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Scientists spy unstable semiconductors

Researchers from Cardiff University have discovered metastability in gallium arsenide compound semiconductor material, a phenomenon that could affect device stability. The findings could lead to improved materials and structures for electronic devices, such as smartphones, GPS, and satellites.

SourceCardiff University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 4, 2019

UK researchers develop ultrafast semiconductors

Researchers from Cardiff University have developed ultrafast Compound Semiconductor technology, creating highly sensitive avalanche photodiodes with lower electronic noise than silicon rivals. This breakthrough has the potential to yield new class of high-performance receivers for applications in networking and sensing.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 8, 2019

Cave droplets provide window into past climates

Scientists analyzed oxygen isotopes in stalactites and stalagmites from 39 caves worldwide to understand past groundwater recharge. The study found that cave drip water oxygen composition varies between cool and warm climates, providing insights into climate variability and water resources.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 8, 2019

Researchers uncover new cause of abdominal aortic aneurysm

A team of researchers at Cardiff University has discovered that a family of lipids contribute to the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm by driving clotting in blood vessels. The findings suggest new treatments for this potentially life-threatening condition by regulating blood clotting.

SourceCardiff University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2019

Seeing the unseeable

Scientists at Cardiff University used x-ray crystallography and computer simulation to study the binding of viruses to cells. They found that adenoviruses can bind weakly to a different entry receptor called CAR, previously undiscovered mechanism.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2019

Immunological scarring from coeliac disease

A new study suggests that coeliac disease permanently replaces 'tissue-healing' T cells with 'pro-inflammatory' T cells in the bowel, causing chronic inflammation and potentially contributing to other intestinal disorders. The research has implications for gut health in affected patients.

SourceCardiff University·JournalCell·DateFeb 14, 2019

Volcanic growth 'critical' to the formation of Panama

Scientists from Cardiff University propose that volcanic activity played a significant role in the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama, which formed around 2.8 million years ago. This discovery sheds light on one of Earth's most significant geological events, affecting global weather patterns and biodiversity.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 5, 2019

Icy warning for space missions to Jupiter's moon

Scientists predict 15-meter-tall sharp ice formations on Europa's surface could pose a hazard for future landing missions. The unique conditions on the moon create perfect conditions for these structures to form, which could be observed by NASA's upcoming Europa Clipper mission.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 8, 2018

Mathematicians calculate the safest way home

Cardiff University researchers calculate a novel system for scoring an area's safety, successfully predicting road casualties. The system uses factors like crossings, street type, and speed limits, with Liverpool deemed the most unsafe and Bath the safest.

SourceCardiff University·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateSep 18, 2018

Could AI robots develop prejudice on their own?

Computer simulations show that autonomous machines can form prejudicial groups by copying each other's behavior, indicating a non-human phenomenon of discrimination. The findings suggest that AI developments could inadvertently perpetuate prejudice, highlighting the need for awareness and responsible AI design.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 6, 2018

Rethinking the orangutan

Orangutans' evolution has been heavily influenced by humans over thousands of years. The critically endangered species can adapt to survive in human-dominated landscapes, expanding their habitat range.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 27, 2018

Discovery in the sky with nanodiamonds

A team of researchers at Cardiff University has discovered that tiny crystals of carbon, nanodiamonds, are likely the source of a mysterious microwave glow emanating from star systems in the Milky Way. The discovery was made by studying infrared light from protoplanetary disks surrounding newly formed stars.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJun 11, 2018

Less is more when it comes to developing bigger brains

Researchers used mathematical models to re-enact brain development in humans, monkeys, and mice, finding that the human brain requires fewer initial cells to grow. The study suggests that humans may have adopted a different developmental program to produce neurons efficiently within a longer gestational period.

SourceCardiff University·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateMay 4, 2018

Improved method of delivering anti-cancer drugs

Researchers at Cardiff University have developed a new non-toxic method for delivering anti-cancer drugs to specific parts of the body, reducing harsh side effects. The new nanotube delivery method was found to be effective in treating breast cancer, with reduced rates of metastasis and tumour growth.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNanoscale·DateApr 18, 2018

Genetics researchers close in on schizophrenia

Researchers have discovered 50 new gene regions increasing schizophrenia risk, including genes previously associated with intellectual disability and autism. These findings shed light on the disorder's complex genetics, suggesting subtle genetic variants can contribute to its development.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 27, 2018

Targeting cancer without destroying healthy T-cells

Researchers have discovered a method to target cancerous T-cells while sparing healthy ones, which are essential to the immune system. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic approaches for rare and aggressive T-cell lymphoma, which has been difficult to treat without damaging healthy T-cells.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 15, 2017

Underwater sound waves help scientists locate ocean impacts

Scientists have developed a new method to locate the precise time and location that objects fall into our oceans using underwater microphones. The method relies on measuring acoustic gravity waves generated when an object hits the sea surface. Researchers validated their method by locating recent earthquakes in the Indian Ocean.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 24, 2017

Tracking the body's mini-shuttles

Researchers at Cardiff University have discovered a new way to label exosomes, which can be used as mini-shuttles to deliver drugs to specific sites in the human body. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for life-threatening diseases, including cancer.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNanoscale·DateSep 28, 2017

Two new genes linked to Alzheimer's risk

Researchers at Cardiff University have discovered two new genes that increase a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The findings build on previous research identifying 24 susceptibility genes and provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the disease.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 17, 2017

Cosmic 'dust factory' reveals clues to how stars are born

Scientists at Cardiff University have discovered new molecules, including formylium and sulphur monoxide, within the remnants of Supernova 1987A. This suggests that supernovae can create clouds of molecules and dust at extremely cold temperatures, similar to those in stellar nurseries where stars are born.

SourceCardiff University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 10, 2017