From the Front to the Backs: Story of the First Eastern Hospital
One hundred years since the start of the First World War, few Cambridge residents are likely to be aware that the University Library stands on the site of a former military hospital. The First Eastern General, set up within days of the outbreak of the war, treated tens of thousands of returning casualties between 1914 and 1919.
Nanomaterials up close: gum arabic
This alien glob is a piece of gum arabic from the hardened sap of the Acacia tree, most likely collected from a tree in Sudan. Rox Middleton explains how the electron microscope has changed the way we are able to interact with objects at the nanoscale, allowing us to enjoy a glimpse of the exquisite abstract forms around us.
Cambridge engineers break superconductor world record
A new record for a trapped field in a superconductor, beating a record that has stood for more than a decade, could herald the arrival of materials in a broad range of fields.
Two million hectare shortfall in UK land possible by 2030, study finds
By 2030, the UK could require up to 7 million hectares of additional land to meet a growing population’s food, space and renewable energy needs, while increasing the area needed to protect nature and its services, a new report coordinated by the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) has warned.
Light in, light out: the ‘rock’ that breaks the rules
Perovskite materials are the newest contender for breaking the silicon ceiling in solar cell technology. But they don’t just absorb light. Cambridge researchers have found they emit it like a laser, opening up an entirely new field of applications.
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh attends half-century celebrations
Churchill College has celebrated 50 years since its official opening with a Royal visit and special exhibition.
Adults with Asperger Syndrome at greater risk of suicidal thoughts
Adults with the autism spectrum condition known as Asperger Syndrome are significantly more likely to experience suicidal thoughts than people from the UK general population, according to the first large-scale clinical study of its kind.
Spectral ‘ruler’ is first standardised way to measure stars
A team of astronomers has created the first standardised set of measurement guidelines for analysing and cataloguing stars.
Seeds to skyscrapers
Wood is one of the oldest building materials but its use is limited by its properties. With new funding, researchers aim to stretch these properties to an unprecedented degree, creating the means to build a skyscraper out of plants.
Modelling how neurons work together
A highly accurate model of how neurons behave when performing complex movements could aid in the design of robotic limbs which behave more realistically.
University of Cambridge Honorary Degrees 2014
Seven distinguished individuals were given Honorary Degrees, the highest honour that the University of Cambridge can bestow, by the Chancellor at a special ceremony in the Senate House today (Thurs).
Birds evolve ‘signature’ patterns to distinguish cuckoo eggs from their own
Using new ‘pattern recognition algorithm,’ latest research highlights how birds are ‘fighting back’ against the parasitic Common Cuckoo in what scientists describe as an evolutionary ‘arms race’. They found that birds with the most sophisticated and distinctive egg patterning are those most intensely targeted by the cuckoo’s egg mimicry.
Study finds premise behind bedroom tax is ‘fundamentally flawed’
A new study shows that more than half of English homes - which are the smallest by floor area in Europe - fall short of modern space standards, calling into question the premise behind the so-called ‘bedroom tax’
Superconducting secrets solved after 30 years
A breakthrough has been made in identifying the origin of superconductivity in high-temperature superconductors, which has puzzled researchers for the past three decades.
World first use of artificial pancreas for Type 1 diabetes 'a success'
A groundbreaking project that has seen adults with Type 1 diabetes use an artificial pancreas in their own homes for an extended period for the first time has been successful at improving their night-time blood glucose levels, according to research results announced today.
Six Cambridge academics named in the Queen's Birthday Honours List
Professor David Spiegelhalter, The Winton Professor for the Public Understanding of Risk in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, is one of six University of Cambridge academics recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.
Cambridge Open Technology Workshop
An Open Technology workshop will take place on Friday 20 June 2014, at Cambridge University's Department of Engineering. Attendance is free of charge and open to the general public.
Small is beautiful: why ultra precision manufacturing is such a big deal
Developing advanced materials is only part of the journey that leads to new technologies – we also need to manufacture them with ultra precision. Cambridge University's Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Ultra Precision aims to help companies become ‘precision-ready’.
Forest loss starves fish
Research shows forest debris that drains into lakes is an important contributor to freshwater food chains – bolstering fish diets to the extent that increased forest cover causes fish to get ‘fat’ and sparse forest leaves smaller, underfed fish.
First atlas of Inuit Arctic trails launched
A new digital resource brings together centuries of cultural knowledge for the first time, showing that networks of trails over snow and sea ice, seemingly unconnected to the untrained eye, in fact span a continent – and that the Inuit have long-occupied one of the most resource-rich and contested areas on the planet.
Immune cells found near tumours boost breast cancer survival
Women with breast cancer are 10 per cent more likely to survive for five years or more if they have certain immune cells near their tumour, according to new research.
The making of a smart tunnel
Ground-breaking new sensing technologies in the world’s first ‘smart tunnel’ are providing engineers with an inexpensive and efficient method of monitoring, maintaining and protecting the UK’s infrastructure, now and well into the future.
Steel’s inner strength
A long-term collaboration between the University and industry has resulted in a super-strong form of steel, which is now being manufactured in the UK for use as stronger and cheaper armour for front-line military vehicles.
‘Tomato pill’ improves function of blood vessels
A daily supplement of an extract found in tomatoes may improve the function of blood vessels in patients with cardiovascular disease, according to new research from the University of Cambridge.
Body builders: miniature scaffolds can help to heal
Miniature scaffolds made from collagen – the ‘glue’ that holds our bodies together – are being used to heal damaged joints, and could be used to develop new cancer therapies or help repair the heart after a heart attack.