Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered a new way to alter complex drug molecules using light, accelerating and improving the drug development process. This breakthrough, published in Nature Synthesis, introduces an
Scientists at Cambridge University observed ultrafast charge transfer happening within a single molecular vibration, occurring on the natural timescale of atomic motion. The discovery challenges long-held theories about how solar energy systems work and reveals a new pathway to designing more efficient light-harvesting technologies.
Fetuses use a copy of a gene inherited from their dad to force their mum to release as much nutrients possible during pregnancy. This 'remote-control' system is operated by genes that can be switched on or off depending on whether they are a 'dad's' or 'mum's' gene.
Scientists have identified two-million-year-old DNA fragments in northern Greenland's Ice Age sediment, providing insights into the past ecosystem and its potential to predict climate change. The discovery has sparked hopes that it could help academics build a picture of the DNA evolution of species still in existence today.
A new study found that a fast food diet before pregnancy can negatively impact breast milk quality and baby's health, increasing the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Even short-term consumption of high sugar and fat diets affects women's health and fertility.
Researchers have discovered a way to create devices that mimic natural photosynthesis, producing fuels like hydrogen instead of sugars. The breakthrough uses bismuth oxyiodide, a non-toxic semiconductor material that can produce clean hydrogen from water over weeks.
A new Cambridge study has discovered that the sex of a fetus can affect placenta function, diet-induced maternal obesity, and stress. Designing sex-specific therapies and personalized lifestyle interventions could have lifelong health benefits for children.
A new study from St John's College, University of Cambridge suggests that robots can help produce solar fuels, accelerating the world's transition to green renewables. The 'cyber-leaf' concept uses AI and robots to create sustainable syngas, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Researchers found that as icebergs melted, vegetation became scarce, making it difficult for the giant animals to survive. The team analyzed ancient environmental DNA and sequenced plant remains to draw globally significant conclusions.
A decade of ancient genome analysis has shown that early humans were resilient and capable, exploring new environments with no prior knowledge. This discovery challenges previous theories on human behavior and highlights the importance of genomic evidence in understanding our history.
Researchers discovered that hormone biomarkers from the placenta can identify women at risk for pregnancy complications, which affect around one in ten pregnant women. The study found that these biomarkers are present from the first trimester and can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers from the Lundbeck Foundation GeoGenetics Centre have sequenced ancient DNA from soil for the first time, transforming the field of population genetics. The advance allows scientists to study the evolution of animals, plants, and microorganisms, with potential applications in climate change research.
Researchers have discovered that alpha-synuclein, a protein present in everyone's brains, sticks to the inner face of nerve cell membranes and can kill healthy brain cells. The study sheds new light on the origins of Parkinson's Disease, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions worldwide.
Researchers discovered a gene that shows butterflies and flowers independently evolved to make the same chemical compound for different purposes. Male butterflies use this pheromone to repulse competitors and attract females only once.
A six-year study of over 400 Viking skeletons found that many Vikings had brown hair, not blonde, and were influenced by genes from Asia and Southern Europe. The research also shows that Viking groups in Scandinavia were more isolated than previously believed.
Scientists discovered extinct strains of smallpox in Viking skeletons, proving the killer disease plagued humanity for at least 1400 years. The ancient strains were genetically different from modern smallpox, and their presence pushes back the confirmed existence of smallpox by a thousand years.
The discovery of Chiquihuite Cave in northern Mexico challenges the long-held theory that the Clovis people were the first human inhabitants of the Americas. The site dates back to 25,000-30,000 years ago, revealing a new narrative on the colonization of the Americas.
Researchers have proved one of Charles Darwin's evolution theories for the first time, showing that mammal subspecies are crucial to long-term evolutionary dynamics. The study, led by Laura van Holstein, found that subspecies play a pivotal role in shaping the future of species, particularly in response to habitat disruption.
Researchers discovered over 40 new species of cichlid fish in Lake Mweru, formed around one million years ago. The team found that females were more likely to mate with males from different species if their coloration was attractive or light conditions made it difficult for them to see.
Researchers have extracted almost complete sets of proteins from ancient dental enamel, allowing scientists to reconstruct molecular evolution beyond the usual DNA preservation limit. This breakthrough enables scientists to study hundreds of species, including humans, and could revolutionize our understanding of the world's evolution.
A team of scientists discovered a new group of people who lived in north eastern Siberia during the last Ice Age. The Ancient North Siberians had a mosaic genetic make-up and were closely related to both Europeans and Asians.
Researchers genetically engineered yeast cells to control their response to environment, improving our understanding of cell signaling. This breakthrough has immediate biotechnology uses and could lead to new treatments for diseases by modifying diseased cells.
A team of Cambridge researchers controlled the sea of nuclei in semiconductor quantum dots, enabling them to operate as a quantum memory device. This achievement harnesses the interaction between electrons and nuclear spins, proving the nuclei can exchange information with an electron qubit.
Research reveals three genome regions control butterfly mating behavior, explaining why hybrids are rare. The study also finds that despite genetic mixing, distinct species traits remain intact due to natural selection. Further research may apply lessons from butterflies to human evolution and behavior.
Cambridge researchers have discovered that placentas can adapt to function properly despite poor diets or low oxygen during pregnancy, impacting on pregnancy outcomes and lifelong health. This adaptation helps the placenta transport sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, mitigating complications such as fetal growth restriction.
A recent study sequenced ancient genomes from Alaska to Patagonia, debunking a long-standing theory about Paleoamerican presence in North America. The research found the Spirit Cave remains were genetically closer to contemporary Native Americans than any other ancient or contemporary group.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have devised a strategy to 'go after' the cause of Alzheimer's disease, targeting toxic protein oligomers. This breakthrough could lead to new drug development and treatment options for dementia.
Researchers at St John's College, University of Cambridge, successfully split water into hydrogen and oxygen using semi-artificial photosynthesis, producing more solar energy than natural photosynthesis. This innovation could revolutionize renewable energy production with a green and unlimited source of energy.
A hydraulic jump occurs when water hits a sink, causing waves and turbulence. Researchers at Cambridge University have explained this phenomenon using surface tension, debunking a 200-year-old theory. The study's findings have wide-reaching implications for industries with high water consumption.
Mass deforestation in Colombia's Andes-Amazon 'biodiversity bridge' is threatening the region's ecosystems and thousands of rare species. The area, once controlled by FARC soldiers, has been cleared at an alarming rate for farms and coca crops.
A study found that the Bajau people have genetically enlarged spleens, allowing them to free dive for extended periods. The discovery could lead to new insights into Acute Hypoxia and its treatment.
Researchers have identified genetic evidence of Taíno ancestry in contemporary Puerto Ricans and other Caribbean communities, providing unprecedented insights into the genetic makeup of the region. The study's findings support claims by indigenous descendant communities that their ancestors survived European colonization.
A new study provides direct genetic evidence that the first Native Americans arrived in the continent via a single migration event, with the Ancient Beringians being an offshoot of the same ancestral population as Northern and Southern Native American groups. The findings suggest people entered Alaska before 20,000 years ago.
The study reveals how toxic oligomers disrupt brain cell membranes, creating defects that lead to neuronal death. Understanding this process offers an opportunity to develop new treatments for Parkinson's Disease.
In cooperatively breeding species, females tend to produce smaller eggs when help with rearing offspring is at hand. This reduction in egg size allows breeding females to conserve energy and increase their chances of survival to the next year or having the next set of offspring sooner.
A new study found a strain of leprosy in a pre-Norman skull from Suffolk, suggesting it was endemic in East Anglia earlier than thought. Squirrel fur trade with Scandinavia may have played a role in the disease's spread.
Research suggests that prehistoric humans recognized the dangers of inbreeding at least 34,000 years ago and developed sophisticated social networks to avoid it. The study analyzed genetic information from remains of anatomically modern humans and found evidence of deliberate mate selection beyond immediate family members.
Perovskite solar cells could generate electricity more efficiently by harnessing the kinetic energy of electrons moving at high speeds. The study found that electrons retain their highest levels of energy for up to 10 quadrillionths of a second, limiting the time frame for extraction.
A team of researchers has successfully manufactured microscopic versions of silkworm cocoons, which can store and protect sensitive molecular materials. The tiny capsules, made from silk nano-fibrils, have the potential to increase the stability and lifetime of antibodies used in pharmaceuticals for treating severe diseases.
Researchers have confirmed a decades-old mathematical theory explaining the physics of how substances like sand and gravel pack together. The finding provides a simple and elegant way to describe granular material behavior, with potential applications in industries such as energy and pharmaceuticals.
A team led by Dr James Bryson deciphered magnetic messages in rare metal meteorites, confirming Psyche as an exposed planetary core. The findings suggest the asteroid cooled quickly due to its rocky mantle stripped away.
A study found that a high-fat, high-sugar diet during pregnancy can disrupt metabolic processes, leading to poor glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. This may program the mother for potential health complications, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, later in life.
A study of Google DeepMind's access to millions of NHS patient records reveals concerns over data privacy and regulation. The researchers argue that the original agreement lacked transparency and suffered from an inadequate legal basis, serving as a cautionary tale for public sector bodies and private tech firms.
A microscopic, bag-like sea creature called Saccorhytus, discovered in China, is believed to be the earliest known step on an evolutionary path that led to humans. Its primitive features, including a large mouth and absence of an anus, have provided new insights into human evolution.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have found a way to trigger graphene's innate ability to act as a superconductor by coupling it with praseodymium cerium copper oxide (PCCO). This breakthrough enhances graphene's potential for industries such as healthcare and electronics. The study suggests that graphene could be used to cre...
Researchers found that squalamine inhibits the early formation of toxic alpha-synuclein aggregates and suppresses their toxicity. The compound was tested in cell cultures, animal models, and human neuronal cells, showing promising results.
Researchers at University of Cambridge identify a competing pathway that diverts electrons away from the electrode, reducing efficiency and potentially damaging the system. The study offers insights into how to address this issue and enhance the performance of artificial photosynthetic devices.
Researchers have found that specific mutations in Parkinson's disease protein alpha-synuclein can dramatically affect microscopic processes leading to the condition's onset. The study suggests these tiny changes influence fibril formation and secondary nucleation, potentially contributing to the disease's development.
A new study reveals prehistoric sea worm Oesia built tube-like dwellings on the sea floor, inhabited by a filter feeder with gills. The findings confirm Oesia as a primitive hemichordate and provide evidence of a distant common ancestor shared with vertebrates.
A genetic gene known as cortex enables butterflies to mimic each other's bright patterns, while causing British moths to turn black amidst pollution. Researchers found the same gene responsible for color evolution in both butterflies and moths.