Tag

University Of Cambridge

All articles tagged with #university of cambridge

Arday plagiarism row fuels Trafalgar Square vigil as Cofnas warns of threats to his life
world10 days ago

Arday plagiarism row fuels Trafalgar Square vigil as Cofnas warns of threats to his life

Thousands gathered at Trafalgar Square for a vigil honoring Jason Arday after he resigned amid plagiarism allegations and died days later. Ex-Cambridge scholar Nathan Cofnas, who highlighted similarities between Arday’s 2015 thesis and earlier work, claimed he could be murdered amid the event, though police said the death was not suspicious. Cambridge opened an investigation into Arday’s qualifications and activities, with coverage noting dozens of matched passages identified by The Guardian and Retraction Watch. The crowd was widely reported as large (around 30,000), and there is no established evidence that the gathering posed a threat to Cofnas.

Cambridge professor resigns amid plagiarism probe
uk24 days ago

Cambridge professor resigns amid plagiarism probe

Jason Arday, the youngest Black professor at Cambridge, resigns as new information about his academic qualifications and honorary appointments prompts an university inquiry, with Jesus College launching its own review. Arday says he needs time to heal and that stepping away should not be read as a loss of faith in scholarship, while the university notes ongoing complaints of misconduct are being handled under policy.

health7 months ago

Cambridge blood test could spark UK prostate cancer screening

Researchers at the University of Cambridge are developing a DNA methylation–based blood test that could not only detect prostate cancer but also indicate its aggressiveness and need for treatment, potentially underpinning a UK national screening programme. PSA tests currently used for screening are unreliable and UK advisers have urged targeted screening rather than broad population testing; a more accurate blood test could broaden screening, reduce unnecessary biopsies, and guide treatment decisions. The team plans UK clinical trials within 18–24 months and states the new test would complement, not replace, existing PSA testing. Prostate cancer is the UK’s most common cancer with about 12,000 deaths annually.

Biorobots Mimic Earth's First Land Walkers
science-and-technology1 year ago

Biorobots Mimic Earth's First Land Walkers

Researchers at the University of Cambridge are developing "paleo-inspired" robots to mimic the movements of Earth's first land animals, aiming to understand the evolutionary transition from aquatic to terrestrial life. These robots, inspired by ancient fish and modern "walking fish" like mudskippers, are designed to simulate early vertebrate locomotion, providing insights into how fin structures evolved for land movement. This project, part of the university's Bio-Inspired Robotics Laboratory, represents a novel approach to studying evolutionary biology beyond traditional fossil analysis and computer simulations.

"Robotic Third Thumb Enhances Single-Handed Abilities"
science-and-technology2 years ago

"Robotic Third Thumb Enhances Single-Handed Abilities"

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a controllable prosthetic 'Third Thumb' that attaches to the right hand, allowing users to perform tasks like picking up objects and peeling bananas with one hand. The device, controlled by pressure sensors under the big toes, was successfully used by 99.3% of study participants, demonstrating its potential to enhance human motor capabilities and assist amputees.

"Invisible 'Spider Silk' Sensors Printed Directly on Skin"
technology2 years ago

"Invisible 'Spider Silk' Sensors Printed Directly on Skin"

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed eco-friendly, adaptive sensors inspired by spider silk that can be imperceptibly printed onto various biological surfaces, including human skin and flower petals. These lightweight, high-performance bioelectronic fibers can be used for continuous health monitoring, virtual reality, and environmental monitoring, offering a sustainable and low-waste alternative to traditional sensor technologies.

Unconventional Evolution: How Interspecies Competition Shaped Human Ancestry
science2 years ago

Unconventional Evolution: How Interspecies Competition Shaped Human Ancestry

A new University of Cambridge study suggests that interspecies competition played a major role in the rise and fall of hominins, leading to a "bizarre" evolutionary pattern for the Homo lineage. Unlike conventional beliefs that climate was solely responsible for the emergence and extinction of hominin species, this research shows that competition was fundamental to speciation across five million years of hominin evolution. The study also reveals that the Homo lineage, which led to modern humans, experienced a reversal of the typical evolutionary trend, with competition between species resulting in the appearance of even more new species. This unusual pattern is attributed to the adoption of technology, such as stone tools and fire, allowing Homo species to rapidly carve out new niches and ultimately leading to the emergence of Homo sapiens.

"AI Accelerates Parkinson's Drug Discovery and Diagnosis"
health2 years ago

"AI Accelerates Parkinson's Drug Discovery and Diagnosis"

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have used artificial intelligence techniques to accelerate the search for Parkinson's disease treatments by ten-fold. By employing machine learning, they were able to quickly screen a chemical library containing millions of entries and identify five highly potent compounds for further investigation, significantly reducing time and cost. This breakthrough could lead to faster development of potential treatments for Parkinson's, a condition projected to triple in prevalence by 2040, with no disease-modifying treatments currently available.

"Uncovering the Link Between Low Iron Levels and Long COVID Symptoms"
health2 years ago

"Uncovering the Link Between Low Iron Levels and Long COVID Symptoms"

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have discovered that low iron levels may be the cause of long COVID, with COVID-19 disrupting the body's iron management. Individuals with long COVID showed abnormal iron levels and changes in genes that control iron, leading to ongoing inflammation and signs of anemia. The study suggests a potential role for iron supplementation during the acute phase of COVID-19 infection and as a treatment for long COVID. Symptoms of long COVID include extreme fatigue, difficulty concentrating, shortness of breath, heart problems, pain, and various other health issues. Recovery strategies include seeking medical evaluation, managing symptoms, rehabilitation, maintaining a balanced diet, seeking mental health support, pacing activities, and staying informed about new developments in long COVID research.

"Link Between Low Iron Levels and Long COVID Uncovered by Scientists"
health2 years ago

"Link Between Low Iron Levels and Long COVID Uncovered by Scientists"

New research from the University of Cambridge suggests that low iron levels in the blood may be a major factor in triggering long COVID, with iron deficiencies contributing to inflammation and anemia in patients. The study found that the body's response to infection, including COVID-19, leads to a redistribution of iron in the body, impacting oxygen transport and energy production. The findings may lead to a reevaluation of long COVID treatment, with a focus on controlling inflammation and remobilizing iron in the body.

"Persistent Inflammatory Protein Levels in Long COVID: A Potential Treatment Target"
health-medicine2 years ago

"Persistent Inflammatory Protein Levels in Long COVID: A Potential Treatment Target"

A University of Cambridge-led study has identified the protein interferon gamma (IFN-γ) as a potential biomarker for Long COVID fatigue, shedding light on an immunological mechanism underlying the disease and paving the way for potential therapies. The study followed Long COVID patients for over 2.5 years and found persistently high levels of IFN-γ, suggesting a potential mechanism for the condition. The research also suggests that vaccination may help clear IFN-γ in Long COVID patients, and argues for classifying Long COVID into subtypes to personalize treatment.

"The Link Between Fasting and Inflammation: Unraveling the Science"
health2 years ago

"The Link Between Fasting and Inflammation: Unraveling the Science"

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have discovered a potential explanation for how fasting protects the body from inflammation, particularly the damaging form associated with a high-calorie Western diet. Their study found that fasting led to a rise in arachidonic acid, which in turn turned down the activity of the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key trigger of inflammation. This finding suggests a potential link between fasting, inflammation, and diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, although further research is needed to confirm this connection.

"Breakthrough Device Accelerates Progress Toward Quantum Internet"
science-and-technology2 years ago

"Breakthrough Device Accelerates Progress Toward Quantum Internet"

Researchers at MIT and the University of Cambridge have developed a tiny device made of diamond and tin that could facilitate the efficient transfer of quantum information over long distances, a crucial step towards the development of a quantum internet. The device integrates electronic and nuclear qubits, allowing for the preservation of quantum information while maintaining strong interaction with photons. This breakthrough could pave the way for large-scale quantum networks, with the potential for significant advancements in quantum computing and communication.

Ancient DNA Reveals Link Between Nerve Disease and Ancestral Herding Practices
health2 years ago

Ancient DNA Reveals Link Between Nerve Disease and Ancestral Herding Practices

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have found a link between ancient DNA and the higher risk of multiple sclerosis in northern Europeans. The study suggests that genes from horse-riding cattle herders who entered northern Europe about 5,000 years ago may contribute to this increased risk. The findings were made possible by comparing modern DNA with ancient genetic material and were published in the journal Nature. The research raises questions about the role of gene variants in immunity and autoimmune diseases, prompting the need for further investigation.