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.
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.