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A new study has revealed that non-cognitive skills — such as motivation, curiosity, academic interest, and self-belief — play a key role in translating children’s genetic dispositions into academic achievement.  ( Adobe free stock image) article News story: Children’s motivation and attitudes towards learning play a key role in academic success, study finds
9, June , 2026

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

Because of polar bears, we spent our nights in Svalbard on the ship. This meant a daily hike to our sampling locations, carrying heavy equipment across treacherous terrain. Our polar bear guard came along to keep us safe while we worked.  Picture by Danielle Harris. article News story: Behind the research: Freshwater methane emissions maximised by global warming
5, June , 2026

This "behind-the-research" blog by Mark Trimmer, Professor of Biogeochemistry, takes readers beyond the published findings to reveal the motivations, challenges, and human stories that shaped the study.  

A fresh water stream (adobe free stock) article News story: Freshwater methane emissions maximised by global warming
5, June , 2026

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, global health campaigner and Chair of the international children’s charity Theirworld article News story: Sarah Brown to give plenary address at international preterm birth conference
2, June , 2026

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

A sea anemone - credit Karmannye Chaudhary article News story: Epigenetic changes can be inherited without changing DNA in animals
1, June , 2026

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

Graphical abstract. Credit: Ecological Informatics (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2026.103813 article News story: New AI system could help scientists keep up with the explosion of research papers
28, May , 2026

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.  

Dr Maria Olczak surveys biogas tanks article News story: New European Study Reveals Methane Emissions from Biogas Plants Are Higher Than Previously Estimated – But Most Could Be Easily Reduced
27, May , 2026

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. 

An academic delegation from Queen Mary University of London visited Brazil to explore opportunities for collaboration article News story: Queen Mary strengthens UK-Brazil research partnerships
21, May , 2026

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. 

Nymphalid butterflies in the Peruvian Amazon are adapting their mating behaviour to climate change article News story: Tropical butterflies “hedge their bets” with mating tactics to adapt to extreme seasons
26, May , 2026

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

The structure of the food grade moisture-electric generator (left), a photograph comparing the folded 100-unit MEG array with a commercial AA battery, including mass/form-factor and measured voltage output (middle) article News story: Scientists generate electricity from ambient moisture using everyday ingredients
21, May , 2026

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.

Image shows how solar power can be used to grow E Coli article News story: Innovation paves way to make ‘clean’ chemicals, plastics and food using solar energy
19, May , 2026

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

Field team drilling to extract soil and permafrost samples from the tundra in Svalbard, during winter. Credit: James Bradley article News story: Thawing Arctic soil awakens only half of soil microbes, new study reveals
7, May , 2026

As Arctic temperatures rise, frozen soils are thawing for longer periods—but new research shows this doesn’t fully activate the life hidden underground. Instead, only about half of soil microbes “wake up,” meaning greenhouse gas release depends on which microbes respond, and how quickly, rather than warming alone.  

Insects’ lightning-fast reactions could transform the future of AI and robotics article News story: Tiny insect brain discovery offers a blueprint for faster and more efficient AI and robots
5, May , 2026

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.

A parent's gentle touch stays with us and shapes our future development and wellbeing article News story: How touch and emotion combine to shape our memories and relationships
24, April , 2026

New paper in Neuroscience & Biobehavioural Review proposes first neurobiological model for how emotionally meaningful touch stays in our memory and influences our connections with others.

Professor Tyler Kelly article News story: Championing Inclusion in STEM: Tyler’s Work on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
23, April , 2026

From grassroots activism to national policy influence, Professor Tyler Kelly’s work on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) has been shaped by a long-standing commitment to making universities and research culture safer, fairer and more welcoming for LGBTQ+ people. 

article News story: Queen Mary physicist showcases Higgs boson research in Parliament
20, April , 2026

Early Career Researcher Christos Vergis represents Queen Mary University of London at prestigious STEM for Britain event.

A sweat bee - credit Jeremiah Bender article News story: ‘Chameleon’ bees change colour with the weather
22, April , 2026

Study reveals some bees shift colour depending on humidity – and may explain why the same species can look different across climates.

Crematogaster ant on Macaranga plant article News story: Wasps move in on ant–plant partnership, disrupting a 10‑million‑year mutualism
15, April , 2026

New research reveals unexpected intruders in a classic tropical tree–ant relationship, raising concerns for forest recovery in human‑altered landscapes. 

article News story: From Beijing to London: shaping the next generation of engineers
30, March , 2026

What does it take to become a successful global engineer? For Professor Yue Chen, the answer lies in a journey shaped by curiosity, global experience, and a passion for innovation. As part of our celebration of Women’s History Month, we spotlight her journey from Beijing to a leading academic career in London.  

Image of molecular structure article News story: Delocalised Electronic States: Powering Molecular Photovoltaics
9, March , 2026

Queen Mary Researchers Help Unlock the Secrets Behind 20% Efficient Organic Solar Cells.

Daniel Gill, Emma Hayashibara and Zara Arain Saqlan share their research at the Night of Science and Engineering article News story: Queen Mary PhD Students Champion Neurodivergent Inclusion at Night of Science and Engineering
19, March , 2026

Three Queen Mary University of London PhD students took centre stage at this year’s Night of Science and Engineering, sharing research that pushes forward understanding, equity and inclusion for neurodivergent people.

Prof Colin Bailey welcomes guests to the Night of Science and Engineering 2026 event article News story: Queen Mary’s Night of Science and Engineering celebrates innovation, partnership, and impact
18, March , 2026

Yesterday (Tuesday 17 March) Queen Mary University of London’s Faculty of Science and Engineering welcomed partners, collaborators, and invited guests to its annual Night of Science and Engineering.  

Illustration of motile bacteria encountering a sinking organic particle (“marine snow”), colonizing it, reproducing, and releasing offspring that disperse to search for additional particles. article News story: Why averages fail for bacteria in the open ocean
10, March , 2026

How can bacteria that forage on organic particles survive in vast ocean regions where such particles are extremely sparse? A new study by researchers from Queen Mary University of London and ETH Zurich shows that variability at the level of individual bacteria plays a central role. Using a probabilistic population model linking mathematics and microbiology, the team demonstrates that rare, high-impact encounters sustain bacterial populations even when average conditions suggest decline.

Illustration of three stages in a game of Nim article News story: AI’s game-playing still has flaws, research shows
13, March , 2026

New research published in Machine Learning shows pattern learning is not enough to train AI to tackle games – and abstract representations or hybrid approaches may help.  

article News story: Queen Mary scientists seek to slash carbon footprint of medicine manufacturing through new bio-based solvents.
10, March , 2026

By working with industry partners, bio-based solvents could replace fossil derived materials by the 2030s.

Dr. Dimitrios G. Papageorgiou and Professor Nicola Pugno article News story: Queen Mary University of London spotlights UK–South Korea research links in ultrastrong & lightweight materials
9, March , 2026

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London helped to strengthen international collaboration in Advanced Materials Science through a major UK–South Korea bilateral symposium at The Royal Society focused on Advanced Materials (4-5 March).

Turbines are being shut down because the grid can't accept the energy article News story: Sanity check warns EVs and heat pumps deliver “no proven carbon savings” ahead of 2030 clean power target 
11, February , 2026

New analysis warns that UK electric vehicles and heat pumps are delivering no proven carbon savings — and urges urgent focus on grid capacity, renewables and carbon capture instead. The conclusion: the UK is prioritising the wrong things. 

Turtle on the beach facing the sea under a cloudy sky article News story: Sea turtles are nesting earlier – but producing fewer eggs, less often: new research
12, February , 2026

Climate change is reshaping life on Earth at an unprecedented pace. Across the globe, species are shifting their ranges, altering migration routes and breeding earlier in the year in response to rising temperatures. But while some of these changes appear adaptive, scientists are increasingly finding that hidden costs may undermine long-term survival.

A mountain meadow in the Swiss Alps article News story: “This engine is grinding to a halt” - Nature slowing down as climate change gains pace
10, February , 2026

New research from Queen Mary University of London shows nature’s renewal has “significantly” slowed down with rising temperatures, against expectation

article News story: Queen Mary advances strategic partnership with Thailand
3, February , 2026

Queen Mary University of London has strengthened its international engagement further through a new partnership with King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), following a delegation visit to Bangkok in January 2026. 

Innate biases vary in flexibility and strength. Fixed-action patterns usually have low flexibility and high strength, while early predispositions are weak and plastic. The figure illustrates some innate biases described in the references indicated with specific numbers. Cues position along this spectrum should be interpreted qualitatively. The exact position on the horizontal axis is purely indicative, as predispositions depend on species and context, as shown in this article. article News story: Unsupervised strategies for naive animals: New model of adaptive decision making inspired by baby chicks, turtles and insects
4, February , 2026

Precocial animals, the ones that move autonomously within hours after hatching or birth, have many biases they are born with that help them survive, finds a new Royal Society paper led by Queen Mary University of London. 

Prehistoric cave painting of two Sulawesi warty pigs from Leang Tedongnge Cave, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Dated to at least 45,000 years old, making it one of the oldest known cave art in the world and demonstrates the long-standing relationship between pigs and people in the region. Credit: Adam Brumm (Griffith University) and Adhi Agus Oktaviana (BRIN, Indonesia) article News story: How people moved pigs across the Pacific
5, January , 2026

Genomic study reveals the routes taken by people as they island hopped across Indonesia

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