A field study found pesticide exposure can impact bumblebee colonies, reducing queen and male production, which underpins colony success. The study provided a controlled method to assess long-term effects of pesticides on colony health.
Researchers have prevented the development of Alzheimer's disease in mice by using a virus to deliver a specific gene, PGC-1 - alpha, into the brain. The study opens avenues for potential new treatments for the disease and suggests that injections of the gene may be beneficial in the early stages of the disease.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a feedback mechanism that protects photosystem II from damage caused by light and oxygen. This new regulatory mechanism involves the release of bicarbonate, which slows down water-splitting reactions and prevents enzyme damage.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new sensor material that can detect biological signals, including heartbeats and brainwaves, with enhanced sensitivity. The material uses an ambipolar design, allowing for the transport of both electrons and holes, which enables improved signal detection in water-based environments.
A low-cost device called gripAble enables severely paralysed patients to play arm-training games, increasing movement control by 50% compared to standard methods. The device uses novel technology to detect tiny movements and channel them into controlling a computer game.
Researchers created Renewables.ninja to estimate renewable energy output using 30 years of weather data. The tool predicts wind speed and sunlight at any location, allowing for more accurate estimates of energy generation. It has already been used to analyze Europe-wide solar and wind output and is being used by companies like RWE.
A new study suggests that the dengue vaccine can prime the immune system to make future infections more severe, particularly in people who have never been exposed before. The research recommends testing individuals before vaccination to minimize risks and maximize benefits.
A study found that naturally-occurring sugars in breast milk, particularly lacto-n-difucohexaose I, may protect babies against Group B streptococcus infection. Women who produced this sugar were less likely to have the bacteria in their gut and their babies were also less likely to get it from birth.
A new study suggests that the number of tuberculosis cases in India could be up to two to three times higher than current estimates. The research found that many people opt for treatment from private healthcare providers, which usually fail to report TB cases to public health officials.
Scientists have identified two genes that are switched on only when a child is suffering from a bacterial infection. A rapid test based on these genes has been developed to diagnose bacterial infections, which could help combat antibiotic resistance and save lives.
Researchers found that logged forests can retain high levels of mammal diversity, especially for small mammals, and should be better protected. However, oil palm plantations show significant losses in diversity for both large and small mammals.
Researchers at Imperial College London have found a way to kill MRSA bacteria by disrupting its salt regulation mechanism. By understanding how the bacteria cope with salt stress, scientists hope to develop a treatment that prevents food poisoning and works alongside conventional antibiotics.
Researchers propose deep underground rocks excavated by meteorite blasts as a promising place to find organic compounds indicative of past or present life on Mars. However, they found that some types of organic compounds are destroyed by impact pressures, while others undergo chemical changes but remain resistant.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a way to bind light to a single electron, merging their properties. This breakthrough could lead to the development of robust photonic circuits that are less vulnerable to disruption.
Researchers at Imperial College London found a significant association between thicker cervical stitch threads and increased rates of premature birth and intrauterine death. The study suggests that switching to thinner threads could prevent up to 170,000 premature births globally every year.
A new study from Imperial College London and the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia found that a 'screen-and-treat' programme for hepatitis B can reduce deadly complications of the virus. The initiative is cost-effective and feasible in Sub-Saharan Africa, where around 80 million people are infected.
A new study from Imperial College London found that the flu vaccine may significantly reduce the likelihood of hospitalization with stroke and heart failure in people with type 2 diabetes. Patients who received the influenza vaccination had a 24% lower death rate compared to those who weren't vaccinated.
A new study from Imperial College London predicts that the current Zika epidemic in Latin America will burn itself out within two to three years due to herd immunity. The team's analysis also concludes that large-scale transmission is unlikely to restart for at least another ten years.
Researchers found that High Intensity Focused Ultrasound can selectively target and destroy placental blood vessels, potentially enabling a non-invasive procedure to separate the placenta in TTTS. The technique could reduce chance of complications and improve outcomes for affected twins.
Researchers found that viral hepatitis is now a leading cause of death and disability globally, killing at least 1.45 million people annually, surpassing TB, malaria, and HIV/AIDS. The disease burden is more evenly divided between high- and low-income countries.
A new study from Imperial College London reveals that patient complaints can have a profound impact on doctors' psychological wellbeing. The research found that many doctors experience feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, and even suicidal thoughts after receiving complaints.
A new study suggests that a powdered food supplement, based on a molecule produced by bacteria in the gut, can reduce cravings for high-calorie foods like chocolate and pizza. The supplement, called inulin-propionate ester, releases more propionate than other fiber supplements, which signals to the brain to reduce appetite.
A study from Imperial College London found that previous exposure to the dengue virus may increase the potency of Zika infection, potentially leading to more severe symptoms. The research suggests that the Zika virus uses the body's own defences as a 'Trojan horse', allowing it to enter human cells undetected and replicate rapidly.
A new study reveals that male sparrows can distinguish between their faithful and unfaithful partners. When paired with an unfaithful female, males provide less food for their chicks. The research suggests that males make this decision based on the partner's behavior during fertile periods rather than detecting which chicks are theirs.
Recent studies suggest that many planets orbiting M dwarf stars, which are similar in size to Earth, may retain thick atmospheres due to their strong gravity, making them inhospitable to life. However, smaller planets comparable to Venus or Mars could potentially lose these atmospheres through evaporation.
The number of people who have tried e-cigarettes has almost doubled in two years, according to a new European-wide study. The proportion of people who consider e-cigarettes dangerous has also increased, with nearly half of Europeans now having tried the devices.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a method to predict avulsions in river deltas, which can cause flooding and destruction. The team used experimental flooding conditions to confirm the key factors contributing to avulsion locations.
A new study predicts that Totten Glacier in Antarctica may cross a critical threshold within the next century, triggering an irreversible period of rapid retreat and contributing up to 2.9m to global sea-level rise. The glacier's instability is linked to its geology, which will become unstable if it retreats another 100-150km.
Researchers at Imperial College London have created a computer simulation of gene expression interactions, revealing the sequence of events that lead to genes being switched on. This breakthrough could lead to the design of molecules that interfere with or disrupt the process, potentially tackling diseases.
A new study published in Diabetes Care found that babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes have 16% more body fat at two months old compared to babies born to healthy mothers. The research used MRI scanning to measure body fat in 86 babies, revealing significant differences in body composition despite no differences at birth.
Scientists capture direct measurements of electron movement in magnetic reconnection, shedding light on geomagnetic storms and auroras. The MMS Mission provides unprecedented insights into the explosive phenomenon, which plays a key role in disrupting communications systems and satellites.
A team of researchers has developed a method to image molecular movement in real-time, revealing the fundamental processes of a chemical reaction. This breakthrough allows scientists to study the structure and behavior of proteins at the atomic level, shedding light on the chemistry necessary for life.
Scientists at Imperial College London have created high-performance microporous polymer membranes with enhanced permeability and selectivity. These membranes can efficiently separate gases and liquids, reducing energy consumption and pollution, with potential applications in oil purification, desalination, and CO2 capture.
Researchers from Imperial College London have visualized the effects of LSD on the human brain for the first time, revealing complex changes in brain activity that underlie psychedelic experiences. The study found that LSD alters the way brain networks process information, leading to a more integrated and unified brain state.
Researchers at Imperial College London found that a protein called MARK4 enables cancer cells to break free and move around the body. A silencer molecule called miR-515-5p helps silence the gene that produces MARK4, preventing cancer cells from spreading.
A new study reveals that a more primitive form of photosynthesis evolved in much older bacteria than previously thought, dating back to around 3.5 billion years ago. This type of photosynthesis does not produce oxygen and uses molecules such as hydrogen or iron as fuel.
Researchers at Imperial College London have visualized bacteria motors with electron microscopes, revealing differences in swimming power and torque. These findings explain why some bacteria can swim through thick mucus while others cannot.
A new app aims to inform and remind pregnant women about vaccination options, particularly flu and whooping cough, to protect both mothers and babies. The MatImms app provides personalized schedules, explains vaccine benefits, and addresses concerns, with the goal of increasing vaccination rates.
A new study published in The BMJ reviewed data from 37 trials on infant hydrolysed milk formula and found no statistically significant reduction in the risk of conditions such as eczema, wheezing, or food allergies. The research also revealed conflicts of interest in many studies due to financial links with baby formula manufacturers.
The report emphasizes that patient harm is preventable with a systems-based approach, empowering patients and staff to take ownership of safety. The reports also suggest the need for standardized incident reporting methods and effective training to improve patient safety.
Researchers at Imperial College London found that the brain processes large numbers in the left side of the brain and small numbers on the right. The study's findings could lead to more effective rehabilitation techniques for patients with brain damage and treatments for conditions like dyscalculia.
A fossilized femur bone has revealed the massive size of an abelisaur, potentially one of the largest ever found. The discovery helps researchers determine the maximum sizes these dinosaurs may have reached during their peak.
Despite increased demand, medical professionals are unable to recommend vaginal seeding due to the lack of evidence. Research suggests a potential risk of transferring harmful bacteria to the baby via swabbing, and there is currently only one ongoing study into its effects.
Concentrations of iron similar to those delivered through standard treatments can trigger DNA damage within 10 minutes, when given to cells in the laboratory. Researchers from Imperial College London suggest that standard treatment dosages may be causing cell damage, highlighting the need for careful consideration of iron levels.
A new study found that exposure to air pollution more than 30 years ago can still affect an individual's mortality risk today. The research, published in the journal Thorax, estimated air pollution levels in areas where individuals lived in 1971, 1981, 1991 and 2001, using historic air quality measurements.
A recent study published in Neurology has revealed that protein clumps associated with Alzheimer's disease are found in the brains of people who have had a head injury. These clumps, called amyloid plaques, were found to be present in patients over a decade after the injury.
A new study shows that logging in tropical rainforests creates micro-environments that black rats love, facilitating their invasion into the habitat. This can lead to displacement of native small mammals and have negative impacts on the forest ecosystem.
A new study reveals that grey squirrels may not be as hardy as thought and were helped more by humans in their conquest of the British Isles. The research shows that different populations are genetically distinct, tracing human intervention in their movement to new areas.
A new study from Imperial College London found that easier access to GP appointments for children is associated with a reduced use of emergency departments. The study suggests that even small increases in access could prevent significant numbers of emergency department visits, highlighting the importance of GP provision.
A new analysis suggests that placing plastic collectors near coasts is more beneficial for removing microplastics and preventing harm to wildlife and ecosystems. The study found that this approach could remove up to 31% of microplastics, compared to just 17% if all collectors were deployed within the Great Pacific garbage patch.