Researchers found a protein called FUS that inhibits prostate cancer cell growth and activates pathways leading to cell suicide. Higher levels of FUS correlate with less aggressive cancer and longer survival.
Researchers from Imperial College London found that children are about three times more likely to transmit flu to those of the same gender. The study also showed that sitting next to an infected person does not significantly increase a child's risk of catching flu. This comprehensive analysis will help make more accurate models for pre...
A contagious cancer found in dogs, wolves, and coyotes can repair its genetic mutations by adopting genes from its host animal. The cancer steals tiny DNA-containing powerhouses called mitochondria from infected cells to incorporate as its own.
Researchers at Imperial College London have identified a protein called IRF5 that acts as a molecular switch controlling whether macrophages promote or inhibit inflammation. Blocking IRF5 production may treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers from Imperial College London have developed technology that could sequence a human genome in mere minutes, potentially unlocking personal susceptibility to diseases. The technology uses nanopores and could lead to fast, inexpensive genome sequencing with numerous benefits for medical tests and DNA profiles.
A new study by Dr Ole Peters from Imperial College London finds that the use of flawed risk assessment methods can lead to excessive leveraging and market volatility. Time averaging provides a more accurate prediction for real-world investment outcomes, highlighting the need for better risk management strategies.
Researchers discover parasites within the fungus help it adapt and overcome plant defenses, leading to rapid evolution and devastating impact on agricultural yield. The study could lead to significant advances in developing new agricultural techniques for protecting cereal crops from infection.
Researchers from Imperial College London have developed a space-time cloak that can conceal events, making it theoretically possible for objects to move undetected. The cloak exploits metamaterials to create undetectable blind spots in light or sound waves.
Researchers have discovered a way to correct for errors in quantum computers, allowing them to work with a quarter of faulty or missing qubits. The findings bring scientists one step closer to designing and building real-life quantum computing systems that could revolutionize fields like drug design and code-breaking.
Researchers found that early humans developed relatively advanced tools only after their brains evolved a greater capacity for complex thought, according to a new study. The team used computer modeling and sensors embedded in gloves to assess the complex hand skills required for tool-making during the Lower Palaeolithic period.
A study of 70 babies' brain scans found that their brains already have adult-equivalent networks at birth, including the default mode network involved in introspection. The research suggests that conscious introspection may be more complex than previously thought, with other factors also playing a role.
Research by Imperial College London and UCSF suggests that anti-inflammatory drugs could help prevent cognitive problems after surgery. The study found that a specific inflammatory response in the brain triggers memory loss, and targeting this response with TNF inhibitors may be an effective treatment approach.
Researchers from Imperial College London describe a tabletop instrument that produces synchrotron X-rays with energy and quality comparable to some of the largest X-ray facilities in the world. This development could enable more precise investigations at higher resolutions, benefiting scientific and medical advances.
A variant of last year's pandemic influenza linked to fatal cases carried a mutation that enabled it to infect a different subset of cells lining the airway, impairing the lungs' clearing mechanism. The study suggests that this mutant virus could have made the illness more severe and fatal.
Two strains of the Anopheles gambiae mosquito are becoming genetically distinct, potentially rendering current control methods ineffective against one strain. The research highlights the need for targeted strategies to monitor and adapt to these genetic changes.
A new study published in Nature found that a decline in the Sun's activity may cause the Earth to become warmer, contrary to previous expectations. The research suggests that an increase in solar activity may actually cool the planet, rather than warm it.
Researchers found a link between psychosis and an abnormal connection between dopamine and glutamate in the brain, suggesting new treatment approaches for schizophrenia. The study, funded by the MRC, may lead to better drugs for preventing psychotic symptoms.
A large-scale genetic study of 26,000 people has identified seven locations on the genome where differences in the genetic code are associated with asthma. The findings suggest that allergies may be a consequence of asthma rather than a cause, and that genetic testing is unlikely to predict who will develop the disease.
Physicists have discovered a method to test string theory, a fundamental concept that attempts to reconcile quantum mechanics and general relativity. The breakthrough enables researchers to verify string theory's predictions about entangled quantum particles.
A new study published in Thorax journal reveals that the introduction of a vaccine to combat bacterial pneumonia has led to a significant decrease in hospital admissions for children under 15 years old. The number of admissions decreased by 19% over two years, with a corresponding reduction in empyema cases.
A new study proposes a 20-year plan to revive nuclear energy, aiming to replace aging power plants with efficient mini-reactors. The researchers suggest new reactor designs could use uranium more efficiently, reducing waste and ensuring energy security.
A large-scale genetic study identified key genetic markers linked to developing meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. The research suggests innate differences in natural defences leave individuals vulnerable to the bacteria.
Scientists have discovered a unique blob-like creature called Drakozoon, which lived in the ocean approximately 425 million years ago. The creature's 3D model reveals it had eight deep ridges on its body, supporting the theory that early creatures were made of repeated units.
A 33-year study found that climate change is causing yellow-bellied marmots to grow fatter and healthier due to longer summers. This shift allows them to reproduce earlier and survive the winter, leading to an increase in population size.
A new study analyzing interactions between players in a virtual universe game has provided large-scale evidence to prove an 80-year-old psychological theory called Structural Balance Theory. The research shows that individuals tend to avoid stress-causing relationships when they develop a society, resulting in more stable social networks.
Research from Imperial College London found that oil spills can partially block the ocean's natural filtration system, leading to increased arsenic levels in seawater. This can disrupt photosynthesis, genetic alterations, and animal life, creating a toxic threat to aquatic life and ecosystems.
A new study published in Energy Policy suggests that reducing electricity consumption can have a significant impact on carbon dioxide emissions from power stations, with some studies showing rates as high as 0.69 kilograms of CO2 per kilowatt hour, 60% higher than the current estimated figure.
A new study has shown that a vaccine-derived strain of poliovirus can be as easily transmitted and likely to cause severe disease as wild-type poliovirus. Vaccination with trivalent OPV is highly effective in preventing paralysis by this serotype 2 cVDPV, making it crucial for efforts to eradicate polio continue.
A study by Imperial College London found no association between mothers living near mobile phone base stations during pregnancy and their child's risk of developing cancer before age five. The researchers analyzed data from almost 7,000 children and estimated radio frequency exposures to mobile phone base stations over nine months of p...
New research reveals that plate history plays a crucial role in determining volcanic activity, contrary to previous assumptions about mantle temperature. The study found that some regions experienced more volcanic activity than others despite similar geological conditions.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a distinctive chemical fingerprint in the urine of children with autism, which could lead to a simple non-invasive test for early diagnosis. This finding has the potential to improve the progress of autistic children by enabling them to receive advanced behavioral therapy earlier.
A new study published in PLoS Biology calls for the public's help in collecting bird sighting data, which is crucial for monitoring biodiversity. The researchers highlight that current data on common species is scarce, making it difficult to establish a 'biodiversity baseline', and urge citizens to record their sightings online.
A new international trial is testing a 1-a-day combined 'polypill' to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The Red Heart Pill contains low-dose aspirin, statins, and blood pressure-lowering medicines, potentially saving millions of lives across the world by making cardiovascular drugs more accessible to low-income countries.
A new study reveals that the human immune system's defences against dengue fever can actually help the virus infect more cells. This finding could lead to the development of an effective vaccine by avoiding certain antibodies produced in response to the virus.
A new 16-year study found that a single flexible sigmoidoscopy examination in men and women aged 55-64 reduced bowel cancer incidence by a third. The test halved incidence in the lower bowel, leading to a 43% reduction in mortality. Researchers believe screening with this procedure could save thousands of lives.
A new decades-long study will investigate the health impacts of mobile phone use on at least 250,000 participants in five European countries. The COSMOS study aims to identify any possible health effects from long-term mobile phone use and will monitor participants' health for up to 30 years.
Researchers discovered yeast cells can decide to mate within two minutes of meeting due to a chemical change on a single protein. This process is controlled by the concentration of pheromones in the environment, which triggers mating if sufficient.
A new switch has been discovered that enables Salmonella bacteria to sabotage host cells, allowing it to replicate and establish an infection. This finding could lead to the development of drugs to combat Salmonella-related diseases.
Scientists at Imperial College London have created a comprehensive 3D model of a fossilized cockroach ancestor, Archimylacris eggintoni, which lived around 300 million years ago. The study reveals the physical traits that helped it thrive on the forest floor, including sticky structures on its legs and claws for climbing.
Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation associated with motor neurone disease that causes proteins to clump together in motor neurones, leading to their death. The new finding provides strong evidence for protein aggregation as the underlying cause of MND.
Researchers at Imperial College London discovered that natural killer cells use membrane nanotubes to ensnare and destroy tumour cells and virus-infected cells. This new mechanism increases the cells' chance of killing their target cells from a distance, significantly improving cancer treatment options.
A panel of international experts confirms that an asteroid collision caused the Cretaceous-Tertiary mass extinction, which killed off the dinosaurs and over half of Earth's species. The Chicxulub asteroid impact triggered a global winter, causing widespread destruction and paving the way for mammals to dominate the planet.
Researchers have developed a new nanoscale scanning technique that provides unprecedented insight into the surface of individual heart muscle cells in minute detail. The findings may lead to better-designed beta-blockers and improved therapeutic approaches for treating heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms.
A new study published in PLoS ONE suggests that badger culling is unlikely to be a cost-effective way of helping control cattle TB in Britain. The research found that the benefits of repeated widespread badger culling disappear within four years after the culling has ended, resulting in significant financial losses for farmers.
Researchers at Imperial College London have made a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to new treatments for conditions like deep vein thrombosis and haemophilia A. The study found that factor VIII, a key protein in blood clotting, is produced by lung blood vessels rather than just the liver.
Scientists at Imperial College London are developing a composite material that can store and discharge electrical energy, making it ideal for use in hybrid vehicles. The material could reduce the number of batteries needed, leading to a 15% reduction in car weight and improved range.
A study published in Nature found that around seven in every thousand morbidly obese people are missing a section of their DNA containing approximately 30 genes. This genetic variation is linked to severe obesity and can be identified through genetic testing.
Researchers have grown a crystal that reveals the structure of integrase, an enzyme found in HIV, and how it interacts with antiretroviral drugs. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments for HIV by understanding how existing drugs work and how to improve them.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that mixed-handed children are twice as likely to have difficulties with language and perform poorly in school compared to their right-handed peers. They also showed higher risk of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, especially at adolescence.
A recent study found that midwife toads living in mountain regions are highly susceptible to a serious fungal infection called chytridiomycosis, which can lead to up to 100% mortality rates. Conservationists may be able to limit the impact of the disease by ensuring tourists do not transfer it between lakes.