New research investigates electrolysis efficiency on the Moon and Mars, finding that lower gravity reduces oxygen production by 11%. The study provides valuable insights for establishing life support systems and power budgets for future human settlements.
A new fossil discovery at the Chengjiang Fossil Site has provided a crucial link in understanding how arthropods evolved specialized limbs for breathing. The 520-million-year-old Erratus sperare organism has revealed the origins of biramous limbs, found in modern water-dwelling arthropods.
Researchers at the University of Manchester observed the Schwinger effect using graphene-based devices, producing particle-antiparticle pairs from a vacuum. They also discovered an unusual high-energy process where electrons became superluminous, providing an electric current higher than allowed by general rules.
Researchers from the University of Manchester have discovered a new way to manipulate key assembly line enzymes in bacteria using CRISPR-cas9 gene editing. This approach could lead to the production of improved antibiotics with potentially improved properties, addressing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
International shipping's current climate targets are too lax, with emissions projected to exceed twice the level compatible with limiting global heating to 1.5 degrees. New research calls for significantly stronger targets by 2030 and zero emissions by 2050.
Researchers have solved the 900-year-old mystery of the Chinese supernova of 1181AD by identifying a matching nebula and star in the Milky Way. The Pa30 nebula, surrounding Parker's Star, matches the profile, location, and age of the historic supernova.
Researchers create AstroCrete, a strong concrete-like material using human serum albumin and urea-based binders, suitable for Martian construction. The material's compressive strength can be up to 40 MPa, making it a potential solution for in-situ resource utilization.
Researchers at the University of Manchester developed graphene-based nanochannels that significantly reduce water friction, leading to enhanced permeation and efficiency in membrane processes. This breakthrough has potential applications in desalination, energy storage, and wastewater treatment.
Construction firm Nationwide Engineering has made history by pouring the world's first sustainable graphene concrete slab in a commercial setting. The innovative material is strengthened by 30% compared to standard concrete, significantly reducing material use and carbon footprint.
Researchers at the University of Manchester used time-resolved 3D imaging to study the complex dynamics of particle movement in granular materials. The findings show that particle shape and orientation play a crucial role in segregation, with larger nuts like Brazil nuts rising to the top.
Scientists have developed a technique to identify Parkinson's based on compounds found in sebum, a oily substance that coats the skin. The test shows promise for diagnosing the condition quickly and painlessly, with 85% accuracy.
UK universities are taking steps to reduce emissions from business travel and catering, which contribute significantly to their carbon footprint. Research found that few universities have robust targets to support decarbonization, but many are planning to reduce emissions in these areas.
Microbial communities in Alpine soils under threat as global temperatures rise due to climate change. Early spring snowmelt disrupts seasonal transitions, impacting biogeochemical cycles and winter ecosystem functioning.
A team of researchers used novel data analysis methods and Einstein@Home computing power to track down a neutron star's gamma-ray pulsations in NASA's Fermi Space Telescope data. The study reveals the existence of a rapidly rotating neutron star in orbit with a stellar companion about six times the mass of our Sun.
Researchers developed a powerful tool to map language development and human innovation over thousands of years, including pre-history. The 'linguistic thermometer' uses statistical physics to analyze the evolutionary dynamics of language, revealing how languages change over time.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have clarified the science behind sandcastle building by resolving a century-old mystery. They created artificial capillaries where water vapor can condense under ambient conditions, showing that the 150-year-old Kelvin equation remains surprisingly accurate even at an atomic scale.
A new study identifies five large-scale 'megatrends' impacting forests globally, including droughts, urbanization, consumer demand, digital technologies, and infrastructure development. These megatrends are likely to have both positive and negative effects on forest ecosystems, biodiversity, and human livelihoods.
The discovery of Brown-Zak fermions in graphene-based superlattices offers a new perspective for electronic devices operating under extreme conditions. The high mobility of these quasiparticles allows them to travel long distances without scattering, making them suitable for ultra-high frequency transistors.
A new study found that community forest management policies often result in weakened rights and less access to forests for local populations. Despite positive outcomes in some cases, the overall results show a series of trade-offs between people and the environment. The research highlights the need for governments to ensure that commun...
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery of a perfectly preserved dinosaur embryo, revealing that sauropods had stereoscopic vision and a horn on the front of their face. The discovery has challenged previous theories about the appearance of these giant herbivores, which lived 80 million years ago.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered a nanomaterial that mimics the 'magic angle' effect in twisted bilayer graphene, offering an alternative medium to study superconductivity. The new findings show strong electron-electron interactions in rhombohedral graphite, which could lead to game-changing effects in materi...
A new study published in Science of the Total Environment confirms that high rice consumption is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality due to arsenic exposure. The research suggests that people may reduce their risk by consuming lower-arsenic rice varieties and eating a balanced diet.
Scientists at The University of Manchester have developed an energy-efficient and highly versatile membrane coating using chemically modified molybdenum disulphide, offering a game-changer for the water filtration sector.
Researchers from The University of Manchester created a prototype garment that can lower the body temperature in hot climates using graphene's remarkable thermal properties. The technology also opens up new possibilities for interactive infrared displays and covert communication on textile.
A University of Manchester study reveals that existing ships will dominate the sector's impact on climate change, and could even swallow up shipping's entire safe carbon budget. Retrofitting existing ships and implementing emission-reducing measures such as slower speeds and renewable technologies are key to reducing committed emissions.
A four-year study at Jodrell Bank Observatory reveals a repeating Fast Radio Burst (FRB) follows a cyclic pattern with radio bursts observed every 90 days, followed by a silent period of 67 days, repeating every 157 days. This discovery provides an important clue to identifying the origin of FRBs.
Researchers have made significant advancements in graphene spintronics, enabling the efficient creation, transport, and detection of spin information. This field holds promise for applications in quantum computation, space communication, and high-speed radio links.
Scientists have discovered the highest levels of microplastics ever recorded on the seafloor, with concentrations concentrated by powerful deep-sea currents. Microplastics are mainly comprised of fibres from textiles and clothing, and their distribution is linked to sediment-transport processes.
A nanomedicine expert proposes a cancer care model for managing COVID-19, focusing on early detection, regular monitoring, and targeted treatment. This approach could improve patient outcomes by providing systematic management of the pandemic.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a new understanding of asthma medicines through x-ray CT scanning, revealing the microstructure of individual particles. This innovation could lead to improved asthma medications and better quality control.
Researchers at the University of Manchester developed a robot that uses perceptual control theory to balance and move efficiently. The study found that robots programmed with this theory performed better than those using standard algorithms, demonstrating potential for more lifelike machines.
A team tracked a black hole's ejecting material using e-MERLIN and other telescopes over months, gaining insight into how black holes feed energy into their environment. The observations revealed ejections moving at near-light speed, with implications for understanding the role of black holes in galaxy growth.
A study of 2 million patients found a strong association between repeat antibiotic prescriptions and increased risk of hospital admissions for new infections. The researchers suggest that overuse of antibiotics may lead to an imbalance of gut bacteria, making patients more susceptible to infections.
Trials show that Gefapixant can ease the often distressing symptoms of chronic cough with minimal side effects. A dose of 50mg reduced coughing by 67% and another study showed that as little as 30mg was effective in reducing cough frequency.
A systematic review of 149 studies has identified 24 genetic variants that increase the risk of endometrial cancer by up to 3.16 times. The study provides a polygenic risk score for personalized risk assessment, facilitating targeted screening and prevention strategies.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals a major link between protein FHR4 and age-related macular degeneration, affecting 1.5 million people in the UK alone. The findings show that higher levels of FHR4 in the blood increase the risk of AMD by activating part of the immune system.
Researchers have developed a new antiviral material made from sugar that destroys viruses on contact, offering a non-toxic alternative to current treatments. The treatment has shown success against multiple viruses, including respiratory infections and genital herpes, and may help combat emerging viral diseases.
Researchers found that a body clock mechanism boosts collagen production when we're most active, replenishing sacrificial fibrils at night. This discovery sheds light on the extracellular matrix and its role in maintaining body structure, with implications for understanding aging and wound healing.
A study found that people who sleep 4 hours or less double their risk of pulmonary fibrosis and those who sleep 11 hours or more triple their chance. The researchers attribute this to the body clock and suggest targeting it as a potential target for treating the disease.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding foam film stability by studying the behavior of liquids containing multiple additives. This breakthrough has potential applications in improving the creamy topping on flat whites, making beer heads last longer, and developing more effective fire-fighting foams.
Using dimmer, cooler lights in the evening and brighter, warmer lights during the day may be more beneficial to health than previously thought. The body clock uses a specialized protein to measure brightness, and blue colors have a weaker impact on the clock than white or yellow light of equivalent brightness.
A pharmacy service has been shown to reduce NHS costs by £651 million while improving patient outcomes through enhanced medication adherence. The New Medicine Service, delivered by pharmacists since 2011, supports patients taking new medicines and helps them adhere to their treatment regimens.
Researchers have developed a process to transform waste sugar cane and wheat straw into valuable chemicals, increasing value by 5000-fold. The new method produces high-value building blocks for food industry and pharmaceuticals directly from waste biomass in a single 'one-pot' process.
Research finds children of abusive mothers are almost 50% more likely to have a low IQ at age 8, with the risk rising to 34.6% if mothers were repeatedly exposed to domestic violence. The study used data from over 3,997 mother-child pairs and controlled for other risk factors.
A new MOF material, MFM-520, has been developed to capture and convert nitrogen dioxide into nitric acid. The material can be regenerated multiple times and is suitable for use in air pollution control, with potential applications in the production of agricultural fertilizers, rocket propellants, and textiles.
Musicians are at serious risk of developing tinnitus and hearing difficulties primarily due to prolonged exposure to loud noises. The study's findings support industry insiders' long-held concerns about the impact of workplace noise on musicians' hearing.
Scientists using the MeerKAT radio telescope have discovered a unique and previously-unseen flare of radio emission from a binary star system. The source is thought to be associated with an active corona, where two objects orbit each other approximately every 22 days.
A new study by the University of Manchester reveals a strong link between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and childhood trauma. The research analyzed data from over 5,000 people across 42 international studies, finding that 71.1% of those with BPD reported at least one traumatic childhood experience.
Research at the University of Manchester shows that tiny vesicles called liposomes can potentially transport life-saving drugs across the brain's blood-brain barrier following a stroke. This breakthrough offers a new way to get vital drugs to the lesions and stop further damage.
A new study on an enzyme crucial for photosynthesis has uncovered a structural understanding of how light activates chlorophyll synthesis. The researchers discovered how the enzyme captures light and channels it to drive a biological reaction, paving the way for bioengineering artificial light-activated enzymes.