A team from Imperial College London and University of Barcelona used astronomical surveys to measure the baryon acoustic oscillation scale, a standard distance central to the universe's expansion. The study suggests current methods for measuring distance are more complicated than needed, offering a data-driven approach to cosmology.
Researchers at Imperial College London discovered a possible way to identify which patients should avoid using COX-2 inhibitors, a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), due to increased heart attack risk. The study found that COX-2 inhibitors raise levels of ADMA, an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at Imperial College London discovered an ingredient, inulin-propionate ester (IPE), that stimulates gut hormones to reduce hunger and prevent weight gain. The study found that IPE supplementation reduced body weight and fat accumulation in overweight volunteers.
A team at Imperial College London identified a brain mechanism that senses glucose levels and prompts animals to seek more if it detects a shortfall. The researchers believe this mechanism may play a role in humans' preference for sweet and starchy foods.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered the mechanisms behind 'Mexican waves' in the brain, which play a key role in cognitive function. The study sheds light on how inhibitory neurons use different communication processes to excitatory neurons.
Researchers from Imperial College London propose that spacetime curvature provided stability for the universe to survive expansion after the Big Bang. The team investigated the interaction between Higgs particles and gravity, finding even a small interaction could stabilize the universe.
A century on, researchers found WWI surgeons couldn't effectively treat amputation-related pain, despite advancements in prosthetic technology. Phantom limb pain, common among survivors, remains poorly understood and difficult to manage.
Cyprus faced a €17 billion bailout after a 100% GDP increase and bank bail. Overconfidence led to poor choices in public finances, delays in EU assistance, and unsustainable policies.
A pilot study testing a new type of drug for patients with chronic diarrhoea found that the drug obeticholic acid showed promising effects on reducing symptoms. The treatment was generally well tolerated and improved symptoms in primary BAD patients and some secondary BAD patients, but not those with other causes of chronic diarrhoea.
Researchers developed a new test called ADNEX to accurately diagnose ovarian tumours and choose the most appropriate treatment. The test uses clinical information, tumour marker blood tests, and ultrasound scan features to discriminate between benign and malignant tumours with high accuracy.
Scientists at Imperial College London have created a light-activated drug that stimulates insulin release from pancreatic cells in response to blue light, potentially reducing side effects and improving blood sugar control. The drug, JB253, is reversible and can be switched on for short periods after meals.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new cancer drug, DTP3, that selectively kills multiple myeloma cells without causing toxicity. The drug works by stopping the NF-kB pathway, which allows cancer cells to multiply, and has been awarded funding for clinical trials in patients with multiple myeloma.
Researchers at Imperial College London have taken pictures of the BRCA2 protein, showing how it repairs damaged DNA and interacts with other proteins. The study reveals that BRCA2 works in pairs with RAD51 to assemble filaments on broken DNA strands.
Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism that could explain why the common cold can bring on life-threatening asthma attacks. A small molecule called IL-25 may play a central role in triggering these attacks, and blocking it could potentially produce a much greater therapeutic effect.
Researchers at Imperial College London have created a 'global map' of proteins modified by the disease-causing enzyme N-myristoyltransferase (NMT), identifying over 100 previously unknown substrates. The study holds promise for new cancer treatments, with a potent drug-like molecule already identified to block NMT's activity.
A study by Imperial College London found that xenon gas limits brain damage and improves neurological outcomes in mice, both short-term and long-term. The findings suggest that xenon could be a potential treatment for head injuries in humans.
Research by Imperial College London combining 12 previous studies shows social networking programmes have achieved modest but significant results in helping participants lose weight. The programme provides a community of support from clinicians and peers, empowering patients to be more proactive in their treatment.
Researchers have engineered E. coli bacteria to generate renewable propane, providing a potential alternative to fossil fuels. The production of propane is achieved through the use of specific enzymes that convert fatty acids into hydrocarbons.
A new study suggests that conserving the precious Atlantic Forest in Brazil could be achieved by investing US$198 million per year, equivalent to 0.01% of the country's annual GDP. This would require setting aside land for reforestation and preserving at least 30% of native habitat to maintain current levels of biodiversity.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in older people, reducing daytime sleepiness and healthcare costs. The study found that CPAP can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of road accidents, heart disease, and other conditions associated with OSA.
A new clinical trial has been initiated to assess gene therapy for patients with heart pumps, with the goal of improving heart function. The trial will evaluate the effectiveness of a gene therapy that increases SERCA2a protein levels in heart muscle cells, providing potential relief from advanced heart failure.
A pilot study using stem cells extracted from patients' bone marrow shows promising results in treating acute stroke. The therapy was found to be safe and improved clinical measures of disability in all five patients.
A study published in Fire Safety Science found that wind turbines experience a significant number of fires annually, with estimates suggesting ten times more fires than reported. The research highlights the need for improved fire protection engineering solutions to address this issue.
Researchers have successfully used kisspeptin to stimulate ovulation in women undergoing IVF treatment, reducing the risk of OHSS. Twelve babies were born after their mothers received the hormone injection, with 12 becoming pregnant and nine having healthy embryos transferred.
Scientists have designed a new self-assembling nanoparticle that targets tumours to improve MRI scanning's effectiveness and sensitivity. The particle increases the signal power and clarity of images, allowing doctors to detect cancerous cells earlier.
A new study found that injecting a type of polio vaccine, which is rarely used today, can provide better and longer-lasting protection against infection when combined with the oral vaccine. The research suggests that this type of vaccine could be used to boost immunity in people traveling from or to polio-infected countries.
Researchers at Imperial College London found a link between specific urine metabolites and spontaneous premature birth. Decreased levels of certain molecules were associated with poor fetal development and increased risk of diabetes.
A study published in BMJ Open found that preterm babies admitted to high volume neonatal units have a lower risk of dying compared to those admitted to low volume units. High volume units provide more care days, which may contribute to better clinical outcomes for vulnerable infants.
Researchers found that psilocybin alters brain activity, increasing entropy in primitive networks linked to emotions and memory. The study suggests a physical representation of the 'mind expansion' experience, providing insight into psychedelic drugs' effects on consciousness.
Researchers estimated 5.77 million A&E visits in England were preceded by inability to get a timely GP appointment, representing 26.5% of unplanned attendances. The study aimed to inform the debate on rising A&E attendances and lack of access to GPs.
Researchers from Imperial College London and GNS Science have discovered that tsunami earthquakes may be caused by extinct undersea volcanoes causing a 'sticking point' between tectonic plates. This release of energy led to the formation of large tsunamis, as seen in rare events off New Zealand's north island in 1947.
Researchers found that social media users are less likely to endorse products on platforms like Facebook due to fear of negative comments. However, sharing opinions with close friends and family can boost self-esteem, making them more willing to do so.
Researchers from Imperial College London have developed a method to distort the sex ratio of Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, eradicating female populations that transmit malaria. The genetically modified mosquitoes produced 95% male offspring, eliminating entire wild-type populations in six generations.
A new study finds that grey squirrels' genetic diversity directly impacts their ability to invade and spread across European environments. The research reveals that small founding population sizes result in reduced genetic diversity, hindering the squirrels' capacity for invasion.
A study found that as Europe warms, communities of butterflies and dragonflies consist of more lighter-colored species, which are better adapted to the changing climate. Lighter-colored insects can reflect sunlight and regulate their body temperature, giving them an advantage over darker-colored species.
A new report estimates that business activities conducted by informal entrepreneurs can make up over 80% of total economic activity in developing countries. The study found that Indonesia has the highest rate of shadow economy entrepreneurs, with a ratio of over 130 to every legally registered business.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a way to physically prove a 1934 theory that turned light into matter by smashing two particles of light together. The 'photon-photon collider' experiment uses existing technology to recreate a process important in the universe's first 100 seconds.
Achieving globally-agreed targets for six important health risks between 2010 and 2025 can reduce deaths caused by the big-four chronic diseases: cancers, diabetes, lung disease, and cardiovascular disease. The study finds that targeting smoking and blood pressure will lead to the largest health benefits.
Scientists have found that bacteria can undergo two distinct types of recombination, which enables them to evade vaccines and become drug-resistant. The study, published in PLoS Genetics, used DNA sequencing data to reconstruct an evolutionary tree for pneumococcus bacteria.
Researchers have identified a section of the anthrax toxin Lethal Factor that could help produce a more effective vaccine. A 10-year study found that this protein elicits a highly effective immune response and works across a wide range of people, making it a promising target for future vaccines.
Researchers identified a distinctive genetic signature in the blood of children with tuberculosis, allowing for over 80% accurate diagnosis. The discovery could lead to a cheap and effective diagnostic test to start treatment earlier and prevent unnecessary treatment.
Researchers at Imperial College London identified an anti-appetite molecule called acetate, naturally released when we digest fibre in the gut, which produces a signal to stop eating. The study found that acetate reduces appetite and could inform potential methods to prevent weight gain.
The atlas provides maps of 14 diseases and conditions, alongside environmental agents such as air pollution and pesticides. It highlights areas with consistent patterns of lower relative health risks, including central London and North Norfolk.
Researchers develop software to identify patients at risk of bleeding from stroke treatment, which could help doctors make more accurate assessments and treat more patients. The program uses pattern recognition software similar to airport security to analyze brain scans and predict the likelihood of bleeding with high accuracy.
Researchers have discovered a way of reducing the fertility of malaria-carrying mosquitoes by targeting an enzyme called HPX15. This could provide a new tactic to combat the disease, potentially leading to a reduction in the number of malaria-carrying mosquitoes in circulation.
A new discovery identifies a key protein called PCAF that promotes nerve growth in the central nervous system, leading to increased nerve fibers regrowing. The study suggests that PCAF may be used to trigger nerve regeneration and potentially lead to recovery from spinal cord injury or brain trauma.
Researchers found that warmer summers will cause more deaths in London and southeast England than the rest of the country. The odds of dying from cardiovascular or respiratory causes increased by over 10% for every 1C rise in temperature in these regions.
A recent clinical trial has found that statins can slow the progression of advanced multiple sclerosis, a disease that gradually causes patients to become more disabled. The study showed that patients taking simvastatin achieved better scores on movement tests and questionnaires compared to those on a placebo.
A new study found that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to become obese and sedentary teenagers. The research followed almost 7000 children in Finland and found those with ADHD symptoms at age eight had significantly higher odds of being obese at age 16.
A new analysis has found that babies born by caesarean section are more likely to be overweight or obese as adults. The odds of being overweight or obese are 26 per cent higher for adults born by caesarean section than those born by vaginal delivery, according to the study.