel 4 documentary made by Darlow Smithson Productions.
The documentary makers had exclusive access to the search team during the archaeological dig and during the scientific tests to determine the skeleton’s identity.
Their documentary, Richard III: King in the Car Park, can be seen on Channel 4 On Demand.
More information about Channel 4’s Richard III: King in the Car Park documentary can be found at: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/richard-iii-the-king-in-the-car-park/episode-guide/series-1/episode-1
The public can find more information about the University of Leicester’s Search for Richard III at: www.le.ac.uk/richardiii
Source: University of Leicester press office.
New Forensic Science Institute named after DNA fingerprinting pioneer Alec Jeffreys
The University of Leicester is establishing a new forensic science Institute which aims to help UK police forces solve unconventional crimes.
The Alec Jeffreys Forensic Science Institute is a new multi-disciplinary centre at the University of Leicester which aims to help police forces with some of the requests handled by the former Forensic Science Service (FSS).
The new Institute aims to be a leader, innovator and agenda setter in the field of forensic science and is named after the world renowned University of Leicester scientist Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys, of the University’s Department of Genetics, who pioneered techniques for DNA profiling and fingerprinting which are now used globally by police forces.
Professor Jeffreys said: “This is a very exciting new initiative, and I am so proud to have it named after me. The provision of forensic science in the UK has undergone major and potentially damaging changes in recent years, so this Institute has real potential to provide much-needed breadth and depth of expertise, especially in complex casework, as well as a voice for the proper funding of forensic science research in the UK”.
The Institute will initially involve the departments of Chemistry, Criminology, Engineering, Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine and will involve local and national police agencies in its running.
The project has been undertaken by Dr John Bond, a senior lecturer in Forensic Sciences in the Department of Chemistry who was awarded an OBE last year for his services to forensic science, and Dr Lisa Smith, a lecturer in the Department of Criminology. Dr Bond’s work on Visualizing Fingerprint Corrosion of Metal was voted one of the top 50 inventions of 2008 by Time Magazine and one of the inventions most likely to change the world in 2009 by BBC Focus Magazine
Dr Bond said: “The time is now right for forensic science research in the UK to be put on a sounder footing, with proper funding streams provided by the UK research councils so that institutions such as the University of Leicester can undertake meaningful and productive research to enhance the use of forensic science to detect crime both in the UK and overseas.
“We aim to provide a forum whereby problems in policing can be aired and ways found to overcome them. We will do this by involving local and national agencies in the running of the Institute and by focussing on problem areas identified to us by the police service.”
The ways in which forensic work is carried out is currently going through a period of change, with much work now contracted out to private companies – but staff at the University of Leicester hope the new Institute will be able to help police forces with unusual requests.
Dr Bond said: “What we do want to offer is the ability to consult on unusual cases or pieces of evidence. A recent example was a request made to the University to oversee the analysis of evidence from a 80-year-old murder case as the University was seen to have specific skills in that area.”
Dr Smith said: “This new Institute is unique in its multidisciplinary approach to forensic science and criminal justice services. By bringing together the various disciplines at the University (who traditionally work separately from one another), we will be able to provide the Criminal Justice System with a wider range of expert consultancy, research and innovation, teaching and continuing professional development.”
It is hoped existing forensic science courses, including the new distance learning MSc in Forensic Science and Criminal Justice, will be run from the new Institute.
The institute will be formally launched at the University on Monday 19 November in the presence of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Robert Burgess and Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys.
Source: The University of Leicester Press Office
Students that take the International Foundation Year at the University of Leicester International Study Centre can progress on to undergraduate degrees including Chemistry, Criminology, Engineering, Genetics, and Biological Sciences. For more information, please visit the website.
Students in the Department of Engineering and have achieved the bronze award in the Green Impact Scheme
2011/12 is the third year that Green Impact has been run at the University of Leicester. It has been a fantastic year, with teams putting in a lot of effort to achieve top level accreditations and students in the Department were responsible for achieving the Bronze Award.
Green Impact is a national accreditation scheme which recognises and rewards sustainable behaviour within the workplace. Green Impact aims to empower individuals and departments to reduce their environmental impact by encouraging, rewarding and celebrating practical sustainable improvements.
There are currently 43 universities and higher education institutions taking part in Green Impact throughout the UK, with over 600 departmental teams registered. Departments who take part in the scheme can attain Bronze, Silver or Gold Green Impact awards based on their achievements.
Teams taking part in Green Impact work towards the following aims:
Reducing waste and increasing recycling
Increasing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions
Increasing sustainable procurement
Increasing sustainable transport
Improving communications relating to sustainability
The student team consisted of: Jamshedul Alam, Ram Vignesh Palaniswamy, Ashish George, Ce Dong Tan, Sourav Chatterjee, Nazharul Islam, Atul Arora, Rahul Rana
Source: University of Leicester Department of Engineering
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Department of Cardiovascular Sciences repeats last year’s success.
Heart research PhD researcher wins regional science prize
Congratulations to Dr Andrew Vanezis whose research has won the EMESP Prize, making it two in a row for our Department of Cardiovascular Sciences.
EMESP is East Midlands Engineering and Science Professionals, the body which represents the engineering and science professions in the region to local and regional government, the public, the media, and potential members of the profession including young people and others in education. Each year EMESP presents an award – £500 and an engraved tankard – to a postgraduate researcher in one of the East Midlands’ universities.
In 2011 the EMESP Prize was awarded to Will Nicholson who developed an electrical ‘LifeMap’ which can warn of the risk of sudden cardiac death. And this year the prize has gone to Andrew for his research into how pressure on blood vessels can have benefits for heart attack patients.
Source: University of Leicester News Blog.
A full report on Andrew’s research is on the University of Leicester’s Graduate School website.
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University of Leicester research announced as part of Universities Week campaign.
University of Leicester researchers are set to use new technology they have developed to monitor the impact of increased traffic on pollution levels in London during the Olympics.
The announcement has been made during the third annual Universities Week campaign –starting today (Monday April 30)- which aims to increase public awareness of the wide and varied role of the UK’s universities. This year’s campaign will look at the contribution that our universities make – and have always made – to the Olympic movement, the sports industry and society as whole.
The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are expected to draw 11m visitors from around the world to the UK’s capital for seven weeks, and 3m extra car journeys are anticipated on the busiest day.
The team of researchers will use their CityScan technology, which gathers scattered sunlight to scan whole cities and take readings of air quality, to investigate the impact of this extra traffic on pollution.
Rather than existing technology, which can only give an accurate reading for certain “hotspots,” CityScan can show the air quality over every point of the city – including individual roads, playgrounds and other buildings.
It will also reveal the days and times when pollution levels are at their highest.
Sensors will be set up on a 30-storey building in North Kensington and a 14-storey building in Chelsea, in the west of the city, as well as a third location which is yet be determined.
The sensors will give readings of nitrogen dioxide, which is produced from traffic emissions and can decrease lung function and increase the risk from respiratory illnesses, including bronchitis and asthma.
Team leader Dr Roland Leigh, of the university’s Earth Observation Science Group, said: “We will be able to map the pollution in 3D to show emissions of nitrogen dioxide and how far they spread.”
“Traditional sensors take in a single point measurement, giving a very accurate measurement that might be by a roadside.
“Between two or three CityScan instruments, we can map out a complete urban area and tell you where the nitrogen dioxide is in that space.”
“CityScan makes the link between emissions and poor air quality downwind, enabling better management of the respiratory health of sensitive individuals.”
“We want to make a practical difference, and contribute to systems which inform people when and where poor air-quality may occur.
The technology is already being tested in Leicester, and the scientists hope their findings will help councils all around the country improve environmental planning and traffic management issues.
Universities Week 2012 follows a successful campaign in 2011, which saw 110 universities and 52 renowned ambassadors take part in showcasing the work of the higher education sector.
This year the week looks to be an even bigger success with a series of high profile ambassadors including Seb Coe, John Inverdale and Dame Kelly Holmes helping to highlight how universities benefit everyone, whether or not they have been to university themselves. Hear what the ambassadors have to say at: youtube.com/universitiesweek2012
From University of Leicester Press Office.
To find out which science programmes are on offer at the University of Leicester ISC, or to find out more about studying at a top UK University in this momentous year in British sporting history, please visit the website.
Applications open until April 4 for forensic science skills-based course
Issued by University of Leicester Press Office on 20 March 2012
Student sleuths from around the world hoping to enter the field of forensic science are set to take part in the University of Leicester’s CSI-style summer school.
The event which attracts international students to a skills-based course takes place from July 30 to August 17 at the Department of Chemistry.
The CSI Leicester forensic summer school creates a unique learning environment where students can be part of an investigative team and experience what it is like to work at the cutting edge of forensic science.
For three weeks students will immerse themselves in the role of a forensic scientist to investigate a crime scene and, by examining the evidence, to get to the truth of ‘whodunnit’.
The intensive course combines theory and practice and whilst the crime they investigate is a simulation, the materials and equipment are the same as those used by real forensic scientists, making the experience as authentic as possible.
Under the supervision of an international multi-disciplinary teaching team, led by Professor Rob Hillman and Dr John Bond OBE of the Department of Chemistry and Dr Lisa Smith of the Department of Criminology, the investigative team will also visit a national forensic laboratory and a police crime laboratory.
As well as arranged social activities and sight-seeing, the programme culminates in a final formal evening dinner where awards are presented to students and both students and their tutors enjoy a farewell meal.
Dr Bond said: “Over the past few years it has become clear that students have gained a great deal from attending CSI Leicester, not only academically but also in terms of their cultural experience and building friendships with fellow students from across the world.
“It is a real privilege to be able to particulate in such an event as this and I would urge students looking for some experience of working as a forensic scientist, and also wishing for international experience, to register for this course.
“As the home of DNA profiling and the centre for some current world recognised research in forensic science, there is no better location than the University of Leicester for this course.”
The programme is open to anyone from all over the world aged 18 or over and no specific scientific expertise or background is necessary. Applications can be made from now until April 4 via http://www.le.ac.uk/csi-leicester.
Anyone interested in applying for the programme can find out more by contacting Alex Goddard at: csi.info@le.ac.uk
Source: University of Leicester Press Office
Research involving University of Leicester has been identified as one of the top 10 new ideas of our time.
The research, which investigates whether the Earth has entered a new epoch-the Anthropocene, was featured as the cover subject for Time Magazine’s special annual edition. Billed as ‘Nature is Over’, the Time feature explores the Anthropocene, the concept proposed by Nobel Prize winning scientist, that humans are now fundamentally and permanently reconfiguring the planet’s geology as we take over more and more of the Earth’s surface, causing enormous and growing changes to landscape, climate and biodiversity.
University of Leicester Geologists, Jan Zalasiewicz and Mark Williams, along with Paul Crutzen and other scientist from around the world, have been leading an analysis of the Anthropocene and are currently weighing up the evidence for making the Anthropocene a formal part of the Geological Time Scale.
The Geology Department at the University of Leicester have also been conducting groundbreaking research in developing new techniques to see below the Earth’s surface.
Geophysicist, Dr Max Moorkamp, has been working with colleagues at the GEOMAR Institute on research that makes it possible to peer deep into the Earth, through miles of solid rock, to see the kind of underground resources our civilisation needs-oil, minerals, and water.
Dr Moorkamp will showcase his work in the House of Commons this week, where he will be in with a chance of of winning the prestigious Westminster Medal.
To learn more about how a foundation year at the University of Leicester can lead to a degree in Geology, please visit the website.
Source: The University of Leicester Press Office
