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Maternal Microbiome Promotes Healthy Development Of The Baby

Researchers studying mice have found the first evidence of how a mother’s gut microbes can help in the development of the placenta, and the healthy growth of the baby.

Highly Antibiotic-Resistant Strain Of MRSA That Arose In Pigs Can Jump To Humans

A new study has found that a highly antibiotic-resistant strain of the superbug MRSA – methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus – has emerged in livestock in the last 50 years, probably due to widespread antibiotic use in pig farming.

Developmental Dyslexia Essential To Human Adaptive Success, Study Argues

Researchers say people with Developmental Dyslexia have specific strengths relating to exploring the unknown that have contributed to the successful adaptation and survival of our species.

Molecular 3D-Maps Unlock New Ways Of Studying Human Reproduction

Scientists have identified the biochemical signals that control the emergence of the body pattern in the primate embryo. This will guide work to understand birth defects and pregnancy loss in humans.

New Approach Topples Major Barrier To Commercialisation Of Organic Flow Batteries

Researchers from the University of Cambridge and Harvard University have developed a method to dramatically extend the lifetime of organic aqueous flow batteries, improving the commercial viability of a technology that has the potential to safely and cheaply store energy from renewable sources such as wind and solar.

No ‘Safest Spot’ To Minimise Risk Of COVID-19 Transmission On Trains

Researchers have demonstrated how airborne diseases such as COVID-19 spread along the length of a train carriage and found that there is no ‘safest spot’ for passengers to minimise the risk of transmission.

‘Fruitcake’ Structure Observed In Organic Polymers

Researchers have analysed the properties of an organic polymer with potential applications in flexible electronics and uncovered variations in hardness at the nanoscale, the first time such a fine structure has been observed in this type of material.

Supermassive Black Holes Put A Brake On Stellar Births

Black holes with masses equivalent to millions of suns do put a brake on the birth of new stars, say astronomers. Using machine learning and three state-of-the-art simulations to back up results from a large sky survey, researchers from the University of Cambridge have resolved a 20-year long debate on the formation of stars.

Secret To Treating ‘Achilles’ Heel’ Of Alternatives To Silicon Solar Panels Revealed

A team of researchers from the UK and Japan has found that the tiny defects which limit the efficiency of perovskites – cheaper alternative materials for solar cells – are also responsible for structural changes in the material that lead to degradation.

Low-Cost Battery-Like Device Absorbs CO2 Emissions While It Charges

Researchers have developed a low-cost device that can selectively capture carbon dioxide gas while it charges. Then, when it discharges, the CO2 can be released in a controlled way and collected to be reused or disposed of responsibly.

Immune Cell Characteristics Mapped Across Multiple Tissues

Previously underexplored immune cell populations have been genetically mapped across multiple tissues to provide new insights into how our immune systems work.

Algae-Powered Computing: Scientists Create Reliable And Renewable Biological Photovoltaic Cell

Researchers have used a widespread species of blue-green algae to power a microprocessor continuously for a year – and counting – using nothing but ambient light and water. Their system has potential as a reliable and renewable way to power small devices.

Dense Bones Allowed Spinosaurus To Hunt Underwater

Its close cousin Baryonyx probably swam too, but Suchomimus might have waded like a heron.

At Least 80% Of The World’s Most Important Sites For Biodiversity On Land Currently Contain Human Developments

At least 80% of sites identified as being internationally important for biodiversity on land currently contain infrastructure − of which more than 75% contain roads. In the future, more sites that are important for biodiversity could contain powerplants, mines and oil and gas infrastructure

Dogs May Be At Risk From High Levels Of Lead From Shotgun Pellets In Raw Pheasant Dog Food, Study Finds

Researchers tested samples of raw pheasant dog food and discovered that the majority contained high levels of lead that could put dogs’ health at risk if they eat it frequently.

Evolution Of Two Contagious Cancers Affecting Tasmanian Devils Underlines Unpredictability Of Disease Threat

Scientists have traced the family trees of two transmissible cancers that affect Tasmanian devils and have pinpointed mutations which may drive growth of deadly diseases.

Sleight-Of-Hand Magic Trick Only Fools Monkeys With Opposable Thumbs

Illusion involving a hidden thumb confounds capuchin and squirrel monkeys for the same reason as humans – it misdirects the expected outcomes of actions they can carry out.

Cell Mapping And ‘Mini Placentas’ Give New Insights Into Human Pregnancy

Researchers have mapped the complete trajectory of placental development, helping shed new light on why pregnancy disorders happen.

Tiny ‘Skyscrapers’ Help Bacteria Convert Sunlight Into Electricity

Researchers have made tiny ‘skyscrapers’ for communities of bacteria, helping them to generate electricity from just sunlight and water.

Climate Change Threat To Seabirds Must Be Properly Considered For Their Conservation To Be Effective

A new study shows how knowledge of climate change threats could be better connected with conservation efforts to help protect seabirds and other at-risk species.