News

Aberystwyth’s maths model could unlock new medical treatments

Published

4 months ago

November 12, 2025

PARTICLES as different as soap bubbles and ball bearings can be made to arrange themselves in exactly the same way, according to a new study that could unlock the creation of brand new materials — including those with promising biomedical applications.

The international study, involving Professor Simon Cox from Aberystwyth University, reveals how diverse particles self-organise into identical geometric patterns when confined.

The discovery could help scientists design advanced materials for medical use – including in smart drug delivery systems and targeted therapies. It could also offer valuable insights for tissue engineering where understanding how biological cells arrange themselves in tight spaces is essential for developing effective scaffolds and regenerative treatments.

The breakthrough was achieved using a simple mathematical model that balances two competing forces – how strongly the particles repel each other, and how tightly they are confined. By tuning these parameters, the scientists were able to predict and reproduce the same arrangements across a range of materials.

To test their theory, the team of researchers from the UK, Brazil and Ireland, performed experiments with floating magnets, ball bearings, and soap bubbles. Remarkably, despite their differences, the particles all settled into the same shapes when placed in carefully designed containers.

Professor Simon Cox, from Aberystwyth University’s Department of Mathematics, said: “What’s fascinating is that discrete objects as varied as soap bubbles and magnetic particles can be made to behave in the same way, simply by adjusting how they are confined. It is a powerful reminder that nature often follows universal rules, even when the ingredients look completely different.

“It has been a privilege to work with this international team of scientists, tailoring our computer simulations of material structure to confirm the universality of the patterns seen in experiments.

“Understanding how particles self-assemble in confined spaces is valuable for the design of new materials with tailored properties, such as in biomedical engineering where it could help with developing treatments such as targeted therapies and smart or slow-release capsules. It could also benefit industry, helping with the packaging and transporting of granular materials such as powders, grains, or pellets.”

The research findings were published in the journal Physical Review E. The work was led by Dr Paulo Douglas Lima of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte in Brazil. The collaboration also included scientists from Trinity College Dublin and Technological University Dublin.

Photo: Professor Simon Cox

News

Emergency services flood Haverfordwest after reports of body in river

Published

7 minutes ago

March 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Town centre bridges sealed off as multi-agency response continues

A MAJOR emergency response is underway in the centre of Haverfordwest after reports of a body in the River Cleddau.

Multiple police units, fire crews and ambulance teams were called to the scene shortly before 11:00am on Tuesday (Mar 17), with large parts of the town centre sealed off.

The Herald understands that access across both the Old Bridge and the newly installed Instagramable Bridge near by has been restricted while emergency services deal with the incident.

A witness at the scene told The Herald that he was among several members of the public who contacted emergency services after spotting a body in the water.

He said that a significant response followed, including several police vehicles, multiple fire engines, and a specialist water rescue unit.

A rigid inflatable boat (RIB) was also deployed on the river as part of the operation.

An ambulance is also still in attendance.

Emergency services remain at the scene and the situation is ongoing.

There has been no official confirmation from Dyfed-Powys Police at this stage regarding the nature of the incident.

MORE TO FOLLOW

News

Motorcyclist injured in Johnston crash after overtaking lorry

Published

19 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Rider treated by paramedics following collision with van pulling out from junction

A MOTORCYCLIST was treated by paramedics after a collision with a van in Johnston on Monday morning (Mar 16).

The crash happened shortly after 9.15am as the rider was overtaking a lorry through slow-moving traffic on the main road. It is understood the lorry blocked the rider’s view of a van pulling out from a junction near KO Carpets.

Police units attended promptly to assist at the scene.

The motorcyclist is not believed to have been seriously injured.

The van suffered slight damage, including a broken wing mirror.

The road was not closed, police said.

Health

Plaid Cymru to hold public meeting over Withybush hospital surgery cuts

Published

20 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Candidates say residents must be heard after emergency services decision

PLAID CYMRU candidates for the Ceredigion Penfro constituency will host a public meeting in Pembrokeshire to discuss concerns over the future of services at Withybush Hospital.

The event will take place at 6:30pm on Monday (Mar 31) at Letterston Village Hall, giving residents the opportunity to share their experiences and concerns following Hywel Dda University Health Board’s decision last month to remove emergency general surgery from the hospital.

Campaigners say the move will force many patients requiring urgent treatment to travel further for care, raising fears about the potential impact on patient safety in rural west Wales.

Elin Jones, Plaid Cymru lead candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, said: “Withybush is such an important hospital for the community and residents of Pembrokeshire. The decision to remove its emergency general surgery will severely weaken the life-saving capacity of this hospital.

“Plaid Cymru has long championed small rural hospitals such as Bronglais and Withybush. We need to ensure these hospitals remain strong local services within our communities. Withybush should have the basic life-saving and everyday treatment services it needs to function as a full general hospital.”

Kerry Ferguson, Plaid Cymru candidate for Pembrokeshire within the Ceredigion Penfro constituency, said the recent success of a public petition had demonstrated the strength of local feeling.

“It’s great to see that the online petition calling for Welsh Government intervention to restore emergency surgery and essential services at Withybush has reached its target, meaning it will now be debated in the Senedd,” she said.

“We are extremely disappointed by the Health Board’s decision to remove emergency general surgery at Withybush. Increased journey times for anyone in need of urgent medical treatment will put lives at risk. We need government intervention now to overturn this decision.”

Residents across Pembrokeshire have continued to raise concerns about the future of services at the hospital, which has long been a focal point in debates about healthcare provision in rural west Wales.