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.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have identified a new mechanism that appears to reverse the build-up of aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. By stressing cells, they found that protein misfolding was eliminated, potentially allowing for the refolding of correctly folded proteins.
A study found that protected conservation areas in Madagascar experienced unprecedented spikes in fires during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly when on-site management was suspended. The team suggests that governments should consider keeping some staff in protected areas to mitigate this impact.
Researchers trained a robot chef to taste food at various stages of the chewing process, mimicking human flavor perception. The 'taste as you go' approach significantly improved the robot's ability to assess saltiness, producing better-tasting dishes.
Severe COVID-19 causes cognitive impairment similar to 50-70 year age range, equivalent to losing 10 IQ points. Cognitive symptoms persist six months after acute illness and show gradual recovery.
A new study by University of Cambridge researchers found that parents' beliefs about languages have a stronger impact on their children's attitudes than teachers or friends. This implies that efforts to reverse the national decline in language-learning should also target families, alongside schools.
Researchers found that seven hours of sleep per night is associated with improved cognitive performance, better mental health, and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. Disrupted slow-wave sleep may contribute to cognitive decline and memory consolidation issues.
Researchers have found that the UK's existing copper network cables can support faster internet speeds, but only up to a certain frequency, and will not be able to support high-speed internet in the longer term. The study highlights the importance of investing in future technologies to make high-speed internet available to all.
Scientists have discovered six new species of frog in Mexico's forests, with one being the country's smallest, the 13mm-long Craugastor candelariensis. The newly discovered species are known as 'direct-developing' frogs, emerging from eggs as perfect miniature frogs.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed a hybrid, data-driven approach to the Travelling Salesperson Problem that significantly outperforms current methods. The new approach converges to optimal solutions at a faster rate and produces high-quality solutions under restricted computation time.
The largest study of its kind analyzed over 12,000 NHS cancer patients' genetic make-ups to detect patterns in DNA mutations that provide clues about cancer causes. Researchers identified 58 new mutational signatures, suggesting additional causes not yet fully understood.
A new study published in Anglo-Saxon England suggests that Anglo-Saxon kings were mostly vegetarian, while peasants occasionally hosted lavish meat feasts for their rulers. The findings challenge historical assumptions about early medieval English history and the role of food-rent in sustaining royal households.
A national survey found that 47% of parents experienced negative birth experiences, with uncertainties about restrictions causing increased anxiety. Good communication from healthcare providers was key to a positive experience, with families reporting reduced levels of anxiety and stress when provided with support.
A recent study by researchers from the University of Cambridge and Boston University has made a major breakthrough in understanding how cuckoo finches mimic eggs of multiple host species. The team found that female cuckoo finches inherit their egg-mimicry abilities from their mothers, allowing them to exploit different host species. Ho...
A new study published in Memory & Cognition found that eyewitnesses do not systematically bias towards selecting people with threatening facial characteristics or muscular bodies. However, participants showed highest identification accuracy for the most threatening body stimuli high in musculature.
A UK crime gang study found that OCG members who previously offended together are more likely to become victims of violence, with a 56-fold increase in risk. The study also revealed cycles of escalating violence within the criminal milieu, with harassment increasing the potential for violence by 243 times.
A study found that trainee teachers who received AI-generated feedback improved their diagnostic reasoning, identifying potential learning difficulties in pupils more accurately. The AI system analyzed the trainees' work and provided clear, adaptive feedback.
The University of Cambridge has been awarded a £3.67m Critical Mass Grant to advance its world-leading research on dynamical phenomena in condensed matter physics. The grant will support the development of new theoretical models that capture and explain experimental properties, making testable predictions about new phenomena.
Researchers created brain charts spanning human lifespan, revealing rapid brain growth in early life and slow decline with age. The charts use aggregated MRI datasets, covering a range of ages from fetus to 100-year-old adult, and aim to create a common language for describing brain development and maturation.
A study using AI-powered robot scientist Eve analyzed over 12,000 research papers on breast cancer cell biology and found that less than one third of the results were reproducible. The researchers found that significant evidence for repeatability was found in 43 papers, while 22 papers showed replicable results under different conditions.