The aquatic larvae of the net-winged midge have the unique ability to move around at ease on rocks in torrential rivers using super-strong suction organs. Powerful modern imaging techniques have now revealed the structure of these organs in intricate detail, providing an insight into how they work so reliably.
Mothers’ and babies’ brains can work together as a ‘mega-network’ by synchronising brain waves when they interact. The level of connectivity of the brain waves varies according to the mum’s emotional state: when mothers express more positive emotions their brain becomes much more strongly connected with their baby’s brain. This may help the baby to learn and its brain to develop.
Continually logging and re-growing tropical forests to supply timber is reducing the levels of vital nutrients in the soil, which may limit future forest growth and recovery, a new study suggests. This raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of logging in the tropics.
Researchers at Cambridge are working with Rolls-Royce to make aeroengines greener.
What's the best way to debate a problem as big and complex as climate change? In his new book, Professor Mike Hulme from the Department of Geography argues that students need to develop their own well-informed position on the difficult questions raised by climate change without being told what to think.
"Giant trees like the ones we found are simply awe-inspiring, they remind us how amazing the Amazon rainforest is, and how important it is to preserve it."
From lettuce-picking robots to feathery hipsters, we look back at some of this year's biggest research stories.
Cambridge joins forces with the University of Edinburgh and St Anne’s College, Oxford to found a network with the vision of building a better world by aligning their investments with their missions, and using their endowments to benefit society and the environment.
Sophia Cooke is a PhD candidate in the Department of Zoology, and a member of King's College. Here, she tells us about splitting her time between Cambridge and Galápagos, why working in the David Attenborough Building is so special, and how a little room in Norfolk with no wifi helped build her confidence as a researcher.
Director of Cambridge Zero, Dr Emily Shuckburgh, is harnessing Cambridge expertise to tackle the climate emergency.
© 2025 University of Cambridge