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Cambridge University Press


People prefer stories written by AI – especially when told they’re written by a human

A study published in Judgement and Decision Making found that participants gave highest ratings to stories generated by AI when attributed to humans. This bias towards narratives written by real people may be due to the assumption of uniquely human qualities required for creative writing, leading people to underestimate AI's capabilities.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalJudgment and Decision Making·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2026

Commonwealth Fusion Systems builds on learnings from SPARC to publish five peer-reviewed papers validating the physics of the ARC fusion power plant

The papers validate and de-risk Commonwealth Fusion Systems' approach to commercial fusion, demonstrating scientifically robust path to grid electricity in the early 2030s. Advanced computational tools combined decades of empirical research on tokamaks worldwide, predicting 1.1 GW of fusion power and 400 MW of continuous net electricity.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalJournal of Plasma Physics·DateJun 4, 2026

Hat wars of early modern England revealed

A new study by Bernard Capp reveals that refusing to doff one's hat was a potent act of political defiance during the civil war era, with elite men both adopting and resisting the practice. In contrast, an 18th-century Englishman's hat remained a powerful symbol of personal protection.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalThe Historical Journal·DateApr 9, 2026

New Themed Issue calls for urgent shift away from “Leaky Pipeline” metaphor as studies reveal systemic exclusion of women in Archaeology

The 'leaky pipeline' metaphor oversimplifies the systemic barriers faced by women and marginalized scholars in archaeology. New research highlights multiple forms of inequity that diminish productivity, limit collaborations, and reduce future generations of archaeologists.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalAdvances in Archaeological Practice·DateMar 19, 2026

Note- taking alone or combined with large language models helps students understand and remember better than large language models alone

A new study by Cambridge University Press & Assessment and Microsoft Research found that traditional learning activities like making notes remain critical for students' reading comprehension and retention. Note-taking, either alone or combined with large language models (LLMs), was more effective in helping students understand and reme...

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalComputers & Education·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 3, 2025

Electric weed control proves shockingly effective

A recent study published in the journal Weed Science shows electric weed control technologies to be equally effective as herbicides and mechanical control methods. The research found that electric weed control provides a fire hazard risk if dry crop residues are present, but operation in winter or spring poses minimal fire risk.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalWeed Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2025

Drone herbicide applications prove effective for common reed control

Researchers found that drones can suppress common reed invasions with over 99% effectiveness, using a single targeted herbicide application. This method provides convenient access and reduces risks of trampling or disturbance, while also minimizing off-target impacts and promoting native vegetation recovery.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalInvasive Plant Science and Management·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2025

Dissociation is a coping mechanism impeding effective climate action

A study by Cambridge University Press found that collective dissociation prevents people from taking effective action against the climate emergency, exacerbating mental health issues such as depression and PTSD. Researchers recommend measures like community engagement, mental health support, and infrastructure improvement to combat dis...

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalCambridge Prisms Global Mental Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 10, 2025

Topple weeds with a PRE-POST combo

Researchers found that a combination of preemergence and postemergence herbicide treatments provided the greatest and most consistent weed control in early planted soybean. The study's results suggest that using both PRE and POST treatments can optimize weed control outcomes and yield in early planted soybeans.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalWeed Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2025

Remote tool developed to helped detect autism and developmental delay in children with limited access to specialists

A new remote tool has been developed to detect autism and developmental delay in children. The Kids’ Development Diagnosis methodology was adapted into a mobile app, allowing for swift and efficient diagnosis. This digital tool can help prevent lifelong impacts of early intervention.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalCambridge Prisms Global Mental Health·DateOct 22, 2024

‘Floating duck syndrome’ tricks people into working hard but failing to achieve their goals

A study found that 'floating duck syndrome', where individuals present themselves as effortlessly high-achieving, leads to underinvestment of effort towards goals and spreading oneself too thinly. This phenomenon is exacerbated by social media platforms and institutional public relations, causing individuals to invest too much total ef...

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalEvolutionary Human Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 23, 2024

Aquatic weed among ‘world’s worst’ expands in Northeastern US

A new subspecies of northern hydrilla has been discovered outside the Connecticut River, spreading rapidly across five additional waterbodies in Connecticut and one in Massachusetts. The invasive aquatic weed hinders recreational activities, forms dense canopies, and has the potential to displace native species.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalInvasive Plant Science and Management·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2024

Sexual harassment and stereotyping: How coastal sciences are failing women in the field

New research reveals widespread harassment and stereotyping of women in coastal sciences, affecting their ability to participate in fieldwork and advance their careers. Women often experience objectification, discrimination, and micro-aggressions, which can be traumatic and disadvantage them professionally.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalCambridge Prisms Coastal Futures·TypeSurvey·DateOct 25, 2023

Bird study shows Europe’s nature in ‘dire straits’

A recent study by BirdLife International reveals that nearly four in 10 of Europe's bird species are now of conservation concern, including 14% of global concern. The continent's nature is facing an urgent need for comprehensive restoration legislation to halt and reverse the decline in threatened bird species.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalBird Conservation International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2023