An international team of scientists developed a novel, catalyst-free plastic recycling process that uses only water and oxygen to convert various types of plastic waste into high-value organic acids. The method achieved near-complete conversion with minimal environmental impact.
The most massive black holes detected by gravitational waves were formed through repeated and violent collision events in densely populated star clusters. The study identifies two distinct populations, with high-mass systems showing rapid spins and a signature consistent with cluster mergers.
A new satellite-driven model, dEARTH, provides more realistic predictions of sand and dust storm (SDS) severity by accounting for dynamic changes in soil surfaces. The study found that SDS transport is sparse and discontinuous, reducing affected land area by 69% and global transport magnitude by 45%.
A new study by Cardiff University reveals how ambitious climate action can save up to 1.32 million lives per year by 2040 by addressing global air quality inequalities. The research highlights the importance of cross-border pollution exchanges in achieving health benefits and reducing inequality between countries.
Researchers discovered a significant decline in language complexity in Pratchett's writing, particularly in 'The Lost Continent', indicating potential early warning signs of dementia. This study aims to aid in the early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
A team of astronomers at Cardiff University and UCL discovered a mysterious bar-shaped cloud of iron atoms inside the Ring Nebula, which is roughly 500 times longer than Pluto's orbit. The discovery was made using a new instrument on the William Herschel Telescope, allowing for unprecedented detail in observations of the nebula.
Scientists have observed a swirling vortex in spacetime caused by a rapidly rotating black hole, confirming predictions made by Einstein more than a century ago. The team detected rhythmic changes in X-ray and radio signals from the event, showing that the disk and jet were wobbling in unison every 20 days.
A community of cryptozoologists, known as Bigfooters, use modern technologies to search for the elusive creature. Dr. Jamie Lewis found that they draw on scientific practices to piece together fragments of evidence, often relying on 'absences' to structure their arguments.
Researchers found that African countries cannot close significant nutrient gaps through domestic food production due to land and water constraints. Strengthening agricultural productivity, reducing food loss, and strengthening trade are needed to meet people's nutritional needs.
Research on ancient rubbish heaps reveals that people travelled long distances to feast together at the end of the Bronze Age, with some events bringing animals from as far as northern England. The study found distinct patterns of animal remains in each midden, indicating local and regional economies.
Research from Cardiff University reveals that horses were sourced from Scandinavia using extensive trade networks, contrary to previous theories that stallions were locally-sourced. Genetic analysis shows that one in three sacrificed horses were mares, suggesting prestige played a key role in their selection.
A team of astronomers has found that active black holes shine in microwave and X-ray light in the same way, regardless of their appetite, suggesting a new understanding of how these cosmic monsters consume matter. This discovery could provide a new method for estimating black hole masses, essential for understanding galaxy evolution.
A team at Cardiff University developed an AI-powered tsunami early warning system that uses real-time classification of underwater earthquakes to detect tsunamis more reliably and earlier. The system enables faster evacuation by identifying the size and scale of tsunamis through acoustic-gravity waves, reducing false alarms.
A Cardiff University-led study found that children with type 1 diabetes who struggle to manage their blood glucose levels are absent for 15 more sessions per year, compared to 7 for those with the healthiest levels. These absences result in lower educational attainment, including five grades lower in GCSEs.
The discovery confirms the existence of precession in a binary black hole system, where one black hole distorts space-time and causes its orbit to wobble back and forth. This effect is 10 billion times stronger than previously measured, providing insights into Einstein's theory of general relativity.
A finger-prick blood test developed by Cardiff University researchers can identify individuals most at risk of being reinfected with COVID-19. The test measures T cells that recognize SARS-CoV-2 and shows those with a stronger response are best protected from the virus.
New research by Cardiff University scientists has found that certain types of face masks are unsafe for wearing in and around MRI machines due to the presence of magnetic components. The study recommends a colour-coded system to distinguish between 'MRI safe' and 'MRI unsafe' masks to prevent complications during scans.
A cutting-edge AI system that mimics human gaze has been created by Cardiff University researchers. The system accurately predicts where humans are most likely to look in an image, with potential applications in robotics, multimedia communication, video surveillance, automated image editing, and medical diagnostics.
Researchers identified a mechanism responsible for the exceptional tsunami's rapid spread across the globe. The tsunami was driven by acoustic-gravity waves (AGWs) triggered by the powerful volcanic blast, which interacted with the ocean to amplify the wave.
New research reveals that precession played a significant role in driving Northern Hemisphere ice age cycles during the early Pleistocene period. The study suggests that more intense summers caused by precession led to melting of ice sheets, but with less devastating effects before 1 million years ago.
Researchers estimate that European soils receive between 31,000 and 42,000 tonnes of microplastic particles each year, mirroring ocean surface waters. Microplastics spread onto farmland can contaminate the food chain, posing a significant threat to wildlife.
The largest genome-wide association study identified 120 genes likely to contribute to schizophrenia, highlighting the importance of neurons in the disorder. The study's findings shed light on the genetic basis of schizophrenia and may lead to new treatments.
Scientists from Cardiff University have developed a new artificial intelligence method to automate the extraction of information from large collections of museum specimens. The 'image segmentation' method can accurately locate and bound different visual regions on images, allowing for faster and more efficient digitization processes.
Researchers have discovered a temperature-dependent zone in the Earth's crust that allows critical metals like copper and tellurium to escape and rise towards the surface. This 'Goldilocks zone' is located at around 1000°C, making it possible for targeted mining of these essential metals.
A recent study by Cardiff University found that urban greening strategies like green roofs and parks are unlikely to reduce both heatwaves and flooding simultaneously. The team's research suggests that local climate conditions significantly impact the effectiveness of these measures.
Scientists discovered a link between disrupted brain cell development and increased risk of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. Genetic factors disrupting brain development were found to be concentrated in specific sets of genes, which can contribute to disease through disruption of both early and mature brain function.
Researchers at Cardiff University found that medical face masks increase facial attractiveness more than cloth masks, with blue masks being the most attractive. The study suggests that people associate masks with healthcare workers and find them reassuring, leading to a positive perception of the wearer.
Researchers at Cardiff University have demonstrated the suitability of gold as a catalyst to produce methanol and acetic acid from methane in natural gas. The novel method uses gold nanoparticles, which exhibit different physical and chemical properties compared to larger material counterparts.
Scientists suggest that possible lifeforms in Venus' clouds are producing ammonia, which neutralizes sulfuric acid and increases the pH of the clouds. This process makes the environment more tolerable to live in, despite being extremely acidic. The study proposes a biological origin for the ammonia, rather than non-biological sources.
Scientists at Cardiff University have developed a new instant water cleaning method that is up to 10 million times more effective at killing viruses and bacteria than commercial approaches. The method uses a catalyst made from gold and palladium to produce hydrogen peroxide, which is then used to disinfect water.
Researchers identified a single gene, ADCY8, associated with migration in peregrine falcons, which is also linked to long-term memory. The study predicts that climate change may lead to population decline and migration patterns changes in western Eurasian peregrines.
A new study led by Cardiff University found a large reduction in violent injury outside the home during the UK's first COVID-19 lockdown, with decreases of up to 92% among females under 18 and males of all ages. In contrast, violence inside the home showed no significant change.
Researchers at Cardiff University have discovered a unique way to target human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a master at hiding from the immune system. A new type of antibody marks infected cells, allowing the immune system to see and kill them.
Scientists have challenged our current understanding of how galaxies form by unveiling pictures of a young galaxy with an unexpected appearance. ALESS 073.1 appears to have features expected of a mature galaxy, leading the team to question how it grew so fast.
New study reveals that Antarctic icebergs trigger chain reactions leading to prolonged cold temperatures. The research suggests a 'missing link' in the process that leads to ice ages, with implications for understanding climate change and future ocean circulation patterns.
A study from Cardiff University found that more than half of individuals with certain genetic conditions had significant autistic symptoms, despite not meeting formal diagnostic criteria. The research emphasizes the need for an individualized approach to assessing the needs of people with genetic conditions.
A new study from Cardiff University shows that direct messages sent via Facebook chat can significantly reduce the amount of red and processed meat consumed by individuals. Participants reported a significant decrease in their meat consumption, with some even expressing a desire to reduce other types of meat they consume in the future.
A new 3D survey of the Milky Way has revealed a wide range of structures within the galaxy, from individual star-forming clumps to giant molecular clouds. The study provides unprecedented detail on the inner structure and dynamics of the galaxy, shedding light on its star formation processes.
A new method for processing large volumes of COVID-19 tests uses simple algebraic equations to identify positive samples and take advantage of 'pooling' technique. This allows more patients to be tested with the same number of test tubes, reducing testing time and false negatives.
A recent study by Cardiff University researchers found that high levels of air pollution force people indoors, leading to higher electricity consumption in both residential and commercial buildings. The effects are particularly pronounced in lower-income families and those from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Astronomers have discovered one of the lowest-mass supermassive black holes (SMBHs) ever observed, weighing less than a million times the mass of our Sun. The finding provides a major step in understanding how SMBHs are formed and challenges the long-held assumption that they were born with extremely large masses.
Researchers found that a diet dominated by vegetables, cereals, beef, and mutton remained largely unchanged after the Norman Conquest. Only short-term changes were observed, with pork becoming a more popular choice and dairy products used less.
Researchers from Cardiff University have identified specific conditions along the ocean floor where tectonic plates creep past each other instead of generating catastrophic earthquakes. This discovery could help scientists better understand stress at fault lines and improve earthquake forecasting.
Researchers created an equation to estimate plastic ingestion by animals, finding that the largest piece eaten is about 5% of the animal's body length. The study analyzed over 2,000 animals and found shocking examples of plastic pollution, including a sperm whale with hosepipes and flower pots inside.
An international team of scientists has identified the conditions that lead to slow motion earthquakes by drilling down to 1km deep in water depths off New Zealand. The study revealed a unique mix of different rock types and topography that causes slow slip events, which can trigger larger earthquakes and tsunamis.
Researchers at Cardiff University have discovered a new type of killer T-cell with a unique T-cell receptor (TCR) that recognizes and kills most human cancer cells while ignoring healthy cells. This breakthrough has the potential to create a 'one-size-fits-all' cancer therapy, targeting a wide range of cancers in all patients.
Researchers used ancient marine fossils to fingerprint temperature and carbon levels of seawater during the middle Miocene Climate Optimum. The study found that massive volcanic eruptions triggered a decline in ocean pH, leading to increased sea-levels and flooding.
Researchers analyzed animal bones from Navan Fort to discover that communities in Iron Age Ireland were highly mobile and engaged in large-scale feasting events. The study found evidence of pigs, cattle, and sheep being brought from across Ireland, including as far as Galway, Donegal, and Antrim.
Scientists have uncovered fossils of trees from the world's oldest forest, dating back 386 million years, in a sandstone quarry in Cairo, New York. The discovery provides new insights into the evolution of trees and their role in shaping the world we live in today.
Scientists analyzed fossilized clam shells to reconstruct ancient cooking habits in Puerto Rico, finding that clams were cooked at temperatures between 100°C and 200°C. The results suggest that barbeque was a common method of cooking, unlike boiling, which may not have been widespread due to the lack of ceramic pottery technology.