Researchers have observed the rapid formation and separation of charges in organic nanostructures, governed by quantum mechanics. This discovery takes them closer to mimicking photosynthesis and developing efficient organic solar cells.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that crop-infecting viruses use aphids as pawns to spread infection to healthy vegetation. By altering plant biochemistry, these viruses repel visiting aphids and force them to move to healthier plants, unwittingly transporting and spreading the virus.
Researchers have identified two subglacial lakes beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet, which could influence global sea level rise and the future of the ice sheet. The lakes are part of an open system connected to the surface, unlike isolated Antarctic lakes, and their existence has significant implications for understanding ice flow speeds.
Researchers found that combining modafinil with antidepressants improved depression symptoms and reduced fatigue, which are common relapse triggers. The study suggests modafinil may be a useful supplement for those struggling with depression.
Researchers at Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory have achieved high coherence in nitrogen-vacancy centers of nanodiamonds, enabling the creation of ultra-precise nanoscale magnetic field and temperature detectors. This breakthrough could enhance our understanding of chemical reactions within single cells and signalling in neural networks.
Researchers have identified that seasonal flu escapes immunity by making just a single amino acid substitution, occurring at seven specific places on its surface. This new understanding could lead to more effective flu vaccines.
Researchers have found that a population of fruit bats covering central Africa is infected with two deadly viruses. The African straw-coloured fruit bat was previously known to be a reservoir for these viruses, and its homogeneity and extensive movement make it easy for the viruses to spread.
A study found that synaesthesia occurs in 18.9% of people with autism, compared to 7.2% of typical individuals. The researchers suggest that both conditions involve neural over-connectivity, leading to atypical connections between brain areas.
A recent study published in Nature Chemistry shows that singlet fission can be controlled by interacting molecules, leading to a doubling of current in solar cells. The researchers used laser experiments and chemical methods to slow down the process and observe key intermediate steps.
New research reveals a clear association between ACE inhibitors and acute kidney injury, with a potential increase of 1636 avoidable hospital admissions. The study estimates that one in seven cases may be linked to increased prescriptions for these drugs.
Researchers have identified adolescents with type 1 diabetes at risk of developing heart and kidney diseases through a simple urine test. The study found that normal variation in albumin levels can be an indicator of risk during adolescence.
Scientists demonstrated a breakthrough in quantum cryptography, enabling perfectly secure data transmission between two sites for up to fifteen milliseconds. This achievement marks the first step towards impregnable information networks controlled by Einstein's relativity and quantum theory.
Researchers found a patient in a vegetative state who could filter out unimportant information and home in on relevant words. Using brain imaging, scientists also discovered that the patient could follow simple commands, providing new insights into the ability of patients in these states to pay attention.
The Pursuit Internet would enable users to obtain information without direct access to servers, making the internet faster, safer, and more controllable. Individual computers would copy and republish content, providing a peer-to-peer approach on an unprecedented scale.
Researchers have discovered that plankton shells contain growth bands that record daily variations in magnesium chemistry, providing a proxy for past ocean temperature. This breakthrough allows scientists to study short timescale changes in ocean temperatures hundreds of millions of years ago.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that genetic mutations in the KSR2 gene can lead to severe obesity and reduced basal metabolic rate. This finding provides evidence for the role of genes in regulating energy use in the body, adding complexity to the body's mechanisms for regulating weight.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have identified a rare genetic mutation that causes severe respiratory infections and lung damage. The researchers believe that existing leukemia drugs may also be effective in treating this debilitating disease, which they are calling Activated PI3K-δ Syndrome.
New research reveals that cuckoos employ 'Batesian mimicry' by mimicking local bird of prey species with striped feathers, allowing them to frighten hosts into leaving their nests exposed. A wide range of cuckoo species have adapted different plumage patterns depending on their geographical location.
As people age, their musical taste shifts in response to life's challenges. After adolescence, music becomes a means of establishing identity and expressing independence, followed by a focus on intimacy and finding love. In middle age, music serves as a way to promote social status, intellect, and relaxation.
Astronomers found a water-rich asteroid orbiting an exhausted star, indicating the presence of Earth-like exoplanets. The discovery suggests that the star GD 61 had the potential to contain habitable planets, with water and rocky surfaces being key ingredients.
Scientists have developed a new method to create self-renewing stem cells specific to the human foregut, opening up possibilities for regenerative therapies. The breakthrough technique allows for the growth of pure liver or pancreatic cells in sufficient quantities for clinical use, overcoming current limitations.
Researchers found that subordinate female meerkats who have recently lost litters or been evicted are more likely to wet-nurse the dominant female's pups. This behavior may provide a survival benefit for the nursed offspring and the mother of the pups, allowing the subordinate female to remain in the group.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge discovered that specialized intestinal cells called Paneth cells play a major role in inflammation underlying Crohn's disease. The study identifies autophagy as a key mechanism in removing ER-stressed membranes, which are rendered inflammatory by misfolded proteins.
A study by the University of Cambridge reveals that folic acid deficiency not only affects immediate offspring but also has detrimental health effects on subsequent generations. Researchers found that epigenetic changes caused by a specific gene mutation led to developmental abnormalities in great, great grandchildren.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have identified curved cog-like strips of opposing 'teeth' in the hind-leg joints of a plant-hopping insect, demonstrating precise synchronicity in leg movement. This natural gear mechanism bears remarkable engineering resemblance to those found on bicycles and car gear-boxes.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed a biofertiliser that enables crops to be grown on coal waste, achieving nearly twice the weight and yield of those grown in garden soil. The additive boosts plant nutrition, regulates water, and maintains an ideal environment for growth.
Research reveals honeyguides lay eggs resembling host bee-eaters' eggs to avoid destruction by rival females. This mimicry helps conserve reproductive success in competitive environments.
Research from the University of Cambridge reveals that chronic cocaine use causes profound metabolic changes, reducing the body's ability to store fat. This leads to significant weight gain during recovery, which can contribute to relapse and has profound implications for health and well-being.
A new study reveals that autism affects the brain of females and males differently, with females showing 'masculinization' in atypical brain areas. This finding suggests a need to re-evaluate research methods and understanding of autism's neurobiology.
Organic solar cells have been found to improve their performance by manipulating the 'spin' of electrons, which can block energy collapse and increase current from the cell. This breakthrough could close the gap between organic and silicon solar cells, bringing large-scale deployment closer to reality.
A new study reveals that certain patient groups feel unmet needs for greater involvement in cancer treatment decisions. Younger patients and those with specific rare types of cancer want more input in the decision-making process. The research emphasizes the importance of shared-decision making policies to address these disparities.
Researchers have discovered a key protein called LIN28 that triggers malignant germ cell tumors, a type of cancer affecting the testes and ovaries. By targeting this protein, scientists hope to develop new therapies with less severe side effects.
Social monogamy emerged as a mating strategy due to male competition for resources. Males with limited access to food rely on monogamy to increase reproductive success.
Researchers warn of an 'economic time-bomb' in the Arctic due to thawing permafrost, which could trigger catastrophic climate change with a global cost of $60 trillion. The release of methane from the East Siberian Sea alone would have a mean global impact of this value.
A study published in Neuron found that precommitment, or restricting access to tempting options, is a more effective self-control strategy than willpower. This approach can help individuals avoid unhealthy choices and achieve their weight loss goals.
New research shows that literacy is a stronger predictor of poor public health than low average income in India. A high literacy rate enables populations to access healthcare and engage with public health programs.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new method to create highly permeable and selective membranes for molecular-level separation, using ultraviolet irradiation. The process increases the density of the membrane surface, allowing for improved separation of molecules with varying sizes.
New research by psychologists at the universities of Kent, Magdeburg and Cambridge has shown that some people can intentionally suppress unwanted memories and control their brain activity, thereby abolishing brain activity related to remembering. This finding has major implications for brain activity guilt detection tests.
Scientists at Cambridge's Department of Chemistry have mapped the pathway that generates 'aberrant' forms of proteins, which are at the root of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's. The breakthrough opens up possibilities for a new generation of targeted drugs and earlier diagnosis of neurological disorders.
Researchers found that pyrrole molecule movement is affected by quantum laws, changing the energy landscape and impacting the whole molecule. The study's results suggest that 'zero-point energy' plays a crucial role in the molecule's diffusion on metal surfaces.
Conservation efforts by the Chilean government and researchers from Cambridge have allowed Huemul deer to return to natural habitats in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. The population has stabilized and begun to increase after controlling cattle farming and poaching, providing a model for future biodiversity conservation.
A global plan for road building is proposed to reduce environmental damage by concentrating roads in suitable areas. Properly planned roads can improve farming, increase farm profits, and enhance food security, helping to feed the growing global population.
Researchers at Cambridge University have successfully generated high-quality photons identical to lasers from solid-state devices, a major breakthrough towards quantum networking. This achievement brings us closer to realizing a quantum internet, where distributed networks can share highly coherent and programmable photonic interconnects.
Scientists have discovered a way to revive genetic diversity in Tasmanian devils, allowing them to develop a vaccine against the deadly devil facial tumour disease (DFTD). The vaccine aims to boost the devils' immune system and give them a fighting chance against the contagious cancer.
A new study published in PNAS shows that automated analysis of Facebook Likes can accurately predict personal details such as race, age, and sexual orientation. The researchers analyzed a dataset of over 58,000 US Facebook users and found accuracy rates of up to 95% for distinguishing between African-American and Caucasian Americans. H...
Researchers at the University of Cambridge and Exeter discovered that bird flocks are determined by social relationships between individuals within species, not just species differences. The study found that birds prefer to fly close to members of their own species and that dominant rooks take the lead in mixed-species flocks.
Researchers reveal extraordinary fossil find of fuxianhuiid arthropod with legs used to shovel sediment into the mouth, shedding light on one of Earth's earliest evolutionary examples of complex animal life. The discovery also features the oldest known post-cephalic nervous system, dating back 520 million years.
A novel screening method using genetically engineered baker's yeast identifies chemical compounds that target disease-causing parasites without harming human hosts. The approach has shown promise in identifying potential anti-parasitic compounds with high sensitivity, reducing costs, and increasing reproducibility.
Researchers found abnormal brain activity in individuals with psychogenic disease, which is caused by emotional or mental stresses. The study suggests that understanding these underlying mechanisms could lead to better treatment options and improved patient outcomes.
Professor Barbara Sahakian emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental health, citing one in four adults suffering from a mental disorder. She advocates for regular monitoring and early detection through innovation and technology to promote prevention and effective treatment.