Expert comment – Finding SuperNEMO and solving the mystery of the origin of matter in the universe
The Savoy region of France is best known for its fir-lined ski slopes and picturesque Alpine villages. Less known is the fact that, deep beneath some of these slopes, scientists are investigating one of the greatest mysteries in physics: the origin of matter. The Fréjus road tunnel in the region carries traffic between the French […]
Godlee Observatory – Sackville Street’s best-kept secret
At the top of Sackville Street Building is a little secret – and it’s something all of us in Manchester have a share in. Next time you walk by, look up. You might just spot the white dome that is home to the Godlee Observatory. This tiny window to the stars has been at the […]
Making a Difference this #GivingTuesday
For the past three years, do-gooders from around the country have been combating the consumerism of Black Friday weekend by taking part in an international day of “doing good stuff” for charity. As we approach the UK’s fourth instalment of #GivingTuesday, find out how you can Make a Difference. Championing the idea that “the smallest […]
The future belongs to legless robots
We’ve reached a point where it’s not a question of “if” robots will walk among us one day or even “when”. The real question we should be asking is if these robots should walk at all. Simon Watson, a lecturer in Robotic Systems at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE), recently contributed a […]
Examining zebra dung – it’s a dirty job but somebody’s got to do it.
Ever wondered how to tell if a zebra’s sad? Well, you could ask it “why the long face”, but for a more accurate answer, you need to get hands on with its poo. Yes, you read that right. New research has shown that examining an animal’s dung provides a unique insight into its state of […]
Science in the changing room
We’re sure you know your dress size, but do you find it changes depending on the shop you visit? Chances are the answer’s ‘yes’. But why is this? And who determines clothes sizing anyway? Well dress sizing appears to be a product of the age we live in; of fast fashion, greater resource and lower […]
Celebrating Black history – and asking what we can do next
This year is the 30th anniversary of Black History Month in the UK. The occasion aims to give young Black people role models from similar backgrounds with whom they might share experiences. There was a great turnout for the event, where the audience heard from a range of guest speakers from across the Faculty and […]
Ada Lovelace – the original woman of STEMM
The School of Physics is the proud holder of an Athena Swan Silver Award. This award recognises the advancement of gender equality in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment, research and education. Nationwide, just 20% of students studying Physics at degree level are female. At The University of Manchester, this figure is higher […]
Why dolphin culture really is some-fin else
The intelligence, culture and social relationships of whales and dolphins are so advanced, the only thing stopping them from building an underwater city is opposable thumbs. That’s the finding of the latest research from The University of Manchester, in collaboration with The London School of Economics (LSE) and Stanford University. The study, published this week […]
100 years on, marking Rutherford’s breakthroughs
Did you know that Manchester is the birthplace of modern nuclear physics? It was created right here by Ernest Rutherford and his colleagues, and this year marks a century since Rutherford initiated the first artificial nuclear reaction. And that wasn’t the end of the team’s breakthroughs. Between 1914 and 1919, Rutherford led many experiments in […]