Scientists have found novel methods to enhance the conductivity of organic semiconductors by emptying their valence bands, leading to unprecedented levels of doping. This breakthrough could lead to higher-power thermoelectric devices that convert waste heat into electricity.
Researchers have discovered a novel type of wood that is highly efficient at carbon storage, thanks to its unique macrofibril structure. This discovery may lead to the development of new plantation forests capable of capturing large quantities of carbon dioxide.
A new study reveals that mining activities pose a significant threat to vertebrate species worldwide, with over 4,642 species at risk. The main drivers of this threat are mining for materials essential to clean energy technologies like lithium, cobalt, and limestone.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that gibberellin hormone plays a crucial role in integrating light signaling and stem growth in plants. Using advanced biosensors, they found that gibberellin levels are higher in longer cells and that a specific enzyme called GA20ox1 produces a gradient that controls cell elon...
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that the plant hormone gibberellin is essential for legume nitrogen-fixing root nodule formation and maturation. The study used a highly sensitive next-generation biosensor to visualize GA accumulation in specific zones of the root, revealing its critical role in nodulation.
A collection of French fashion engravings offers new insights into Samuel Pepys' life, revealing his fascination with French style and internal conflict. The prints show Pepys' efforts to demonstrate his knowledge of style within his means, despite being a moral dilemma due to English concerns about Popery and French influence.
A new genetic test has identified a mutation causing progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in English Shepherd Dogs, allowing breeders to eliminate the disease from their population. The test is available for purchase and will help prevent the disease from being passed on to puppies.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that mindfulness training doubled the likelihood of participants experiencing unity and disembodiment. The more hours of formal practice, the higher the risk of these altered states of consciousness.
Children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are at significantly higher risk of mood and anxiety disorders, as well as behavioral syndromes. The study highlights the urgent need for monitoring and support for their mental health.
Scientists have created a new type of battery that is soft and stretchable, making it suitable for wearables and medical implants. The 'jelly batteries' use hydrogels to deliver an electric current and can be stretched up to ten times their original length without losing conductivity.
A new study found that UK adolescents consume a majority of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods, with consumption highest among deprived backgrounds and younger teens. The high intake is associated with negative health impacts, including obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers developed an AI model that accurately predicts Alzheimer's disease progression in 82% of cases, outperforming clinical tests. The model uses cognitive tests and MRI scans to identify individuals at risk, allowing for targeted treatment and closer monitoring.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed an atlas of proteins that reveals how they behave inside human cells. The tool allows for the identification of new proteins involved in important bodily functions, including fat distribution and protein creation.
Researchers at University of Cambridge developed machine-learning tool to identify drug-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium bacteria from microscopy images. The algorithm correctly predicted resistance or susceptibility without culturing the bacteria, reducing diagnosis time from days to hours.
A recent study mapped the evolution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a deadly bacterium that causes devastating infections in people with underlying lung conditions. The researchers found that almost seven in ten infections are caused by just 21 genetic clones, which have rapidly evolved and spread globally over the last 200 years.
Researchers found that blue and great tits possess 'episodic-like' memory, recalling past experiences such as food availability, location, and timing. This ability may help the birds cope with environmental stress and fluctuation influenced by climate change.
The UK has released a pioneering Code of Practice for the use of stem cell-based embryo models in research, providing standards for rigorous ethics and maximizing benefits. The code sets out processes for decision-making in research using these models, allowing scientists to proceed confidently while maintaining public trust.
A genetic study discovered a gene, TRPC5, associated with obesity, behavioral problems, and postnatal depression in mothers. Oxytocin may alleviate symptoms, suggesting it as a potential treatment for postnatal depression.
A large-scale genetic study has found a significant link between the age of puberty in girls and weight gain, highlighting potential risks for early puberty and obesity. The study identified over 1,000 genetic variants that influence the age of first menstrual period, with around 600 being observed for the first time.
A new legal requirement for developers to demonstrate a biodiversity boost in planning applications may not be effective in improving bird and butterfly populations. Despite this, researchers suggest that the metric can capture plant biodiversity well, but needs improvement to reflect ecosystem intricacies.
Researchers used AI to map slush on Antarctic ice shelves and found that 57% of all meltwater is held in slush, with a significant impact on ice shelf stability and sea level rise. This discovery could lead to more accurate predictions of ice sheet melting and collapse.
Researchers at University of Cambridge discovered that underwater turbulence around seamounts significantly influences ocean mixing, contributing to a third of global ocean mixing. This finding has implications for climate models used in policymaking, potentially improving forecasts of the ocean's response to global warming.
A study found that heath goannas are more effective in removing blowflies from the landscape than introduced European mammals. This reduces the emergence of 'fly strike', a disease affecting sheep, and has significant implications for the Australian sheep farming industry.
Researchers at University of Cambridge uncover unified healer army of regulatory T cells that constantly move and repair damaged tissue. This discovery has implications for treating various diseases, including autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases.
Researchers analyzed a 17-minute film of the eruption to understand how the ash cloud grew upwards and outwards. They calculated the eruption rate, which determines ash cloud extent, and found that it dropped by about half during the eruption.
Researchers have successfully grown 'mini-guts' in the lab to better understand Crohn's disease. The organoids show that epigenetic changes play an important role in the disease and its severity, enabling potential personalized treatments. This breakthrough could lead to more precise and effective treatments for patients.
A new study identifies 140 new genetic risk loci, increasing the number known eight-fold to 164, and suggests that targeting glutamate receptors could lead to treatment options. The research also found a link between restless leg syndrome and an increased risk of developing diabetes.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge developed a low-cost and energy-efficient method to make materials that can capture carbon dioxide directly from the air. The charged charcoal sponge uses reversible bonds with hydroxides to capture CO2, requiring lower temperatures and renewable electricity for regeneration.
A new open-source platform called CheckMate allows users to interact with and evaluate the performance of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. Researchers found that while LLMs can be helpful, they also make mistakes and provide incorrect information.
Researchers found evidence of coevolution driving speciation in cuckoo species. Cuckoo chicks evolved to mimic host chicks to evade detection and exploit more hosts.
Researchers tested a robotic extra thumb on diverse participants and found that most could learn to use it quickly. The study highlights the need for inclusive testing to ensure new technologies work for everyone, particularly marginalized communities.
Researchers have developed a method to print adaptive and eco-friendly sensors directly onto biological surfaces, including human skin. The new approach uses 'electronic spider silk' that can conform to surfaces while providing high-quality sensor performance.
Researchers developed a method to recycle cement using electric arc furnaces, significantly reducing emissions from concrete and steel production. The process can replace up to half of cement in concrete with recycled cement, producing zero-emission cement if powered by renewable energy.
Research published in Nature Mental Health found that one in two children with ADHD show signs of emotional dysregulation, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and explosive outbursts. This symptom is independent of cognitive and motivational problems and may be linked to brain region development.
Researchers found that patients with lupus and other autoimmune diseases often experience vivid nightmares before hallucinations appear. These symptoms can serve as an early warning sign for disease flares, allowing clinicians to take action to improve care and reduce clinic times. Recognizing these mental health and neurological sympt...
Scientists at the Cavendish Laboratory have discovered that a single 'atomic defect' in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) exhibits spin coherence under ambient conditions and can be controlled with light. This finding has significant implications for the development of quantum technologies, particularly sensing technology.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz found that 2023 was the hottest summer in the Northern Hemisphere in over two millennia, with temperatures 2.07C warmer than the coldest summer on record. The study uses tree ring data to show that global warming is having a profound impact, especially...
Scientists have recruited over 20,000 volunteers to a resource aimed at accelerating dementia drug development. The cohort will enable healthy individuals with increased genetic risk to participate in clinical trials, allowing researchers to test new treatments before symptoms appear.
A study by the University of Cambridge and Fudan University found that children born by C-section are up to 2.6 times more likely to fail their first measles vaccination compared to those born naturally. Two doses of the vaccine are necessary for robust protection against measles.
New molecular design principles can stop electrons from coupling with atomic vibrations, improving the performance of organic molecules in OLEDs and other applications. This breakthrough opens up new trajectories for industries such as displays, bio-medical imaging, and disease detection.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed flexible electronic devices that wrap around the spinal cord, recording nerve signals and stimulating limb movement. The devices could lead to treatments for spinal injuries without brain surgery, improving safety for patients.
AI chatbots, known as 'deadbots,' simulate deceased loved ones' language patterns and personality traits, risking psychological harm and digital 'hauntings.' Researchers outline three design scenarios highlighting the need for safeguards to prevent misuse.
Researchers developed a new theory that bridges biological vessels and artificial materials, applicable to various functional materials. The Universal Murray's Law can optimize fluid transport in synthetic structures, boosting efficiency in energy storage, catalysis, and sensing.
Researchers developed a new 'proactive vaccinology' approach to build vaccines before disease-causing pathogens emerge. The Quartet Nanocage vaccine trains the immune system to target specific regions of eight coronaviruses, providing broad protection against known and unknown strains.
Researchers discovered that plants employ ABA to close stomata, obstructing spider mites' entry points and significantly reducing pest damage. The closure of stomata also coincides with the production of ABA, a hormone linked with drought response.
Researchers developed tiny, flexible devices that can wrap around individual nerve fibers without damaging them. The robotic nerve cuffs are sensitive enough to grasp delicate nerves and only require tiny voltages to change shape.
Research shows breast cancer survivors are at increased risk of developing second cancers, including endometrial and ovarian cancer for women, and prostate cancer for men. Socioeconomic deprivation is linked to a greater risk of second cancers among breast cancer survivors.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed low-cost light-harvesting semiconductors that power devices for converting water into clean hydrogen fuel using sunlight. By growing copper oxide crystals in a specific orientation, they improved performance by an order of magnitude and increased stability.
Researchers at University of Cambridge found that disordered carbon electrodes in supercapacitors store more energy than ordered ones. The study used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to analyze electrode materials and found a correlation between disorder and energy capacity.
The study suggests that graphitisation could provide simplicity and a clean environment required for life, theorising that an object roughly the size of the moon hit early Earth around 4.3 billion years ago, depositing iron and other metals that reacted with water to form useful nitrogen-containing compounds.