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University of Manchester


A planet made of diamond

Astronomers have detected a planet orbiting a rapidly spinning pulsar, dubbed PSR J1719-1438. The discovery suggests that the planet is composed primarily of carbon and oxygen, likely forming a diamond-like material due to its high density.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience·DateAug 25, 2011

The burly bird catches the girl

Researchers found that male rock ptarmigans can run up to 50% faster than females due to superior physiology, enabling them to defend larger territories and successfully breed. This study highlights the importance of considering physiological factors in understanding animal behavior and breeding success.

Taking a fresh look at the weather

Researchers propose a new model, 'wrap up', explaining the evolution of low pressure systems. This model addresses weaknesses in the Norwegian meteorological model, providing a better understanding of severe weather conditions.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateAug 1, 2011

The wonders of graphene on display

Researchers at the University of Manchester showcase graphene's remarkable story and potential applications. Visitors can interact with a virtual microscope, see real images of graphene, and learn about its unique properties, including superconductivity, transparency, and high strength.

Putting sunshine in the tank

Researchers from the University of Manchester and consortium partners are working on harnessing solar energy to produce hydrogen fuel. The technology has potential to revolutionize energy usage in the coming decades by creating clean, green fuels.

Pigment patterns from the prehistoric past

Scientists have discovered a remarkable relationship between copper and pigment in exceptionally preserved feathers and soft tissues from 120 million-year-old Confuciusornis sanctus and 110 million-year-old Gansus yumenensis fossils. The study, published in Science, reveals original colour patterns using X-ray analysis.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2011

Worm discovery could help 1 billion people worldwide

Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified a key component of human and animal gut mucus that is toxic to parasitic worms, which cause up to 1 billion deaths and illnesses globally. The discovery may lead to new treatments for chronic worm infections and help identify who is susceptible to parasitic worms.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 5, 2011

HIV drug could prevent cervical cancer

Researchers discovered that lopinavir selectively kills HPV-infected non-cancerous cells while leaving healthy cells relatively unaffected. The study suggests a potential treatment for HPV-related cervical cancer using locally applied lopinavir cream or pessary.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalAntiviral Therapy·DateMay 3, 2011

New spin on graphene

Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered a new way to interconnect electron spin and charge in graphene, enabling direct manipulation of electric current using microelectronics. This breakthrough has significant implications for spintronics, with potential applications in sensors, memories, and transistors.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2011

Solving the riddle of nature's perfect spring

Researchers have discovered the structure of tropoelastin, a key component of elastin that provides elasticity to human tissues. The molecule has near-perfect elasticity, allowing it to stretch up to eight times its original length and return to its shape with no loss of energy.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2011

Manchester leads green chemical training push

The University of Manchester is leading a €3.7m European Union-funded project to train the next generation of scientists in green manufacturing methods for the chemical industry. The 'BIOTRAINS' programme brings together experts from academia and industry to develop safer and less-environmentally damaging industrial processes.

See off Alzheimer's with the color purple

A groundbreaking study by Professor Douglas Kell found that poorly-bound iron causes the production of hydroxyl radicals, leading to degenerative diseases. Purple fruits and green tea are identified as excellent sources of iron chelators, which can bind iron tightly.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalArchives of Toxicology·DateDec 8, 2010

Graphene gets a Teflon makeover

Researchers at the University of Manchester have created fluorographene, a one-molecule-thick material similar to Teflon with chemical inertness and thermal stability. The team hopes to use it in electronics, such as LED devices and ultra-thin tunnel barriers, while retaining mechanical strength.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalSmall·DateNov 8, 2010

Water was present during birth of Earth

Scientists have found that volatile elements, including water, were present during the violent process of Earth's birth. The discovery, made using high precision equipment to measure Silver isotopes in rocks, suggests that comets and asteroids may not have brought significant amounts of volatile elements to Earth.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience·DateMay 13, 2010