Research suggests that meerkat predator-scanning behaviour is driven by a desire to protect the group rather than personal safety. When young pups are present, adult meerkats exhibit increased vigilance and sentinel behaviour, indicating a strong sense of cooperation and altruism.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new type of microchip that allows information to travel in three dimensions. The innovation uses spintronic technology and enables additional storage capacity on chips by spreading data across multiple layers.
Research reveals mechanism of epigenetic reprogramming and how it may affect gene expression, potentially leading to disease susceptibility in offspring. The study found that some methylation marks can escape reprogramming and be passed on to offspring.
A study suggests that plain packaging of tobacco products could lead to a decline in smoking rates, with estimates indicating a reduction of one percentage point among adults and three percentage points among children. The researchers relied on the expertise of international tobacco control specialists to predict the impact of generic ...
In endangered Mexican howler monkeys, habitat disturbance leads to increased 'travel time' foraging and high levels of stress hormones. Researchers found that fruit is a crucial component of their natural diet, and lack of fruit availability forces them to spend more time seeking out nutritious foliage.
A team of scientists has discovered quadruple helix DNA structures in human cells, which may be a new target for cancer treatment. The discovery was made using fluorescent biomarkers and shows clear links between quadruplexes and DNA replication.
Research found that individuals with low risk of cocaine dependence have an abnormally large frontal lobe, associated with self-control. This region is smaller in those who develop addiction. The study suggests that certain personality traits and brain structure can predict addiction risk.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge and collaborators have developed a new protocol that 'recycles' entanglement to increase the efficiency of quantum connections. The breakthrough enables the teleportation of multiple qubits simultaneously, paving the way for advances in quantum computing.
A study published in Schizophrenia Bulletin found that higher rates of schizophrenia are associated with increased deprivation, population density, and inequality in urban neighborhoods. The research suggests that more equal societies may experience lower rates of serious mental illness.
Research by University of Cambridge scientists has identified a new mechanism used by Salmonella to spread in the body, which could lead to improved treatments and vaccinations. The study found that bacteria must escape from infected cells to disseminate, but this process is hindered when an active Phox system is present.
Researchers at University of Cambridge create hundreds of tiny twisters on chip using quantum mechanics, controlling electron movement and light interaction to form 'polariton'. This enables precise measurement of motion and surface irregularities with sensitivity.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a way to create induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from a routine blood sample. This method could lead to new treatments for cardiovascular diseases by using patients' own cells to repair damaged tissue.
Researchers discovered a cognitive biomarker in young adolescents at high risk of developing depression and anxiety. The test can help initiate early intervention, which has proven to be an effective way to combat mental illness.
Researchers discovered that up to ten percent of the active genes of bdelloid rotifers, a species that has survived 80 million years without sex, are foreign. These acquired genes play a crucial role in the organism's ability to survive desiccation.
A new study by the University of Cambridge reveals substantial inequalities in cancer stage at diagnosis, which can impact survival. The research highlights the importance of awareness campaigns to improve early diagnosis for specific patient groups, including those living in poorer neighborhoods or with different tumour sub-types.
A new MS drug, alemtuzumab, has been shown to significantly reduce the number of attacks and disease activity in patients who have already failed to respond to other treatments. The study also found that alemtuzumab improved disability outcomes, with most patients experiencing an improvement in their condition.
Research reveals fly photoreceptors physically contract in response to light, generating electrical responses faster than previously thought. The study provides a new concept in cellular signalling and suggests potential therapeutic targets for various diseases.
A new study found that phone therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for people with mild to moderate depression and anxiety. The research from the University of Cambridge also showed that providing talking therapies over the phone can save the NHS money, with a cost per session 36.2% lower.
Research from the University of Cambridge suggests that a traumatic upbringing during childhood is linked to impulsive and compulsive personality traits, increasing the risk of drug dependence. The study examined 50 adults with cocaine dependence and their biological siblings, finding a direct relationship between traumatic childhoods ...
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a cheap catalyst that produces hydrogen efficiently in water, paving the way for green hydrogen production. The breakthrough could enable the development of sustainable energy solutions.
A study by researchers at the University of Cambridge suggests that common ancestry, not hybridisation, better explains the average 1-4 per cent DNA shared between Eurasians and Neanderthals. Genetic evidence shows that Africans have almost none of the Neanderthal genome.
Researchers have successfully reconstructed ancient climate change records over the last 1.5 million years by separating ocean temperatures from changes in global ice volume. This new dataset provides a more accurate picture of the Earth's climate system, shedding light on major shifts in climate patterns.
A study published in the journal Brain found that episodes of delirium increase the risk of developing new dementia eight-fold in older patients. Delirium also worsens the severity of dementia and accelerates cognitive decline in those already diagnosed with dementia.
Researchers found that female common cuckoos with alternate color morphs, such as bright rufous, are more likely to slip past host defences and lay undetected. The study suggests that social learning plays a key role in the evolution of mimicry in cuckoo species.
Researchers compared Eurasian Jays with local school children using three tasks of varying complexity, revealing that children learn cause-and-effect relationships in a different way than birds. The study found that while the birds struggled to understand the mechanism, the children focused on simple cause-effect relationships.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have successfully synthesized a material with a similar structure, mechanical behavior, and optical appearance to natural nacre, also known as mother of pearl. The new coating has potential applications in coating applications due to its cheap ingredients and ability to be easily automated.
Researchers identify plasma upflows traveling at 20 km per second, suggesting 'impulsive heating' as possible cause. The study provides new insights into understanding extreme space storms and their impact on satellite communications and power grids.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge found that avian H5N1 influenza viruses could potentially acquire mutations necessary for airborne transmission in nature. The study suggests that with as few as five mutations, or four mutations plus reassortment, these viruses can become airborne transmissible between mammals and humans.
Researchers discovered a novel trapping mechanism in Nepenthes gracilis pitcher plants, where heavy rain acts as a springboard to catch insects. The unique mechanism involves a thin film of water on the wettable rim, causing insects to slip and fall into the digestive fluid.
Researchers at University of Cambridge discovered that conical cells on plant petals provide crucial grip for bees, increasing pollinator preference. The study reveals that these cells help bees land on flowers even in windy conditions.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have identified a protein called BMP8B that regulates brown fat activation in both brain and body tissues. Activating this protein may help support weight loss programs and prevent metabolic rate decrease.
Research in the Eurasian Steppes reveals horse domestication originated from a single founder population, with herds restocked with wild horses as they spread across Eurasia. The large number of female lineages in the domestic horse gene pool is explained by later introductions of local wild mares.
Researchers have created a method to sequence epigenetic marks 5hmC and 5mC in DNA at single base resolution, improving our understanding of gene regulation and cell development. This breakthrough has major implications for regenerative medicine and stem cell research.
Researchers found that chronic cocaine users lost about 3.08 ml brain volume per year, almost twice the rate of healthy volunteers. The accelerated age-related decline was most prominent in the prefrontal and temporal cortex, important regions associated with attention, decision-making, and self-regulation as well as memory.
Researchers at University of Cambridge use light to guide electrons through a barrier, creating new particles that interact strongly. This breakthrough has potential to lead to practical devices using quantum mechanics visible to the eye.
A genetic study found that targeting the interleukin-6 receptor (IL6R) signalling pathway could be an effective way to combat heart disease. The research, led by the University of Cambridge, discovered a genetic variant that reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.
A new research agenda has been developed to strengthen the relationship between science and policy, addressing key questions on scientific advice to governments. The final set of 40 questions includes topics such as designing scientific advisory systems and ensuring early identification of policy issues requiring scientific input.
Scientists analyzed data from an Antarctic ice core and arrival of modern humans to determine that a combination of human pressure and climate change led to the extinction of many large animals. The research provides insights into the consequences of pressures on megafauna living today, including tigers and rhinos.
A new study has found that cancer patients with breast, melanoma, testicular, and endometrial cancers are more likely to be referred to a specialist after just one or two consultations. In contrast, patients with less common cancers such as multiple myeloma, pancreatic, stomach, and ovarian cancer require three or more visits before re...
Research found that micronutrient supplements before pregnancy alter gene methylation in offspring, impacting their immune system. The study's findings have significant public health implications for regions with food security issues.
Researchers have developed a method to overcome the barrier of implantation into the womb and study embryonic development for the first 8 days. This allows them to understand how clusters of extra-embryonic cells signal where to make the head of the embryo.
A new MRI technique allows for non-invasive examination of battery internal workings, enabling testing of various designs and materials under normal operating conditions. This method has the potential to improve battery performance and safety by visualizing build-up of lithium metal deposits on electrodes.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that iron pyrite, commonly known as 'Fool's Gold', has catalytic properties. The study focused on the reactions between iron pyrite and nitrogen oxides, an extremely poisonous class of compounds produced by car engines and industrial power plants.
Scientists from the University of Cambridge have developed a new type of solar cell that can harness more of the energy from the sun. The hybrid cell absorbs red light and uses blue light to boost electrical current, enabling it to capture 44% of incoming solar energy.
Researchers discovered African bats have antibodies that can neutralise deadly viruses known in Australia and Asia. This finding provides valuable insights for understanding how viruses persist in bat populations.
A study published in Cell Stem Cell highlights the possibility of reversing ageing in the central nervous system for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The age-associated decline of remyelination, a regenerative process, can be reversed using inflammatory cells from young mice.
A protein linked to learning and memory plays a crucial role in driving desert locusts from harmless grasshoppers to destructive swarms. Researchers discovered that this protein acts as a molecular switch in social feedback loops, triggering the locusts' gregarious behavior.
Researchers found that buttercup flowers' bright yellow reflection is due to their unique petal structure, which doubles the gloss through two flat surfaces and an air gap. The study provides insight into how flowers attract pollinators like bees.
Researchers at University of Cambridge have mapped DNA methylation in human heart, revealing its connection to environmental factors such as diet and lifestyle. The study provides new insights into the genetic changes that can lead to heart disease and potential ways to identify and treat it.
The PomBase database provides a comprehensive resource for studying fission yeast and its relevance to human diseases. The database contains counterparts of over 300 human disease genes, enabling researchers to study mechanisms involved in cell growth and division.