A new study found that bumblebees maximize nectar sugar collection per minute to provide an immediate energy boost for the colony. By trading off time and energy, they choose hard-to-access nectar sources with high sugar content.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have shown that simulating models of hypothetical time travel can solve experimental problems in quantum metrology. By manipulating entanglement, they can retroactively change past actions to improve outcomes in the present. The simulation has a 75% chance of failure but provides valuable insi...
Researchers call for a more structured approach to integrating simulation technologies into medical and teacher training, highlighting their potential but also concerns about subpar training without evidence. Simulation-based learning tools offer new possibilities for students to develop skills in realistic environments.
A study using data from over 10,000 UK participants found that young children with warm parental relationships tend to display more socially-desirable behaviors like kindness, empathy and generosity. This association holds even after accounting for mental health factors.
The Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme will support up to eight new sea restoration projects across Europe. This funding aims to create resilient ecosystems that benefit nature and people. The programme's third phase will focus on expanding large-scale restoration projects, including those focused on Europe's seas.
A new study reveals that immunity to SARS-CoV-2 variants depends on previous exposure and vaccination history. The research found significant differences in immune responses to various variants, highlighting the need for personalized vaccine approaches.
Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 30 can lead to a reduced life expectancy of up to 14 years due to complications such as heart attack, stroke, and cancer. The analysis found that every decade of earlier diagnosis was associated with about four years of reduced life expectancy.
New plant cell walls exhibit significantly different mechanical properties compared to surrounding parental walls, enabling cells to alter their local shape and influence the growth of plant organs. Researchers have discovered that new cell walls in some plants are 1.5 times stiffer than the parental cell walls.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth by 2.6 times and small for gestational age by four times. Babies born to smokers are also more likely to have low birth weight, increasing their risk of developmental problems and poorer health in later life.
A new vaccine candidate has shown protection against a range of coronaviruses, including current and future variants, by targeting the critical regions of the virus that it needs to complete its life cycle. The vaccine technology, developed at the University of Cambridge, aims to provide broad-based protection against emerging viruses.
A recent study by the University of Cambridge found that autistic individuals are more likely to experience a broad range of chronic physical health conditions across various organ systems. The research highlights the need for closer monitoring and adaptation of healthcare systems to meet the complex needs of autistic people.
Scientists at University of Cambridge create Highlighter tool that uses specific light conditions to activate defense mechanisms in plants, allowing them to 'talk' to humans about impending dangers such as disease outbreaks and heatwaves. The system utilizes optogenetics technology to control biomolecular processes at the cellular level.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have made a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to more effective treatments for neuroblastoma, a devastating form of childhood cancer. The new approach uses a combination of two drugs to encourage cancer cells to become normal non-dividing cells, potentially reducing side effects.
A new health care utility model called Civica Rx increases supply security and reduces costs for health systems, with increased access to critical medications. The model prioritizes access over profit and offers transparent pricing for all customers.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that training participants to suppress negative thoughts reduced their vividness and emotional intensity. The study also showed improvements in mental health outcomes for participants, including decreases in depression and anxiety.
Researchers from University of Cambridge and Cornell University have developed a method to build machine learning models that can understand complex equations using far less training data. This breakthrough enables the construction of more time- and cost-efficient models for physics, engineering, and climate modeling applications.
Historian Dr Philippa Carter argues that jobs like food preparation, childcare, and dairy production left women exposed to witchcraft accusations. These occupations, often performed by women, were perceived as a threat to social order, increasing the likelihood of suspicion and accusation.
A new study confirms that roadside hedges can dramatically reduce air pollution around schools by soaking up ultrafine particles emitted by traffic. Hedges have been found to act as protective barriers, capturing and filtering out harmful particles.
Research found that a healthy lifestyle involving moderate alcohol consumption, healthy diet, regular physical activity, and frequent social connection can reduce the risk of depression. The study identified seven healthy lifestyle factors linked to a lower risk of depression, with good sleep being the most protective.
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.