Free Academic Articles | Science Articles For Students

Redefining mental health services: the power of co-production and self-guided recovery

In recent years, as attitudes towards mental health conditions have become more accepting and supportive, our mental health services have begun [...]

How has photography shaped ornithology and bird conservation?

How do you feel when you see a photo of a majestic eagle soaring through the sky, or of a dead seabird tangled in a fishing net? What can you learn [...]

Unlocking student potential: how museum visits enhance learning and bridge social gaps

Museum education can be a powerful tool for enhancing student engagement and bridging social inequalities in learning. Professor Anik [...]

How can artificial intelligence help to create a more inclusive labour market?

When applying for work, everyone should experience a fair recruitment process. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, as human biases can [...]

How can churches promote health equity in African American communities?

Following centuries of injustice, many African Americans mistrust medical institutions. Dr TanYa Gwathmey co-leads the Triad Pastors Network [...]

How food insecurity affects health – and how healthcare can help

Globally, 2.4 billion people are unable to access or afford sufficient food to meet their nutritional needs1. Even in the US, one of the wealthiest countries [...]

Can lifestyle choices protect your brain as you age?

As we grow older, maintaining cognitive health becomes increasingly important. Dr Tina Brinkley, a gerontologist at Wake Forest University [...]

Climate change in the Arctic

The impacts of climate change are all around us, but research in certain locations can provide particularly fascinating insights into this global issue [...]

Saving lives with coding: the global impact of an undergraduate project

Every piece of digital technology that we use, from smartphones to gaming consoles, relies on code that is written and designed by people. At the [...]

What is parenting like today compared to the past?

Have you ever wondered what childhood was like forty years ago? Or considered how historical and social contexts affect how parents raise [...]

How can the transistors in your smartphone form quantum dots?

Quantum engineering likely holds the key to the next technological revolution. But this does not necessarily require developing new [...]

What can amoebas teach us about mitochondrial dynamics?

Understanding how our cells function is vital for addressing some of today’s most challenging diseases, from genetic disorders [...]

Fostering STEM success in Puerto Rico

Many students face challenges outside the classroom which prevent them from reaching their full academic potential in STEM subjects. At the [...]

Beyond the spill: the hidden effects of crude oil pollutants on fish behaviour

How do pollutants like crude oil affect aquatic life, specifically fish? At the University of Alberta in Canada, Professor Keith Tierney is exploring how [...]

What could you achieve with a career in primary care nursing?

Do you want a rewarding and fulfilling career that improves the lives of others? Would you like to participate in community-focused work in which [...]

Improving attention and focus in classroom environments

Maintaining students’ concentration has often been a challenge, but for many teachers, this is now especially true thanks to the rise of [...]

Reimagining mathematics teaching: Dr Elle G. Brayic’s Math Academy and the path to confidence

Mathematics often evokes a sense of dread among students, leading many to believe they simply ‘can’t do mathematics’. Dr Jennifer Holm, a mathematics [...]

How do our brains extract information from faces?

Most of us can tell how someone might be feeling just by looking at their face. But, how do we do this? At the University of Waterloo in Canada [...]

How can we measure time?

Learning to tell the time is one of the key skills we are taught as children; but take a moment to think about it, and you may find the concept of time [...]

Killer whale conversations and conservation: eavesdropping with artificial intelligence

Killer whales, or orcas, are some of the most intelligent and socially complex animals on the planet. At Simon Fraser University in Canada [...]

The hidden chemicals affecting primates’ hormones

In many of the world’s rainforests, human activities threaten the survival of our closest living relatives: primates. Some of these activities, such [...]

Bridging cultures for better healthcare: how the Ktunaxa Nation is leading health systems transformation

The legacy of colonialism continues to dominate the design and implementation of Canadian systems and institutions, including [...]

How can protecting our telomeres help us live longer, healthier lives?

Telomeres, sections of DNA tacked on to the end of chromosomes, play a crucial role in the ageing process. Much like the protective tips at the [...]

What do quantum physicists know about gravitational waves and dark matter?

Did you know that dark matter makes up over 85% of the Universe’s mass, but scientists have never been able to detect it? And that some [...]

Improving treatment options for people with ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a serious form of spinal arthritis. Unlike most forms of arthritis, which generally affect older people, AS tends to [...]

What was the role of French colonial companies?

Studying the role that commercial and colonising companies played in the formation of the French empire and state reveals some surprising [...]

Vaccines: building confidence and tackling mistrust

The ability to be vaccinated against infectious diseases is a wonder of the modern world, yet mistrust in vaccines is an ongoing issue that is a real [...]

How do role models shape moral frameworks in a democratic society?

At York University in Canada, political theorist Nicholas Poole is exploring how role models influence our sense of right and wrong. His research [...]

Embracing multilingualism in the classroom

Many learners around the world face educational challenges since their languages are not recognised in classrooms. Dr Tracey Costley and [...]

Why is it hard to build quantum computers?

Quantum computers have the potential to revolutionise technology. But at the moment, they do not work very well! Dr Salini Karuvade, a theoretical [...]

How do brain processes bias our decision-making?

Our lives are defined by the decisions that we make. Coffee or tea? English or Mathematics? University or an apprenticeship? We spend hours [...]

What can historical letters teach us about past societies?

Before the internet and mobile phones, people wrote letters to stay in contact. The contents of these letters provide historians with [...]

Bringing beekeeping and berry farming to Alberta

The Canadian province of Alberta is one of the most agriculturally productive regions in the world, yet new farmers face many obstacles [...]

How should we interact with strangers on the bus?

Travelling on public transport gives us a unique opportunity to cross paths with people from all walks of life. But how do we know how to behave [...]

Transforming agriculture with solution-driven science

In recent years, the agricultural industry has faced unprecedented challenges due to emerging pests and diseases threatening crop [...]

Inspiring high school students in clinical research

Working as a clinical researcher can have massive, positive effects on other people’s lives, giving them the opportunity to live longer and [...]

Decoding RNA mysteries: a new era for biology and medicine

RNA modifications critically influence the structure and function of RNA molecules, impacting health, biotechnology and agriculture. To overcome [...]

Changing the world to a circular economy

Worldwide, more than two billion metric tons of municipal solid waste is produced each year. By 2050, this figure is predicted to increase by 70%. [...]

Unlocking the secrets of iron regulation in the human body

Iron is crucial for many biological functions, but maintaining its balance in the body is a complex challenge. Dr Kostas Pantopoulos from [...]

Exploring how arts and culture benefit our health

While we might hold the instinctive feeling that engaging with arts and culture is good for our health and wellbeing, investigating the extent [...]

Telomeres: the chromosome tips that stave off ageing

The ends of our chromosomes are capped with structures called telomeres, which protect our DNA when cells divide. Over time, chromosomes get [...]

How do young people manage their career pathways?

Finding a good job that is well-paid and satisfying is becoming increasingly difficult for many young people. Professor Jason Heyes, [...]

How are flexible electronic devices solving healthcare challenges?

Advances in healthcare are not only made by healthcare professionals. Led by Dr Radu Sporea, a team of electronics engineers and surgeons at [...]

How does exercise help recovering stroke patients?

The after-effects of a stroke can severely alter a person’s quality of life. Effects range from mobility issues to changes in brain function. However [...]

How are strokes, dementia and depression linked?

At Western University in Canada, Dr Jamie Fleet and Dr Stephanie Frisbee are collaborating to improve health outcomes for people affected by [...]

Can ocean alkalinity enhancement reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide?

We must urgently and dramatically reduce our carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. However, even if we completely cut emissions tomorrow, the [...]

Commuters on computers: how is technology changing the way we live in our cities?

Smartphones, air pods and the internet are now essential items in many city-dwellers’ survival packs. In the hustle and bustle of the morning [...]

A new paradigm in antibiotic research

Used for treating bacterial infections, antibiotics are an essential part of modern medicine. However, this crucial treatment option is in jeopardy [...]

Can brain cooling revolutionise stroke treatment?

A stroke is a life-threatening condition in which oxygen is prevented from reaching the brain, causing brain cells to die. At Western University in [...]

How do motor proteins help cells maintain their structure and internal organisation?

How do cells receive developmental cues and other specialised signals? How do your airways prevent dangerous particles from reaching your [...]

How can new biomedical imaging techniques help us understand strokes?

Strokes can be devastating. Depending on their severity, they can cause issues with movement and muscle control, a loss of feeling and [...]

Exposing environmental injustice through maps and stories

Often, it is society’s poorest and most vulnerable people that are most exposed to environmental harm. This injustice is the subject of [...]

Separating fact from fiction in agricultural misinformation

Social media is a hotbed of fake news and false claims about a huge range of topics. At the University of Guelph in Canada, Dr Ataharul Chowdhury is[...]

Learning in the spotlight: cutting-edge technology to help performers reach their full potential

Whether in music, business, sport or any other performance field, performing in front of an audience is very different from [...]

Improving police performance by training officers to manage stress

Policing is a high-stress occupation in which making mistakes can have serious consequences. Dr Judith Andersen, a Canadian researcher [...]

How much should political parties know about you?

With so much of our lives shared online these days, it is often easy to get hold of someone’s personal data. Political parties can use this [...]

What can Arctic rocks teach us about life on Mars?

On top of snow-capped mountains high in the Canadian Arctic, giant slabs of rock may hold the answers to an age-old question: is there life on [...]

Understanding haemophilia, one amino acid at a time

The hereditary blood disorder haemophilia B can have huge health implications, but it is still far from fully understood. At the University [...]

Engaging history: the educational impact of medieval objects

At the University of Chester in the UK, historians Dr Katherine Wilson and Dr Thomas Pickles are seeking to reinvigorate history education [...]

Can analytical chemistry make beer taste better?

Since beer was invented thousands of years ago, brewers have been modifying, adapting and experimenting with their recipes. Subtle [...]

Can we reveal Earth’s secrets by dating faults?

Understanding the Earth’s geological history is crucial, not only for revealing its hidden evolutionary past but also for predicting future events [...]

What happens when plastics break down into microplastics and nanoplastics?

Microplastics and their even smaller cousins, nanoplastics, are a growing concern for environmental and human health. At the FAMU-FSU College of [...]

How the latest tech is unveiling the brain’s complex functionality

Understanding how our brains work in health and disease is hugely challenging, not least because all interactions have to be performed [...]

A CURE for education: how can genuine scientific experiences inspire future scientists?

What is it like to be a research scientist conducting hands-on experiments in a working lab? How well can science lessons prepare – and encourage [...]

Can embracing plurilingualism transform education?

Dr Caroline Payant, an applied linguist at Université du Québec à Montréal in Canada, is exploring the power of plurilingualism – the use of [...]

Navigating the maze of reading comprehension for first grade learners

At the University of Quebec in Montreal, Canada, Dr Marie-France Côté, studies the complexities of reading comprehension among first [...]

Boosting employment prospects for neurodiverse people through video game development

Despite often having the potential to be huge assets to the workforce, people with Autism Spectrum Disorder often face discrimination and [...]

How do hurricanes impact forest ecosystems?

The island of Puerto Rico has diverse landscapes, making it a natural laboratory for ecologists. From mountain rainforests to coastal coral [...]

How is climate change affecting accounting and business?

Climate change is creating unprecedented risks for businesses around the world, which is making investors nervous. A key way that businesses [...]

Can statistics help to uncover the ocean’s secrets?

There are still many mysteries about the ocean. While this vast store of water is known to support life and help mitigate the impacts of climate [...]

What makes nursing a dream career?

In a world grappling with healthcare staffing shortages, exploring the exciting field of nursing has never been more crucial. Dr Kathryn [...]

How wearable tech can combat Parkinson’s disease

Every time we move around, our body is performing a complex array of tasks to move us in the direction we intend to go and to keep us [...]

How are archaeologists uncovering the secrets of an Ancestral Maya boomtown?

Famous for their large stone pyramids, and with advanced skills in construction, agriculture and mathematics, the Ancestral Mayas were [...]

Detecting deepfakes: how can we ensure that generative AI is used for good?

The field of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing at an astronomical pace. As a result, deepfakes – manipulated pieces of media [...]

Power to the people: how electrical engineering can empower the Navajo Nation

The Navajo Nation lies across more than 25,000 square miles of desert and scrubland in the southwest US. The Navajo People, or Diné as [...]

How can targeted antibodies and vaccines be used to treat cancer?

Causing nearly one in six deaths worldwide in 2020, cancer is one of the biggest health challenges of our time. Advancements in technology [...]

Looking after performing artists’ physical and mental wellbeing

Careers in the performing arts are incredibly rewarding, but they also present a number of unique risks to performers’ physical and mental [...]

How does the inner ear develop into a sensitive hearing and balance organ?

Our inner ears contain specialised hair cells that give us the ability to hear a range of sounds and to orientate ourselves in three dimensions. At [...]

Building a better future: how can architecture help make a better world?

What leads to good architecture? How can we create environments that are not only functional, but also help people feel happy and meaningfully[...]

Understanding leptin: how can changes in body weight affect reproduction?

Dr Carol Elias, a physiologist and neuroscientist at the University of Michigan Medical School in the US, is exploring how a hormone called [...]

Using creative arts to address children’s eco-anxiety

As the climate and biodiversity crises worsen, predictions about the future are becoming increasingly gloomy. This has a profound effect on people [...]

How can creative arts help children cope with eco-anxiety?

As the climate crisis deepens, do you feel hopeful or hopeless about the future? In Canada, a clinical psychology research team is using [...]

Can workplaces truly embrace LGBTQ+ inclusivity?

Based at York University in Canada, Professor You-Ta Chuang is exploring intricate LGBTQ+ workplace dynamics and addressing key aspects [...]

How can health and care support break the cycle of homelessness?

People experiencing homelessness often face significant health and well-being challenges, but accessing health and care support can be very [...]

Decolonising the Classroom

Current teaching methods in many nations across the globe tend to stem from Eurocentric traditions, which can be at odds with the communities [...]

Can microalgae improve honeybee health?

Thanks to their work as pollinators, bees play an essential role in agriculture. However, modern agricultural practices and climate change [...]

Decolonising film festival research

African film festivals showcase the diverse wealth of cinematic talent from the continent. However, researchers who study these festivals are often [...]

Creating narratives of resilience with people affected by cancer

The psychological toll that accompanies living with cancer can be immense. To aid the mental well-being of people affected by cancer [...]

Why is diversity important for productivity?

Of the top 100 companies in the UK in 2023, only ten were led by women. And only four were led by a person of colour. There are many reasons for [...]

Supporting pre-service teachers in kickstarting a mentally healthy career

Teaching is a highly rewarding but also highly challenging career. Ensuring that pre-service teachers avoid compassion fatigue and burnout [...]

The importance of memory in severe mental illness

While we all sometimes forget where we put our phone or keys, memory problems can have much more serious consequences. Together [...]

Remembering resistance: nongenetic memory in bacteria

Typically, the skills and properties developed through adaptation during a lifetime may not be directly passed onto the next generation as encoded [...]

A world of opportunity in dental research

Oral health plays an integral part in our overall health. However, oral diseases are prevalent worldwide, and health inequities mean that [...]

From school to university: how can students adapt better to change?

Are you worried about leaving school or eager to start on the next chapter of your life? Whether you are anxious about moving away from home [...]

How can economists combat crime?

How can economists help police forces to better assign their police officers onto the streets, thereby providing a better service to the public? [...]

How can we reduce fat in fried foods?

Deep-fried food is immensely popular. Although embraced worldwide for its deliciousness, its appeal is tinged with health concerns stemming [...]

Can spooky stories engage people with history and heritage?

The English countryside is littered with the crumbling remains of ancient abbeys and priories, many of which are supposedly haunted. Having[...]

Empowering people through health education

To make informed decisions about our own healthcare, we need to understand how our bodies work and the illnesses that can affect [...]

How are coercive psychiatric practices experienced by First Nations communities?

While psychiatric services are designed to help people with mental health issues, they do not benefit everyone, and many people are held [...]

The links between sleep and Alzheimer’s disease

The causes of Alzheimer’s disease, a brain disorder, are still far from fully understood. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the [...]

How can photography help refugee men talk about mental health?

Refugees face many threats to their mental health, from the trauma of being forced to leave their home, to the loneliness, financial [...]

The amazing complexity of ecological metacommunities

Ecosystems are hugely complex. Every animal, plant, fungus and microbe is interacting with countless others, as well as with their ever-changing[...]

Creating a clear image of myopia: discovering the causes and developing treatments

Myopia, also known as near-sightedness, causes blurry distance vision and is estimated to affect over 30% of the world’s population. At [...]

The heroines of heavy metal: how are female artists challenging genre norms within the music industry?

Music has been a fundamental form of human expression for thousands of years. We use it to tell stories to each other, to make sense of [...]

How do our kidneys influence our cardiovascular health?

The human body is a complex and interconnected system. In the Human Translational Nephrology Lab at the University of Iowa, USA [...]

Ingenious solutions for outwitting plant pests

Pests and pathogens can be the bane of plant producers’ lives. Fortunately, there are a range of inventive remedies out [...]

How can statistical models answer ecology’s big questions?

Ecology involves studying the interactions between living things and their environment. These interconnections can be very complex [...]

Combining science and community action to combat environmental injustice

The Salton Sea, a polluted lake in southern California, USA, is rapidly drying up as a result of changes in climate and water usage. As the [...]

Looking to the future with edge computing

Edge computing ‘brings the cloud closer’ – enabling small and simple technological devices to perform complex functions. Professor [...]

How does physics allow us to look inside the body?

Biomedical imaging techniques enable doctors and scientists to view inside the human body, allowing them to diagnose medical conditions [...]

Growing new and beginning farmers

Beginning a career in farming is not simple or straightforward. As well as learning how to care for crops and livestock, farmers need to have [...]

How can we develop more effective vaccines?

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world in 2020, our everyday lives were put on hold until immunologists and vaccinologists discovered [...]

Bringing revolutionary gene editing techniques to undergraduates

In recent years, the emergence of a new genetic modification technique called CRISPR-Cas9 has made gene editing a dramatically faster and [...]

How can trade unions prevent mental health issues at work?

The mental health of workers has been deteriorating in recent years, and workplaces are often ill-equipped for dealing with these issues. At [...]

Does city life negatively affect wildlife?

If you have ever seen the beautiful sight of hundreds of starlings sweeping through the sky in unison, you will know how at ease [...]

Modelling minds: can computers mimic human intelligence?

The human brain is often referred to as the most complex device known in the Universe. It gives rise to the amazing abilities of the human mind [...]

How can we improve cranberry production?

Indigenous Peoples have been using cranberries in food, medicine and fabric dye from as early as the 1500s, and these fruits are still widely [...]

Harnessing the power of music to improve mental health

Engaging with music has proven positive impacts on mental health and well-being, yet musical interventions are rarely used in healthcare [...]

How can data management tools help us discover new treatments for a chronic disease?

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex disease that can take a huge toll on a person’s everyday [...]

Flying high with careers in aviation

When it comes to careers in aviation, the sky is the limit! Five professionals at Cranfield University’s Centre for Air Transport Management and [...]

Why electoral systems matter for democracy

There is huge variety in the methods that democracies around the world use to elect legislators and leaders. Professor André Blais, from the [...]

Plant polymers as plastic alternatives

Plastics are cheap and versatile but have a long-lasting environmental impact, and the race is on to roll out effective alternatives. Professor Jeffrey [...]

Cyber security for the AI age

As the digital world grows in power and complexity, so do the threats it faces. There is a constant arms race between cyber security and cyber [...]

Using adsorbents to help society

You will likely have heard of absorption before, but have you heard of adsorption? At the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, USA, Dr [...]

Urban farming for urban families

Our well-being is intimately linked to the food that we eat and the places where it is grown. Healthy soils produce nutrient-dense food, which [...]

Should universities use differential treatment to admit students?

At first glance, a student’s exam scores might seem like an uncomplicated way to measure academic ability. However, Dr Emil Temnyalov, an [...]

Are there ‘rules’ for conveying emotion through art?

While art and science are often separated in academia, there is a lot to be learnt by considering them together. Dr Dirk Bernhardt-Walther and [...]

How can we combat ageism in society and healthcare?

Whether we realise it or not, we all hold stereotypes about older people. Whether we view them as cute, forgetful, bad with technology [...]

How can intelligent systems revolutionise healthcare?

Access to quality healthcare is a basic human right. Without doctors, nurses and hospitals, our societies would cease to function. However [...]

How can we unravel the complex history of networks?

Infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, can spread rapidly from person to person, resulting in a vast and complex network of infected individuals [...]

How philosophers have influenced the way you think about race

Problematic perceptions about race damage our society. These attitudes can seem impossible to overcome, but philosophers Dr Jennifer [...]

How can first-year STEM university students be better supported?

Going to university is a huge change from going to high school. At the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg in the US, biologists [...]

Can we engineer bacteria to regenerate tissues?

Dr Christopher Contag, a biomedical engineer and microbiologist at Michigan State University in the US, is creating engineered endosymbionts [...]

How we read: the neuroscience behind literacy

Reading and writing are essential skills for modern life, but how often do you think about how your brain processes written information? Based [...]

Engaging with the science behind food

The preparation of food is biochemically complex. At North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in the US, Dr Salam [...]

Fabulous and fashionable: how the FAB Lab is encouraging fashion entrepreneurs

Fashion can give you the confidence and power to express yourself. Around the world, people use clothes, jewellery and accessories as [...]

Fostering love and knowledge of agriculture and the environment

Agriculture is what feeds the world, yet many people have a very limited knowledge of how their food grows and where it comes from [...]

Can artificial intelligence detect hidden heart attacks?

Analysing medical data to detect health problems can be incredibly difficult, but advances in artificial intelligence (AI) mean it is now [...]

Supporting small farms: how protecting local farms can protect local communities

Just over a fifth of the country’s agricultural produce. Not only do they play a vital role in feeding people, small farms are also integral to local [...]

Can soil microbes improve agricultural sustainability?

Synthetic fertilisers are currently necessary for producing enough food for the global population to survive, but they are known to contribute to [...]

An educational journey through cell biology

Dr Kristina Ames is the Assistant Director for Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) at the Albert Einstein College of [...]

How do bacteria help and harm crops?

Over half of the world’s population depends on rice as a staple food. However, some bacteria cause diseases that can drastically reduce [...]

Keep calm and carrot on: how can we breed better carrots?

The colourful carrot is one of America’s favourite vegetables, but carrot farmers face many challenges when growing their crops. At the [...]

What happens when our blood production system fails?

A healthy adult produces billions of new blood cells every single day. Yet for some people, the process that generates these cells does not [...]

How can we detect and prevent brain injuries?

Inside your skull sits your brain, an incredible computer that controls everything you do. The skull does its best to protect our brains [...]

How does the Southern Ocean help protect our planet?

The Southern Ocean circulation system is vital for redistributing heat, carbon and nutrients around the world. It also plays a significant [...]

Can cyber insurance combat cyber crime?

In a world where so much information is stored digitally, cyber attacks that hold computers hostage can be incredibly damaging. Dr Jason [...]

Social solutions for socio-economic issues

Extreme poverty is a global issue that affects hundreds of millions of people. Even in developed countries, many people struggle to make [...]

Ways of knowing: how can traditional knowledge enrich geoscience education?

Indigenous communities have inhabited their lands for tens of thousands of years and developed unique connections with their environments [...]

Protecting crops from nematodes

Just like animals, plants are bombarded by all sorts of pathogens and parasites. Currently, one particular species of nematode worm [...]

Farming on permafrost

Climate change is creating new opportunities for agriculture, by providing longer and warmer growing seasons, and thawing frozen ground. But [...]

How are advances in technology improving dietary research?

To uncover how diet influences health, dietitians and nutritionists need easy but accurate ways to assess what people eat. However [...]

Concrete change: the innovative chemistry of sustainable cement

The global cement industry is gigantic, so finding ways to reduce its impact on the climate is essential for a sustainable future. At the [...]

Dental discoveries: How is dental research improving oral health?

Many people do not enjoy going to the dentist, but regular dental check-ups are a key aspect of healthcare. Maintaining good oral hygiene [...]

The Mediterranean way: changing diets to extend lifespans

A poor diet can significantly shorten a person’s life expectancy and quality of life, but switching to a healthy diet is easier said than done [...]

The importance of community for reducing social isolation

Social isolation is caused by a lack of social contact. It can lead to loneliness and depression and is often experienced by women [...]

Can artificial intelligence help prevent heart failure?

Depending on its application – and your opinion – advances in artificial intelligence (AI) can seem impressive, daunting or both! Though [...]

An age-old question

As we reach the later years of our lives, our skin will wrinkle and our hair will turn grey. We may have mixed feelings about ageing, but [...]

How can diabetes lead to vision loss, and how can this be prevented?

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults in the developed world. Dr David Antonetti, a molecular [...]

What causes problems with the lower urinary tract?

Our bodies are fascinatingly interconnected. Did you know that urinating a lot at night might be due to a heart problem? Or that a condition [...]

How can music technology improve the well-being of people living with dementia?

What does music mean to you? Whether you play an instrument or enjoy listening to your favourite band, there are many ways to [...]

Could a healthy diet combat multiple sclerosis?

Based in Australia, Professor Lucinda Black has been exploring the links between diet and multiple sclerosis (MS) [...]

Lighting up cancer: innovation in paediatric surgery

Surgically removing cancer tumours can be a risky procedure – bodily tissues that the cancer grows on can be damaged in the process [...]

Investigating immunity: uncovering the mechanisms of the immune system

Our immune systems work around the clock to keep us safe from disease. Whenever we become infected with a virus or bacteria, our [...]

How do the head, neck, and heart develop?

Birth defects affect one in every 33 babies born in the United States each year. A developmental biologist at Howard University in the US [...]

Can scientists prevent kidney disease?

At Duke University Medical Center in the US, Dr Jamie Privratsky divides his time between treating critically ill patients on the hospital wards [...]

Deducing how Antarctica will respond to climate change

Antarctica holds a huge volume of ice – enough to raise global sea levels by 65 metres if it all melted. This means it is vitally important [...]

Social science for social change: the story of marriage equality in the US

For centuries, gay people have suffered discrimination, prejudice and persecution. However, since the 1990s, public attitudes towards [...]

Practical activities to help geoscience students develop the skills they need to succeed

Traditional teaching methods that focus on the memorization and regurgitation of facts rarely lead to genuine learning [...]

How can we improve food safety across the world?

Around 600 million people – which is almost 1 in 10 people worldwide – become ill every year from a foodborne illness. 420,000 [...]

Can we create viruses and use them to treat cancer?

Viruses can cause cancer, but they also have the power to cure it. Dr Fred Bunz is a molecular oncologist at Johns Hopkins University [...]

SHAPE in Schools: Changing mindsets in support of social sciences, humanities and the arts

Social sciences, humanities and the arts are vital for addressing complex challenges, but do young people truly understand their [...]

A star is born – using next generation telescopes to explore star formation

Without the Sun, life on Earth would likely never have formed. But how did the Sun, and the other 100 billion stars in our galaxy, come [...]

Can you trust what you see online?

A world leader gives a rousing speech, stirring up anger and resentment among their followers and opponents alike. A viral video shows [...]

How does pre-birth milk expression help with breastfeeding?

The benefits of breastfeeding newborn infants are long-established. However, the idea of expressing milk while pregnant, before the baby [...]

Protecting the pancreas

Our immune system is highly organised and ruthlessly efficient, but when it goes wrong it can lead to debilitating disease. Our pancreas [...]

Examining the extremely small

Research in materials science and engineering is crucial for developing materials that can help solve some of society’s biggest challenges [...]

How machine learning is revolutionising materials science

Research in materials science and engineering is crucial for developing materials that can help solve some of society’s biggest challenges [...]

How do proteins affect heart health?

Proteins are the building blocks of life as they control the chemical reactions in cells. Despite the importance of proteins, scientists [...]

The power of geographic information systems: bringing data to life with maps

What is the connection between the number of trees in a neighbourhood and the ground surface temperature? Are incidences of cancer [...]

Controlling machines from afar

Industrial machines are at the heart of today’s economy and society, but training people to use them is a challenge. It is not possible [...]

Can behavioural interventions improve biological health outcomes?

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the US, accounting for around one in every five deaths. However, some groups in [...]

Could a nettle a day keep the doctor away?

Nettles are known for their sting, but research by Dr Diana Obanda at the University of Maryland in the US suggests that eating [...]

What do we know about the ovary?

Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths amongst women, with a woman’s risk of getting it during her lifetime being about [...]

How can community engagement projects empower STEM students?

In cities around the world, air pollution poses a major risk both to the environment and to human health. This has severe consequences [...]

Bias, assumptions and emotions: why we think what we think

While highly efficient, the way we process information to make decisions is far from perfect. Finding out how this process works – and [...]

The mathematics behind medicine

Medicine is advancing daily, as increasingly specialised treatments and techniques are continuously developed. Biostatisticians, such [...]

How are streaming services affecting the way we consume media?

Subscription video on demand (SVOD) platforms, such as Netflix, have grown to become a core way that we watch films [...]

Synthetic biology: the power of modified microbes

Microbes are the world’s most brilliant chemists, able to turn simple sugars and other compounds into a vast array of complex [...]

Are you ready for the robot revolution?

Transportation is about to go electric and drive itself, meaning every car technician will need to understand how artificial intelligence [...]

Modelling mines: how can a new 3D modelling platform make mining more sustainable and be part of the solution to climate change?

Despite public perceptions, mining is set to play a vital role in the planet’s transition to a sustainable future. Many low-carbon technologies [...]

Creating the world’s largest 3D-printed structure

Dr R. Byron Pipes, of the Composites Manufacturing and Simulation Centre at Purdue University in the US, forms part of a team that [...]

How to build a game-changing malaria vaccine

For millennia, malaria has plagued human civilization, killing billions over the course of history. Finding ways to combat this complex [...]

How can we measure gases dissolved in seawater?

Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas that is 300 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. The ocean is a significant source of [...]

Understanding the atmosphere: What can atmospheric chemistry teach us about air pollution?

Chemical reactions taking place in the atmosphere have a huge impact on our lives. Chemicals released from the burning of fossil fuels create [...]

A meal with the devil: how the eating habits of Tasmanian devils affect their ecosystems

In a healthy ecosystem, each microbe, plant and animal has its own important role to play. They may not be the most glamorous [...]

The human story behind human genome sequencing

In 2008, Professor James Lupski, from Baylor College of Medicine, USA, contributed to the scientific work behind the first human whole [...]

The fastest electric motor ever is another step towards a sustainable future

Professor Rukmi Dutta and her team at the University of New South Wales, Australia, have developed a new electric motor that runs [...]

Can gardening help children grow?

Founded by Professor Sallie Marston and led by former school counsellor Moses Thompson, the University of Arizona’s School Garden [...]

How and why do governments forget?

We all tell stories about past events, and people working in government departments are no exception. These stories cause [...]

What can fruit flies tell us about virtual reality exercise?

Fruit flies can be ‘tricked’ into getting fit without exercising. This discovery by Dr Robert J. Wessells at Wayne State University, in the US [...]

Fire trackers: how can we use modelling techniques to predict where wildfires will occur?

Climate change is making many parts of the world hotter and drier. As a result, wildfires are becoming increasingly prevalent and [...]

How will climate change affect forests?

As the Earth’s climate continues to heat up, forests will have to adapt. Associate Professor Craig Nitschke of the University of Melbourne [...]

Investigating the root of inflammatory diseases

Inflammation is an essential part of our immune system, but when it goes wrong, it can lead to serious diseases such as lupus [...]

On the frontline of the biomedical revolution

The 21st century has seen a boom in biomedical advances, aided by increased recognition of the importance of working across [...]

How can place attachment improve scientific literacy?

At Furman University in the US, Dr Ben Haywood and Professor Julia Parrish from the University of Washington are studying how [...]

How can marine invertebrates help prevent organ transplant rejection?

A major challenge surrounding organ transplants is the body’s recognition of the new organ as ‘other’, which often leads to a dramatic [...]

A superpowered model of the whole universe

The mysterious substance of dark matter and the enigmatic force of dark energy may hold the key to how the Universe formed. But [...]

Decades of research has improved our understanding of the cognitive processes that occur when people read. However, there is […]

Can mathematics keep our food safe to eat?

Keeping germs out of our food is a constant battle, but mathematical modelling can help us trace contamination and stop the spread [...]

How can we make stem subjects more engaging for students?

At Point Park University in Pittsburgh in the US, education researchers Dr Ginny Chambers, Dr Kamryn York and Dr Mark Marnich are helping [...]

Taking fiction from broadsheet to broadband

Professor Katherine Bode at the Australian National University in Australia is rediscovering – and shaping – literary history by curating fiction [...]

Why do post-election protests occur?

Democratic elections have played a crucial role in making societies fairer and more equal. However, what happens when you live in a country [...]

What skills do you need to succeed in school?

Your academic identity plays a key role in your education. Students with low self-confidence in their abilities are more likely to struggle [...]

Can tiny fossils disrupt global communications?

Microfossils are often smaller than a grain of sand, yet when they accumulate on the seafloor, they can have significant impacts on [...]

How can people train their brains to manage depression?

Major Depressive Disorder, also known as clinical depression, is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is estimated to affect 5% of the [...]

Can modern technology uncover the secrets of evolution?

A mysterious group of fossils called the Elgin Reptiles has been puzzling scientists for centuries. Existing only as cavities hidden within rocks [...]

Can quantum physics make the internet more secure?

Associate Professor Jacquiline (Jacq) Romero, a quantum physicist at the University of Queensland in Australia, is conducting experiments [...]

Why do males and females have different risks of disease?

While males are more likely to develop cancer than females, most autoimmune diseases are more prevalent in females. For [...]

Experts from the International Data Group have predicted that by 2025, every person who is connected to the internet will engage with […]

Pathogen-busting nanosurfaces inspired by insect wings

Keeping surfaces clean is more complex than you might expect. Pathogens can adhere to and multiply on almost any surface [...]

Professor David Thornalley from University College London, in the UK, has been using data from ocean floor mud to understand how the […]

How can wing design improve aircraft flight?

Aviation technology has come a long way since the Wright brothers made the first successful motor-powered flight in 1903. Today [...]

How is mathematics applied to real world problems?

Mathematics is essential to our way of life. It is used all around us, from weather forecasting, engineering and finance to modelling how [...]

A rocky revolution: Can virtual 3D models transform the teaching of geology?

Fieldwork has long been a mainstay of geology education, but it is not everyone’s cup of tea. Not all students want to participate in [...]

Dr Natalie Shenker is the co-founder of the Hearts Milk Bank – a UK-based charity that provides donor human milk to vulnerable babies who […]

Plugging in: directly linking the brain to a computer

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) link the brain directly to external computers, allowing users to do something just by thinking [...]

Reducing the challenges of childbirth in Myanmar

In Myanmar, one in every 500 women is likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth. The Birth Across The Borders project is determined [...]

Animals in pain – who feels what?

At The University of Queensland in Australia, Professor Deborah Brown and Professor Brian Key have created a unique team of philosophers [...]

Using big datasets to find out what affects children’s quality of life

The Understanding Society study, run by the University of Essex in the UK, has been interviewing residents in around 40,000 UK [...]

Beneath the Earth’s crust lies the mysterious mantle, and beneath that, the core. Although these layers form 99% of Earth’s volume […]

Building and training human tendons in the lab

Tendon issues affect millions of people worldwide, and treatment options are far from guaranteed to be effective. Tissue engineering [...]

The UK has some of the highest childcare costs in the world. For many families, this means it is more economical for one parent to give up […]

How are control engineers improving the sustainability of irrigated agriculture?

Globally, less than 60% of the water diverted into irrigation networks is used productively. This inefficiency is partly due to outdated [...]

Controlling and engineering systems for the benefit of all

Professor Zi-Qiang Lang is an automatic control and systems engineer based at the University of Sheffield in the UK. Three of his former [...]

Social music programmes around the world are encouraging communities to sing and play their way from conflict to peace. The Arts of […]

Monitoring the canopy temperature of forests

Dr Sophie Fauset, from the University of Plymouth in the UK, and Dr Shalom D. Addo-Danso, of the CSIR-Forestry Research [...]

Dr Kristin Y. Rozier is a temporal logician based within the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University in the US. Her […]

How can scientists improve the well-being of patients with lupus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease without a cure. But, thanks to discoveries by Professor George C. Tsokos, a [...]

Imaging the invisible: how can research software and imaging techniques help scientists study the things we can’t see?

From microscopic plankton to individual atoms, the subjects of many scientific studies need special devices to be seen. Scientific [...]

Worldwide, the majority of amputees do not have access to a useful prosthesis. This is especially true in lower and middle income […]

Creating software that works for everyone

From monitoring our health to finding a parking spot, there are now apps to help with every task in life. However, as we become ever-more [...]

What can the history of women’s suffrage teach us about women in politics today?

Although women’s suffrage has come a long way since 1893, when women in New Zealand were the first in the world to gain the right to [...]

Black holes: the meeting of gravity and quantum physics

We know that black holes exist through a mix of complex mathematics and astrophysics but linking mathematical ideas to what we can observe in [...]

Professor Richard Harper, based at Lancaster University in the UK, is the principal investigator of a project called the Future Places Centre. This […]

Enzymes are the catalysts of life. They accelerate chemical reactions inside cells to incredible speeds. Enzymes are so extraordinary that we […]

Professor Jennifer Franck leads a team of mechanical engineers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the US, who are working on […]

Can we control the electrical activity in our brains?

Neuroscientists aim to understand how our brains work and what happens when they are not functioning properly. At the University of Oxford [...]

In the UK, traumatic injury is the leading cause of death for people aged under 44. Understanding more about how the body reacts to […]

Dr Guilherme Oliveira, based at the Vale Institute of Technology in Brazil, leads a team working with Amazonian biodiversity. Together, they […]

More than 3 million people live with glaucoma in the United States, an eye disease that is the world’s second leading cause of blindness […]

Online battles: combatting false information and reducing online risks

These days, we are all online, but it is difficult to have a full understanding of the risks this entails. Professor Shujun Li and [...]

Even if we do not often think about it, we all know how to construct sentences in our native language, and these structures may affect […]

How do plants protect themselves from diseases?

It is estimated that plant diseases cost the global economy roughly $220 billion each year. Understanding how plants fight pathogens is [...]

Professor Lisa Green, based at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the US, leads research investigating the variation and […]

Dr Sangeeta Chattoo, from the University of York, in the UK, is on a quest to better understand one of the complex global health […]

Dr Jan Herbst and Dr Mark Mynett, based at the University of Huddersfield, are collaborating on a project that is investigating heaviness […]

Empowering girls, inspiring engineers

Decades of gender stereotyping, discrimination and prejudice have resulted in an engineering work force that is largely made […]