skip to content

Energy

Interdisciplinary Research Centre
 

New insights into black hole scattering and gravitational waves unveiled

A new study achieves unprecedented accuracy in modelling extreme cosmic events like black hole and neutron star collisions by calculating the fifth post-Minkowskian (5PM) order, crucial for interpreting gravitational wave data from current and future observatories. The research reveals the surprising appearance of Calabi-Yau three-fold periods -- complex geometric structures from string theory and algebraic geometry -- within calculations of radiated energy and recoil, suggesting a deep connection between abstract mathematics and astrophysical phenomena. Utilizing over 300,000 core hours of high-performance computing, an international team demonstrated the power of advanced computational methods in solving complex equations governing black hole interactions, paving the way for more accurate gravitational wave templates and insights into galaxy formation.

Protons on the move

Scientists have successfully relocated protons outside of an antimatter laboratory with the help of an autonomous, open Penning trap. This breakthrough marks a significant step toward transporting antiprotons produced at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) to high-precision laboratories, which operate independently of the research facility. Extremely precise measurements to compare matter and antimatter are only possible far from accelerator facilities.

New catalyst boosts efficiency of CO2 conversion

Researchers have developed an encapsulated cobalt-nickel alloy that significantly improves the efficiency and durability of high-temperature CO2 conversion, a promising technology for carbon recycling and sustainable fuel production.

New computer language helps spot hidden pollutants

Biologists and chemists have a new programming language to uncover previously unknown environmental pollutants at breakneck speed -- without requiring them to code.

Eldercare robot helps people sit and stand, and catches them if they fall

Engineers built E-BAR, a mobile robot designed to physically support the elderly and prevent them from falling as they move around their homes. E-BAR acts as a set of robotic handlebars that follows a person from behind, allowing them to walk independently or lean on the robot's arms for support.

Enzymes from scratch

Researchers have developed a new workflow for designing enzymes from scratch, paving the way toward more efficient, powerful and environmentally benign chemistry. The new method allows designers to combine a variety of desirable properties into new-to-nature catalysts for an array of applications, from drug development to materials design.

Researchers demonstrate 3-D printing technology to improve comfort, durability of 'smart wearables'

Imagine a T-shirt that could monitor your heart rate or blood pressure. Or a pair of socks that could provide feedback on your running stride. It may be closer than you think, with new research demonstrating a particular 3-D ink printing method for so-called smart fabrics that continue to perform well after repeated washings and abrasion tests.

Researchers develop living material from fungi

Fungi are considered a promising source of biodegradable materials. Researchers have developed a new material based on a fungal mycelium and its own extracellular matrix. This gives the biomaterial particularly advantageous properties.

Remote particle measurement via quantum entanglement

Quantum physics keeps challenging our intuition. Researchers have shown that joint measurements can be carried out on distant particles, without the need to bring them together. This breakthrough relies on quantum entanglement -- the phenomenon that links particles across distance as if connected by an invisible thread. The discovery opens up exciting prospects for quantum communication and computing, where information becomes accessible only once it is measured.

Scientists define the ingredients for finding natural clean hydrogen

Researchers have detailed the geological ingredients required to find clean sources of natural hydrogen beneath our feet. The work details the requirements for natural hydrogen, produced by the Earth itself over geological time, to accumulate in the crust, and identifies that the geological environments with those ingredients are widespread globally. Hydrogen is $135 billion industry, essential for making fertilizer and other important societal chemicals, and a critical clean energy source for future low carbon emission technologies, with a market estimated to be up to $1000 billion by 2050. These findings offer a solution to the challenge of hydrogen supply, and will help industry to locate and extract natural hydrogen to meet global demands, eliminating the use of hydrocarbons for this purpose.

Robotic hand moves objects with human-like grasp

A robotic hand can pick up 24 different objects with human-like movements that emerge spontaneously, thanks to compliant materials and structures rather than programming.

Legal Studies Research Paper Series Vol. 16, No. 2

Latest news from Faculty of Law - Tue, 13/05/2025 - 15:09

The Faculty has distributed Volume 16 Number 2 of the University of Cambridge Faculty of Law Legal Studies Research Paper Series on SSRN . This issue includes the following articles: Markus Gehring & Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger: Climate Justice through International Courts and Tribunals: Advisory Opinions in the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ( 4/2025 ) Matthew H. Kramer: On the Non-Equivalence of Norms and Norm-Formulations: Hart Versus Kelsen, and Kelsen Versus Kelsen ( 5/2025 ) Brian R. Cheffins & Bobby V. Reddy: Deconstructing the "Anglo-American" Corporate Model ( 6/2025 ) Matilda Gillis: Call it Torture: Sexual Offences, Human Rights and the Metropolitan Police (Forthcoming in Public Law) ( 8/2024 ) Interested readers can browse the Working Paper Series at SSRN , or sign up to subscribe to distributions of the the e-journal.

Lorand Bartels gives evidence before International Agreements Committee

Latest news from Faculty of Law - Tue, 13/05/2025 - 14:13

Professor Lorand Bartels MBE was invited to give evidence to the Parliamentary International Agreements Committee , on Tuesday 6 May. The Committee scrutinises all treaties that are laid before Parliament under the terms of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 and considers the Government's conduct of...

Submarine robot catches an underwater wave

Engineers have taught a simple submarine robot to take advantage of turbulent forces to propel itself through water.

Study uncovers mystery of how mini sand dunes form

A new study has uncovered the mystery of how mini sand dunes form on beaches and in deserts.

Tapping a new toolbox, engineers buck tradition in new high-performing heat exchanger

A team engineers created a twisty high-temperature heat exchanger that outperformed a traditional straight channel design in heat transfer, power density and effectiveness and used an innovative technique to 3D print and test the metal proof of concept.

Astrophysicist searches for ripples in space and time in new way

Massive ripples in the very fabric of space and time wash over Earth constantly, although you'd never notice. An astrophysicist is trying a new search for these gravitational waves.

Helping birds and floating solar energy coexist

How might floating solar energy projects impact wild birds and vice versa? A paper outlines key considerations for a growing floating solar industry.

Fabian Eichberger Awarded ASIL DRIG Prize for Best Article in International Dispute Resolution

Latest news from Faculty of Law - Mon, 12/05/2025 - 12:03

The Faculty warmly welcomes the announcement that the Dispute Resolution Interest Group (DRIG) of the American Society of International Law (ASIL) has awarded the third edition of the DRIG Prize for Best Article in International Dispute Resolution to Dr Fabian Eichberger (Charles & Katharine Darwin Research Fellow, Darwin College). Fabian's winning article 'Informal Communications to the International Court of Justice in Cases of Non-appearance' was published in The Law and Practice of International Courts and Tribunals , Volume 22, 2023. In his article, Dr Eichberger addresses the increased non-appearance of respondent States before the International Court of Justice and openness of the Court to accepting informal communications from non-appearing States. The paper examines the implications of the Court's practice to date, highlighting key issues of procedural fairness and impacts for the Court's legitimacy. Dr Eichberger concludes that the Court should take a more formal approach to informal communications. The committee selected the article from 34 submissions based on a) depth of research; b) sophistication of analysis; c) originality; d) quality of writing; and e) potential impact on the field of international dispute resolution. In delivering their verdict, the committee emphasised the excellent quality and diversity of the papers received. The Prize consists of a certificate of recognition, a complimentary registration for the 2025 ASIL Annual Meeting, a one-year membership in the Society, and a one-year subscription to the Jus Mundi international law and arbitration search engine. The winner of the Prize was announced at the 2025 ASIL Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Ultrasound unlocks a safer, greener way to make hydrogels

Researchers have developed a new way to create hydrogels using ultrasound, eliminating the need for toxic chemical initiators. This breakthrough offers a faster, cleaner and more sustainable approach to hydrogel fabrication, and produces hydrogels that are stronger, more flexible and highly resistant to freezing and dehydration. The new method also promises to facilitate advances in tissue engineering, bioadhesives and 3D bioprinting.