A study by University of Cambridge researchers used Foursquare and Twitter data to quantify the social diversity of London neighborhoods, discovering that signs of gentrification are strongest in deprived areas with high social diversity. These areas saw an influx of more affluent visitors and improved wellbeing indicators.
Researchers suggest that Neanderthals across Europe were infected with diseases carried out of Africa by waves of anatomically modern humans. This could have weakened the hunter-gathering Neanderthals and contributed to their extinction.
Research from the University of Cambridge finds that babies of obese women with gestational diabetes are already abnormally large by 20 weeks, suggesting current screening may be too late. This could lead to lasting health impacts on the offspring, including obesity and diabetes in later life.
A study from the University of Cambridge and Queen Mary University of London found that stroke survivors often face 'invisible impairments' that make it difficult to maintain a job. Online forums provided valuable advice and support, highlighting the need for employers to be more supportive and aware of these challenges.
Researchers have developed a new method to overcome issues in implementing quantum cryptography, enabling 'unbreakable' encryption at rates of up to 1 megabit per second. This breakthrough promises faster and more secure data transmission, with potential applications in sensitive information sharing.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge found that diagnostic tests are crucial for forecasting major epidemics. The study shows that precise estimates of infected individuals cannot be inferred from data based on symptomatic cases alone, highlighting the need for reliable diagnostic tests to detect presymptomatic infections.
A rare study of attitudes to death and dying amongst the very old reveals that this group is willing to discuss their end-of-life care, but rarely does so. The research found that most older people feel ready to die and would prefer a peaceful, pain-free passing.
A new University of Cambridge research project explores the history of writing and its connection to modern culture. The CREWS project reveals surprising links between ancient societies and their use of alphabetical order.
A team of researchers has found evidence of a mysterious new state of matter, known as a quantum spin liquid, in a real two-dimensional material. The discovery matches theoretical models and could lead to the development of faster quantum computers.
The discovery of ancient Nepali textiles dating back to 400-650 AD has pushed the understanding of the Silk Road's southern extent. Textile analyses suggest that imported materials from China and India were used in combination with locally produced ones.
A team of astronomers has mapped the conditions on 55 Cancri e, a rocky exoplanet about twice the size and eight times the mass of Earth. The planet's hot side is almost completely molten, while its cool side is almost solid, with temperatures varying wildly due to a lack of efficient heat transfer.
Researchers developed a mouse model of aneuploidy to investigate the fate of abnormal cells in early-stage embryos. They found that even when half of the cells are abnormal, the embryo can fully repair itself through programmed-cell death.
New research finds quantum behavior of hydrogen affects structural properties of hydrogen-rich compounds, which may aid in search for room temperature superconductor. Quantum symmetrisation of hydrogen bond has significant impact on vibrational and superconducting properties.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge and EMBL-EBI discovered that four-cell embryo cells exhibit subtle genetic differences, indicating that early development is guided by specific decisions. The study used sequencing technologies to model embryo development, revealing distinct gene expression patterns in individual cells.
Research reveals that smoking damages macrophages, leading to TB infection and worsening its progression. The impaired cells can't recycle debris, becoming 'clogged up' and less effective at fighting infection.
The Cambridge project aims to understand people's experiences of speaking more than one language, change attitudes towards multilingualism, and transform society. It will investigate the relationship between language, culture, and identity, with international impact.
A study published in The BMJ found that genetic tests providing risk estimates for diseases like lung cancer and heart disease have little to no effect on behavior change. Despite initial hopes, informing individuals of their genetic risk did not prompt them to adopt healthier habits or quit smoking.
The study reveals that protein misfolding in the brain can be toxic, even before visible amyloid fibrils form. Researchers used super-resolution microscopy to observe how alpha-synuclein proteins interact and found that excess soluble protein can cause toxic effects.
Researchers developed a web-based platform using artificial neural networks to answer crossword clues more accurately than existing products. The system can understand words, phrases, and sentences by leveraging definitions in dictionaries and Wikipedia.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have successfully derived naïve pluripotent stem cells from human embryos, which can develop into all human tissue types. This breakthrough has significant implications for regenerative medicine and modeling human disorders, including Down's syndrome.
Researchers found that pregnant rats fed antioxidants had longer telomeres and slower aging in adulthood, while those with low oxygen levels aged more quickly. Antioxidants also benefited offspring of mothers without complications during pregnancy.
Research estimates 25% of current domains are unmet demand due to lack of available high-quality names and locations. New top-level domains (not-coms) may alleviate this issue, sparking a potential boom in domain registrations.
A study of 120,000 women found five genetic variants affecting breast cancer risk, which alter how cells respond to oestrogen. The variants are associated with changes in the expression of genes involved in oestrogen regulation, potentially leading to new breast cancer preventions.
Researchers have discovered a 520-million-year-old fossilized nervous system, providing the most detailed example yet found. The fossil, from southern China, has revealed individual nerves visible for the first time in a fossil of this age.
Researchers found an association between high BMI and poorer performance on a test of episodic memory in young adults. The study suggests that obesity may be linked to changes in brain structure and function, potentially affecting memory and decision-making abilities.
Researchers found that flowers with imperfect iridescence are easier for bees to spot than those with perfect iridescence, which can confuse bees' color recognition. This subtle signal allows flowers to communicate with bees without interfering with their ability to distinguish between colors.
Researchers found that physical activity among children is lower in autumn and winter compared to spring and summer. The study highlights the need for increased active opportunities during the colder months to support children's health and development.
Researchers simulated a thin ring-shaped black hole in five dimensions, which breaks down Einstein's general theory of relativity if it exists outside an event horizon. The simulation revealed the formation of a 'naked singularity', causing laws of physics to break down and potentially rendering general relativity ineffective.
A new drug called bexarotene has been identified as a potential 'neurostatin' that targets the first step in the toxic chain reaction leading to brain cell death. This delay can prevent Alzheimer's symptoms from appearing, suggesting a new avenue for treatments.
A study in yeast reveals that nutrients can affect gene expression, suggesting a complex interplay between metabolism and genetics. The findings have implications for understanding how cells respond to certain drugs and may explain why some individuals fail to respond to treatment.
A smartphone app developed by Cambridge researchers maps Swiss-German dialects through crowdsourcing, gathering data on dialect spread and changes over time. The app has been downloaded over 90,000 times and reveals that younger generations are adopting more geographically widespread variants of the language.
A group of researchers, aid workers, and Syrian medical professionals warn that ineffective interventions are worsening the health, education, and livelihoods of refugees. They call for evidence-gathering and transparency in aid allocation to direct funds to effective programs.
Researchers found that cancer cells kill off surrounding cells to make room to grow, but drugs that prevent cell death might be effective at fighting cancer. Manipulating genetic variants in surrounding cells can contain tumors and prevent their spread.
Numerical simulations found that erosion played a key role in driving magma production and subsequent volcanic activity at the end of the last ice age. The study's results may have implications for understanding climate change and atmospheric CO2 levels, as similar mechanisms are expected to occur at shorter timescales.
Researchers have successfully interfaced graphene with neurons, maintaining the integrity of these vital cells. The work may lead to the development of graphene-based electrodes that can safely be implanted in the brain, offering promise for restoring sensory functions in amputee or paralyzed patients.
Agricultural expansion is a leading cause of wild species loss and greenhouse gas emissions. To combat this, researchers propose "land-sparing mechanisms" that link yield increases with habitat protection, such as zoning and smart subsidy schemes. By minimizing farming's footprint, land can be spared for conserving natural habitats.
Research shows Aegean wall lizards select rocks with colors matching their backs to reduce visibility to birds, boosting camouflage effectiveness. This behavioral defense is more evident on islands with higher bird species and in female lizards.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that reed warblers employ a 'neighbourhood watch' system to detect and eject cuckoo eggs, taking into account both personal and social cues. By combining information from close surveillance and neighbourly mobbing, warblers can assess levels of risk and protect their nests.
The Nataruk massacre is the earliest record of inter-group violence among prehistoric hunter-gatherers who remained largely nomadic. Researchers believe it is the earliest scientifically-dated historical evidence of human conflict, dating back to around 9,500-10,500 years ago.
Scientists found that larger animals require more sticking power, but have less body surface area available to cover with sticky footpads. Geckos' unique footpads set a size limit for adhesive-based climbing strategies, making it impossible for humans to climb like Spiderman.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that e-cigarettes with candy flavors are more appealing to school children, who also express a greater interest in buying and trying these products. The study suggests that further regulation is needed regarding e-cigarette advertising to prevent tobacco smoking among young people.
Researchers found that different color patches on butterfly wings are controlled by independent genetic switches, which can be mixed and matched between species to create new patterns. This phenomenon allows butterflies to share common warning signs with predators, a form of mimicry.
Researchers found that brain network activity can predict how patients respond to general anesthesia. By analyzing alpha wave patterns and delta-alpha coupling, doctors may be able to optimize the amount of drug needed, reducing risks associated with anesthesia.
A new study by the University of Cambridge reveals a previously unknown pathway in the brain that links impulse with habits, making it harder to control cocaine addiction. A second study suggests that a drug used to treat paracetamol overdose may help individuals overcome their addiction if they want to quit.
A University of Cambridge researcher warns that abandoning carbon capture and storage (CCS) would hinder efforts to reduce carbon emissions. CCS is essential for delivering flexible power and reducing emissions from industrial processes, but funding issues have led to a decline in interest from corporations and governments.
The study found that intestinal parasites like whipworm and roundworm did not decrease in prevalence during the Roman Period, but instead increased. The Roman public baths may have actually helped spread these parasites due to infrequent water changes and scum buildup.
Research reveals that domesticated grains were adopted late and sporadically in North Africa, with communities instead integrating them into their existing nomadic lifestyle. This challenges the conventional narrative of a gradual transition to settled agriculture.
New research suggests that increasing UK agricultural yields and restoring natural habitats like forests and wetlands can largely offset the country's greenhouse gas emissions. By 2050, this approach could meet government targets of an 80% reduction in emissions for the farming industry.
Researchers find massive release of CO2 from Southern Ocean occurred when Antarctic sea ice melted, not due to changes in ocean density. The expansion and retreat of sea ice acted as a 'lid' controlling CO2 exchange between ocean and atmosphere.
A team has identified a second genetically distinct transmissible cancer in Tasmanian devils, which causes facial tumours indistinguishable from the previously discovered cancer. The discovery raises questions about the rarity of transmissible cancers and the vulnerability of Tasmanian devils to developing this type of disease.