Strings that surprise: how a theory scaled up
In August 1984 two physicists arrived at a formula that transformed our understanding of string theory, an achievement now recognised by a major award. Professor Michael Green of Cambridge University's Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics explains how string theory has taken unexpected directions.
Cambridge Science Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary
The Cambridge Science Festival, which starts on Monday (10th March), celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The Festival - which runs until 23 March - offers a huge range of talks and hands-on activities. And thanks to the generosity of the University, Festival sponsors and partners, most of the events are free.
Scientists wake up to causes of sleep disruption in Alzheimer’s disease
New research using fruit flies with Alzheimer’s protein finds that the disease doesn’t stop the biological clock ticking, but detaches it from the sleep-wake cycle that it usually regulates. Findings could lead to more effective ways to improve sleep patterns in those with Alzheimer’s.
Mini-livers show promise to reduce animal use in science
Cambridge research that has for the first time successfully grown “mini-livers” from adult mouse stem cells has won the UK’s international prize for the scientific and technological advance with the most potential to replace, reduce or refine the use of animals in science (the 3Rs).
New graduate funding scheme for research MPhil students launched
Seventy postgraduate students will receive funding for their research under a new scheme being piloted by the Colleges of the University of Cambridge, the Isaac Newton Trust and the Cambridge Home and EU Scholarship Scheme (CHESS).
Meet your match: using algorithms to spark collaboration between scientists
Scientists at Cambridge have developed a novel approach to enabling collaborations between researchers at conferences and academic meetings – by treating them like genes.
Pushed to the margins: call for academia to do more to support female progression
More than 50 senior members of staff at the University of Cambridge have called for a rethink on how success is valued and measured in academia so that women are not disadvantaged in academic appointments and promotions.
Let’s talk about Islam and women’s rights
Professor Mona Siddiqui will be in Cambridge from 10 to 13 March to give a series of public talks that go to the heart of the debate that surrounds Islam and rights for women. At a concluding symposium she will be joined by a panel of distinguished speakers.
Stress hormones in financial traders may trigger ‘risk aversion’
New study’s findings overturn theory of personal risk preference as a ‘stable trait’, and show that real source of instability in risk behaviour “lurks deep in the physiology of traders and investors”.
Quantum researchers close in on dream vacancy
Defects in microscopic diamonds caused by the presence of silicon could provide researchers with a potent basis for developing new technologies, including nanoscale sensing devices.
Cambridge Professor appointed Chair of Department for Transport's Science Advisory Council
Professor Robert Mair CBE, FREng, FRS has been appointed Chairman of the Department for Transport's Science Advisory Council.
Rewriting the text books: Cambridge cracks open ‘black box’ of development
We know much about how embryos develop, but one key stage – implantation – has remained a mystery. Now, scientists from Cambridge have discovered a way to study and film this ‘black box’ of development.
Males and females differ in specific brain structures
New study examines thousands of brains from two decades of research to reveal differences between male and female brain structure.
Filling me softly
Surgical implants are widely used in modern medicine but their effectiveness is often compromised by how our bodies react to them. Now, scientists at the University of Cambridge have discovered that implant stiffness is a major cause of this so-called foreign body reaction.
Race against time to save Captain Scott’s ‘lost’ photographic negatives
An urgent appeal to save 113 photographic negatives taken by Captain Scott was launched yesterday (Tuesday) by the University of Cambridge’s Polar Museum.
Patients with mouth and oesophageal cancers take longer to seek help from GP
New research shows that lack of awareness of the symptoms of mouth and oesophageal cancer means people wait much longer before visiting their GPs than people with symptoms of other cancers.
Kettle's Yard international exhibition 'Art & Life 1920-1931'
A major international exhibition of work from two of the UK’s most important 20th Century painters, Ben and Winifred Nicholson, starts this Saturday (February 15th).
Migration: Britain’s hospitable past
In the midst of current controversies over immigration law and policy, Cambridge University's Professor Alison Bashford discusses why it's important to recall Britain’s unique place in the international history of modern border control, suggesting that Britain’s principled politico-legal past calls for cautious celebration, rather than the more common critique.
Yoghurt cuts risk of type 2 diabetes
Eating more yoghurt can reduce the risk of new-onset type 2 diabetes, researchers at Cambridge have found.
Lucy Cavendish College welcomes first ever ‘shadows’ aged 21+
The CUSU Shadowing Scheme - which brings UK students from schools and FE Colleges without a tradition of top university entry to Cambridge for three days in February - has been promoted to applicants aged 21 and over for the first time this year.
Researchers lift the lid on silicon batteries
Resolving the mystery of what happens inside batteries when silicon comes into contact with lithium could accelerate the commercialisation of next-generation high capacity batteries, for use in mobile phones and other applications.
Understanding the 'new migration age'
As a month-long focus on research on migration begins, Professor Madeleine Arnot and Professor Loraine Gelsthorpe, Co-Convenors of the new University of Cambridge Migration Research Network, discuss the Network’s rationale and aims, and our preoccupation with the impact of migrant populations.
Classic tales of intrigue and paranoia – coming to a cinema near you!
Don’t miss the chance to see films that explore humankind’s capacity for deception. Showing at Cambridge Arts Picturehouse during February and March, each of the five movies screened as part of a Conspiracy and Conspiracy Theory Film Season will be introduced by an eminent speaker.
OpenPlant - new centre is a major boost for synthetic biology
Inspired by the way open source data has stimulated innovation in computing, a new UK centre will create a climate of openness in synthetic biology, helping young researchers and entrepreneurs develop and share new tools and libraries of plant DNA.
Fevered imaginations
New study finds links between thyroid hormones and body temperature, shedding new light on changes that occur during fevers, and euphoric feelings arising from a hot bath or sauna.