1964: A year of triumph in space exploration
In recognition of The Mancunion’s 60th anniversary, this article is written as if the events taking place 60 years ago were to take place today
The Three Musketeers of the UK Igniting Passion for STEM in India
In a world increasingly shaped by technology and innovation, the importance of fostering curiosity and problem-solving skills in students has never been more critical. Three distinguished researchers from the UK are stepping up to meet this challenge
Neuralinks PRIME study: What we’ve learned so far
On X, Nolan Arbaugh uploaded a video of himself playing a game called Civilization VI. In the video, you can follow a cursor that demonstrates his actions in the game. Everything seems normal—until you realise that the cursor isn’t controlled by his hand but by his mind alone
Celebrating Black scientists of UoM
To celebrate Black History Month, we spotlight four influential Black STEM graduates from the University of Manchester whose work has left an indelible mark on their respective fields
NASA’s Europa Clipper blasts off in search for alien life on distant moon
NASA’s Europa Clipper has launched to explore Jupiter’s icy moon Europa in search of signs of alien life. Set to arrive in April 2030, the spacecraft is equipped with advanced instruments to analyse the moon’s surface and subsurface
From fruit flies to human brains: How connectomics could change our approach to brain health
Why can we effectively treat conditions like tuberculosis but remain limited in addressing neurological diseases like dementia?
The environmental impact of cryptocurrency
Popularised by public figures such as Elon Musk, cryptocurrency has emerged in the public consciousness in recent years. But what actually is it, and how does it affect the environment?
Hannibal Lecter vs prions: The downside to cannibalism
How has Hannibal Lecter, one of modern culture’s best-known cannibals, avoided catching a deadly and fatal disease caused by prions?
Explore the Manchester Science Festival 2024
The Manchester Science Festival returns in 2024 at the Science and Industry Museum from October 18-27, showcasing engaging installations and more
How close are we to perfecting synthetic stem cells?
Stem cell research has been a hot topic in the news ever since their inception. But how has this field developed over time, and how close are we to understanding the fundamental stages of life?
Memory mastery: Proven study tips for academic success
In the quest for academic success, memory plays a pivotal role, and cognitive neuroscience offers clear strategies to optimise it; here are a few
Circadian rhythms of health: Why syncing with the environment is vital to wellbeing
Learn how circadian rhythms are the key to optimise your sleep, improve your mood and ace your exams
Ice, Ice, Maybe? The art of remembering and forgetting, from a roundworm’s ice bath
Love an ice bath? So do roundworms – because they can remember that they’ve just had one. The storing of memory is a complex phenomenon, but a recent study has found that roundworms can delay their forgetting of their memory if they’re placed on ice
What Game Theory reveals about the science of cooperation
Game theory is the science of competition and cooperation. It seeks to reveal the best strategies which bring you maximum gain. What does it show about life and the world around us?
Celebrating 70 years of science at CERN
As the 70th anniversary of CERN approaches, we investigate the origins and history of the organisation whilst asking questions about the future of the laboratory; what’s next? And how can it align its ambition for research with the modern world’s needs for sustainability?
Why are you laughing: The science of humour
While humour is an innate part of being human, dating back to ‘primate laughter’, exactly what makes something funny is still mostly unknown
In conversation with The Lion King’s Head of Masks and Puppets
The Mancunion was fortunate enough to attend an Insight Session at the Lyceum Theatre and sit down with The Lion King’s Head of Masks and Puppets Joseph Beagley to learn more about the science behind his craft
AI learns its first words (and helps explain how humans acquire language)
How do we learn to associate specific objects with specific words? A team from New York University have developed an AI ‘baby’ to help us answer this question.
Can algorithms help you live a better life?
As the term drags on and student loans dwindle, many students start to feel unmotivated and unsatisfied with their lot in life. Could computer algorithms help you get back on track?
Killing consumerism: Are we headed to disposal doom?
In his keynote presentation, Professor Mark Miodownik deliberates on the perils of consumerism, how we might manage to bring it to a sustainable future, and its obsolescence