University of Oxford

Good Thinking

Movement at the top in 2024 World University Rankings

The 2024 QS World University Rankings were released this week, and with three new key metrics added to the scoring process, several universities have rocketed to the international forefront, while traditional icons are being pushed below the fold.

The 3D-printed surrogate hedgehog, which may someday be used in standardized testing for robotic lawnmowers

Good Thinking

Hedgehog "crash test dummy" may save the critters from being robo-mowed

It's a sad and gruesome fact that robotic lawnmowers sometimes run over hedgehogs, maiming and even killing them. That's why scientists have recently developed a rubber hedgehog stand-in, for safety-testing such mowers.

This is the first treatment that removes the need for a real-life therapist to guide a subject through sessions

Virtual Reality

VR therapist helps patients overcome fear of heights in Oxford study

A new study has used a VR-based treatment to help people overcome a fear of heights. The treatment is the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of a completely automated therapy guided by a computer-generated virtual therapist that responds to the patient's voice.

Bicycles

Attention-getting Brainy Bike Lights feature the "Sign of the Cyclist"

According to recent research, the human brain will always notice known symbols faster than it notices generic lights. With that in mind, a group of researchers have developed Brainy Bike Lights, which feature an LED "cyclist" symbol instead of just a row of bulbs.