Strengthening the bond between policy and science
Policy makers and scientists collaborate to create new science-policy research agenda.
Job security and pay fears at heart of manufacturing’s “image problem”
Misplaced fears about job security and low pay could thwart efforts to strengthen British manufacturing and rebalance the economy, a new analysis of the sector’s image among the general public has revealed.
Old meets new at 800-year-old Leper Chapel
There are 21st century ideas in prospect for the 800-year-old Leper Chapel in East Cambridge following a unique collaboration between Cambridge Past, Present and Future, and an Architecture student at the University of Cambridge.
The Eruption after tomorrow
Imagine the perfect storm. A series of severe volcanic eruptions engulf the globe, spewing ash and sulphur into the atmosphere, causing widespread chaos on our intricate global economy, impacting our ability to grow food and grounding trans-continental air travel.
What is the price of free?
Scientists from the Computer Laboratory at Cambridge University have designed a method to improve privacy control in the Android apps market. The method reaches a balance between the need for developer’s revenue and the need for user’s privacy.
A musical expedition to Scott’s South Pole
A cycle of songs imagining the final thoughts of Captain Scott and his polar party has been composed by Cambridge graduate Jake Wilson – with the help of the University’s Scott Polar Research Institute.
Study examines number of GP visits before cancer patients are referred to specialists
Patient information reveals women, young people, ethnic minorities and people with less common cancers have the highest number of pre-referral consultations.
New carbon fibre polymer pipe will recover hydrocarbons from the most challenging offshore...
Deepwater production is the fastest growing source of oil and gas reserves. Cambridge engineers are currently solving many of the formidable challenges in accessing these fields.
Building the future with BRICs
A major conference examining how the emergence of Brazil, Russia, India and China as leading world powers should be accommodated by the international community will take place at Cambridge University this week.
Down’s syndrome stem cells used to model Alzheimer’s
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a new and innovative way to study Alzheimer’s disease in the lab. The stem cell technique, which allows researchers to track the disease over a matter of weeks, could provide a valuable tool for scientists to unravel the complexity of Alzheimer’s and test potential new treatments.
Critical stage of embryonic development now observable
A novel approach in the study of the development of mammalian embryos was this week reported in the journal 'Nature Communications'. The research, from the laboratory of Professor Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz of the University of Cambridge, enables scientists to view critical aspects of embryonic development which were previously unobservable.
A lost world? How zooarchaeology can inform biodiversity conservation
A new study of tropical forests will provide a 50,000-year perspective on how animal biodiversity has changed, explored through an archaeological investigation of animal bones.
Rapunzel, Leonardo and the physics of the ponytail
New research provides the first mathematical understanding of the shape of a ponytail and could have implications for the textile industry, computer animation and personal care products.
A mineral way to catalysis?
Fool’s Gold may prove an unlikely alternative to overexploited catalytic materials.
'Smart’ microcapsules in a single step
A new, single-step method of fabricating microcapsules, which have potential commercial applications in industries including medicine, agriculture and diagnostics, has been developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge.
Pushing science to its limits
Cambridge Science Festival is hoping to break new boundaries in celebration of London 2012 as it asks ‘How fast can Usain Bolt run?’ and takes ‘A mathematical look at the Olympics’. Bookings for the UK’s largest free science festival are now open.
Infrastructure revolution
Technology has advanced to the point where the condition of bridges, tunnels and buildings can be monitored in unprecedented detail. Now a new Centre at Cambridge has been formed to kick-start the smart infrastructure revolution.
Theatres of war: public spending on buildings for the arts
National recommendations for using public money to build arts venues are only succeeding in enforcing a system that is already flawed, a new study concludes.
Here comes the sun…
New solar cells could increase the maximum efficiency of solar panels by over 25%, according to scientists from the University of Cambridge.
Defeating dementia in Down’s syndrome
A £1m brain-imaging study has just been launched at the University of Cambridge to investigate why people with Down’s syndrome (DS) are at such high risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Research, policy, practice: conservation in the round
Conservation scientists, working in partnership with practitioners and policy makers, are building practical tools for real-world conservation.
Brain cells created from patients’ skin cells
Cambridge scientists have, for the first time, created cerebral cortex cells – those that make up the brain’s grey matter – from a small sample of human skin. The researchers’ findings, which were funded by Alzheimer’s Research UK and the Wellcome Trust, have been published in 'Nature Neuroscience'.
All set and ready to glow
A breakthrough technique for manufacturing LEDs on silicon is to be exploited in the UK, putting mass-produced, energy-efficient lighting within reach.
Don't write to the Minister - get involved!
How do you cope when the transport sector is working to a 30 year plan but the Government's policy plan has to be only on a four/five year timescale because of the electoral cycle? Is it good to spend so much on major scientific research programmes projects such as CERN when engineering and technology has more immediate benefit?
Biodiversity conservation for life
This month, the University of Cambridge will be profiling research that addresses biodiversity conservation.