Science and Engineering

Scientists create the first 3D nanoscale maps of human airway epithelium, revealing the hidden architecture of lung defence cells

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London and University of Cambridge in collaboration with colleagues at HHMI Janelia and NIH, have created some of the most detailed three-dimensional maps ever generated of human airway cells, revealing how the specialised cells that protect our lungs are built and organised. 

New hybrid positioning system promises reliable tracking where GPS fails

Researchers have unveiled a new location‑tracking system that could dramatically improve navigation in places where GPS signals routinely fail, such as tunnels, dense cities and underground transport routes. 

The Gravity from Entropy theory offers new clues for reconciling gravity with the second law of thermodynamics

Queen Mary University mathematician Professor Ginestra Bianconi explores how gravity can be reconciled with thermodynamics within the Gravity from Entropy theory

Bacteria form 'herds' to survive predators, offering fresh insight into Earth's carbon cycle

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered that tiny photosynthetic bacteria band together into protective "herds" when attacked by predators – a survival strategy that could also influence how carbon is stored in the world's waters. 

Climate change is forcing amphibians to change their diet – but they can only adapt so far

New research involving Queen Mary University of London reveals that amphibians can change what they eat to cope with rising temperatures, but that this natural survival strategy has limits.

Queen Mary expert helps shape new Department for Education guidance on screen use in early years

Professor Rachael Bedford, from the Centre for Brain and Behaviour at Queen Mary University of London, helps shape new Department for Education (DfE) guidance on screen use for children in early years settings, ensuring the latest evidence informs practice across nurseries, preschools and childminding settings.

New AI benchmark helps music generation systems better understand human preference

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have developed a new benchmark and evaluation system designed to help AI-generated music better align with human preferences, marking an important step towards more creative, controllable, and human-centred music-generation technologies. 

Robots can now “see” touch thanks to a new colour-changing tactile sensor

Engineers at Queen Mary University of London built a new colour-changing tactile sensor, which allows robots to “see” and touch in real-time. 

Experts should focus on a “Neurodevelopmental spectrum” to support children rather than considering conditions like ADHD and autism in isolation

Largest study to date to look at how traits of different neurodevelopmental conditions strongly overlap with each other and relate to wider emotional and behavioural challenges and real-world outcomes from childhood through adolescence.

Queen Mary welcomes first cohort of students through new transnational education partnership in China

Queen Mary University of London will welcome the first cohort of 240 students through a new transnational education (TNE) partnership with the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in Beijing, following approval by China's Ministry of Education. 

Mathematician's Prestigious Fellowship Drives New Discoveries in Marine Microbiology

Professor Natasha Blitvic's successful Simons Foundation Pivot Fellowship highlights the power of interdisciplinary research and the value of one of the world's most distinctive research awards.

Climate-anxious youth from poorer countries “unheard” due to digital disconnection

As rising temperatures around the world trigger climate-related anxiety, new research shows that those most in need of mental health support may be cut off from it. 

New research reimagines undergraduate degrees for the AI era

A new academic paper from researchers at Queen Mary University of London is proposing a radical redesign of undergraduate education, blending the best elements of degree apprenticeships with traditional university teaching to create a model fit for the age of artificial intelligence (AI). 

From virtue to vice: how the morality of popular music lyrics has changed since the 1960s

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London found that the moral themes in popular music lyrics shifted over the past 60 years, with moral vices appearing more frequently than virtues.

New Membrane Technology Could Transform Hydrocarbon Processing by Slashing Energy Use

Researchers develop ultrathin polymer membranes that enable fast, selective separation of crude oil components, offering a scalable, low‑energy alternative to distillation.

Better heart 'digital twins' could help target treatment for Atrial Fibrillation (erratic heartbeat)

A cross-University paper led by researchers at Queen Mary University of London, published in the Journal of Physiology shows how better ‘digital twins’ could help doctors treating people with Atrial Fibrillation.

Fungi help lock carbon into Arctic fjord sediments

Hidden fungi on the Arctic seafloor may play an important role in climate-relevant carbon storage.

Children’s motivation and attitudes towards learning play a key role in academic success, study finds

New study reveals how motivation and curiosity help turn genetic potential into school achievement.

Freshwater methane emissions maximised by global warming

It is not just cows that emit the powerful greenhouse gas methane – microbial emissions from the natural world will inevitably increase as our planet continues to warm.

Sarah Brown to give plenary address at international preterm birth conference

UK Preterm Birth Conference 2027 hosted at Queen Mary University of London from 18 and 19 January 2027.

Epigenetic changes can be inherited without changing DNA in animals

Beyond DNA: Scientists discover how traits can be passed on without genetic changes.

New AI system could help scientists keep up with the explosion of research papers

Queen Mary University researchers have developed a new AI-powered framework, MetaBeeAI, designed to help scientists review and analyse vast amounts of literature faster, more transparently, and with greater human oversight.  

New European Study Reveals Methane Emissions from Biogas Plants Are Higher Than Previously Estimated – But Most Could Be Easily Reduced

A major new study led by Queen Mary University of London has revealed that methane emissions from biogas plants across Europe are higher than some estimates suggest—yet, once identified, the majority of these emissions could be eliminated at no net cost. 

Tropical butterflies “hedge their bets” with mating tactics to adapt to extreme seasons

Butterfly reproduction findings provide key insights into how climate crisis might affect tropical ecosystems  

Scientists generate electricity from ambient moisture using everyday ingredients

An international research team led by scientists at Queen Mary University of London has developed an innovative method to power wearable electronics using ambient moisture and simple, non-toxic materials commonly found in the kitchen.

Queen Mary strengthens UK-Brazil research partnerships

An academic delegation from Queen Mary University of London visited Brazil to explore opportunities for collaboration with universities, research institutes and innovation organisations in areas including AI, health, sustainability and inclusive innovation. 

Innovation paves way to make ‘clean’ chemicals, plastics and food using solar energy

Integrated solar reactor uses sunlight, water, CO2 and engineered bacteria to grow biomass in a single beaker

Tiny insect brain discovery offers a blueprint for faster and more efficient AI and robots

The secret behind insects’ lightning fast reactions could offer a blueprint for more energy efficient robots and self-driving cars, according to a new study challenging our understanding of how brains process information.