Research highlights and Blogs

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT - Sustainable solar cell material shown to be highly promising for medical imaging

Using X-rays to see inside the human body has revolutionised non-invasive medical diagnostics. However, the dose of X-rays required for imaging is far higher than background levels, due to the poor performance of the detector materials currently available.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT - Cheaper method for making woven displays and smart fabrics – of any size or shape

Researchers have developed next-generation smart textiles – incorporating LEDs, sensors, energy harvesting, and storage – that can be produced inexpensively, in any shape or size, using the same machines used to make the clothing we wear every day.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT - It’s all in the wrist: energy-efficient robot hand learns how not to drop the ball

Researchers have designed a low-cost, energy-efficient robotic hand that can grasp a range of objects – and not drop them – using just the movement of its wrist and the feeling in its ‘skin’.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT - Photosynthesis ‘hack’ could lead to new ways of generating renewable energy

Researchers have ‘hacked’ the earliest stages of photosynthesis, and discovered new ways to extract energy from the process, a finding that could lead to new ways of generating clean fuel and renewable energy.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT - How Iceland could have a starring role as a sustainable alternative protein exporter to Northern Europe

Iceland could help address Northern Europe’s food security issues with the scaling-up of its industrial production of Spirulina – an alternative protein source that is nutritious, sustainable and risk resilient.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT - Solar-powered system converts plastic & greenhouse gases into sustainable fuels

Researchers have developed a system that can transform plastic waste and greenhouse gases into sustainable fuels and other valuable products – using just the energy from the Sun.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT - Insulation only provides short-term reduction in household gas consumption

First study to look at long-term effect of home insulation in England and Wales finds fall in gas consumption per household was small and only lasts a few years.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT - £200bn annual opportunity for energy sector to deliver energy savings

The UK’s legal commitment to zero emissions by 2050 requires substantial growth in renewable electricity generation, but rapidly expanding demand is still likely to exceed supply.

BLOG - Cambridge Zero Research Symposium Wrap-up: Economic & Societal Change

Cambridge Zero in collaboration with Hughes Hall Centre for Climate Engagement are running four half day research symposia. The aim of these symposia is to showcase the ground-breaking research related to sustainability, climate change, and net-zero that is happening across Cambridge.