A new study reveals the ancient migration routes of barley cultivation across Eurasia, with distinct routes for different types of barley populations. The research uses genetic analysis of living crops to track the spread of barley, which was domesticated around 10,500 years ago in the Near East.
Studies of over 4,000 mothers found that male and female babies have different genetic profiles in their placentas, which affect the levels of spermine metabolites. Higher levels of a specific form of spermine were associated with increased risks of pre-eclampsia and poor fetal growth.
New research using ancient DNA from 8,000-year-old skeletons in Southeast Asia has resolved a long-standing controversy about the origins of the region's population. The study found that present-day Southeast Asian populations derive ancestry from at least four ancient populations, contradicting both competing theories.
Researchers found that early ocean organisms grew tall to disperse their offspring and colonize their surroundings. The study suggests that reproduction was the main reason life on Earth got big during the Ediacaran period.
Researchers developed a low-cost sensor made from semiconducting plastic that can measure critical metabolites in sweat, tears, saliva, or blood. The sensor offers higher sensitivity compared to traditional metal electrodes and can be easily modified to detect various metabolites.
Scientists found that a trapped air bubble, not the water droplet itself, causes the 'plink' sound produced by a dripping tap. Changing surface tension or adding dish soap can stop the sound. The study published in Scientific Reports could lead to more efficient ways to measure rainfall or develop realistic water sounds for gaming and ...
Researchers found that individuals living at high altitude have shorter lower arm segments but relatively similar upper arm and hand lengths compared to those living at low altitudes. This suggests the human body prioritizes energy allocation for growth, particularly in essential areas like manual dexterity.
A new algorithm detects subtle changes in arthritic joints using 3D CT images, outperforming current x-ray methods in sensitivity. This could lead to earlier osteoarthritis diagnosis and more accurate treatment assessments.
A team of Cambridge researchers has identified four key challenges in communicating policy options, including the need to balance detail and comprehensibility. They found that existing materials often oversimplify or overcomplicate issues, making it difficult for policymakers and citizens to make informed decisions.
A new test can identify patients in intensive care units who are at greatest risk of developing secondary infections, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The test uses markers on immune cells to create a 'risk profile' for individuals, which can help target therapies and improve the success of clinical trials.
A study by the University of Cambridge suggests that mothers' thoughts and feelings about their baby during pregnancy are associated with later interactions. Researchers analyzed data from 1,862 mothers and found a modest link between positive attitudes and sensitivity in parent-child interaction.
Researchers suggest smaller, controlled experiments could demonstrate vaccine effectiveness with as few as 200 animals. A larger-scale natural transmission experiment using vaccinated and unvaccinated cattle could provide robust evaluation of the efficacy and mode of action of vaccination.
Researchers have created a comprehensive genetic atlas of human plasma proteins, identifying nearly 2,000 genetic associations with almost 1,500 proteins. This discovery promises to aid in the development of new drugs and enhance our understanding of various diseases.
A new study suggests that the global economy is facing a potential $1-4 trillion loss in fossil fuel assets, regardless of climate policies. The 'carbon bubble' is expected to burst due to declining demand for fossil fuels and technological advancements in low-carbon technologies.
Research suggests that Indigenous peoples in Central and South America retain DNA from the northern branch, which originated from eastern Canada. The study reveals a 'reconvergence' of two ancestral branches around 13,000 years ago.
Researchers found that brain cholesterol triggers amyloid-beta protein clusters, a key player in Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests targeting cholesterol regulation as a potential treatment approach.
A new study discovered a 'feedback loop' in freshwater lakes where organic matter from plants suppresses methane production, while debris from trees and aquatic plants promotes its release. The findings suggest that changes in vegetation could lead to a doubling of lake emissions and exacerbate climate change.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE used Google Street View images to estimate walking, cycling, and other travel patterns in cities. The researchers found strong correlation with data from the 2011 census and Active People Survey, suggesting that Google Street View has great potential for understanding urban travel.
Hawking and Hertog propose a new theory that predicts the universe is finite and globally smooth, contradicting eternal inflation. They base their approach on string theory and holography, which describes the universe as a complex hologram.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have identified N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) as a potential therapeutic target for Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), a rare condition that causes premature ageing. In a mouse model, chemical inhibition or genetic deregulation of NAT10 led to significant health and lifespan gains.
A study published in Health Psychology found that labeling alcoholic drinks as lower in strength increased the total amount of alcohol consumed. Participants who tasted drinks labeled with lower strength labels consumed more than those who didn't have any label or had a regular label.
Research by Dr Heather Ford and colleagues found that female scientists are at a disadvantage in presenting their research, particularly in early career stages, where men dominate senior roles. The study calls for increased opportunities for students and early-career researchers to present at conferences.
A study led by the University of Cambridge found that women who feel in control of their lives and find purpose and meaning are less likely to have anxiety disorders. The research highlights inner strengths that can protect against anxiety in tough times, offering new approaches for therapy development.
Researchers have discovered a way to create superconducting materials that carry 'spin' currents, improving efficiency in high-performance computing. By aligning electron spins, they can generate pure spin supercurrents, which could use significantly less energy than current silicon-based electronics.
A study found that individuals with higher cognitive flexibility were more likely to support EU membership, immigration, and free movement of labour. In contrast, those with lower cognitive flexibility displayed more conservative and nationalistic attitudes, predicting support for Brexit.
The Ceres partnership aims to drive commercialization of agritech research and innovation through effective sharing of expertise and collaboration with business partners. The initiative is part of Research England's Connecting Capability Fund and secured additional funding commitments of over £15 million.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge identified key anti-cancer drugs that could be used to treat transmissible cancers in Tasmanian devils. The study found that the two types of cancer are similar and likely arose due to the devils' susceptibility to developing these diseases.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have discovered a new type of 'sleeping' stem cell in the brain that has a high potential for repair following brain injury or disease. The G2 quiescent stem cell can awaken and produce key brain cells, such as neurons and glia, faster than previously identified quiescent stem cells.
Researchers analyzed 136 million keystrokes from 168,000 volunteers to identify what makes a faster typist. The study found that the fastest typists use rollover typing, where they press the next key before the previous one is released, and display different typing styles.
Researchers found that liverworts can be infected by Phytophthora palmivora and respond with proteins similar to those in flowering plants. The discovery reveals early land plants were genetically equipped to respond to microbial infections, indicating an ancient relationship between plants and microbes.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered a simple potassium solution that can boost the efficiency of next-generation solar cells by up to 21.5%. The addition of potassium iodide 'heals' defects and immobilises ion movement, making the material more stable and efficient at converting sunlight into electricity.
A team of scientists and medieval historians used ice cores and tree rings to date the Eldgjá volcanic eruption, which occurred soon after Iceland's settlement. The researchers found that memories of the eruption were used to stimulate the Christianisation of Iceland in medieval poem Voluspá.
A growing network of fast-draining lakes on the Greenland ice sheet triggers a chain reaction that speeds up ice flow, posing a new risk for the ice sheet's long-term stability. The research, led by the University of Cambridge, reveals that these 'drainage events' can temporarily accelerate ice flow by as much as 400%.
A team of scientists at the University of Cambridge has created a super-thin, non-toxic, lightweight, edible ultra-white coating that mimics the structure of beetle scales. The material scatters light extremely efficiently, producing bright white colours without the need for pigments.
A new study found that genetics contribute to individual differences in empathy, with genetic variants associated with lower empathy linked to higher autism risk. Women are also more empathetic than men, but this difference is not due to DNA, suggesting non-genetic factors at play.
A study found that over half of stroke patients require assistance with taking medicine, with younger survivors and those dependent on others facing greater barriers. The research highlights the need for new interventions to improve adherence to treatment among stroke survivors.
Researchers have developed a new method to predict drug stability, which could lead to the creation of more effective medicines. The technique uses optical and mechanical measuring techniques to determine when and how a solid will crystallise, a process that can affect a drug's solubility in water.
Scientists at University of Cambridge have found a rare mineral vaterite in the protective silvery-white crust on alpine plants' leaves. The discovery has potential uses in drug delivery and other industries due to its high loading capacity and solubility properties.
Scientists have discovered genes linked to individual differences in brain anatomy in autistic children, with variation in cortex thickness and gene activity involved. The study provides the first evidence linking differences in the autistic brain to specific genes with atypical gene activity.
Researchers found that children aged 4-11 prioritize physical forces over previous rewards when making decisions. By age 7, functionality information becomes the dominant factor in their decision-making process.
A systematic review found that stroke survivors and caregivers feel abandoned by primary care services, lacking necessary support and information. The study suggests that active follow-up and tailored information provision could improve patient self-management and reduce disability burden.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have shown that skin cells re-programmed into brain stem cells can help reduce inflammation and repair damage caused by multiple sclerosis. The study suggests that using a patient's own skin cells could provide a personalized route to treating chronic inflammatory diseases like MS.
Excess calcium levels can lead to the formation of toxic clusters with alpha-synuclein, causing brain cell death. Understanding this interaction may aid in developing new treatments for Parkinson's disease.
A new online game aims to provide general immunity against fake news by simulating the techniques and motivations behind its spread. Players engage with fake news sites, Twitter bots, and conspiracy theories to build their critical thinking skills.
Researchers at University of Cambridge have discovered the neural circuit controlling cuttlefish's dynamic skin papillae, enabling 3D camouflage. The discovery opens up new avenues for biologically-inspired material design and may shed light on cephalopod perception.
A study by University of Cambridge biological anthropologists reveals that muscle mass is key to regulating heat loss from the hands in cold conditions. Volunteers with higher muscle mass experienced faster rewarming of their hands after exposure to ice-cold water.
A team of researchers has discovered that plants' daily cycle of heat resistance is triggered by light exposure and involves chloroplast signalling. This finding could lead to the development of crops that can withstand increasingly hot temperatures and more frequent heatwaves under climate change.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that schooling fish groups exhibit different collective behaviors, with some showing better coordination and leadership than others. The study found that individual group members differ consistently in their behavior, influencing group performance and survival.
Domesticated honeybees contribute to wild bee declines through resource competition and disease spread. Researchers recommend policies to limit managed honeybee impact, including hive size limits and controls on hives in protected areas.
Researchers have recovered over 2000 artefacts from the edges of contracting glacial ice in Norway, dating back to 4000 BC. The finds suggest a pattern of increased activity in the Late Antique Little Ice Age and again during the Viking Age, likely driven by changes in climate and human migration.