Suppressing negative thoughts reduces post-traumatic stress & anxiety

A new study has challenged the commonly held belief that consciously suppressing negative thoughts is bad for our mental health, finding that people who did so had lower levels of post-traumatic stress and anxiety, and intrusive thoughts were less vivi… Continue reading Suppressing negative thoughts reduces post-traumatic stress & anxiety

Brain imaging reveals OCD sufferers have difficulty processing certainty

Using brain imaging, researchers have found that obsessive-compulsive disorder affects particular areas of the brain involved in processing certainty during the decision-making process. The findings provide a greater understanding of the processes unde… Continue reading Brain imaging reveals OCD sufferers have difficulty processing certainty

Study shows how predatory fish hide behind other fish to sneak up on prey

As coral reefs become increasingly decimated, predatory fish have fewer places to hide when stalking prey. A new study now suggests they’re adapting, by using other fish as mobile hunting blinds. It’s the first time the behavior has been documented in … Continue reading Study shows how predatory fish hide behind other fish to sneak up on prey

Genes linked to sex and age pave the way for tailored weight-loss drugs

Obesity is a massive global crisis, with around 650 million adults and 124 million children and adolescents impacted. It’s also estimated that up to 70% of body size is directly linked to genetic factors.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical, ScienceTags: … Continue reading Genes linked to sex and age pave the way for tailored weight-loss drugs

Virgin birth at Cambridge thanks to genetically modified fruit flies

By decoding a genetic process responsible for asexual reproduction, researchers induced virgin births for the first time in a normally sexual fruit fly species. It was then discovered that the remarkable trait was passed down to all of the flies’ daugh… Continue reading Virgin birth at Cambridge thanks to genetically modified fruit flies

Cambridge 3D prints game-changing smart concrete structure

Working with private industry, the University of Cambridge has gone one step beyond 3D printing with a concrete infrastructure unit that was not only made in an hour, but incorporates sensors to make it self-monitoring and, one day, self repairing.Cont… Continue reading Cambridge 3D prints game-changing smart concrete structure

Scientists create human embryo-like models out of stem cells

Scientists have created models of human embryos by programming stem cells. The models give a glimpse into a key stage of development that can reveal new insights into genetic disorders and preventing failure in early pregnancy.Continue ReadingCategory:… Continue reading Scientists create human embryo-like models out of stem cells

Computer memory prototype ditches 1s and 0s for denser data storage

Cambridge scientists have developed a new prototype for computer memory that could make for faster chips that could hold up to 100 times more data. The system is made up of barium bridges between films of a disordered material.Continue ReadingCategory:… Continue reading Computer memory prototype ditches 1s and 0s for denser data storage

Cambridge reactor converts plastic waste and CO2 into useful chemicals

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and plastic waste are two of the most pressing environmental problems facing the world today, but a device designed by Cambridge scientists may help tackle both at once. The team has demonstrated a new version of their so… Continue reading Cambridge reactor converts plastic waste and CO2 into useful chemicals

‘Smart drugs’ are not so smart when used by people without ADHD

A new study may be bad news for people who take so-called ‘smart drugs,’ usually prescribed to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), thinking they will increase workplace or academic productivity.Continue ReadingCategor… Continue reading ‘Smart drugs’ are not so smart when used by people without ADHD