Dreaming big with biomimetics: could future buildings be made with bone and eggshells?
Dr Michelle Oyen, Reader in Bioengineering for Cambridge University Department of Engineering's Biomechanics Group, explores how researchers are looking for ways to make new materials inspired by nature.
Cambridge Science Festival examines the state of conservation
With the latest news concerning Facebook users exploiting the popular social media site as a means to traffic endangered animals, conservation issues remain firmly on the global agenda.
Scientists develop very early stage human stem cell lines for first time
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have for the first time shown that it is possible to derive from a human embryo so-called ‘naïve’ pluripotent stem cells – one of the most flexible types of stem cell, which can develop into all human tissue other than the placenta.
AI crossword-solving application could make machines better at understanding language
A web-based machine language system solves crossword puzzles far better than commercially-available products, and may help machines better understand language.
Old before your time: Study suggests that ageing begins in the womb
The process of ageing begins even before we are born, according to an international team of researchers led by the University of Cambridge. In a study using rats to model pregnancy and fetal development, the researchers also found that providing mothers with antioxidants during pregnancy meant that their offspring aged more slowly in adulthood.
Overcrowded Internet domain space is stifling demand, suggesting a future ‘not-com’ boom
New research suggests that a lack of remaining domain names with easy to remember – and consequently valuable – word combinations is restricting Internet growth, with an untapped demand of as much as 25% of all current domains being held back. The study’s author contends that the findings show ICANN’s release of new top level domains could prove a wise policy.
Cambridge Science Festival offers insights into finding the cure for cancer
The Office of National Statistics released figures last week, showing that cancer is on the rise in England – 813 diagnoses per day. While, according to Macmillan Cancer Support, there are now an estimated 2.5 million people living with cancer in the UK, rising to 4 million by 2030.
Whose terms? Women who challenge and change the world
Cambridge University’s International Women’s Day Lecture takes place on Monday March 7th at McCrum Lecture Theatre, Corpus Christi College.
Breast cancer genetic variants found to alter how cells respond to oestrogen
An international study of almost 120,000 women has newly identified five genetic variants affecting risk of breast cancer, all of which are believed to influence how breast cells respond to the female sex hormone oestrogen.
See inside the David Attenborough Building for the first time after its £59m facelift
Visitors can view the refurbished David Attenborough Building (formerly the Arup Building) for the first time when an exhibition entitled Conflicted Seeds + Spirit opens to the public on 9th March.
Pollinator species vital to our food supply are under threat, warn experts
A new report from experts and Governments around the world addresses threats to animal pollinators such as bees, birds and bats that are vital to more than three-quarters of the world’s food crops, and intimately linked to human nutrition, culture and millions of livelihoods. Scientists say simple strategies could harness pollinator power to boost agricultural yield.
Can our brain type explain the gender gap in STEM subjects and careers?
It’s no secret that far fewer females enter into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) professions - and fields such as engineering struggle to recruit women.
Graphene takes centre stage at Mobile World Congress
The Cambridge Graphene Centre, together with several of its industrial and academic partners – such as Cambridge-based Nokia, Aixtron, Novalia and Flexenable – unveiled the inaugural Graphene Pavilion at last week's 2016 Mobile World Congress (MWC), the world’s largest gathering for the mobile industry with more than 100,000 attendees and 2000 exhibitors.
Chocolate, ice-cream, rockets and robots: over 100 science events for children and families
Children, young people and families are invited to be a part of this year’s Cambridge Science Festival (7–20 March) with a packed series of talks, games, experiments, theatre shows, demonstrations and hands-on activities.
'Future farming – technologists' fantasy or grower game-changer?'
Dr Belinda Clarke, Director of Agri-Tech East, will be talking about the future of farming at a seminar in Cambridge University's Department of Land Economy next week.
Honeypot Britain? EU migrants’ benefits and the UK referendum
Ahead of Britain’s EU referendum, research will explore the experiences of EU migrants working in the UK, and attitudes to employment and social security – for which there is little empirical evidence, despite intense political rhetoric. An initial study suggests workers from the EU are significantly under-represented in employment tribunals.
Up to four-fifths of wetlands worldwide could be at risk from sea level rise
Researchers have modelled how wetlands might respond to rising sea levels, and found that as much as four-fifths of wetlands worldwide could be lost by the end of the century if sea levels continue to rise.
Soft solids and the science of cake
Researchers hope that working out the behaviours of soft solids, which can act like either solids or liquids, may make for tastier cakes – and safer oil wells.
Brain, body and mind: understanding consciousness
A bedside device that measures ‘brain signatures’ could help diagnose patients who have consciousness disorders – such as a vegetative state – to work out the best course of treatment and to support family counselling.
'Reinventing European research and innovation for the Information Age'
A lunch-time public lecture by the European Commissioner for Science, Research and Innovation, Mr Carlos Moedas, takes place in Cambridge on Thursday 3 March, 2016.
Children aren’t active enough in winter, say Cambridge researchers
Children should be given more support to enable them to be more active during the winter, particularly at weekends, say researchers from the University of Cambridge. Their call comes in response to their findings that children are less active and spend more time sitting in autumn and winter compared to other times of the year.
The reed warbler and the cuckoo: an escalating game of trickery and defence
Professor Nick Davies, who gives this week’s Darwin Lecture, has been studying reed warblers for more than 30 years – and has unlocked many of the secrets of their interactions with the cuckoo.
St Catharine's elects new Master
The Fellows of St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, have elected Professor Sir Mark Welland as the next Master of the College.
Engineering the future: Cambridge Science Festival 2016
Can we build computers and robots that learn? Could nature be the inspiration for building our future cities? How can we make someone a new arm?
Alumnus helps bring Dyson Centre to life
The recently opened Dyson Centre for Engineering Design at the University of Cambridge has been supported by a £300,000 grant from Denis Burrell CBE via the Burrell Family Charitable Trust.