Rare genetic variants confer largest increase in type 2 diabetes risk seen to date
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have identified rare genetic variants – carried by one in 3,000 people – that have a larger impact on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes than any previously identified genetic effect.
British consumers complicit in 40-year ‘healthy eating’ failure, new study suggests
‘Healthy eating’ campaigns have largely failed in Britain for the last four decades because consumers have adapted confusing advice, and incorporated fast and convenience foods into self-defined ‘balanced’ lifestyles, a new study argues.
Scientists identify 160 new drugs that could be repurposed against COVID-19
Cambridge scientists have identified 200 approved drugs predicted to work against COVID-19 – of which only 40 are currently being tested in COVID-19 clinical trials.
University of Cambridge holds first in-person graduations since 2020
The University of Cambridge yesterday (Weds) began holding its first in-person graduation ceremonies since February 2020 (ceremonies normally take place at intervals throughout the year).
Upgrading PPE for staff working on COVID-19 wards cuts hospital-acquired infections dramatically
When Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge upgraded its face masks for staff working on COVID-19 wards to filtering face piece 3 (FFP3) respirators, it saw a dramatic fall – up to 100% – in hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infections among these staff.
Key mutations in Alpha variant enable SARS-CoV-2 to overcome evolutionary weak points
One of the key mutations seen in the ‘Alpha variant’ of SARS-CoV-2 – the deletion of two amino acids, H69/V70 – enables the virus to overcome chinks in its armour as it evolves, say an international team of scientists.
Trinity Challenge announces inaugural winners
The Trinity Challenge has announced the winners of its inaugural competition, and is investing a £5.7 million (US$8 million) charitable pledged prize fund into one grand prize winner, two 2nd prize winners, and five 3rd prize winners.
Inflatable, shape-changing spinal implants could help treat severe pain
A team of engineers and clinicians has developed an ultra-thin, inflatable device that can be used to treat the most severe forms of pain without the need for invasive surgery.
Astronomers pinpoint when cosmic dawn occurred
Cosmic dawn, when stars formed for the first time, occurred 250 million to 350 million years after the beginning of the universe, according to a new study led by researchers from the University of Cambridge and University College London (UCL).
Cambridge researcher named one of Top 50 Women in Engineering
Dr Sohini Kar-Narayan from Cambridge’s Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy has been named one of the top 50 Women in Engineering 2021 by the Women’s Engineering Society.
Low-cost imaging technique shows how smartphone batteries could charge in minutes
Researchers have developed a simple lab-based technique that allows them to look inside lithium-ion batteries and follow lithium ions moving in real time as the batteries charge and discharge, something which has not been possible until now.
Twelve universities join forces to launch Impact Investment Fund
Twelve leading universities - including the University of Cambridge - have joined forces to create an impact investment fund, Impact 12, to support mission-led university ventures.
Professor Clare Grey awarded €1 million Körber Prize
The Körber European Science Prize 2021, worth one million euros, is to be awarded to University of Cambridge chemist Professor Clare Grey, one of the UK’s leading battery researchers.
University launches enhanced bursary scheme
A new enhanced bursary scheme is being launched by the University of Cambridge to support undergraduate students facing financial pressures. Over the next ten years, more than £100 million will be awarded to students, across all the Colleges.
Study shows brain differences in interpreting physical signals in mental health disorders
Researchers have shown why people with mental health disorders, including anorexia and panic disorders, experience physical signals differently.
Study identifies trigger for ‘head-to-tail’ axis development in human embryo
Scientists have identified key molecular events in the developing human embryo between days 7 and 14 - one of the most mysterious, yet critical, stages of our development.
Targeting cellular response to SARS-CoV-2 holds promise as new way to fight infection
A new treatment approach focused on fixing cell damage, rather than fighting the virus directly, is effective against SARS-CoV-2 in lab models. If found safe for human use, this anti-viral treatment would make COVID-19 symptoms milder and speed up recovery times.
Software can save up to 40% of embodied carbon on new build construction
The University of Cambridge has collaborated with UK structural engineering consultants, Price & Myers to develop PANDA (Parametric And Numeric Design Assessment) software that can save up to 40% of embodied carbon on new build construction.
Dr Shaun Fitzgerald and alumnus Billy Boyle recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours 2021
The achievements and contributions of Dr Shaun Fitzgerald and University of Cambridge alumnus Billy Boyle have been recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Astronomers spot a ‘blinking giant’ near the centre of the Galaxy
Astronomers have spotted a giant ‘blinking’ star towards the centre of the Milky Way, more than 25,000 light years away.
‘Vegan spider silk’ provides sustainable alternative to single-use plastics
Researchers have created a plant-based, sustainable, scalable material that could replace single-use plastics in many consumer products.
Cambridge figures' contributions recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours 2021
The achievements and contributions of individuals from the University of Cambridge and its Colleges have been recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
People more afraid of catching COVID-19 are more judgemental, study finds
Researchers studying how we make moral judgements found that people more concerned about catching COVID-19 were more disapproving of the wrong-doings of others, whatever they were doing wrong.
Scientists can predict which women will have serious pregnancy complications
Women who will develop potentially life-threatening disorders during pregnancy can be identified early when hormone levels in the placenta are tested, a new study has shown.
Atom swapping could lead to ultra-bright, flexible next generation LEDs
An international group of researchers has developed a new technique that could be used to make more efficient low-cost light-emitting materials that are flexible and can be printed using ink-jet techniques.