A feasibility study suggests that Iceland can produce enough Spirulina to feed six million Europeans every year, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and freshwater withdrawals. The country's industrial-scale biomass cultivation system powered by renewable energy could support Northern European countries in achieving protein self-sufficie...
Common mental health problems, such as depression, are prevalent in the hospitality and real estate sectors, with significant gender disparities found across various industries. The study highlights the need for industry leaders to address underlying issues contributing to higher rates of mental health problems among female workers.
Research from the University of Cambridge found that cinematic depictions of AI scientists are heavily skewed towards men, contributing to a cultural stereotype that may deter women from pursuing AI careers. The study highlights the need for more diverse representation in AI development.
A new study reveals that glaciers in Greenland move through a complex system involving basal temperate ice and varied landscapes. The research uses computer modeling to better understand the movement of the world's second-largest ice sheet, which could lead to more accurate predictions of sea-level rise.
Carbon emissions from fertilizers could be reduced by as much as 80% by 2050, according to researchers at the University of Cambridge. The study found that two-thirds of emissions occur after application, highlighting the need for efficient fertilizer use and innovative solutions to mitigate emissions.
A new study suggests that childhood mental health problems resulting from early-life adversity drive poorer cognitive performance in adolescence. Researchers found that addressing mental health difficulties when children are young can alleviate the effects of early-life adversity on later cognition.
A recent GP survey found that trans and non-binary adults in England are more likely to experience long-term health conditions, including mental health problems and learning disabilities. They also report negative experiences of primary care and prefer continuity with a preferred GP.
Research by University of Cambridge scientists reveals that a rare genetic disorder, Gaucher disease, provides protection against TB due to an unusual fatty chemical that acts as a microbicide. The study suggests that Ashkenazi Jews, who are more susceptible to Gaucher disease, may be less likely to contract TB infection.
A team of researchers at Cambridge and UCL created a novel amorphous form of ice called medium-density amorphous ice (MDA), which resembles liquid water in its solid state. MDA has a density similar to that of liquid water and displays unique properties not found in other forms of ice.
Researchers have devised a new mechanism to generate high-energy 'quantum light', which could reveal new properties of matter at the atomic scale. The theory predicts a way to control the quantum nature of light using correlated emitters with a strong laser.
A team of astronomers has directly measured the mass of a dead star using gravitational microlensing, a phenomenon predicted by Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. The measurement, made for an isolated white dwarf called LAWD 37, provides new insights into star evolution and testing current theories of how white dwarfs evolve.
Preterm birth increases the risk of cardiovascular problems; combining steroids with statins could eliminate negative effects while retaining respiratory benefits. Researchers found that combined therapy improved lung function and reduced cardiovascular issues in rat pups.
Researchers found that calibrating rates of information delivery to match individual brainwave cycles speeds up cognitive skill improvement. This technique, called entrainment, increases capacity to absorb and adapt new information.
A Cambridge-led consortium has received $35m to engineer plants to utilize naturally occurring micro-organism interactions, enhancing nutrient uptake and increasing crop yields. This approach aims to revolutionize smallholder farming in sub-Saharan Africa and provide a sustainable solution for food production.
A team of scientists has discovered a way to preserve quantum coherence in quantum dot spin qubits by exploiting the properties of a material with the same lattice parameter. This breakthrough improves storage time beyond hundred microseconds, paving the way for practical quantum networks and computing applications.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that the UK's soft drinks industry levy may have prevented 5,000 cases of obesity per year in year six girls due to an 8% relative reduction in obesity levels. However, there was no significant association between the levy and obesity levels in year six boys or younger children.
Small-scale octopus fisheries offer a sustainable source of food and income to communities facing food insecurity, providing essential micronutrients like vitamin B12, copper, iron, and selenium. This approach can facilitate sustainable production and catch methods that are less environmentally harmful than industrial fishing.
A philosopher at the University of Cambridge argues that interfering with others' transformative choices, such as changing careers or having children, can be morally wrong. The study suggests that there is a moral duty to allow others to make these decisions and that interference should be done with caution.
Researchers have developed a new DNA sequencing method, Chem-map, which can precisely map where drugs bind to the genome. The technique enables detection of small molecule-genome interactions and provides insights into how life-saving drugs work in cancer treatment.
Researchers found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) affect reinforcement learning, leading to reduced sensitivity to rewards and emotional dullness. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms behind this common side effect.
A new electromagnetic device has established a new standard of precision in mechanobiology research, enabling high-precision measurements of soft biological tissues. The device allows for the mechanical testing of human biopsy samples and has shown enhanced reliability with errors below 15%.
New research reveals that West Antarctica's ice sheet collapse is not inevitable, with regional variations in climate and ocean circulation affecting the pace of ice loss. Changes in ocean temperature, driven by shifts in offshore wind patterns, have slowed down ice melt in vulnerable regions.
A new test developed by Cambridge researchers uses single strands of DNA as 'bait' to detect multiple respiratory viruses, including influenza, rhinovirus, RSV, and COVID-19, with highly accurate results in under an hour. The test has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce the use of antibiotics.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed an artificial pancreas that can help maintain healthy glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients. The device doubled the time spent in the target range for glucose and halved the time spent with high glucose levels, reducing average glucose levels and glycated haemoglobin levels.
A team from the University of Cambridge has created a solar-powered reactor that can transform two waste streams, CO2 and plastics, into valuable products. The system produces syngas for sustainable liquid fuels and glycolic acid for the cosmetics industry, offering a promising step towards a circular economy.
A large-scale study found that females consistently score higher than males on the 'Reading the Mind in the Eyes' Test, a widely used measure of theory of mind. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 participants across 57 countries and confirmed this sex difference across all ages.
Researchers suggest that societal training shapes gendered perceptions of domestic tasks, with women more likely to see 'to be done' affordances. Men can improve their sensitivity to these affordances through conscious effort and habit formation.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have identified a method to track and kill resistant cancer cells in mice. By tagging different types of breast cancer cells with unique genetic barcodes, they were able to identify which cells are evading chemotherapy and target them specifically with a new treatment approach.
Scientists at University of Cambridge uncover dynamical fractal in spin ice material, with fractals visible in both dynamic and static properties. The discovery was made possible by analyzing magnetic noise from the material's electron spins.
A new study links drought spells to the intensification of raiding activity by Hunnic peoples, who responded to climate stress by adopting new strategies and changing their social organization. The research suggests that extreme drought in the Carpathian Basin contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that the London Underground is contaminated with ultrafine metallic particles, including maghemite, which can be inhaled and enter the bloodstream. The particles are so small that they evade traditional air pollution monitoring methods, posing a significant risk to public health.
Researchers have developed a comprehensive tool to predict prostate cancer risk, incorporating genetic and family history data. The algorithm aims to identify men at highest risk for targeted screening and diagnostic tests, reducing unnecessary tests for those at low risk.
Researchers identify an off-patent liver disease drug that can prevent SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells, potentially offering protection against future variants. The study used a unique combination of 'mini-organs', animal studies, and human subjects to demonstrate the drug's effectiveness.
A study found that up to 78% of walkers would choose a more challenging route with obstacles, suggesting 'Active Landscape' routes could improve health outcomes and tackle the 'inactivity pandemic'. The researchers identified design characteristics, such as handrails and signage, that influence participants' choices.
Researchers developed a method to measure overall fitness using wearable devices, outperforming current consumer smartwatches and fitness monitors. The model uses machine learning to predict VO2max during everyday activity, providing accurate predictions based on heart rate and accelerometer data.
A new species of ancient bird, Janavis finalidens, has been found with a mobile beak, challenging the long-held assumption that modern birds evolved from a 'ancient jaw' group. The fossil shows a fused palate bone, similar to those of ostriches and their relatives.
Researchers used India's SARAS3 radio telescope data to place limits on the mass and energy output of the first stars and galaxies, determining what they were like and weren't. The study enabled them to rule out scenarios of inefficient heaters and efficient producers of radio emissions.
The River Thames ecosystem has suffered a drastic decline in mussel numbers since the 1960s, with native species dwindling to nearly nothing. The invasive zebra mussel and Asian clam have also taken hold, further threatening biodiversity.
A study involving 8,000 primary pupils found that COVID-19 closures severely ruptured the social and emotional development of Ethiopia's poorest children. Children lost at least a third of an academic year in learning, with those already disadvantaged educationally being particularly affected.
Cambridge researchers discovered that plants regulate the chemistry of their petal surface to create microscopic three-dimensional patterns reflecting different wavelengths of light, visible to bees. These patterns act as diffraction gratings producing an iridescent optical effect, which is essential for attracting pollinators.
Research on over 11,000 UK students reveals a sharp decline in well-being and self-esteem between ages 11 and 14, linked to the transition to secondary school. Students with higher self-esteem at age 11 experienced less significant drops in well-being.
A new study published in Nature Scientific Reports reveals that social media engagement with climate policy events can increase the focus of the building sector on environmental justice. The researchers found a strong environmental justice discourse among public concerns, which can foster positive sentiments and inspire innovative emis...
Researchers at Cambridge University have successfully created artificial enzymes, known as XNAzymes, that can target and destroy the genetic code of SARS-CoV-2, a promising approach to develop new antiviral drugs. The engineered enzymes are highly specific and can be programmed to attack mutated RNAs involved in cancer or other diseases.
A study found that mothers of younger children (under four years) engage in the least moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, averaging around 18 minutes per day. In contrast, mothers of school-aged children manage about 26 minutes of such activity daily, with multiple children under five increasing light intensity activities.
Researchers at University of Cambridge found that a thin shell of water surrounding proteins can determine aggregation, with slower movement leading to more clumping. The discovery has significant implications for treating protein misfolding diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
A study from University of Cambridge found that young people who feel poorer than their friends have lower self-esteem and are more likely to be bullied. Feeling economically equal among peers had the best outcomes for mental health and social behavior.
Astronomers discovered that the building blocks of planets like Jupiter and Saturn form while their parent star is still growing. The study analyzed spectroscopic observations from polluted white dwarfs, which revealed signs of asteroid melting, indicating a rapid process of planet formation.
A recent audit by the University of Cambridge found that a third of church buildings cost more money each year than they can raise, with only one in five being financially profitable. Churches will need to find innovative ways to remain financially sustainable and be useful to communities if their future is to be secured.
A recent study by University of Cambridge researchers found that lack of computer access led to poorer mental health among young people during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The team's analysis of data from 1,387 10–15-year-olds revealed that those without access to a computer experienced a more significant increase in Total Difficulties scores.
Scientists identified a three-protein signature in the blood that can improve detection of isolated impaired glucose tolerance, a form of prediabetes. The new test reduces the number of individuals who need to undergo oral glucose tolerance testing.