Living Planet Report reveals 68% decline in global wildlife populations since 1970
Global populations of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish have declined by over two-thirds in less than half a century, due in large part to the same environmental destruction that is contributing to the emergence of zoonotic diseases like COVID-19, according to a World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) report released this week.
AI shows how hydrogen becomes a metal inside giant planets
Researchers have used a combination of AI and quantum mechanics to reveal how hydrogen gradually turns into a metal in giant planets.
Cambridge University to provide weekly coronavirus testing for students resident in colleges
The University of Cambridge is to offer all students living in college accommodation a weekly test for infection with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, even if they show no symptoms. While the testing of asymptomatic students is not national guidance, the University will be launching this programme as part of their ‘Stay Safe Cambridge Uni’ public health initiative.
Cancer drug can rebalance kidney function in a devastating genetic disease
Researchers at the University of Cambridge and the University of Zurich have discovered that a drug newly approved for cancer improves kidney dysfunction in a mouse model of Dent disease 2 and Lowe syndrome.
What to expect from online Open Cambridge this weekend
From medieval chapels, 21st Century eco-mosques and the golden age of Cambridge sport, to live experiments and a surprise yarn-bomb installation, this weekend sees the much-anticipated online version of Open Cambridge kick off with a series of live stream, interactive events to get the grey matter fizzing.
PhD research at the forefront of technology recognised with award
University of Cambridge PhD student Siddharth Swaroop has been announced a recipient of the 2020 Microsoft Research EMEA PhD Award, helping to support his final year of research.
Record number of undergraduate admissions at Cambridge, with no required deferrals and highest ever state school intake
The Collegiate University of Cambridge will be welcoming a record number of new undergraduates next month.
Combining PCR and antibody tests at point of care dramatically increases COVID-19 detection in hospitalised patients
A Cambridge hospital has piloted the use of combined rapid point-of-care nucleic acid and antibody testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection after researchers at the University of Cambridge showed that this approach was superior to virus detection alone for diagnosing COVID-19 disease.
Cambridge professor appointed Director of the Leverhulme Trust
Anna Vignoles, who is Professor of Education at the University of Cambridge, has been appointed as Director of the Leverhulme Trust: one of the largest, all-subject providers of research funding in the UK. She will take up her new post in January, 2021.
Open Cambridge launches 2020 online programme
The Open Cambridge 2020 special online programme has been launched, featuring over 30 events suitable for everyone curious about the history and heritage of Cambridge.
Cambridge University Library joins Google Arts and Culture
From today (Monday 31 August), audiences across the globe will be able to explore some of the treasures of Cambridge University Library on the Google Arts and Culture platform.
Understand what works when trying to protect monkeys and apes, say scientists
Despite significant protection efforts, global populations of monkeys and apes are declining dramatically. A new study has found that the effectiveness of protection measures is rarely evaluated, and calls for an evidence-based approach to future conservation efforts to prevent imminent extinctions.
Cambridge-developed SARS-CoV-2 vaccine receives £1.9million from UK government for clinical trial
A Cambridge-developed vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2 could begin clinical trials in the UK in late autumn or early next year, thanks to a £1.9million award from the UK government.
New insights into lithium-ion battery failure mechanism
Researchers have identified a potential new degradation mechanism for electric vehicle batteries – a key step to designing effective methods to improve battery lifespan.
Wireless device makes clean fuel from sunlight, CO2 and water
Researchers have developed a standalone device that converts sunlight, carbon dioxide and water into a carbon-neutral fuel, without requiring any additional components or electricity.
Open Cambridge: a fix for all culture lovers
Mummies, medicinal roses, dodos, and unusual treasures: next month’s Open Cambridge heritage weekend is not short of a few surprises for those looking to get their cultural fix.
Cambridge takes major role in initiative to help solve UK ‘productivity puzzle’
The University of Cambridge is to be a key partner in a new national effort to boost British productivity, bringing together expertise to tackle questions of job creation, sustainability and wellbeing, as the UK looks to its post-pandemic future.
Ageing heart cells offer clues to susceptibility of older people to severe COVID-19
Genes that play an important role in allowing SARS-CoV-2 to invade heart cells become more active with age, according to new research.
Cambridge engineers recognised with awards for pandemic service
Two teams of Cambridge engineers have been recognised by the Royal Academy of Engineering for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic with the President’s Special Award for Pandemic Service.
Adding a metre between meals boosts vegetarian appeal – study
Researchers have identified the optimal dish positions to help “nudge” diners into picking more planet-friendly meals in cafeterias.
Electric roads will help cut UK road freight emissions, report says
Electrification of 7,500km of the UK’s major road network would enable most lorries to be powered by overhead charging cables, resulting in dramatically reduced carbon emissions, a new report has found.
Cambridge spin-out company leads €10.3 million project to help shape the future of power electronics
Cambridge GaN Devices Ltd (CGD), a spin-out from the University of Cambridge Department of Engineering, will lead a €10.3 million project dedicated to the design and development of the most energy-efficient next-generation Gallium nitride (GaN) power modules.
Mill Road tales and mysteries revealed at Open Cambridge
The countdown has begun for this year’s digital Open Cambridge heritage weekend (11-13 September), with only four weeks to go until viewers can log on and learn more about the city and beyond.
Meditation-relaxation therapy may offer escape from the terror of sleep paralysis
Sleep paralysis – a condition thought to explain a number of mysterious experiences including alleged cases of alien abduction and demonic night-time visits – could be treated using a technique of meditation-relaxation, suggests a pilot study published today.
£1.2 million awarded to establish Policy Evidence Unit for University Commercialisation and Innovation
Research England has awarded a grant of £1.2 million to the University of Cambridge to establish a Policy Evidence Unit for University Commercialisation and Innovation (UCI), which will be developed in partnership with the Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (CSTI) at the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) – part of the Department of Engineering – and the National Centre for…