A 15th-century manuscript has shed new light on Britain's famous sense of humor and the role played by minstrels in medieval society. The texts contain rare forms of medieval literature, including a 'killer rabbit' worthy of Monty Python.
Researchers uncovered traces of Giardia duodenalis, a common cause of debilitating diarrhoea, in two Jerusalem latrines dating back to the biblical Kingdom of Judah. The study suggests dysentery was endemic in the Kingdom of Judah.
A new study found that establishing a wildflower meadow in the historic grounds of King's College, Cambridge increased species richness and abundance by three times compared to adjacent lawn. The meadow also reduced greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 1.36 tonnes CO2-e per hectare per year.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have created a solar-powered technology that converts carbon dioxide and water into liquid fuels like ethanol and propanol. These fuels have high energy density and produce no net carbon emissions, making them a promising alternative to fossil fuels.
Researchers found that people with severe obesity have a higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes and may need more frequent booster doses. Immunity declines faster in obese individuals, putting them at greater risk of infection over time.
Scientists discovered that the diversification of life at 500 million years ago led to a drastic change in the chemistry of Earth's crust, with phosphorus levels tripling in crustal rocks. This increase supported the continued expansion of life on Earth.
A US study found that 56% of Black and Hispanic Chicagoans witnessed a shooting by age 40, while White residents were exposed to gun violence at less than half the rate. The average age for witnessing a shooting was just 14 years old, with nearly 7% of Black and Hispanic participants being shot before 40.
A study found that fewer than one in five NHS Trusts in England offered active bystander training to address workplace harassment and sexual harassment. Most of the training was delivered by external companies, but its effectiveness couldn't be evaluated due to commercial confidentiality.
Researchers analyzed 90 samples of raw pheasant dog food and found that 77% exceeded the maximum residue level for lead in animal feed. The mean lead concentration was 34 times higher than in human-consumed pheasant meat, posing health risks to dogs, especially puppies.
A repurposed HIV drug has been found to restore the brain's autophagy function, helping prevent build-up of misfolded proteins and slowing disease progression in mouse models of Huntington's disease and dementia. This discovery provides clues to how this process could be slowed or prevented in humans.
Researchers found that nearly half of patients with mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) continue to experience symptoms six months after the injury. The study suggests that increased connectivity in a specific region of the brain may be linked to poor prognosis and longer recovery times.
Research suggests that problems with the brain's ability to 'prune' itself of unnecessary connections may underlie a wide range of mental health disorders that begin during adolescence. Adolescents experiencing mental health problems showed similar patterns of brain activity, which were largely apparent in the frontal lobes.
A major international trial concludes that surgeons should replace the removed skull section after treating a brain bleed, saving patients from further complications. The study found no significant difference in disability-related and quality-of-life outcomes between the two approaches.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new method for making smart fabrics that is cheaper and more sustainable. They achieved this by weaving electronic components into conventional textiles using industrial looms, breaking away from traditional specialized microelectronic fabrication facilities.
Two contagious cancers, devil facial tumour 1 (DFT1) and 2 (DFT2), affecting Tasmanian devils have been tracked to understand their origins and evolution. Researchers found DFT2 is a faster-growing cancer with rapid mutations, posing a significant threat to the species.
Researchers have identified a new degradation mechanism in organic solar cells involving twisting of polymer chains, which reduces efficiency. This discovery paves the way for more stable solar cells that can generate electricity from sunlight at scale.
A study found that some of the world's largest slaughterhouses reduced cattle-driven deforestation in the Amazon by 15% through their zero-deforestation policies. If fully implemented, these policies could halve cattle-driven deforestation in Brazil by sparing over 24,000km2 of forest.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that minority ethnic groups are less successful in applying to specialty training programmes in the NHS. Female applicants had a higher success rate overall, but certain specialities tend to appeal more to one gender or the other.
A new study from researchers at the University of Cambridge found that deadly heatwaves fueled by climate change made almost 90 percent of Indians more vulnerable to public health issues, food shortages, and increased risks of death. The study suggests that India's national Climate Vulnerability Indicator underestimates the main risks ...
A landmark study by University of Cambridge researchers found no difference in psychological wellbeing or quality of family relationships between children born through assisted reproduction and those born naturally. However, mothers who disclosed their child's origins early on reported more positive relationships and lower anxiety and ...
Researchers at the University of Cambridge designed a soft robotic hand that can grasp a range of objects using passive movement and tactile sensors. The hand successfully grasped 11 of 14 objects in tests, including a peach, computer mouse, and roll of bubble wrap, demonstrating its ability to predict when it might drop an object.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have built a super-sized nanocage that could deliver larger drug cargoes, outperforming existing nanocages in terms of internal volume and stability.
Researchers developed 'BioArm,' a portable 3D bioprinter for cancer research, which can print complex tumoroids in under 90 seconds. The device enables testing of immunotherapy treatments and mimics the tumor microenvironment.
A study found that monkeys with opposable thumbs were fooled by a sleight-of-hand trick, while those without were not. The French drop trick worked for capuchins and squirrel monkeys due to mirroring in their neural motor system.
A study of 7,500 Irish children found that harsh discipline increases the risk of developing lasting mental health problems. Children exposed to 'hostile' parenting at age three were 1.5 times likelier to have high-risk mental health symptoms by age nine.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that increasing the proportion of non-alcoholic drinks on sale in online supermarkets can lead to a reduction in the amount of alcohol purchased. Participants who were exposed to more non-alcoholic drinks selected and purchased fewer units of alcohol compared to those with lower proportions.
Scientists have discovered a new topological phase in twisted 2D materials, which could lead to breakthroughs in nanotechnology. The discovery reveals the formation of polar domains that are inherently topological and form objects known as merons and antimerons.
Researchers have identified three sets of genes involved in building the fake fly structure on the daisy's petals, which are brought together in a new way to deceive male flies. The plant's use of existing genes for iron movement, root hair growth, and flower control gives it an evolutionary advantage.
Designing low-carbon multi-storey buildings requires focusing on efficient shapes, structural frames, limited window sizes, and ventilation with heat recovery. The study found that these elements can save up to six gigatonnes of carbon by 2050 and reduce annual heating and cooling costs by 28-44%.
The study sheds light on Beethoven's health problems, including progressive hearing loss and chronic gastrointestinal complaints. Genetic risk factors for liver disease were identified, and evidence of a hepatitis B virus infection was found in the composer's final months.
Scientists have discovered a new way to extract energy from photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient ways of generating clean fuels and renewable energy.
A study by researchers from BirdLife International, WWF, and the University of Cambridge found that 80% of key biodiversity areas (KBAs) on land contain infrastructure, which is a significant driver of threats to biodiversity. The prevalence of infrastructure in KBAs is likely to increase due to planned developments.
Scientists have used gene therapy to increase 'cold shock protein' levels in mice brains, protecting them against prion disease. The approach could lead to a safer treatment for acute brain injury and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers developed a neural implant that restored limb function to amputees and paralysed individuals by integrating with the brain and nerve. The biohybrid device combines electronic components with reprogrammed muscle cells, preventing scar tissue formation and improving signal extraction.
A University of Cambridge analysis identified 98% of reports from trials evaluating new school-based physical exercise programs as lacking key details about teacher training. The study urged journal editors to update their submission guidelines to encourage better reporting, with seven journals already altered their guidance.
A new scoring system assesses pig welfare through a range of measurements, including health problems and environmental interactions. The system enables comparison across different types of pig farming and informs decisions about farm sustainability.
Research suggests that an underactive immune response may explain the link between obesity and severe COVID-19. Obese patients with COVID-19 have been found to have blunted inflammatory responses, producing suboptimal levels of molecules needed to fight the infection.
Researchers found giant underwater waves play a crucial role in ocean's ability to store heat and carbon, challenging current climate models. The study highlights the importance of small-scale turbulence in ocean circulation, which can significantly impact global climate projections.
Scientists from the University of Cambridge have developed a model to predict a planet's interior water capacity based on its size and host star chemistry. The results suggest that larger planets may have drier rocky mantles, while smaller ones could hold more water-rich minerals.
Researchers found that restoring function to donor hearts through taNRP can significantly increase the donor pool, leading to more transplantations. The study showed comparable survival rates between DCD and DBD heart transplants, with 97% of patients surviving for over 30 days.
A study found that wildlife documentaries highlight vertebrate species, such as mammals and birds, while underrepresenting invertebrates like insects. This biased portrayal risks leaving people with an inaccurate impression of nature's state.
A study by researchers from the University of Cambridge found that robots can be a useful tool to promote mental wellbeing in the workplace. The experiment used two different robot wellbeing coaches, with participants showing a better connection and positive perception with a toy-like robot compared to a humanoid-like robot.
Cambridge researchers observe Unio crassus mussels squirting water jets up to a meter away from the riverbed to increase the chances of their larvae attaching to specific host fishes. This behavior has never been seen in any other mussel species and may be crucial for the endangered species' survival.
A Cambridge study suggests that hunter-gatherer childhoods may hold the key to improving education and wellbeing in developed countries. The research highlights the importance of physical contact, non-parental caregivers, and children providing care, which are often lacking in modern societies.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that imagining a recent meal as bigger and more filling can help reduce subsequent snacking. Participants who imagined their meal as twice as big consumed significantly fewer biscuits in a taste test.
A new study by University of Cambridge researchers found that offering tiny cash rewards for accuracy can increase people's ability to distinguish between misinformation and the truth. The study suggests that fake news thrives due to a motivational imbalance, where users have more incentive to get clicks than to spread accurate content.
Researchers developed an algorithm that uses computer vision techniques to estimate tree diameter from a single image in realistic field conditions. The app sped up the process significantly, being about four and a half times faster than manual measurement techniques.
A study analyzing over 800,000 tweets found that negative emotions expressed about geoengineering can easily fall into conspiracy theories. The researchers also discovered a strong link between geoengineering and the chemtrail conspiracy theory, with toxic tweets spilling over across regional boundaries.
Researchers found that 11 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day, equivalent to a brisk walk, lowers the risk of diseases like heart disease and stroke. This amounts to a 23% lower risk of early death, with benefits also seen in reduced cardiovascular disease and cancer risks.
Research from the University of Cambridge and Cardiff University found that damselfish scare off cleaner fish customers, leading to fewer species receiving vital cleaning treatment. This disruption could contribute to the breakdown of delicate ecosystems supported by coral reefs.