A study of 2,100 adolescent young carers in the UK found that 28% considered self-harming and 12% contemplated harming others. The pressure of caring for a family member or friend can lead to poor well-being and distress, particularly among girls.
A new study examines the 'Programme for Results' scheme, a results-based financing package underpinning Ethiopian government's education reforms. It found that several aspects of the project were unfit for purpose from the start, including inadequate systems to measure results and overlooked groups of children with disabilities.
Research suggests that girls are more vulnerable to negative effects of social media on life satisfaction between ages 11-13, while boys experience this effect at 14-15 years old. Increased social media use predicts lower life satisfaction at age 19.
A review of 1,987 conservation reports found that only 8.8% reported total costs, making it difficult to determine cost-effectiveness and make informed decisions on funding allocation. Standardized cost reporting is crucial for efficient decision-making in biodiversity conservation.
A study found that higher doses of antibiotics are needed to eliminate bacterial infections with other microbes present. Researchers developed a model of the human airways to replicate poly-microbial infections, which often persist despite treatment in people with cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge and Oslo identify a century-old mathematical paradox as the Achilles' heel of modern AI. The paradox limits the existence of stable and accurate neural networks, making many AI systems untrustworthy in high-risk areas.
A retrospective analysis of nearly 30,000 patients found that those who received lithium were less likely to develop dementia. The study supports the possibility that lithium could be a preventative treatment for dementia.
A study of 181 long COVID patients found that seven in ten experience concentration and memory problems, with many performing worse than their peers on cognitive tests. Cognitive symptoms were more pronounced in people whose overall ongoing symptoms were more severe.
A new study found that restoring diverse native forests delivers greater climate and environmental benefits than simple tree plantations, but plantations outperform native forests in wood production. The research synthesized data from over 26,000 records to assess the relative performance of different forest restoration approaches.
A global study examining surgical management of traumatic brain injuries reveals regional disparities in causes, treatment, and patient outcomes. Hospitals in low-HDI settings often delay surgery and lack postoperative monitoring equipment.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge and Disney Research developed a new method to display highly realistic holographic images using holobricks that can be stacked together. This technology has the potential to support large-scale holographic 3D displays with high-quality visual experiences.
A study has found that lead poisoning from gun ammunition has suppressed the populations of birds of prey across Europe, resulting in a loss of around 55,000 adult birds. The impact is particularly significant for species like eagles and Red Kites, which are long-lived and breed later in life.
A new study from the University of Cambridge has developed an implant coating that incorporates the anti-inflammatory drug MCC950, reducing the 'foreign body reaction' to implants. This reduction allows for improved nerve regeneration and potentially transforms long-term implant treatment for serious disability or illness.
Researchers found that over half of autistic people were considered vulnerable adults, but only a quarter received reasonable adjustments. Autistic defendants often experienced meltdowns and stress due to lack of understanding from law enforcement and courts.
A new study suggests that relocating farmland could reduce global carbon emissions by 71% and increase biodiversity by 87%. The researchers mapped out optimal locations for major food crops, recommending areas in the US Midwest and sub-Saharan Africa to maximize yield and minimize environmental impact.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that people with dementia have difficulty responding to unexpected situations, which is a symptom seen across every type of dementia. The study used magnetoencephalography to analyze brain activity in patients and healthy controls while listening to changing sounds.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed tiny 'skyscrapers' for bacteria to thrive in, increasing energy extraction from sunlight by over an order of magnitude. This approach suggests that 'biohybrid' solar energy sources could be a key component in the zero-carbon energy mix.
Scientists from the University of Cambridge have developed a method to improve the efficiency of electrolysis for converting CO2 into fuel, reducing unwanted by-products and increasing production by 18 times. The new concept relies on enzymes isolated from bacteria and fine-tunes the local environment to optimize their performance.
Scientists have developed a new way to date asteroid collisions, providing a clearer picture of how planets formed. By analyzing the Chelyabinsk meteorite, researchers found evidence of two distinct collision stages, shedding light on the timing and processes involved in planetary formation.
Researchers warn of substantial risks associated with AI in agriculture, including cyber-attacks and environmental degradation. They suggest involving ecologists in technology design to avoid scenarios like overuse of fertilisers and soil erosion.
A genomic study found that England's 14-day quarantine measures for travelers helped prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, particularly among 16-20 year olds. The study analyzed contact-tracing data and genome sequences to track the spread of genomes from imported cases.
A study by the University of Cambridge found that one in three young people reported improved mental wellbeing during the first national lockdown. Factors such as reduced bullying, improved family relationships, and increased sleep and exercise contributed to this trend. The research suggests that not all young people were negatively i...
Researchers have found that the Greenland Ice Sheet is losing mass at an unprecedented rate due to the conversion of gravitational energy from meltwater into heat. The ice sheet's basal melting rates are comparable to those measured on the surface, but without solar energy input, producing a significant source of hydropower.
Developed by University of Cambridge researchers, these materials can sense strain, temperature and humidity, and partially repair themselves at room temperature. The low-cost materials have potential applications in robotics, tactile interfaces and wearable devices.
A study of over 2,600 children in Ethiopia found that pre-primary education prevented 'alarming' learning losses when schools reopened. Children without pre-primary education showed a four-fold increase in learning deficits.
Experts warn of the risk of industry funding compromising gambling addiction research, highlighting the need for independent funding to address the pervasive problem. They propose a 1% statutory levy on the gambling industry to support research and treatment provision.
Researchers analyzed a ceramic pot from Sicily and found eggs of whipworm parasites, confirming it was used as a chamber pot. The technique provides a crucial tool for identifying ancient pots with special purposes.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have successfully modified the mitochondrial genome in live mice using gene-editing techniques, offering a promising approach to treat incurable mitochondrial disorders. The treatment aims to correct spelling mistakes in defective mitochondrial DNA, producing healthy mitochondria that allow cel...
The grant aims to create toolkits and training for AI developers to prevent existing structural inequalities from becoming embedded into emerging technology. Researchers will investigate the impact of AI on core human values, including democratic rights and minority rights.
The study reveals that particles can behave as bosons in one region and fermions in another, leading to striking phenomena like particle trapping or fragmentation. This discovery opens up a window to engineer and control new kinds of collective motion in the quantum world.
A new study by Dr David Greenberg and colleagues found that musical preferences are linked to personality traits across cultures, with extraversion linked to contemporary music and neuroticism unexpectedly drawn to intense styles. The research suggests a universal role for music in bridging social divides.
The study found that two hacks, first aid tape and nylon tights, significantly improved mask fit for both KN95 and surgical masks. However, the tights were highly uncomfortable, highlighting the importance of balancing effectiveness with wearer comfort.
Climate change is causing plants in the UK to flower one month earlier, with average first flowering dates advancing by a full month since the mid-18th century. This phenomenon can lead to ecological mismatch, affecting biodiversity and ecosystems.
Researchers have discovered live cells in human breast milk, which may provide insights into breast cancer development and improve breastfeeding outcomes. The study, led by Dr. Alecia-Jane Twigger, found that these living cells can be used to study mammary gland function and identify potential early indicators of future breast cancer.
A recent study has found that faulty versions of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are associated with an increased risk of developing prostate and pancreatic cancers in men. The study analyzed data from over 3,200 families and estimated that men who carry a BRCA2 mutation have a 27% risk of developing prostate cancer by age 80.
A new study warns that 'fidelity' in educational trials may be compromising the effectiveness of promising innovations, leading to unnecessary scrapping. The researchers ran a large-scale simulation of over 11,000 trials to examine the impact of fidelity on results.
By shaking an optical lattice potential, researchers realized a discontinuous phase transition in a strongly correlated quantum gas, opening the door to quantum simulations of false vacuum decay in the early universe. This work provides a flexible platform for exploring the role of quantum fluctuations in first-order phase transitions.
A new artificial pancreas system has been shown to be safe and effective in managing blood sugar levels in very young children with type 1 diabetes. The hybrid closed-loop system, CamAPS FX, reduced average blood sugar levels and improved glucose control without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
Scientists have proposed a new model for the Moon's crust formation, suggesting that a 'slushy' magma ocean played a key role. The research suggests that crystals remained suspended in liquid magma over hundreds of millions of years, eventually forming the lunar crust.
The Omo I fossils, found in Ethiopia, have been dated to be at least 230,000 years old, pushing back the known emergence of Homo sapiens by tens of thousands of years. This reevaluation was made possible through advanced geochemical analysis and a new understanding of volcanic ash layers.
Research suggests that guided play can be just as effective as traditional instruction in developing key skills such as literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Guided play may even improve math skills and cognitive ability in younger children.
New research reveals that invasive species can arrive in Antarctic waters from almost anywhere across the globe via biofouling on ships' hulls. Fishing, tourism, research, and supply ships expose Antarctica to non-native species threatening its pristine environment.
A study published in Nature found that a type of MRSA called mecC-MRSA originated in hedgehogs over 200 years ago, long before the clinical use of antibiotics. The researchers believe that the bacteria evolved as an adaptation to living on the skin of hedgehogs with a fungus that produces its own antibiotics.
Researchers found that the fetus uses a signal called IGF2 to control nutrient supply from the placenta. The team discovered that only the paternal copy of the IGF2 gene is active, while the maternal copy inactivates it.
A new study finds that controlled burning can stabilize or increase soil carbon, offering a method to maximize carbon storage. By manipulating fires, ecosystems can store huge amounts of carbon when the frequency and intensity are just right. This approach may help maintain natural ecosystem processes.
Scientists from University of Cambridge created a new method to stabilize the perovskite material for solar cells, resulting in improved performance and stability. The approach uses an organic molecule as a 'template' to guide the material into its desired phase, achieving a near-perfect bandgap without compromising cost.
Researchers have identified a tiny region at the root tip responsible for orchestrating vascular tissue growth. The study provides detailed insights into how plants construct phloem cells, the tissue that transports sugars, revealing key mechanisms involved in plant function and development.
Scientists have discovered a novel way to combine two species of grass-like plants using embryonic tissue from their seeds, offering disease resistance and stress tolerance. The breakthrough technique allows for the addition of beneficial traits to monocotyledonous crops without genetic modification or lengthy breeding programmes.
Scientists have discovered recently evolved regions in the 'dark genome' that code for proteins associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These protein biomarkers could help distinguish between the two conditions and identify patients at risk of psychosis or suicide.
A massive fossil of the giant millipede Arthropleura has been discovered in Northumberland, England, revealing it was up to 2.7 meters long and weighed 50 kilograms. The find sheds new light on the animal's habitat and evolution, suggesting it preferred open woodland habitats near the coast.