A new research project led by Cambridge will review existing studies on the impact of smartphones and social media on children's mental health and wellbeing. The team aims to provide policymakers with high-quality insights to inform future action, considering factors such as online habits, emerging technologies, and vulnerable groups.
Researchers found that a person's microbiome signature can predict the likelihood of Enterobacteriaceae colonization. Fiber-rich foods support the growth of beneficial Faecalibacterium, which produce short-chain fatty acids protecting against infection.
The study found that female infants had significantly more grey matter than male infants, while male infants had more white matter. These sex differences are average and do not imply better or worse brains, but rather reflect biological sex differences during prenatal brain development.
New research from the University of Cambridge suggests that loneliness is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and susceptibility to infection. The study analyzed proteins in blood samples from over 42,000 adults, revealing 175 proteins associated with social isolation and 26 proteins associated with loneliness.
A new system can quickly identify emerging virus variants and provide information on their genetic changes, helping to understand why they spread differently in human populations. This enables the development of more effective vaccines and targeted treatments for diseases such as flu, COVID, and tuberculosis.
Researchers warn that AI assistants will combine intimate psychological and behavioral data with persuasive technologies to build trust and manipulate social behavior. The 'Intention Economy' could lead to a lucrative yet troubling marketplace where human intentions are commodified.
A team from the University of Cambridge has developed a model to predict desert locust swarms, enabling national agencies to respond quickly. The model uses weather forecast data and computational models to forecast locust swarm movements both short and long-term.
Astronomers detect a massive black hole in the early universe that is lying dormant due to low accretion rates, sparking debate about its formation and growth. The discovery challenges standard models of black hole development and suggests that these monsters may be born big or go through periods of hyperactivity.
A University of Cambridge-led study found that urban trees can lower pedestrian-level air temperature by up to 12°C. However, the study also revealed that the introduction of trees can have varying cooling effects in different climates and tree species traits.
The exhibition, Fault Lines, examines interactions between Indigenous communities and colonial institutions in the Pacific region. It features newly commissioned artistic responses and historic artefacts to examine the enduring legacies of cultural extraction and destruction during the colonial era.
A new MRI-based imaging technique can rapidly assess ovarian cancer subtypes and their response to treatment, allowing for personalized treatment planning. The technique, called hyperpolarised carbon-13 imaging, distinguishes between two different subtypes of ovarian cancer and reveals their sensitivities to treatment.
A major US study found that around a third of Chicago residents carry concealed firearms by middle age, with differences in gun carrying between men and women. Gun carrying in adolescence often occurs in response to direct experiences of violence, while adults are more likely to carry due to perceived threats to public safety.
A new report warns that the recent conflict in Lebanon has deepened a national education crisis, with children losing up to 60% of school time over the past six years. The study found that refugee children and students with disabilities face the greatest risk of missing out further due to uneven effects of violence.
A team of astronomers from the University of Cambridge found that Venus' interior is too dry for liquid water to have existed on its surface. This conclusion challenges long-held theories and has implications for understanding Earth's uniqueness and searching for life elsewhere in the Solar System.
Researchers found that cyanobacteria use variations in pulse amplitude to convey information in single cells, regulating genes and controlling cellular processes. This discovery sheds light on how biological rhythms work together to coordinate cellular functions.
Researchers found that remote monitoring devices were being misused by local governments and men to intimidate and humiliate women in northern India. The study highlights the need for conservationists to consider the social implications of using surveillance technologies and explore less invasive methods.
A Cambridge study suggests that people from Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Ireland are better at detecting fake accents than those from London and the Southeast. The study found that participants were able to detect fake accents with an accuracy of around 60%, varying by region and cultural homogeneity.
Researchers have developed a mindfulness therapy tailored to teenagers to combat increasing levels of depression and mental health problems. The ATTEND programme teaches participants to manage negative thought patterns and focus on the present moment, offering a family-centred approach to tackling depression.
Researchers found charcoal and pollen in ancient mud from the Bass Strait islands, indicating that early Aboriginal Tasmanians used fire to clear forests and create open spaces for subsistence and cultural activities. This discovery provides insight into how humans have shaped their environment for tens of thousands of years.
Researchers have discovered a remarkably well-preserved fossil bird from the Mesozoic Era, which has been digitally reconstructed to reveal its brain structure. The discovery, named Navaornis hestiae, fills a 70-million-year gap in our understanding of how birds evolved and provides insights into their cognitive abilities.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that teenagers become more sensitive to threats after a few hours alone, regardless of digital connection. This increased threat response can lead to anxiety and unease, even in the presence of online interactions.
Climate change exacerbates systemic inequalities, particularly for women, girls, and gender minorities. Researchers call for greater inclusion of their voices in climate governance discussions to address disproportionate health impacts and promote gender equity.
A recent survey found that 89% of Trump voters believe their country's values and prosperity are under threat, double the number of Kamala Harris supporters. This sense of threat resonated with many voters, who felt that a victory by the opposing candidate would be dangerous for America.
Researchers have discovered that a glaucoma drug, methazolamide, can clear tau build-up and reduce disease symptoms in zebrafish and mice. The study suggests that carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may be effective in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A new study reveals that Britain's earliest brass bands were founded by military musicians in the 1810s, contradicting the long-held assumption that they emerged with industrial communities. The research, published in The Historical Journal, shows that regimental bands first experimented with all-brass formats after the Napoleonic Wars.
A magnetic field applied to both sides of the brain has been shown to rapidly treat depression in patients who have not responded to standard treatments. The therapy, known as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), targets two areas of the brain implicated in depression and corrects imbalances in key processes.
A machine learning algorithm developed by University of Cambridge researchers can detect and grade heart murmurs in dogs with high accuracy, similar to expert cardiologists. The technology has the potential to empower primary care veterinarians to provide early detection and treatment, improving quality of life for dogs.
Researchers are developing energy-efficient robots inspired by ancient fish and fossils to simulate their anatomy and behavior. The team aims to test hypotheses about how early animals evolved and moved, providing insights into the transition from water to land.
A recent study from University of Cambridge and University of Pennsylvania found a positive association between Airbnb rentals and police-reported robberies and violent crimes in thousands of London neighborhoods between 2015 and 2018. An additional 1,000 robberies per year would correspond to a 10% increase in active Airbnb rentals.
A study published in Science Advances suggests that unmelted asteroids, or 'primitive' materials, were a crucial source of volatiles on Earth. This finding implies that the materials necessary for life to emerge may not have been readily available without these unmelted asteroids.
The team observed an 'inside-out' growing galaxy in the early universe using the James Webb Space Telescope. This type of growth had been predicted by theoretical models but was never directly observed until now. The research found that the star formation activity is rising towards the outskirts, indicating a rapid growth rate.
Damage to the brainstem, the brain's control centre, is behind long-lasting physical and psychiatric effects of severe Covid-19 infection. Researchers used ultra-high-resolution scanners to observe the damaging effects of Covid-19 on the brain, finding inflammation in key regions associated with breathlessness, fatigue and anxiety.
A study by University of Cambridge historian Emily Rhodes found that 17th-century foster carers were entitled to payment from the parish and had significant authority over the authorities. They often accused local authorities of mismanagement and dishonesty, leading to increased funding for their care.
The study found that 'double sceptics' who distrust institutions in general are more likely to be antivaxxers and climate sceptics. A tailored approach is needed to overcome their scepticism, which may involve building trust with the economy over mitigation efforts.
A study analyzing 1.6 million social media posts found that Ukrainian solidarity posts received significantly more online engagement than derogatory posts about Russia. After the invasion, posts celebrating unity gained a 92% increase on Facebook and a 68% increase on Twitter.
A new study by University of Cambridge researchers highlights the disproportionate impact of energy inefficiency on low-income pensioners in England. The study found that even small improvements in home energy efficiency can significantly reduce annual heating costs for households in energy poverty.
A recent study has uncovered a previously unknown farming society in Morocco, dating back to the Final Neolithic period. The site of Oued Beht reveals extensive evidence of large-scale agriculture and deep storage pits, providing significant insights into the role of North Africa in shaping Mediterranean prehistory. This discovery chal...
Researchers discovered that seabirds like albatrosses and penguins have sensory receptors and nerves in their beaks that could aid in finding food. This ability might enable the birds to detect tiny vibrations from potential prey, potentially helping conserve these critically endangered species.
Researchers used the James Webb Space Telescope to confirm that supermassive black holes can stop their host galaxies from forming new stars. The team observed a massive galaxy 'Pablo's Galaxy' in the early universe, finding that its supermassive black hole is expelling gas at high speeds, starving the galaxy of fuel.
A new monoclonal antibody drug has been developed to prevent infection with A. baumannii, a common cause of hospital-acquired infections. The treatment was shown to be effective in reducing bacterial load in mice, and could potentially become a powerful new weapon against antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that flowers like hibiscus use an invisible blueprint to dictate the size of their bullseyes, which can significantly impact their ability to attract pollinating bees. Larger bullseyes are preferred by bees and can potentially boost efficiency for both bees and blossoms.
A recent study found that both the rich and poor significantly overestimate or underestimate each other's carbon footprints, highlighting a profound inequality. The researchers surveyed 4,000 people from four countries and discovered that those in the top 10% tended to support climate policies, possibly due to higher education levels.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have created a 2D version of the Bose glass, a novel phase of matter that challenges traditional statistical mechanics. The new phase exhibits non-ergodic behavior, meaning it retains its details, and has potential applications in quantum computing.
A new study found that four in ten children in Central London switched to walking or cycling after the ULEZ was introduced, while only two in ten in Luton made this switch. This shift is linked to reduced air pollution and increased physical activity, with benefits for children's health and development.
Researchers discovered that high cholesterol levels at a young age can be a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis. Fluctuating levels of cholesterol were found to cause the most damage and may increase the risk of heart attack even in those taking statin medication.
A new study found that climate change is shifting the regions suitable for growing crops, putting pressure on timber production. As the land needed for producing vital resources becomes scarce, researchers warn of a looming issue that could lead to increased competition and conflict between agriculture and forestry.
A study in mice found that the bacteria Bifidobacterium breve supports healthy brain development in fetuses, improving nutrient transport and cell processes. This discovery suggests using probiotics during pregnancy may support fetal brain health and future treatments for growth restriction could focus on maternal gut health.
A recent study analyzing data from 1.97 million participants found that consuming 50g of processed meat a day increases type 2 diabetes risk by 15%, while eating 100g of unprocessed red meat daily raises the risk by 10%. Poultry consumption was also associated with a higher risk, but to a lesser extent.
A study published by University of Cambridge researchers found that advanced MRI scans can identify one in three concussion patients who experience persistent symptoms. The scans use diffusion tensor imaging to provide detailed images of brain pathways and improve prognosis accuracy.
Researchers question the effectiveness of new amyloid immunotherapy drugs in reducing Alzheimer's disease impact, citing limited eligibility and high costs. The drugs showed small effect sizes that may not outweigh the risk of adverse events.