Scientists have engineered trees to be easier to disassemble into simpler building blocks using callose-enriched wood. This approach increases the efficiency of converting woody plant biomass to fuel and other useful products.
A study published in Science found that overestimations of forest preservation in voluntary REDD+ projects result in the generation of millions of worthless carbon credits. The research team calculated that only 6% of these credits are linked to actual reductions in carbon emissions.
A decade-long study in Tanzania's Eastern Arc Mountains reveals that biodiversity conservation benefits vary widely among groups, with local rural communities bearing substantial costs. International funding could help smallholder farmers boost yields on their existing land to incentivize long-term forest protection.
Biased AI can limit climate predictions and misguide governments due to missing information from under-represented communities. Human-in-the-loop design can fill these 'data holes' by offering a sense check on used data and context.
A new study published in Nature Genetics has identified over 4,000 genetic variants linked to brain structure, revealing how the brain's organization is shaped by genetics. The research found that different sets of genes contribute to folding and size of the cortex, with some genes linked to larger or smaller head sizes.
Scientists explore ultracold quantum gas to understand wave turbulence, discovering a universal relation that describes the state's characteristics regardless of external factors. The findings echo the universality of the ideal gas law for equilibrium states, opening up new avenues for understanding non-equilibrium systems.
A team of researchers has found a way to control the interaction of light and quantum spin in organic semiconductors, even at room temperature. This breakthrough enables the creation of quantum objects with controlled spin states, which could lead to significant advancements in fields like quantum computing and sensing.
A study found that teenage smokers have less grey matter in their left frontal lobe, associated with decision-making and rule-breaking. This loss of grey matter may lead to increased impulsivity and a desire for smoking, as well as weaken control over nicotine use.
Researchers have found that studying the mass and movement of the Andromeda galaxy and the Milky Way could help place an upper limit on the value of dark energy. The technique may provide valuable insights into the mysterious force, but it is not yet a direct detection.
The University of Cambridge team warns that Africa's lack of hydromet infrastructure will lead to a surge in climate-related disasters and deaths. The continent has just 6% of the number of radar stations as Europe and North America, making it vulnerable to floods, droughts, and heatwaves.
Researchers identified a new approach to treat poxviruses by targeting a cellular protein, making the virus more susceptible to natural defences. Existing immunosuppressive drugs can restrict replication and spread of poxviruses.
A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge developed a way to incorporate human error into machine learning systems, improving their performance in handling uncertain feedback. However, they found that even with uncertainty accounted for, hybrid systems still perform worse than standalone machine learning models.
Researchers found that the hypothalamus, a key region controlling appetite, is larger in individuals who are overweight or obese compared to those with a healthy weight. The study suggests that increased volume may be linked to inflammation and altered hormone regulation.
A new study reveals that trumpetfish can conceal themselves by swimming closely behind another fish while hunting, reducing the likelihood of detection. This unique strategy, known as 'shadowing', uses a non-threatening species of fish as camouflage to approach prey.
Researchers found a U-shaped effect on profit margins due to the relationship between reducing costs, developing new processes, and innovating products. Initially, firms focus on cost reduction, but as robot adoption increases, they shift to product innovation, leading to higher profits.
A genetic variant has been identified that may explain why some people of African ancestry have naturally lower viral loads of HIV, reducing their risk of transmission and slowing disease progression. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for those living with HIV.
Researchers have identified a genetic cause for virgin birth in female flies, allowing them to reproduce without males. The ability is passed down through generations of females and can be induced in an animal that usually reproduces sexually.
A recent study from the University of Cambridge and King's College London found that over half of patients with autoimmune conditions experience mental health symptoms, but are rarely or never asked about in clinic. The study highlighted a significant gap in mental health support for these patients.
Researchers found that fork-tailed drongos use unique egg 'signatures' to identify cuckoo eggs, rejecting 93.7% of 'forgeries'. This defence mechanism may help explain why African cuckoos remain common in Africa despite high mortality rates among young birds.
A recent study reveals a massive section of the Andes experiencing significant greening, defying climate zone expectations. The researchers found that this area, stretching from northern Peru to northern Chile, has seen its vegetation growing significantly over the past 20 years.
A new study by Cambridge historian Professor Lucy Delap reveals that up to 70% of people labelled 'defective' had paid jobs during high demand periods. However, this proportion fell during recessions, and even then, 30% remained in work. In contrast, less than 5% of adults with intellectual disabilities are employed today.
Butterflies with smaller or lighter-colored wings, such as those in the Lycaenidae family, are likely to face greater threats from climate change. These species have poorer thermal buffering abilities, which could lead to dramatic declines if temperatures rise.
A new analysis of 13 studies confirms that in-person mindfulness courses reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression for at least six months. The research found that roughly half of participants experienced a small to moderate reduction in psychological distress after completing the programmes.
New research reveals that shrinking Arctic glaciers are exposing groundwater springs releasing large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Methane emissions from glacial groundwater springs across Svalbard could exceed 2,000 tonnes per year, posing significant threat to global warming.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that ions conduct faster than electrons in conjugated polymer electrodes, challenging conventional wisdom. This finding provides valuable insights into the factors influencing charging speed and offers opportunities to engineer materials with improved performance.
Researchers found that students with high levels of 'eudaimonia', or feelings of competence, motivation, and self-esteem, outperformed their peers in GCSE-level assessments, especially in Maths. However, life satisfaction was not linked to academic performance.
A recent study published in Health and Quality of Life Outcomes found that older adults who maintain moderate-intensity physical activity experience a higher quality of life. The researchers tracked the health-related quality of life of over 1,500 participants aged 60 and above, finding that those who spent more time physically active ...
A study has revealed that a quarter of all plastics potentially encountered by petrel species are in remote international waters, posing a significant threat to their survival. The research highlights the need for international cooperation to address plastic pollution in the world's oceans.
Researchers found no conclusive evidence of bird-honey badger cooperation in accessing honey from African bees' nests. Despite anecdotal reports, most communities surveyed denied seeing the two species interact, with only three communities in Tanzania reporting sightings.
Researchers developed a validated test to measure misinformation susceptibility, finding younger adults and those spending more time online are worse at identifying false headlines. The study used AI-generated fake headlines and found that social media and political affiliation were significant factors in susceptibility.
Researchers discovered a genetic variant associated with faster disease progression in multiple sclerosis, linked to years of disability. The study provides new leads on addressing the nervous system component of MS and developing effective treatments.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a stem cell-derived model of the human embryo, allowing for the experimental modeling of embryonic development during the second week of pregnancy. This breakthrough could help understand why and how pregnancies fail, and potentially lead to new treatments for genetic disorders.
Researchers found a disrupted balance between glutamate and GABA neurotransmitters in the brains of people with OCD, which may lead to new treatment strategies. The study also suggests that excess glutamate levels could serve as a biomarker for OCD.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge identified a signature in the blood that could predict how well an individual responds to vaccines. They found that those with higher levels of age-associated B cells are less effective after vaccination.
Children who begin reading for pleasure early in life tend to perform better at cognitive tests and have better mental health when they enter adolescence. Reading for pleasure is also associated with improved brain structure, which may help explain the findings.
Researchers at Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University have found a shoot-to-root signalling pathway triggered by dry air, which tells roots to continue growing and searching for water deeper in the soil. This pathway allows plants to maintain root growth despite reduced photosynthesis and humidity.
Researchers propose GREENER framework to promote sustainable research practices, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and maximizing benefits to humanity and environment. Key considerations include estimating energy consumption of algorithms, tackling embodied impacts through new collaborations, and relocating computations to low-carbon s...
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new type of computer memory that can process data in a way similar to the human brain. This technology uses hafnium oxide and tiny self-assembled barriers to store and process information, enabling greater density, higher performance, and lower energy consumption.
Researchers found that volcanic eruptions' impact on climate is being underestimated by a factor of two to four in standard climate projections. Small-magnitude eruptions are responsible for as much as half of all sulphur gases emitted, with a significant collective effect.
Researchers have reconstructed the face of a 16-year-old woman buried near Cambridge with an incredibly rare gold and garnet cross, revealing she moved to England from Central Europe as a young girl. Analysis shows that her diet changed significantly after arrival, indicating a short and challenging life.
A Cambridge expert argues that politicians' neglect of evidence hampers plans to tackle health and climate change in the UK. The expert suggests two changes could mitigate this issue: engaging citizens more in policy-making and increasing politician accountability through legally binding systems.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a solar-powered reactor that captures CO2 from industrial processes or directly from the air and converts it into sustainable fuels. The technology also uses plastic waste, converting it into glycolic acid and other valuable chemical products.
A recent study found that cognitive enhancers, such as Ritalin and modafinil, may actually inhibit performance and productivity in neurotypical workers and students. Participants who performed well on a complex decision-making task showed decreased accuracy and efficiency when taking the drugs.
A study using digital reconstructions of Australopithecus afarensis muscles suggests that the 3.2 million-year-old 'Lucy' hominin could walk upright as efficiently as modern humans. The research, published in Royal Society Open Science, used open-source data on Lucy's fossil to create a detailed model of her lower body muscle structure.
A study by academics at the University of Cambridge found that lockdown children continued to play, adapting their habits to their changed circumstances. Despite limited options, children displayed positivity, confidence, and optimism about playing, with play persisting as a feature of their lives during the pandemic.
Researchers found that the lithosphere's thickness and strength control earthquake locations in Britain and Ireland. Thinner and weaker lithosphere beneath western Britain triggers more earthquakes, while thicker and stronger lithosphere in Ireland results in fewer quakes.
A study of over 55,000 people identified new genetic variants associated with insulin resistance after eating, which may help inform future treatments of type 2 diabetes. The discovery highlights the importance of understanding how glucose regulation works in the body, particularly in the fed state.
Researchers trained a robotic chef to watch and learn from cooking videos, enabling it to identify ingredients and actions. The robot recognized 93% of the correct recipe from 16 videos, including variations and new recipes, showcasing its potential for automated food production and cost-effective deployment.
Researchers at the Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge University have discovered that symbiotic and pathogenic fungi use a similar group of proteins to interact with and live within plants. This finding suggests that both pathogens and symbionts are using universal mechanisms to colonise plant cells.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed flexible wooden partition walls using kerfing technology, allowing residents to adapt their spaces as needed. The innovative system aims to reduce waste and carbon emissions while providing affordable solutions for housing.