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 […]
Ain’t no sunshine when it’s gone
The sun is the great star of human existence in more ways than one. All life on Earth depends on it, and the creation of our very planet would have been impossible without it. You would think, therefore, that when it dies, our iconic star would go out in style. However, until recently, scientists were […]
Inspiring the future women of STEM
Science and engineering is all about coming up with solutions to the great mysteries and challenges of our age. But one of these challenges is proving hard to overcome, and that’s how to encourage more girls to choose a career in these subjects. When children are very young and first begin learning about the world […]
Guest post: A nuclear legacy – visiting Chernobyl 32 years on
As part of my work at the Dalton Cumbrian Facility, I had the opportunity to visit Chernobyl last month. There are few people working in the nuclear industry who don’t know what happened at the power plant near the town of Pripyat, in what is now the Ukraine, 32 years ago this week. For those […]
ScienceX – another year inspiring budding scientists and engineers
The future of our world will be moulded by the next generation of scientists and engineers – but who will they be? After the success of the latest ScienceX, we’re sure a few will have been at the Trafford Centre this weekend. Science and engineering is all about asking questions, coming up with solutions and […]
The mega threat to mega-herbivores
The University of Manchester has teamed up with Chester Zoo to fight the potential extinction of some of the planet’s most iconic – and threatened – species. A collaboration between the Zoo and the University will see a £1.1 million investment made in research aimed at protecting the future of creatures like the Eastern Black […]
A delicious threat to our planet’s eggs-istence?
Research impact and institutes
You may have lost an hour of sleep when the clocks changed last weekend, but the good news is you’re an hour closer to eating lots of lovely Easter eggs. It should go without saying that Easter is a chocoholic’s Christmas – but is your habit damaging more than just your wallet and waistline? A […]
Postgrads have a hand in future of bionic engineering
A team of postgrads from The University of Manchester have emerged victorious from an international competition, thanks to the creation of a 3D-printed bionic limb. They hope soon to make the design available to the public without charge. What started as (and remains) a final year Mechanical Engineering Master’s project has resulted in Alex Agboola-Dobson […]