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.
A team of astronomers has developed a novel way to observe the first stars and galaxies, detecting light through the fog of the early Universe. The Square Kilometre Array will likely make images of the earliest light, but current telescopes struggle to detect the cosmological signal through hydrogen clouds.
The Heart and Lung Research Institute (HLRI) at the University of Cambridge will bring together over 380 researchers and clinicians to tackle cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The institute aims to deliver high-impact research to drive breakthroughs in prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases, which represent...
A study reveals over 50 common toads in UK woodlands, defying expectations of their terrestrial lifestyle. The discovery highlights the importance of tree cavities as a habitat for amphibians and encourages conservation efforts.
A report by experts predicts 15 issues that will impact marine and coastal biodiversity in the next decade, including lithium extraction, wildfires, and overfishing. The study aims to raise awareness and encourage investment to protect these ecosystems.
A new study found that the O139 cholera variant lost antimicrobial resistance and changed toxin production, leading to its unexpected decline. The findings suggest continuous monitoring of genetic changes is key to preventing future outbreaks.
A new study by University of Cambridge researchers found that male dogs are four to five times more likely than female dogs to be infected with the oro-nasal form of Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour. This unusual cancer is infectious and can spread between dogs through contact, commonly affecting genitals but also the nose and mouth.
Research by University of Cambridge academics found that children as old as five or six struggle to reconcile inference and perspective, leading to difficulties in conversations. Combining these skills is crucial for understanding 'implicatures' - inferences made in conversation when people mean more than they say.
A highly antibiotic-resistant strain of MRSA has emerged in livestock over the past 50 years, primarily due to widespread antibiotic use in pig farming. The CC398 strain has maintained its resistance and is capable of rapidly adapting to human hosts, posing a significant threat to public health.
Researchers argue that people with dyslexia have specific strengths in exploring the unknown, which has contributed to their successful adaptation and survival as a species. This 'explorative bias' plays a crucial role in our ability to adapt to changing environments.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict COVID-19 transmission in train carriages, finding that risk is constant regardless of location and that masks are more effective than social distancing in reducing transmission. The study highlights the importance of improving ventilation systems on trains to keep passengers safe.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have measured the speeds of spin and charge excitations in a narrow wire, finding that they travel at fixed but different speeds. This discovery opens up new possibilities for spintronics and our understanding of quantum matter.
Researchers have generated molecular maps of the second week of gestation, revealing the biochemical signals that control human embryo development. This breakthrough provides a crucial reference for studying birth defects and pregnancy loss in humans.
Researchers have developed a framework to analyze chromosomal instability in human cancers, characterizing 17 different types of signatures. These signatures can predict how tumors respond to drugs and help identify future drug targets. The discovery aims to improve survival rates for millions of cancer patients worldwide.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that life cannot explain the composition of Venus' atmosphere. The researchers used a combination of biochemistry and atmospheric chemistry to test the 'life in the clouds' hypothesis, but their results showed no evidence of chemical fingerprints from life forms on Venus.
Children who excel at playing well with others in pre-school tend to enjoy better mental health as adults. Research analyzing data from over 1,700 children found a clear link between peer play ability and reduced signs of poor mental health.
A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that extreme weather events exacerbate gender-based violence by creating socioeconomic instability, structural power inequalities, and mental stress. This can lead to physical injury, unwanted pregnancy, and long-term consequences for victims.
A study found that around one in 500 men carry an extra sex chromosome, putting them at increased risk of several common diseases. Men with XXY or XYY chromosomes have higher risks of reproductive problems, type 2 diabetes, and other health conditions.
Researchers have observed two resonances of first and second sound in a three-dimensional quantum gas, defying classical expectations. The system's compressibility and microscopic description offer new insights into quantum hydrodynamics.
An international team of researchers has observed a unique 'fruitcake' structure in an organic polymer, revealing variations in hardness at the nanoscale. This discovery could lead to the development of next-generation microelectronic and bioelectronic devices with improved flexibility and biocompatibility.
Alzheimer's disease causes cells to overheat due to amyloid-beta aggregation, which can lead to more aggregates forming. The researchers found a drug compound could stop this process, potentially leading to new treatments.
A recent study by the University of Cambridge found that autistic individuals have a higher risk of chronic mental and physical health conditions. They also report lower quality healthcare experiences, including difficulties with symptom description and sense overload.
A team of scientists has confirmed that the earliest humans in Australia consumed eggs from a two-metre tall bird called Genyornis, which became extinct 47,000 years ago. The ancient proteins found in eggshell fragments provide conclusive evidence for this species.
Scientists discovered that tiny defects in perovskites, cheaper alternative materials for solar cells, also cause structural changes leading to degradation. By controlling the formation of these detrimental phases, researchers can improve performance and stability of devices, bringing them closer to commercialization.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that watching less than an hour of TV per day can lower the risk of coronary heart disease by up to 16%. The research suggests that limiting TV viewing could be a useful lifestyle change for individuals with a high genetic predisposition to the condition.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a low-cost supercapacitor device that selectively captures CO2 gas while charging. The device uses sustainable materials and can store energy while capturing climate-changing emissions.
A new analysis of ancient faeces found at Durrington Walls has uncovered evidence of parasitic worms, suggesting the inhabitants feasted on cattle and fed leftovers to their dogs. The findings indicate that people ate raw or undercooked internal organs from infected animals, resulting in parasite eggs passing through the body.
Researchers have taken a detailed image of an unusual pocket of rock at the boundary layer with Earth's core, revealing complex internal variability. The discovery supports existing proposals that the zone contains more iron than surrounding rocks, potentially linking it to ancient rocks or unknown core leakage.
A UK survey found that much of the public value of academic research is overlooked in official 'impact' assessments. Researchers use social media to engage with their audience, often through ongoing feedback loops and collaborations, but these are not accounted for in the current system.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge used ultra-high strength '7T' MRI scanners to measure changes in the brains of people with Parkinson's disease, PSP, or good health. The study found that damage to the locus coeruleus region correlates with severe cognitive symptoms and apathy.
Researchers found that 85% of the eastern Antarctic Peninsula's ice shelf perimeter has advanced since the early 2000s, linked to decade-scale changes in atmospheric circulation. The advance is due to more sea ice being carried to the coast by wind, which stabilises ice shelves.
Researchers have developed a system that harnesses energy from sunlight to power small devices, making it ideal for off-grid situations. The innovative device uses non-toxic algae to generate electricity continuously without running down like traditional batteries.