Scientists have developed a working laboratory demonstrator of a lithium-oxygen battery with very high energy density, exceeding 90% efficiency, and over 2000 recharges. The breakthrough relies on a highly porous graphene electrode and additives altering chemical reactions for improved stability and efficiency.
Researchers identify reversible phase transitions in FUS protein, leading to aggregation and trapping of other proteins. Disrupting these assemblies can rescue impaired motility and prolong lifespan in ALS models.
Researchers observed entangled states in organic molecules, allowing for the control of singlet fission and potentially doubling electrical current in solar cells. The team developed a model showing that quantum dynamics play a crucial role in optimizing fission.
Researchers found that larger vocal organs and deeper roars in male howler monkeys correspond to smaller testes and lower sperm production. This trade-off is related to the mating system, where males with large hyoids and deep roars live in small groups with one dominant male.
Researchers discovered plague has been endemic in human populations for over 3,000 years, with evidence of infection dating back to the Bronze Age. The bubonic form of plague spread through flea carriers after genetic mutations allowed Yersinia pestis bacteria to survive in human guts.
A new study has found that changes in the polar regions can significantly affect the ocean and climate on the opposite side of the world, far quicker than previously thought. The research linked ocean currents to climate conditions during the last ice age, revealing a tight connection between the two.
Experts' advice is often compromised by subjective influences and biases, warn researchers. They suggest integrating expert judgements with evidence-based approaches to improve accuracy and reliability.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that personality trait Openness is a key predictor of musical ability and sophistication. People with high levels of Openness are more imaginative and open to new ways of thinking, which can lead to better musical performance.
Researchers found that individuals with early signs of psychosis relied more heavily on prior knowledge to interpret ambiguous images, leading to improved task performance. This suggests an altered balance in normal brain functions contributing to the emergence of mental illness symptoms.
The sequenced ancient human genome from Africa reveals a significant wave of migration back into the continent around 3,000 years ago, affecting all populations across the African continent. This migration predates the 'Eurasian backflow' event and shares genetic similarities with Early Neolithic farmers who brought agriculture to Europe.
Insects like stick insects can walk up vertical surfaces using adhesive pads on their feet, but scientists long believed that wet and dry feet required different mechanisms to adhere. New research reveals that the fluid on their feet plays a crucial role in controlling adhesion, with potential applications in modern devices.
Research found that young male chimpanzees spend more time manipulating objects in play, but it does not prepare them for adult tool use. In contrast, immature females show a greater diversity of manipulation types and learn to use tools earlier.
Researchers estimated that cyanobacteria in the oceans produce between 300-800 million tonnes of hydrocarbons per year. This production dwarfs crude oil releases by natural seepage or accidental spills.
A study found that male lizards' bright colors signal attraction to females but increase risk of being attacked by birds. Despite this, 83% of male lizard models survived over five days due to color adaptations.
The study predicts that increased greenhouse gas emissions from thawing permafrost will result in significant economic losses. Researchers estimate that the total predicted impact of climate change by 2200 could be as high as $369 trillion, with $43 trillion in additional damage expected by end of century.
Researchers found significant antigenic difference within each dengue serotype, suggesting individuals infected with one type may not be protected against different strains. The study's findings have implications for vaccine design and understanding of the virus's evolution.
A new review from the University of Cambridge found that larger portions and tableware increase food and drink consumption, with eliminating large portions reducing energy intake by up to 29% among US adults. Reducing portion size is a promising strategy to combat overeating and related health risks.
A five-neuron circuit in the female cricket brain identifies species-specific chirp rhythms by delaying pulses to match gaps between pulses. This discovery reveals a fundamental neural mechanism for sound processing that could be applied to more complex brains.
Researchers found a correlation between social and financial status and levels of internationalism in friendship networks, with those from higher classes having lower international connections. Despite this, low-social class individuals tend to have more international friendships.
New research suggests offering financial incentives for farming industries to mitigate environmental impact has a positive effect on greenhouse gas reduction and increased biodiversity. However, the study finds that current agriculture funding models are 'perverse subsidies,' promoting negative actions in both the long and short term.
New research reveals that the Mary Rose's cod provisions were sourced from distant waters, including the northern North Sea and Icelandic fisheries. The findings suggest a globalized fish trade played a significant role in the growth of the English navy during the Tudor period.
A large study of individuals with autism found that both men and women with the condition performed similarly to typical males on an empathy test. This result supports the 'extreme male brain' theory, which predicts lower empathy scores in individuals with autism compared to females.
Astronomers have developed a new technique to measure distances between stars with far greater precision than existing methods. By analyzing the spectra of identical 'stellar twins', researchers can determine the distance between two stars without relying on models, which are often inaccurate.
Research from University of Cambridge found that extra hour of daily screen time in Year 10 is associated with 9.3 fewer GCSE points at age 16, while pupils doing an extra hour of homework and reading performed significantly better.
Researchers have developed a new method to manufacture hybrid glasses using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), enabling industrial-scale carbon capture and storage. The technique allows for the production of 'designer glasses' with applications in advanced photonics.
Research found adolescents with ADHD showed differences in brain structure and poor memory performance compared to peers, suggesting ADHD may persist into adulthood. Grey matter deficits in the caudate nucleus region were linked to poorer memory function.
Researchers have developed a 3D tissue scaffold for plants, enabling the observation of individual plant cells in a natural environment. The study reveals complex cell behavior, including cells clinging to and spiraling around their supports like vines.
Researchers used fMRI to measure brain activity while watching Alfred Hitchcock episodes, finding similar responses in younger subjects but not in older adults. The study suggests that attention control declines with age, leading to a greater variety in neural patterns.
Researchers discovered unique 'graffiti' on a Chinese cave wall describing drought effects on the local population over 500 years. The inscriptions combined with chemical analysis of stalagmites paint a picture of how societies are affected by droughts over time, pointing to potentially greatly reduced rainfall in the region.
Researchers at University of Cambridge found earliest example of reproduction in rangeomorphs, a type of ancient organism. They replicated their distribution using spatial statistics and modeling, finding dual mode of reproduction involving waterborne propagules and stolons.
A brain training iPad game has been shown to improve the memory of patients with schizophrenia, enabling them to function better in their daily lives. The study found significant improvements in episodic memory and global functioning, suggesting a potential therapeutic tool for managing the condition.
Researchers found that stressed juvenile finches learn foraging skills exclusively from unrelated adult birds, ignoring their parents. This change may help avoid negative feedback loops and potentially more adaptive behaviors.
Researchers found that two neighboring chimpanzee groups used distinct tool lengths despite identical army ant species availability, indicating cultural knowledge generated small-scale diversification. This study provides insights into what drives cultural differences in chimpanzees and sheds light on human cultural evolution.
A study by the University of Cambridge found that individuals' musical preferences reflect their cognitive style, with those scoring high on empathy preferring mellow music and those scoring high on systemizing favoring intense music. The research used a dataset of over 4,000 participants and found consistent results across genres.
Researchers developed a 'Cytosponge' to collect cells from the gullet, reducing variation between biopsies. The study found patterns of mutations that provide a 'fingerprint' of cancer causes, helping doctors catch the disease earlier.
Researchers have discovered a unique binary star system, Gaia14aae, where one star eclipses the other. The system is an important laboratory for studying ultra-bright supernova explosions, which help measure the expansion of the Universe.
New imaging technique using radioactive sodium fluoride allows doctors to visualize unstable calcium deposits in arteries, enabling early diagnosis and development of new medicines. The technique non-invasively detects calcification in atherosclerosis, potentially revolutionizing treatment for patients at risk.
A new study analyzing over 135,000 deaths found that individuals with both diabetes and heart disease have substantially lower life expectancy compared to those with one or no condition. Men with two cardiometabolic conditions had an average reduction in life expectancy of 12-23 years at age 40, while women had a 20-year reduction.
Researchers discovered a single material, samarium hexaboride (SmB6), that displays dual metal-insulator properties, violating conventional wisdom. The material's behavior is attributed to the existence of a potential third phase, neither insulator nor conductor.
Research finds women's faces increase in redness during ovulation, but levels are undetectable to the naked eye, challenging the idea that facial redness signals fertility; studies suggest other voluntary signals like make-up may have replaced involuntary ones
Research from the University of Cambridge found that exhausted immune cells are bad news for infections, but good news for autoimmune diseases like lupus and Crohn's disease. The study suggests that targeting T cell exhaustion could lead to more effective treatments for these conditions.
A new species of 'super-armoured' worm was identified by palaeontologists, featuring a unique defence mechanism and a distant ancestor of modern velvet worms. The creature had up to 72 sharp spikes covering its body, making it one of the earliest soft-bodied animals to develop armour for protection, 294
A new study has definitively identified the head of a 500-million-year-old creature, revealing a ring of teeth and simple eyes. The discovery helps scientists reconstruct the common ancestor of ecdysozoans, a group including insects, spiders, and crustaceans.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge developed a method to combine multiple functions in a single material by integrating structure at the nanoscale. This approach enables the creation of multi-functional artificial muscles that can move, sense, and report on their environment.
Scientists have developed a new technique to visualize the behavior of ions in supercapacitors, revealing that different processes occur at work in the two electrodes. The research uses nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and tiny weighing scales to measure changes in mass as ions interact with the surface.
A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge and the Babraham Institute has discovered that a naturally occurring modified DNA base, 5-formylcytosine (5fC), is stably incorporated in the DNA of many mammalian tissues. This rare 'extra' base may play a key role in regulating gene activity.
Researchers have developed a prototype coating for wind turbine blades that mimics the intricate structure of an owl's wing, reducing noise production by up to 30dB. The coating, made of 3D-printed plastic, has shown promising results in wind tunnel tests, potentially leading to more efficient and quieter wind turbines.
Researchers detected MRSA bacteria in UK supermarket sausages and minced pork through a survey of frozen meat products. The bacteria were identified as LA-MRSA CC398, associated with pigs and poultry, and pose a potential route of transmission from farms to the wider population.
Research reveals chimpanzees have an innate predisposition to manipulate objects, while bonobos do not. Young bonobos spent more time with their mothers and had fewer social partners than young chimpanzees.
Researchers found that faster-evolving viruses like H3N2 spread globally rapidly but die out quickly between epidemics, while slower-evolving viruses like H1N1 and B viruses circulate continuously worldwide. The study also highlights the crucial role of India in the global spread of seasonal influenza viruses.