Study into the dynamics of free-falling paper shapes could aid the design of bio-inspired robotics
Research into the trajectories of hundreds of free-falling paper shapes can help inform the design of bio-inspired robotics that mimic nature.
Researchers at the Cambridge Science Festival reveal latest insights into the brain
Leading scientists at the forefront of neuroscience discuss the latest research into hallucinations, dementia, autism, OCD and eating disorders as part of a series of events examining the brain at this year’s Cambridge Science Festival.
University launches 'Cambridge Creative Encounters'
The University of Cambridge Public Engagement Team has just launched the 'Cambridge Creative Encounters'.
Cambridge Science Festival showcases new research at the forefront of healthcare and medicine
From growing organs in the lab and 3D printing of living cells to a promising new treatment for hardened arteries, scientists at the forefront of medical research discuss groundbreaking developments in healthcare and medicine during events at this year’s Cambridge Science Festival (9-22 March). Bookings open today (Monday 10th February).
How a Blue Tap approach could increase access to clean drinking water
When University of Cambridge PhD student Francesca O’Hanlon founded social enterprise Blue Tap, her goal was to find a more reliable way to chlorinate household water supplies in developing countries.
What threatens democracy and what might be done to revive it?
Following the successful recent launch of the University of Cambridge’s Centre for the Future of Democracy at the Bennett Institute, there will be a follow-up event, with Michael Ignatieff talking on the future of democracy, on Wednesday 12 February.
One million and counting – Ely’s ‘Cathedral of books’ hits landmark figure
A children’s book by Girton College graduate Sandi Toksvig is the one millionth book to take its place in Cambridge University Library’s Ely storage facility, 18 months after ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ (written by fellow Cambridge alumnus Douglas Adams) became the first book to be placed in the facility.
Climate change takes centre stage at Cambridge Science Festival
From deadly heatwaves, global mega-fires and devastating floods to melting ice sheets and ecosystems under threat of extinction. This is what we are faced with. What do we need to do? What could happen if we don’t act now? How long do we have to act?
Autonomous robot challenge sparks children’s interest in technology
Cambridge University's Department of Engineering hosted a series of robotic-themed challenges as part of a science and technology competition, which attracted more than 200 school children.
Brain networks come ‘online’ during adolescence to prepare teenagers for adult life
New brain networks come ‘online’ during adolescence, allowing teenagers to develop more complex adult social skills, but potentially putting them at increased risk of mental illness, according to new research.
Prince of Wales launches new UK centre for low-carbon aviation
The Prince of Wales yesterday (Tuesday) launched the National Centre for Propulsion and Power during a visit to the University of Cambridge. Based at the world famous Whittle Laboratory, the Centre aims to accelerate the development of decarbonisation technologies.
Cambridge Science Festival examines the effects and ethics of artificial intelligence
How is artificial intelligence shaping our world? Can these ‘thinking machines’ be taught to be more human? Is it safe to use AI in automated diagnosis in medicine? And what are the ethical considerations of these developments?
Drug improves symptoms of autism by targeting brain’s chemical messengers
Bumetanide – a prescription drug for oedema (the build-up of fluid in the body) – improves some of the symptoms in young children with autism spectrum disorders and has no significant side effects, confirms a new study from researchers in China and the UK.
Meet the new astronauts who hail from Cambridge
Cambridge lecturer Dr Jenni Sidey-Gibbons and Gates Cambridge Scholar Kayla Barron have become fully fledged astronauts, beginning careers in exploration that may take them to the International Space Station, on missions to the Moon under the Artemis programme, or someday, Mars.
Centre for the Future of Democracy launches next week
The University of Cambridge’s Centre for the Future of Democracy launches at the Bennett Institute next week (29 January 2020). It will explore the challenges and opportunities faced by democratic politics over the coming century.
Vomiting bumblebees show that sweeter is not necessarily better
Animal pollinators support the production of three-quarters of the world’s food crops, and many flowers produce nectar to reward the pollinators. A new study using bumblebees has found that the sweetest nectar is not necessarily the best: too much sugar slows down the bees. The results will inform breeding efforts to make crops more attractive to pollinators, boosting yields to feed our growing…
Magnetised molecules used to monitor breast cancer
A new type of scan that involves magnetising molecules allows doctors to see in real-time which regions of a breast tumour are active, according to research at the University of Cambridge.
Astronomers use ‘cosmic echo-location’ to map black hole surroundings
Most black holes are too small on the sky for us to determine their immediate environment, but we can still explore these mysterious objects by watching how matter behaves as it nears, and falls into them.
Cambridge Science Festival launches 2020 programme
Predictive policing, mini organs, growing food underground, global mega-fires and the limits of human endurance. These are a few of the topics explored during the 26th Cambridge Science Festival, which is set to host 390 events between 9 – 22 March at venues across the city. The theme this year is ‘vision’.
Cambridge-designed curriculum teaches schoolchildren about water scarcity and climate activism
Students and teachers across India now have free access to a new curriculum on water security and sustainability, co-developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge, which incorporates engagement with climate change and climate activism into their lessons.
Police platform patrols create ‘phantom effect’ that cuts crime in Tube stations
A major experiment introducing proactive policing to Underground platforms finds that short bursts of patrolling create a “phantom effect”: 97% of the resulting crime reduction was during periods when police weren’t actually present.
Higher rates of post-natal depression among autistic mothers
Autistic mothers are more likely to report post-natal depression compared to non-autistic mothers, according to a new study of mothers of autistic children carried out by researchers at the University of Cambridge.
Detailed genetic study provides most comprehensive map to date of breast cancer risk
A major international study of the genetics of breast cancer has identified more than 350 DNA ‘errors’ that increase an individual’s risk of developing the disease. The scientists involved say these errors may influence as many as 190 genes.
Cambridge in the 2020 New Year Honours List
Members of collegiate Cambridge have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to society.
Cambridge alumna is the IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year
Cambridge alumna Ying Wan Loh has been announced Young Woman Engineer of the Year by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).