Researchers analyzed UK wind farms and found that turbines produce three-quarters of their original output after 19 years, compared to a third after ten years. The study suggests that wind farms are an effective long-term investment and can help the UK tackle future energy challenges.
Scientists at Imperial College London have discovered a link between iron deficiency and an increased risk of stroke due to stickier blood cells. Iron deficiency affects around two billion people worldwide and can increase the stickiness of platelets, which initiate blood clotting.
Children exposed to cigarette smoke at home have lower levels of the enzyme HDAC2, which is required for steroid treatment to exert its beneficial effects. This reduces their ability to respond to asthma treatment, leading to increased symptoms and potentially higher doses of steroids.
A team of astronomers has discovered four new galaxy clusters, each containing thousands of individual galaxies, some 10 billion light years away. The clusters are seen as they existed 3 billion years ago, providing insights into the formation of giant elliptical galaxies.
A new drug treatment has been found to be effective against chronic pain caused by nerve damage, including post-herpetic neuralgia. Fifty-eight per cent of participants taking the drug found it effective, reducing pain by at least 30 per cent.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that MDMA decreases activity in the limbic system, which is involved in emotional responses. The results suggest possible clinical uses of MDMA in treating anxiety and PTSD. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers found that variations in non-coding DNA sequences influence insulin-producing cell behavior in people with type 2 diabetes. Genome sequences controlling gene activity were identified, and genetic variants associated with diabetes risk were also linked to these clusters.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism by which bacteria can evade antibiotics, forming 'persisters' that are tolerant to many drugs. The study found Salmonella bacteria forms large numbers of persisters after being engulfed by immune cells, allowing it to survive antibiotic treatment and cause recurrent infections.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that England's universal healthcare system manages blood pressure more equitably across socioeconomic groups compared to the US. In contrast, wealthier Americans are more likely to meet blood pressure targets than poorer patients.
A new method for analyzing biological samples based on their chemical makeup is set to transform the way medical scientists examine diseased tissue. The technology uses mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) to identify tissue types, providing more detailed information than standard histological tests.
Scientists have identified a way to stop malaria parasites from multiplying by targeting the NMT enzyme, which is essential for various processes in the parasite. The discovery raises hopes for new treatments and could be effective against multiple species of malaria parasites.
A study found that the prevalence of atopy, a predisposition towards allergic reactions, jumped from 7% to 20% in villages in southwest Poland between 2003 and 2012. Exposure to farm animals, especially at a young age, is thought to protect against developing allergies.
Researchers at Imperial College London have devised a simple and reliable method to set sustainable hunting quotas for lions. The new algorithm estimates the number of adult males that can be hunted while allowing lion populations to grow, benefiting both conservation efforts and hunters.
Researchers from NASA's Curiosity rover mission found evidence of a calm and fresh-watered lake on Mars that may have supported simple microbial life. The team believes the lake may have lasted for tens or hundreds of thousands of years, providing perfect conditions for chemolithoautotrophs to thrive.
A new study found that dying from a food allergy is less likely than being murdered, with risks of 1.81 in a million and 3.25 in a million for adults and children respectively. The study aimed to put the risk of anaphylaxis into perspective, as anxiety and quality of life impacts are significant concerns.
A new study published in PLOS ONE has found that steroid injections given to pregnant women before premature birth may increase the child's risk of later behavioral and emotional difficulties. The study of over 6,000 children revealed poorer scores on general mental health at ages eight and 16, and a higher likelihood of symptoms of ADHD.
A pooled analysis of 97 prospective studies found that controlling these factors can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke in overweight and obese individuals. High blood pressure poses the biggest risk, accounting for most of the increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
A new study has found that long-term unemployment may accelerate aging in men by shortening their telomeres, which protect genetic code from degradation. This association was found in a study of over 5,600 Finnish men born in 1966.
The Large Underground Xenon (LUX) experiment has reported promising results, validating its design and performance. The detector is now beginning a process to uncover the exact identity of the dark matter particle.
A new study reveals that nearly 17,000 kilometres of road were built in the Brazilian Amazon every year between 2004 and 2007. This expansion had a significant ecological impact, with indirect effects including changes in air and soil temperature, moisture, and animal movement restrictions.
Researchers from Imperial College London have discovered how Mycobacterium tuberculosis tricks the immune system to establish persistent infections. They hope to develop small molecule drugs that can block or destroy the bacteria by targeting these sugar molecules.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a method to produce electronic inks using untangled carbon nanotubes, which are lightweight, strong and conduct electricity. The breakthrough enables the mass production of new applications using these 'wonder materials', including tablet computers and touchscreen phones.
Scientists have developed a new solar panel design that improves efficiency by up to 22% using aluminum studs, which bend and trap light inside the absorbing layer. This technology has the potential to make thin and flexible solar panels available at competitive prices, powering everything from domestic appliances to portable electronics.
A study of retired NFL players found abnormal brain activity in the frontal lobe, which may indicate executive function deficits and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The results suggest that fMRI can detect subtle neurological problems not picked up by standard clinical tests.
Researchers have uncovered tiny changes in plants' physiology that enable advanced photosynthesis, allowing for increased growth rate and water efficiency. This knowledge could be used to breed faster-growing, drought-resistant crops like rice.
Research found a possible link between high levels of aircraft noise and increased risk of heart disease and stroke, with risks around 10-20% higher in areas with highest levels of noise. The study controlled for other factors such as social deprivation and air pollution.
Researchers estimate that Avahan prevented more than half of the infections that would have occurred without the intervention. The initiative targeted high-risk groups with behavioral interventions and adequate provision of prevention commodities.
A study by Imperial College London finds that EU law could reduce tolerance for brown bears in Croatia, leading to increased conflict between humans and bears. The current system involving hunting ensures local support for the animals' survival, but EU legislation may disrupt this.
Researchers found differences in brain structure between ballet dancers and rowers that enable dancers to suppress signals from the balance organs, allowing them to perform pirouettes without feeling dizzy. This adaptation may help improve treatment for patients with chronic dizziness.
Researchers used the 2009 pandemic to study why some people resisted severe illness, finding that those with more virus-killing immune cells were protected. A vaccine targeting these cells could prevent flu viruses from causing serious disease.
Researchers have identified exactly how propofol interacts with brain cells to achieve a pain-free state. The study's findings may help design new versions of the drug that reduce risks and improve patient safety. By understanding how propofol works, scientists can develop alternative anesthetics with fewer side effects.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered that icy comets collide with planets to produce amino acids, essential building blocks of life. The discovery provides another piece to the puzzle of how life was kick-started on Earth and suggests that these building blocks can be assembled anywhere in the Solar System.
A new study found that combining multiple medications into one pill improves medication adherence and reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The study involved 2,004 participants in the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, and India, with polypill users taking medications regularly by a third more than usual care.
A new species of fungus has ravaged fire salamander populations in the Netherlands, killing over 90% of the original population. The fungus, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, can rapidly kill fire salamanders and is thought to have originated from elsewhere in the world.
A new study published in Neurology found that over half of stroke patients have undiagnosed attention problems, which can be addressed with tailored computer games. The study identified three types of attention problems linked to specific brain regions affected by the stroke.
Metabolic fingerprinting looks at metabolite levels in blood, urine, or tissue to analyze tumor development and growth. This technique can improve diagnosis accuracy alongside existing imaging methods.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that walking to work cuts the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure by 40% compared to driving. People who walk or cycle to work are also less likely to be overweight, with cyclists being half as likely to have diabetes as drivers.
Scientists discovered ancient melting of East Antarctic ice sheet 5-3 million years ago during Pliocene Epoch, causing sea levels to rise 20 meters. This finding provides insights into future sea level rise due to global warming.
A team of researchers from Imperial College London has developed a map of a typical bird brain, showing how different regions are connected to process information. They discovered that areas important for high-level cognition, such as long-term memory and problem-solving, have similar wiring patterns to those in human brains.
Researchers developed an 'intelligent knife' that can identify cancerous tissues during surgery, providing instant results. The technology, called iKnife, was tested on 91 patients and showed 100% accurate diagnosis, potentially reducing tumour recurrence rates and improving patient outcomes.
A new study found that DNA abnormalities, specifically clonal mosaic events, are more common in people with type 2 diabetes than the general population. This increase in CMEs may partly explain why individuals with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of blood cancers like lymphoma and leukaemia.
A new study has revealed that the COX-2 enzyme is largely absent from major blood vessels, instead found in brain, kidney, thymus, and gut. This knowledge paves the way for the development of safer, more targeted drugs for arthritis patients with fewer side effects.
Researchers found lower dopamine levels in long-term cannabis users compared to non-users, suggesting a possible link between cannabis use and motivation issues. The study also suggests that cannabis use may be the cause of altered dopamine systems, which could explain increased risk of mental illnesses like schizophrenia.
Researchers at Imperial College London found that patients with timely access to GP appointments made fewer A&E visits. The study analyzed data from a national survey of patients' experiences of GP practices in 2010-11, revealing a 10.2% lower rate of A&E visits for the best-accessed practices compared to those with the worst access.
The number of children admitted to hospital for obesity-related conditions quadrupled between 2000 and 2009, primarily due to complications such as asthma and pregnancy. Teenage girls were disproportionately affected, with a significant rise in bariatric surgery procedures.
People in India who walk or cycle to work are less likely to be overweight or obese, have diabetes or high blood pressure. The study found similar patterns for rates of high blood pressure and diabetes, highlighting the importance of active modes of transport.
A study published in the British Medical Journal found that patients undergoing planned surgery are more likely to die if they have their operation at the end of the week. The mortality rate was lowest for patients having operations on Monday and increased for each subsequent day of the week, with a significant increase on Fridays.
A 505 million-year-old fossil, Kooteninchela deppi, discovered in British Columbia, is a distant ancestor of lobsters and scorpions. Its 'scissor hand-like' claws were named after Johnny Depp's starring role in Edward Scissorhands.
Researchers at Imperial College London found that middle-aged individuals with higher body fat experience stiffer arteries. This stiffness can lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death.
Scientists at Imperial College London have identified four new receptors for the signalling molecule c-di-AMP, which is essential for bacterial growth and division. The discovery provides vital clues for developing new antibiotics targeting these pathways.