A recent UK-based experiment found no significant change in the overall number of calories purchased when food and drink labels showed physical activity calorie-equivalent values. The study suggests that PACE labelling may not be effective in reducing energy intake, contradicting previous expectations.
Astrophysicists have identified a potential test to rule out cosmic inflation, a theory explaining the universe's origins. The cosmic graviton background (CGB) could provide evidence against inflation if detected, and its impact on the early Universe's expansion rate could be measured by next-generation probes.
Researchers found that people with substance use disorders are more likely to die from or experience shorter life-expectancies when developing certain physical health conditions. The study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, analyzed patient records from Czech nationwide registers and suggests a link between substance use disorders an...
Researchers measured rhino horns from photographs taken between 1886 and 2018, finding a significant decrease in length across all five species. The decline is believed to be caused by intensive hunting, which has also led to a shift in human perceptions of rhinos from hunting to conservation.
A study found that Eurasian jays with greater self-control can pass a version of the 'marshmallow test' and score higher on intelligence tests. The researchers believe that this self-control may have evolved as a result of the birds' need to delay gratification in order to plan for future meals.
A recent study found that companies' zero-deforestation supply chain commitments have reduced tree clearance in the Brazilian Amazon by only 1.6% between 2006 and 2015. Despite this, over 50% of soy-suitable forests in Brazil remain unprotected. Experts call for stronger regulations to effectively combat deforestation.
A new study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that autistic parents are three times more likely to report prenatal depression and anxiety compared to non-autistic parents. The research highlights the need for effective mental health screening and support for autistic individuals during pregnancy.
Research found that new autism diagnoses tend to cluster within specific NHS service regions, suggesting a possible health service effect on diagnosis rates. This study highlights potential healthcare disparities and the impact of social determinants on autism diagnosis likelihood.
Scientists have found a way to produce high-performance magnets without rare earth elements, using the 'cosmic magnet' tetrataenite. The discovery could reduce reliance on China's dominant rare earth supply, supporting low-carbon technologies.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that ineffective teacher training is the likely cause of failures in promoting children's physical health in schools. The review of 51 randomised control trials suggests that key ingredients like clear goals, regular feedback, and resources are often missing from teacher training.
A UK study has found that officers with strong support networks and a sense of meaningful work have lower rates of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), highlighting the need for improvements in police working lives.
Tracking lithium ion movement in real-time, researchers found uneven lithium storage in promising battery materials leads to reduced capacity and hindering performance. The discovery highlights a key reason why nickel-rich cathode materials lose around 10% of their capacity after the first charge-discharge cycle.
Researchers have identified cognitive impairment in patients with dementia-related diseases up to 9 years before diagnosis, raising hope for earlier interventions and clinical trial recruitment. The study analyzed UK Biobank data and found subtle impairments in problem-solving and memory across various conditions.
Astronomers have observed dust plumes from the binary star system WR140 being accelerated into interstellar space by intense starlight. The team used the James Webb Space Telescope to capture images of the dusty plumes, which form a cone-shaped shock front between the two stars.
Research suggests widely-used assessment tools measuring executive functions in US students from high-poverty communities are inaccurate. The study highlights the need for culturally representative assessments to provide effective support and understanding of diverse student needs.
New research highlights the dangers of AI-powered recruitment tools that claim to remove discrimination from hiring. The tools reduce race and gender to trivial data points and often rely on personality analysis that is
Scientists have observed distinct seasonal movements in the flow of land-based ice draining into George VI Ice Shelf on the Antarctic Peninsula, with glaciers speeding up by approximately 15% during the Antarctic summer. This finding suggests that similar seasonal variability may exist at other vulnerable sites in Antarctica, potential...
A University of Cambridge study has found a significant reduction in long COVID clinic referrals following the vaccine rollout. The study analyzed data from Addenbrooke's Hospital and observed a 79% decrease in patient referrals between August 2021 to June 2022, compared to the previous year.
Scientists have discovered that mitochondrial DNA can insert itself into human nuclear DNA in every 4,000 births, leading to the development of rare diseases and some cancers. The new inserts can cause cancer and trigger its development in some cases.
A team of experts from the University of Cambridge has set out a five-point framework to help level up health and tackle health inequalities. The researchers argue that reducing health disparities is crucial, particularly in light of the long-term economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A team of researchers has found new evidence for the presence of liquid water beneath Mars' south polar ice cap using spacecraft laser-altimeter measurements and computer model predictions. The findings agree with earlier radar data interpretations and provide independent confirmation of the existence of subglacial liquid water.
UK researchers recommend recruiting highly skilled scientists and volunteer staff to provide surge capacity for testing capacity. The system aims to hit the ground running in case of future outbreaks.
Researchers recreated primordial seawater containing phosphate in the lab, suggesting that seawater could be a major source of this essential element. This finding has implications for understanding the origins of life on Earth and potentially even beyond our planet.
A new analysis suggests that bird-hipped dinosaurs evolved from silesaurs, which were first identified two decades ago. The study reveals a 25-million-year gap in the fossil record, but provides insight into the early evolution of ornithischians.
A team of scientists created a digital mask that can erase identifiable features from facial images while retaining disease-relevant information, allowing for precise diagnosis and reducing the risk of data breaches. The study found that patients are more willing to share their medical data if such a measure is implemented.
A study by University of Cambridge and University of California, Berkeley finds that competition with China drove significant increases in clean energy investment between 2000 and 2018. The share of RD&D funding for clean technologies grew from 46% to 63%, while fossil fuel funding remained relatively unchanged.
A new study analyzing YouTube comments found that fans of a celebrity will often continue to support them despite immoral acts. The study used language-processing algorithms to analyze comments on Logan Paul's videos before and after a scandalous incident in which he shared a video of a dead body.
A study by researchers at the University of Cambridge found no difference in motivation or enjoyment between adult and adolescent cannabis users and non-users. Cannabis use was not linked to apathy, anhedonia, or brain response to rewards. The findings contradict common stereotypes portrayed in media.
A study using child-sized humanoid robots found that they can assess mental wellbeing in children more effectively than parent-reported or self-reported testing. The robots were able to encourage children to share their thoughts and feelings, leading to more accurate assessments of their mental health.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have successfully grown a model embryo with a brain, beating heart, and all other organs using mouse stem cells. This breakthrough could help understand why some pregnancies fail and develop a new approach for repairing synthetic human organs.
Researchers developed a new Integrated Ozone Depletion metric to measure ozone-destroying substance impacts on the ozone layer. The IOD considers emission strength, atmospheric duration, and ozone destruction, providing a straightforward tool for evaluating ozone layer protection measures.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that short animations can help people recognize and resist misinformation. The experiment, conducted on YouTube with over 30,000 participants, suggests a potential solution for fighting disinformation.
Researchers developed a machine learning algorithm that can predict how different driving patterns affect battery performance, improving safety and reliability. The algorithm uses non-invasive probing to provide a holistic view of battery health, suggesting routes and driving patterns that minimize degradation and charging times.
A study has found that pheasant meat can contain small fragments of toxic lead, which can be absorbed by the body and cause long-term harm. Researchers detected up to 10mg of tiny lead shards per pheasant, widely distributed within the bird's tissues.
A study published in PNAS confirms the single-origin hypothesis for Australia's invasive rabbits, tracing their ancestry back to Thomas Austin's family in England. Genetic diversity declined as the population spread across the continent, revealing a possible genetic advantage that enabled the rabbits to adapt to Australia's climate.
A study of medieval Cambridge's Augustinian friary and local cemetery found that friars were almost twice as likely to be infected by intestinal parasites. The researchers suggest that the high infection rates among friars may have been due to their practice of manuring vegetable gardens with human faeces.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge's CSER highlight the need for improved surveillance and public education to mitigate the impact of volcanic eruptions. The risk of a magnitude seven explosion in the next 100 years is one-in-six, with potential consequences including abrupt climate change and collapse of civilizations.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed ultra-thin, flexible devices that can convert sunlight into fuels as efficiently as plant leaves. The devices, inspired by photosynthesis, could be used on polluted waterways, in ports or even at sea to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Engineers developed a machine learning algorithm that can detect and correct wide variety of errors in real time, learning from other machines' experiences. The algorithm enables 'driverless' printers to work for multiple parts, materials, and printing conditions.
Researchers at Cambridge developed a low-cost optical microscopy technique to study lithium-ion batteries. The method revealed particle cracking issues in fast-charging materials and provided design principles to reduce capacity fade.
A study of 712 six-year-olds found that 53% met the daily recommended guidelines for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Children became more sedentary after starting formal schooling, but also increased their moderate-to-vigorous activity levels.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that nearly three-quarters of stem cell lines carry substantial DNA damage, which could compromise their use in research and cell-based therapies. The study found that whole genome sequencing is essential for confirming if cell lines are usable.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a smart lighting system based on quantum dots, which can dynamically reproduce daylight conditions in a single light. The system achieves excellent color rendering, a wider operating range than current technology, and a wide spectrum of white light customization.
Men with early prostate cancer are missing opportunities for detection because national guidelines and media health campaigns focus on urinary symptoms despite a lack of scientific evidence. Prostate cancer can be a silent or asymptomatic disease, particularly in its curable stages.
Children with rare genetic disorders are more likely to be diagnosed with developmental, behavioural and mental health problems. A study of 2,800 young people found that those with intellectual disabilities were almost 30 times as likely to be autistic and over 13 times more likely to have ADHD.
Researchers warn that climate change poses a significant threat to global food supply and stability, potentially triggering famine, conflicts, and new disease outbreaks. The study proposes a research agenda to explore worst-case scenarios, including 'warm wars' and ecosystem collapse, highlighting the need for urgent action.
Researchers developed a machine learning method to predict material structure, overcoming a key bottleneck in materials science. The approach accurately predicts the structure of materials with five times the efficiency of current methods, paving the way for advances in battery technology and photovoltaics.
Scientists uncover ancient herpes DNA, revealing the virus's prehistoric origins around 5,000 years ago. The discovery suggests a link between the emergence of facial herpes and cultural practices like romantic and sexual kissing in Europe during the Bronze Age.
A study found that certain bacteria grow more efficiently on plastic bags than leaves and twigs, breaking down carbon compounds in the process. The bacteria's growth is stimulated by plastic pollution, which primes them for rapid breakdown of other natural carbon compounds.
A new AI algorithm, IcePic, has been developed to predict ice crystal formation with high accuracy. It outperformed human scientists in an online quiz, identifying areas where humans were wrong and providing valuable insights for atmospheric science research.