Cambridge Science Festival 2016 investigates the bonds between mother and baby
The link between a mother and her baby is profound, and ongoing research discussed at this year’s Cambridge Science Festival (7-20 March) suggests the extent of mother and baby brain interaction could be much deeper than we thought.
Spinal injury and ‘biorobotic control’ of the bladder
There are many challenges facing people with spinal cord injury – and walking again is often the least of their problems. Cambridge research could help patients take control of their lives once more.
Exoplanet hunter: in search of new Earths and life in the Universe
Twenty years ago, in Geneva, PhD student Didier Queloz discovered a planet orbiting another sun – something that astronomers had predicted, but never found. Today he continues his terra hunting for extreme worlds and Earth twins in Cambridge.
Researchers identify ‘neurostatin’ that may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
An approved anti-cancer drug successfully targets the first step in the toxic chain reaction that leads to Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that treatments may be found to lower the risk of developing the neurodegenerative condition.
Could the food we eat affect our genes? Study in yeast suggests this may be the case
Almost all of our genes may be influenced by the food we eat, according to new research published in the journal Nature Microbiology.
Genome editing: a scientific revolution
A distinguished panel of experts from four leading bioscience research institutes come together during this year’s Cambridge Science Festival next month to discuss and respond to public questions about the current and future applications of genome editing – a process by which sections of DNA are removed or replaced.
Gravitational waves detected 100 years after Einstein’s prediction
New window on the universe is opened with the observation of gravitational waves – ripples in spacetime – caused by the collision of two black holes.
University Honorary Degrees 2016
The University Council has submitted to the Regent House, the University of Cambridge's Governing Body, the names of eight renowned individuals from the worlds of sport, the arts, business, medicine and architecture, seeking authority for their admission to Higher Doctorates honoris causa.
Education and the brain: what happens when children learn?
Have you lost your house keys recently? If so, you probably applied a spot of logical thinking. You looked first in the most obvious places – bags and pockets – and then mentally retraced your steps to the point when you last used them.
Killer flies: how brain size affects hunting strategy in the insect world
Cambridge researchers are studying what makes a brain efficient and how that affects behaviour in insects.
Businesses invited to be part of Cambridge University's recruitment fair
Are you a local start-up or early stage business looking for Cambridge University students to help your business grow?
Science Festival looks at psychology and neuroscience in the new tech society
Who are we in this new tech society and can smartphones really make us happier? How do we make decisions? What is the science behind romantic attraction? And what does it mean to be conscious? Cambridge Science Festival is set to reveal the latest research on our personality traits and behavioural characteristics in a series of events on psychology and neuroscience.
Women of the World Cambridge festival line-up announced
Author Polly Vernon and barrister Charlotte Proudman will join talks and performances and a celebration of women’s achievements as part of Cambridge’s Women of the World (WOW) Festival next month.
The amazing axon adventure
How does the brain make connections, and how does it maintain them? Cambridge neuroscientists and mathematicians are using a variety of techniques to understand how the brain ‘wires up’, and what it might be able to tell us about degeneration in later life.
Impact studies: Metail's 'mini-me' shopping revolution
Despite the spiralling increase in online clothing sales, the huge number of returned items poses an important challenge to the retail industry: how to reduce the volume of returned purchases without imposing punitive conditions which may deter customers from buying.
Stopping tumour cells killing surrounding tissue may provide clue to fighting cancer
Tumours kill off surrounding cells to make room to grow, according to new research from the University of Cambridge. Although the study was carried out using fruit flies, its findings suggest that drugs to prevent, rather than encourage, cell death might be effective at fighting cancer – contrary to how many of the current chemotherapy drugs work.
Model shows how the brain makes complex decisions
Researchers have built the first biologically realistic mathematical model of how the brain plans and learns when faced with a complex decision-making process.
How 'more food per field' could help save our wild spaces
Increased farm yields could help to spare land from agriculture for natural habitats that benefit wildlife and store greenhouse gases, but only if the right policies are in place. Conservation scientists call on policymakers to learn from working examples across the globe and find better ways to protect habitats while producing food on less land.
UN Secretary-General honoured by Cambridge University
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz conferred an honorary degree on His Excellency Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of The United Nations, in the Senate House yesterday (Weds).
Male converts to Islam: landmark report examines conversion experience of British Muslims
The experiences of British male converts to Islam have been captured in a unique report launched by the University of Cambridge.
Peterhouse elects new Master
The Fellows of Peterhouse have elected Ms Bridget Kendall, currently BBC Diplomatic Correspondent, to be the next Master of Peterhouse.
Neuroscience – from molecules to mind
Beginning a month-long focus on neuroscience, Cambridge University's Ed Bullmore, Bill Harris and Dervila Glynn describe how this area of research is transforming our understanding of the healthy brain and promising new treatments for devastating disorders that affect millions of people.
Exhibition explores the archaeology of childhood
A sledge made from a horse’s jaw, the remains of a medieval puppet, the coffin of a one-year-old Roman child, and the skeleton of an Anglo-Saxon girl are all on display in Cambridge as part of a unique exhibition illuminating the archaeology of childhood.
Graphene shown to safely interact with neurons in the brain
Researchers have shown that graphene can be used to make electrodes that can be implanted in the brain, which could potentially be used to restore sensory functions for amputee or paralysed patients, or for individuals with motor disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
Department of Engineering sculpture awarded protected status
A 1967 sculpture at Cambridge University's Department of Engineering is among 41 post-war public sculptures listed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.