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University of Manchester


Ancient Egyptians accessorized with meteorites

Researchers have found conclusive proof that Ancient Egyptians used meteorites to create symbolic accessories. The evidence comes from a prehistoric iron bead discovered in Egypt, which was dated to around 3350-3600BC. Analysis of the bead's composition confirms its meteorite origins.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalMeteoritics and Planetary Science·DateMay 30, 2013

Catching graphene butterflies

The discovery reveals a fundamental interest in understanding the electronic properties of graphene and its potential applications. The researchers have created multiple clones of Dirac fermions, mimicking massless relativistic particles, and produced an intricate pattern known as the Hofstadter butterfly.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateMay 15, 2013

Bigger birth weight babies at greater risk of autism

Researchers from the University of Manchester have found that babies born with abnormal fetal growth are at a higher risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study analyzed data from over 40,000 child health records in Sweden and found that larger or smaller babies were more susceptible to autism.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 2, 2013

Graphene's high-speed seesaw

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a graphene-based transistor with bistable characteristics, which can rapidly switch between two electronic states. This technology has potential applications in medical imaging and security screening, as well as enabling the creation of new architectures for electronic components.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 30, 2013

Study maps human metabolism in health and disease

A team of international researchers has created an instruction manual for the human genome, providing a framework to understand the relationship between genetic makeup and lifestyle. The model explains how individual biological parts operate differently within each person, paving the way for tailored treatments in personalized medicine.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 3, 2013

Sweet news for stem cell's 'Holy Grail'

Scientists have developed a web-like scaffold coated with long-sugar molecules that enhances stem-cell cultures and encourages the formation of neuronal cell types. The results, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, are promising for treating diseases such as Alzheimer's and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 26, 2013

World first for fly research

The University of Manchester has published the first-ever basic training package for using fruit flies in research, particularly in cancer and Alzheimer's disease studies. The package was developed by Dr Andreas Prokop and aims to educate scientists about the benefits of using Drosophila flies.

Chameleon pulsar baffles astronomers

Researchers found a pulsar, PSR B0943+10, that changes its behavior between two extreme states: one dominated by X-ray pulses and the other by highly organized radio pulses. The team used simultaneous observations with the XMM-Newton satellite and two radio telescopes to reveal this unique behavior.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 2013

Virtual heart sheds new light on heart defect

Researchers developed a virtual heart model to investigate atrial fibrillation, revealing electrical heterogeneity and fibre structure as key factors in the condition's initiation. The study provides new insights into the complex mechanisms underlying AF, paving the way for potential treatments.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalInterface Focus·DateJan 15, 2013

Graphene plasmonics beats the drug cheats

Researchers have developed a graphene plasmonics device that can detect even trace amounts of substances in minutes, revolutionizing drug testing for athletes and detecting viruses. The breakthrough uses artificial materials with topological darkness to achieve high sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 13, 2013