Aberdeen Science Centre to launch summer programme of online fun
Aberdeen Science Centre is set to launch its summer programme online on Friday, with a wide variety of experiments and activities for youngsters to enjoy while staying at home.
Science
Researchers utilise AI to improve bowel cancer screening
A university is to collaborate with the NHS and Scottish technology companies to use artificial intelligence (AI) to determine which patients need bowel cancer screenings.
UK coronavirus R value and growth rate remain the same
The rate of spread of the coronavirus infection across the UK, and the R number, remain the same as last week.
Bread mould avoids infection by mutating its own DNA – study
Bread mould mutates its own DNA as a way of fighting off infections, new research suggests.
Aberdeen researchers help find link between anxiety and alcohol abuse in men
Researchers from Aberdeen University have helped to identify a link between alcohol abuse and anxiety in men.
Wearing face masks at home might help curb spread of coronavirus – study
Wearing face masks at home might help curb the spread of coronavirus among members in the same household, but only before symptoms develop, new research suggests.
Construction to resume on Aberdeen University’s new £35 million science building
Construction will resume on Aberdeen University’s new £35 million science building next month.
Transparency of scientific advice ‘big issue’ in future Covid inquiry, adviser says
The transparency of scientific advice to ministers during the coronavirus outbreak will be a “big issue” in a future inquiry into how the crisis was handled, a top Government adviser has said.
Ministers decide coronavirus response, not the scientists – Downing Street
Downing Street has signalled ministers should shoulder responsibility for controversial decisions made during the coronavirus pandemic after Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey sought to blame scientists.
Lack of capacity drove ‘pivotal’ decision to end community testing, MPs say
The Government’s coronavirus testing capacity has been “inadequate” throughout the pandemic, while the decision to ditch community testing early in the pandemic was “one of the most consequential made” during the crisis, MPs have told Boris Johnson.
Several lessons to be learnt from handling of Covid-19, MPs say
The Government’s coronavirus testing capacity has been “inadequate” throughout the pandemic while there has been a lack of transparency over some of its crucial decision-making, MPs have told Boris Johnson.
Sweat could power future wearable devices, say researchers
A new generation of wearable devices could be powered by human sweat instead of conventional batteries, scientists have said.
Astronomers find closest black hole to Earth
European astronomers have found the closest black hole to Earth yet – so near that two stars orbiting it can be seen by the naked eye.
Sun less active compared to similar stars, scientists find
The Sun possesses powers which make it the most important source of energy for life on Earth, but compared to some of its galactic counterparts it may actually be a little sleepy.
New research reveals how microplastic pollution is threatening biodiversity
Microplastics pollution is causing disruption and behavioural changes among hermit crab populations, researchers have claimed.
Hope for new Scottish drug which shows promise in fight against Covid-19
Scientists hope to begin clinical tests of a new anti-viral drug which has had positive results in laboratory tests against Covid-19.
Donald Trump’s clashes with science
What US President Donald Trump says and does often flies in the face of mainstream science. Coronavirus and the idea of injecting disinfectants is only the latest episode.
Ex-tube driver appointed to prestigious science programme
A tube driver who swapped the Underground for undergraduate life has been appointed to one of the world’s most prestigious science programmes.
Drinking alcohol in pregnancy may be linked to depression in teenagers – study
Drinking in pregnancy could put children at an increased risk of developing depression as teenagers, according to new research.
Privacy must be at the heart of Covid-19 contact tracing apps, governments told
Contact tracing apps must be made with privacy at their heart and only keep data as long as necessary, governments have been told.
Expert warns there is no guarantee of successful Covid-19 vaccine – report
The world must live with the threat of Covid-19 “for the foreseeable future” as there is no guarantee of a successful vaccine, a prominent expert on the disease has reportedly said.
Eamonn Holmes attempts to ‘clear up’ coronavirus 5G comments
Eamonn Holmes has attempted to “clarify” his comments on 5G technology and coronavirus – as Ofcom said it would urgently assess hundreds of complaints about his remarks.
Bats may not pose heightened risk of spreading viruses to humans – research
The idea that certain creatures such as bats pose a higher risk of spreading viruses to humans may not be accurate, new research suggests.
Health guidelines may lead to overdiagnosis of child milk allergy, experts warn
Babies and young children could be wrongly diagnosed with a milk allergy due to medical guidelines linked to the condition, scientists have suggested.
Motorboat noise causes clownfish to hide and skip meals, study finds
Motorboat noise causes clownfish to hide, skip meals and attack their neighbours, research has found.
Ornate ostrich eggs shed light on an interconnected ancient world – study
Highly-prized ornate ostrich eggs found in Europe, the Middle East and north Africa suggest the ancient world was more connected than previously thought, according to research.
Scientists find how Covid-19 tricks its way into the human body
The virus that causes Covid-19 acts like a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” by using sugars to trick its way into the human body, according to new research.
Human ancestor Homo erectus ‘at least 150,000 years older than thought’
Man’s direct ancestor Homo erectus is at least 150,000 years older than previously thought and may have emerged from South Africa, researchers have said.
Say cheese! Mice have facial expressions to reflect emotions, scientists say
Mice, like humans, have facial expressions that can reveal their emotional state, according to scientists.
New quantum technology could help diagnose and treat heart condition
Quantum technology could help diagnose and treat a heart condition that affects around one million people in the UK, a new study suggests.