Researchers at University of Cambridge found that Killer flies can reach accelerations of over 3g when diving to catch prey, but struggle to correct course due to high speeds. The study reveals the unique flight dynamics of these insects, which beat their wings like powered flight to achieve impressive aerobatic maneuvers.
Scientists monitor two Ethiopian bird species, White-tailed Swallow and Ethiopian Bush-crow, to understand their response to climate change. The study found that both species are at severe risk of extinction in the next 50 years as their ranges become unsuitable for survival.
A study of over 350,000 people found that genetic variants in mitochondrial DNA can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and other diseases. Additionally, mitochondrial DNA influences characteristics such as height and lifespan. The study suggests complex interaction between mitochondrial and nuclear DNA.
A study of over 4,000 children in England found that physical activity supports academic attainment and helps close the achievement gap between wealthy and less-advantaged pupils. Engaging in sports like swimming or ball sports promotes self-regulation, leading to better emotional control and academic progress.
Researchers used fibre-optic sensing to obtain highly detailed temperature measurements from the surface of the ice sheet to its base, revealing a heterogeneous temperature distribution. This finding contradicts previous theories and highlights limitations in current models, including those predicting global sea-level rise.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge suggest integrating novel food production systems into traditional approaches to improve food security. The most promising systems include microalgae photo-bioreactors and insect breeding greenhouses, which can provide healthy and risk-resilient diets.
A new online game and campaign using 'pre-bunking' tactics have been shown to boost people's confidence in detecting misinformation about COVID-19. The Go Viral! game, launched by the University of Cambridge, increases players' ability to perceive manipulativeness compared to genuine news.
Research from the University of Cambridge found that autistic adults are more likely to have atypical eating patterns and sleep disturbance, increasing their risk of cardiovascular conditions. The study suggests promoting healthy choices may help reduce excess health risks in autistic adults.
Bamboo cricket bats offer improved performance, including increased strength and energy transfer, according to a recent University of Cambridge study. The research also highlights the potential environmental benefits of using bamboo, as it is more sustainable and requires less waste during manufacture than traditional willow.
Federated learning, a new approach to training AI models, is found to have a significantly greener impact than traditional methods. By distributing training across multiple devices, the energy consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced. This method has important privacy benefits as well, keeping data local and secure.
Research suggests that supporting mothers' mental health can improve their ability to engage in protective forms of play with children, reducing the risk of behavioral problems. Mothers with minimal anxiety were more likely to play pretend games with their children, leading to improved social and emotional skills.
A study from the University of Cambridge found that experts like epidemiologists and statisticians made far more accurate predictions about the COVID-19 pandemic than the general public. However, both groups underestimated the true extent of the pandemic.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that credit officers are less likely to approve loan applications at midday, resulting in missed opportunities for customers and financial losses for the bank. The study suggests that regular breaks during working hours can improve performance and productivity.
A recent study suggests that cancer prevalence in medieval Britain may be around 9-14%, significantly higher than the previous estimate of less than 1%. The research used x-rays and CT scans to analyze skeletal remains from six medieval cemeteries, revealing signs of malignancy in five individuals.
A recent study has tracked the evolution of a multi-drug resistant organism in cystic fibrosis patients, revealing that it can evolve rapidly within an individual during chronic infection. The researchers emphasize the importance of treating patients with M. abscessus infection immediately.
A study suggests that targeting plants' internal clocks, known as circadian clock genes, can lead to higher yields and more sustainable farming practices. By matching the plant's natural rhythms with optimal growing conditions, farmers can reduce resources required and apply treatments at precise times for improved efficiency.
A study tracking young people from Switzerland found that those who experienced bullying or aggression had a marked increase in violent fantasies. The likelihood of these thoughts increased with the number of forms of mistreatment, with boys more prone to violent thinking overall.
A new algorithm, MMRDetect, identifies tumours with mismatch repair deficiencies that can be targeted by immunotherapies. The algorithm uses mutational signatures from genome sequencing data to personalize cancer treatments.
Scientists have developed a new class of cancer drug targeting enzymes that play a key role in translating DNA into proteins. This approach shows promising results in treating acute myeloid leukaemia, with the drug significantly reducing cancer cell growth and proliferation.
Researchers developed a 3D holographic head-up display using LiDAR data to create ultra-high-definition holographic representations of road objects, alerting drivers to potential hazards without distraction. The technology has shown promising results in early tests, suggesting it could be a valuable addition to existing safety measures.
Researchers propose a transdisciplinary approach to education, combining arts and sciences to teach connected themes like climate change. This approach aims to better prepare children for future crises and encourages them to think creatively about problems.
A study in rats found that low womb oxygen can impair adult brain function and memory. Vitamin C supplements during pregnancy protected the offspring's brain health. The results suggest a potential preventative medicine approach for long-term brain health.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a technique to track individual atoms in real time, allowing for greater control over material growth. This breakthrough could enable more precise design and manufacture of materials with unique properties.
A recent study warns that moving endangered species to new locations can accidentally spread diseases and parasites, putting populations at risk of collapse. The researchers recommend stricter quarantine periods and relocation strategies to mitigate this risk.
Women with bulimia nervosa performed worse on a task requiring self-control when stressed, but not those with anorexia nervosa. Brain activity differences were observed between the two groups when stressed, with women with bulimia showing impaired pre-emptive slowing down.
A study of 3,500 young people in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam found that promising but poorer students 'fall away' during school years due to socio-economic challenges. Wealthy backgrounds continue to offer a protective effect in higher education access.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have demonstrated a new approach to gene therapy that may help repair damage caused by neurodegenerative conditions like glaucoma and dementia. The study, published in Science Advances, shows promise for treating chronic degenerative diseases.
A new mathematical model suggests that easing lockdown must be accompanied by wider and more effective use of control measures like facemasks to suppress COVID-19. The model shows that non-spatial control measures can limit virus particle spread between people.
A study of over 7 million children found that autism prevalence varies across ethnic groups, with Black and Chinese pupils more likely to be autistic. Autistic children also face significant social disadvantage.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have identified a new material that can switch between a window and a mirror in a quadrillionth of a second, paving the way for faster computing. The material, Ta2NiSe5, exhibits ultra-fast switching capabilities, surpassing current computer speed.
A systematic review of 62 COVID-19 machine learning models found significant methodological flaws, biases, and lack of reproducibility. The models' training data was often poor quality, with issues such as biased datasets, small sample sizes, and a lack of clinical input.
A six-session video-feedback programme has been shown to significantly reduce behaviour problems in children as young as 12 months old. The programme provides tailored support for parents of 'at-risk' children, helping them build on positive moments and respond to cues that promote positive engagement and behaviours.
A recent study found that European summer droughts since 2015 exceed anything in the past 2,100 years, with climate change and jet stream changes likely causing this anomaly. The researchers analyzed tree-ring stable isotopes to reconstruct summer climate conditions over 2,110 years.
A study published in Science Advances has found rare evidence of the Earth's early magma ocean preserved in ancient rocks from southwestern Greenland. The discovery provides a window into the planet's solidification and internal chemistry, suggesting that other rocks may also preserve signs of ancient magma oceans.
The UK Soft Drinks Industry Levy led to a 10% decrease in sugar purchased in soft drinks, with households consuming 30g less per week. The levy incentivised manufacturers to reduce sugar content without affecting overall volume sales.
Researchers found that 66% of learning gains made by Ghanaian children during the academic year are lost during three months of school closure. Children without home learning resources experience significantly higher losses, while community-based programs can mitigate these effects.
The study detected human proteins matching cervico-vaginal fluid, as well as non-human proteins like honey and plants, which were documented in medieval medical treatises. The findings suggest the girdle was worn during pregnancy and childbirth to provide physical and spiritual support.
A growing number of diphtheria cases, coupled with evolving antimicrobial resistance, pose a significant threat to public health. The disease's toxin genes have shown increased diversity, which could impact the effectiveness of vaccines and treatments.
A new study by the University of Cambridge finds that conserving and restoring natural sites provide greater economic benefits than converting them for intensive human use. The research analyzed dozens of sites across six continents and found that almost half of them are worth more to society in their natural form.
A genomics study found that SARS-CoV-2 spreads rapidly in care home settings, with clusters linked to healthcare workers and vulnerable residents. Care home residents were less likely to be admitted to ICU but more likely to die compared to non-care home hospital patients.
A global survey found significant international support for governments to take more action on the environment, with high levels of agreement in seven major countries. The study suggests that voters across party lines want to see more government action, with a majority supporting policies such as protecting wildlife and planting trees.
A new study found that the switch to remote working has helped some services reach out, but many practitioners feel they do not have capacity to meet people's needs. Bereavement care has become a major challenge during the pandemic, with increased demand and disruption of traditional services.
An artificial neural network called MotionNet has provided new insights into human motion perception, revealing common optical illusions like phi and reverse-phi motion. The system shows that neurons are tuned to the direction of movement, leading to mistakes in perception.
Scientists have discovered the mechanism by which plant hormone cytokinin regulates stem cell division, controlling cell proliferation and mitosis. The study reveals that cytokinin activates the transcription factor MYB3R4, promoting its nuclear localization and activating key cell cycle genes.
Repeated fires alter tree communities, reducing biomass and individual trees by up to 72% over 50 years. Regions with extreme climate variations are most sensitive to fire frequency changes.
A team of engineers at the University of Cambridge identified the physical mechanisms responsible for wheezing, a condition affecting up to a quarter of the world's population. They developed a 'tube law' to predict when wheezing occurs and could lead to a cheaper and faster diagnostic for lung disease.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have identified a potential new treatment to protect immunosuppressed transplant patients from HCMV reactivation, which can cause serious illness and death. The 'shock and kill' treatment strategy uses epigenetic inhibitors to expose and destroy dormant HCMV infections.
A new study maps the psychological signatures of people predisposed to holding extreme social, political or religious attitudes, including nationalist fervor. Cognitive traits such as poorer working memory, slower perceptual strategies, and impulsivity are linked to endorsement of violence in support of an ideological group.
The UK's first national lockdown from March 2020 caused a massive shift in consumer habits, with shops and restaurants experiencing huge fluctuations in sales. Online sales peaked during lockdown, but remained above pre-lockdown levels in August 2020, suggesting a potential long-term impact on shopping habits.
Scientists have successfully grown lab-grown 'mini-bile ducts' that can be used to repair damaged human livers, paving the way for cell therapies to treat liver disease. The technique uses organoids - clusters of cells that mimic tissue architecture and function - to repair bile ducts.