First step taken towards controlling heredity in mammals
A method of manipulating inheritance has been demonstrated in mammals for the first time, opening a new chapter of controversy in the field of gene editing.
Science
Scotland ‘global leader’ in science and research, report indicates
Scotland is “punching above its weight” in the science and research sector, according to a new report.
New £20m drive to protect world’s oceans led by University of Strathclyde
A Scottish university is spearheading a £20 million programme aimed at tackling the current threats to the world’s oceans.
Periodic table to highlight scarcity of elements used in mobile phones
Chemical elements which make up everyday devices such as smartphones and TVs have been included in an “endangered list”.
Study explores potential of North Sea rocks to store renewable energy
Rocks in the seabed off the UK coast could act as stores for renewable energy on a large scale, a study suggests.
Periodic table found in university lab thought to be world’s oldest
A periodic table uncovered during a laboratory clear-out is believed to be the oldest in the world.
Air pollution exposure linked to increased risk of miscarriage, study finds
Pregnant women are at an increased risk of miscarrying if they are exposed to elevated levels of a type of air pollution, a study suggests.
Brits urged to eat more fibre after study shows lifesaving benefits
Very few of us are getting enough fibre and it could be harming our health, a major study has found.
Gamblers predicted Brexit before traders on referendum night, study finds
Punters beat financial markets by an hour when it came to correctly predicting Brexit on referendum night, creating a golden opportunity to cash in, a study found.
University study sheds light on hunting methods of prehistoric dogs
Scientists have uncovered new information on how prehistoric dogs hunted 40 million years ago – by analysing the skulls of lions, wolves and hyenas.
Hubble Telescope discovers ancient quasars with brightness of 600-trillion suns
The Hubble Telescope has discovered the brightest quasar ever seen in the early universe which has the brightness of about 600-trillion suns.
Minister hails micro-robots during university lab visit
Universities and Science Minister Chris Skidmore viewed the world through the eyes of a miniature robot during a visit to a laboratory.
Dundee life scientist working to eliminate disease knighted
An eminent life scientist has said he is “thrilled” to receive a knighthood.
Animal lovers’ empathy could be hardwired into their DNA, research suggests
Scientists have uncovered a genetic difference in people who show greater compassion for animals.
Microscopic experiments ‘shed light on chemical structure of giant planets’
Experiments on a microscopic scale have helped scientists shed new light on the chemical make-up of the solar system’s largest planets.
US Air Force’s most powerful GPS satellite launched
SpaceX has launched the US Air Force’s most powerful GPS satellite ever built.
Astronomers prepare for December’s Cold Moon
Astronomers across the world are preparing for December’s Cold Moon on Saturday, the last full moon of 2018.
Geminid meteor shower: Celestial light show continues over Britain’s skies
Hundreds of meteors and a “Christmas Comet” are expected to continue lighting up the night sky during the Geminid meteor shower.
Volunteers wanted for Aberdeen university project studying link between app and physical activity
A team of Aberdeen researchers are set to investigate if an app that uses voice conversations can encourage physical activity in older adults.
City frogs boast sexiest love songs, experts say
City frogs put on “sexier” mating displays than those in the wild, according to experts.
NASA to revisit Aberdeen for educational project
Representatives from a space agency are to jet into Aberdeen again next year.
Doctors amazed after man coughs up blood clot of lung bronchial tree
A man who later died stunned doctors by coughing up a six-inch-wide blood clot from his lungs in the near-perfect shape of his right bronchial tree.
Planet with helium-filled atmosphere shaped like balloon found by astronomers
A distant planet with a helium-filled atmosphere that has swollen into the shape of a balloon has been discovered by astronomers.
TV, safer scrums and the living wage ‘among top university breakthroughs’
The invention of the television, improved rugby scrumming technique and the living wage have been named among a list of the top breakthroughs by UK universities.
100,000 whole genome milestone reached by NHS
More than 100,000 complete genetic blueprints have been sequenced from NHS patients with cancers and rare diseases, marking a world-first landmark in the history of the health service.
Stem cell trial offers hope over osteoarthritis treatment
A new stem cell technique could reduce the need for surgery among osteoarthritis patients, scientists believe.
Venus spotted from the UK as planet nears brightest point of the year
If you spot an especially bright star in the sky before sunrise at this time of year, it might not be a star at all, but the planet Venus.
Nasa employees celebrate Mars probe landing with elaborate handshake
Nasa’s newest probe on a two-year mission to Mars, InSight, made a successful landing on the planet on Monday afternoon, triggering delighted celebrations across the globe.
Scientists finally reveal why wombats’ faeces is cube-shaped
Scientists have revealed how and why wombats produce cube-shaped faeces, the only known species to produce droppings in this shape.
Severe peanut allergy could be beaten by building up tolerance, study claims
Peanut allergy sufferers have been given new hope following the results of a landmark study.