Research impact and institutes
Manchester’s most important brain
The University of Manchester has an impressive track record when it comes to computer science. After all, this is where the world’s first stored-program computer, Baby, was created. And in the year that Baby turns 70, our scientists have given birth to yet another marvel of computing. Last week, the one-millionth processor core of this […]
Why ‘Phantom’ Archaeopteryx discovery has scientists in a flap
Since its discovery 150 years ago, scientists have heralded Archaeopteryx as the ‘missing link’ in the evolution of dinosaurs to modern birds. A transitional fossil, the species was commonly referred to as Urvogel – meaning “first bird”. But as is so often the case, once something reaches such lofty heights, it’s human nature to want […]
The very rocky horror show
When an event is known as the ‘Great Dying’, you know it’s fairly serious – as in, the end of almost all life on Earth serious. That was the extent of the damage wrought by the End-Permian Extinction, which wiped out 70 per cent of species on land and up to 96 per cent of […]
In the pipeline – how graphene could reduce corrosion
A new breakthrough means that the inclusion of graphene in the manufacture of underwater oil and gas networks could be in the pipeline. Corrosion is not only very expensive to fix, but it can also lead to “catastrophic failure” when not addressed. However, graphene could act as the perfect barrier to the problem. A paper […]
The bone of contention in the evolution of vertebrates
It takes backbone to try and tackle one of the age-old mysteries of the evolution of life, but a researcher at The University of Manchester has proven he’s certainly not too spineless to take on the challenge. Just like close to ten per cent of all life on Earth, we humans are vertebrates – meaning […]
Shitsukan – how we make sense of our material world
The human brain is a miraculous thing. Take a moment to look out of the window at the nearest plant or tree and you immediately know what it is thanks to your brain’s understanding and processing of all the microscopic bits of information you collect through your senses. It’s not only the shape and colour […]
The wonder stuff: why graphene’s everywhere this summer
While Andy Murray may be missing from the courts at Wimbledon this summer, another British legend has made a return appearance – graphene. The advanced material, first isolated here at The University of Manchester, is featured in the design of certain tennis racquets and helps players add power to their play. The inclusion of graphene […]
Like a diamond in the sky
‘Twinkle twinkle little star’ could prove itself more science lesson than nursery rhyme thanks to a new discovery. For the first time, diamonds far smaller than grains of sand have been observed shimmering around stars. But this discovery is more a case of A Touch of Frost than Frost of London, as it’s allowed a […]
Magma crystallisation provides scientists with volcanic crystal ball
Volcanos have been around since time on Earth began – and the devastation they can cause has hardly changed in the intervening 4.5 billion years. In the past month alone, untold damage has been wrought by volcanic eruptions – in Hawaii, Indonesia and Guatemala. Of course, it is not possible to prevent volcanoes from erupting […]
Walk this way… through the security scanners
Ever felt like you need a new walk? One that makes you look more confident, successful or just plain cool? Well you don’t have to be a member of Monty Python’s Ministry of Silly Walks to move with a gait that’s completely unique to you. No matter how subtle, there is a clear difference between […]