Researchers developed a non-invasive imaging technique to visualize cardiac micro-vessels in high resolution, enabling better understanding of cardiovascular diseases. The study improves diagnosis and treatment of conditions like microvascular coronary disease and cardiomyopathies.
Researchers found that secure boundaries promote collective conservation practices and limit over-harvesting, but perceived high risk of theft from neighbors leads to looser harvest limits. Community members impose their own limits on harvesting via conservation committees when borders are secure.
Experts argue that voluntary corporate emissions targets are not enough to create real climate action, as they may favor larger existing companies and hinder innovation. The authors suggest updating regulations to improve corporate climate ambition.
A new study reveals that ocean acidification changes the mix of microbes in coral reef systems, which can be used as an early indicator of ecosystem stress. The research suggests a novel measurement approach by analyzing microbial communities alongside larger organisms.
For the first time, scientists have created a system that interfaces two key components of quantum networks: quantum information creation and storage. The team used regular optical fibres to transmit quantum data, enabling long-distance communication and paving the way for distributed computing and secure communication.
A UK study of over 650 patients hospitalised with severe COVID-19 found distinct patterns of inflammation in the blood that could be targeted by immune therapies. The research suggests existing drugs modulating the immune system may help treat long COVID.
The researchers developed a process to engineer bacteria to grow sustainable textiles with their own pigment. They created shoe and wallet prototypes using the new material, which has potential for various colors and patterns. The self-dyeing leather alternative could solve environmental problems in the fashion industry.
A study published in Nature Communications found that the fastest animals are medium-sized, like cheetahs, due to a physical limit imposed by muscle contraction speed and shortening. This sweet spot size of around 50kg enables animals to reach speeds of up to 65 miles per hour
A pilot study found that personalized dietary advice based on genetic information reduced blood glucose levels more effectively than standard coaching. The study suggests genetically-informed diets could be an effective intervention for preventing type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at Imperial College London created a novel molecular toolkit to enhance compound production in yeast communities. The toolkit allowed them to split the resveratrol production pathway, resulting in enhanced production and more stable partnerships between yeast strains.
Researchers found that turbans greatly reduced the risk of skull fractures in areas covered with thick fabric, while different turban styles affected head injury risk. The study recommends covering larger areas with thicker fabric and reducing friction to minimize brain injuries.
A new study published in Nature Microbiology suggests that providing easy access to HIV treatment and care for heterosexual men could rapidly cut transmission to their female partners. Closing the viral suppression gap in men is estimated to halve rates of new infections among women and eliminate gender disparities.
A new analysis suggests that the US low-carbon transition is likely to create consistent job growth, particularly in the utilities and construction sectors. However, major fossil fuel-producing states may need to prepare for fewer mining jobs and plan carefully to ensure a 'just' transition for all workers.
A new analysis of ancient fish bones and muscles suggests that the shoulder evolved from a modified version of the gill-arch hypothesis that reconciles it with the fin-fold hypothesis. The study, led by Dr Martin Brazeau and Natural History Museum researchers, provides new insights into the evolution of the shoulder girdle in animals.
A new study finds that the global carbon budget for keeping warming below 1.5°C will be exhausted by 2029 if current emissions continue, committing the world to this level of warming. The remaining budget has approximately halved since 2020 due to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientists at Imperial College London have found that cells within hair follicles can detect touch and release neurotransmitters serotonin and histamine. This discovery may help understand histamine's role in inflammatory skin diseases like eczema.
Researchers from Imperial College London and the University of Nottingham used machine learning to identify 'atomic shapes' that form basic pieces of geometry in higher dimensions. The findings reveal unexpected patterns in these shapes and demonstrate the potential for machine learning to accelerate mathematical discoveries.
A recent study published in Nature found that massive low-earth orbit communications satellites like BlueWalker 3 can outshine bright stars, disrupting astronomical observations. The satellite's large antenna system causes an abrupt increase in brightness, affecting not only visual observations but also radio astronomy.
Researchers at Imperial College London found that specific brain cells in the prefrontal cortex trigger mice to prepare for bed when tired, a behavior likely shared with humans. This hard-wired survival feature suggests that humans should prioritize sleep hygiene to maintain good health.
A comprehensive study of London's rivers found significant changes in chemical pollutants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wastewater contamination increased after restrictions lifted, with smaller rivers most impacted, and certain compounds posing environmental risks.
A new catalyst designed by researchers at City University Hong Kong and tested by Imperial College London could boost renewable energy storage. The catalyst uses single atoms of platinum to produce an efficient but cost-effective platform for water splitting, paving the way for cheaper hydrogen production.
A new model shows London's cooling demand grew by 5% per year between 1980 and 2022 as summers heat up, highlighting the need for preparedness and energy efficiency measures. The Demand.ninja model can also predict potential benefits of behavior change, such as reducing natural gas consumption and CO2 emissions.
Nearly 70% of adolescents and young adults with ulcerative colitis discontinue treatment within a year of diagnosis, putting them at risk of disease relapse. The study highlights the need for active follow-up by GPs to monitor medication adherence and affordability.
A new study found that antibiotics promote the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the gut by providing extra nutrients, allowing these 'bad' bacteria to multiply. The research suggests that targeting beneficial bacteria can help restrict the growth of resistant bacteria, paving the way for microbiome therapeutics treatments.
Researchers mapped canopy soils to determine where they form and how they support biodiversity. These 'soil-in-miniature' contain abundant plant and animal life, including epiphytes and air plants.
Imperial researchers have imaged Piezo1 channels in human cells and organs, revealing their role in regulating blood pressure, respiration, bladder control, and the immune system. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of their role in fundamental physiological processes and potentially new drug targets for diseases.
Researchers have developed a new way to identify chiral molecules using light, which vastly improves detection efficiency. The new method uses lasers to drive chiral electronic currents in molecules, causing one version to emit bright light while its counterpart remains dark.
A new technique combining ultrafast physics and spectroscopy reveals the dance of molecular 'coherence' in unprecedented clarity. This shows a vibrational effect, rather than motion for the functional part of the biological reaction that follows.
A long-term study of male macaques found that same-sex sexual behavior is common and correlated with coalitionary bonds, providing social benefits. The research also revealed a genetic link to primate SSB, challenging the idea that it defies nature and evolution.
Researchers have identified four species of coronaviruses in UK bats, including two novel ones, which are related to COVID-19 and MERS viruses. Regular monitoring of wildlife viruses is crucial for public health preparedness and biodiversity conservation.
Researchers at Imperial College London developed a heat-resistant drone called FireDrone that can withstand temperatures of up to 200°C for ten minutes. The drone provides crucial first-hand data from danger zones to inform emergency response and help save lives.
Researchers at Imperial College London have found that tumors with tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in high-grade ovarian cancer respond better to treatment. Genes like IL15 and CXCL10 play a role in TLS formation, while DCAF15 interacts with these tissues. An AI algorithm can detect TLS on CT scans, enabling early identification of ...
A new study by Imperial College London found that only 12% of global net-zero greenhouse gas emissions pledges have high confidence in full implementation. To avoid worst impacts of climate change, researchers recommend legally binding targets and long-term plans.
A study of over 12,000 UK children found that low self-esteem and body image were strong predictors of poor mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety. Increasing children's satisfaction with their appearance and self-esteem from early adolescence may help protect against these negative impacts.
A recent Asian humid heatwave was made at least 30 times more likely by climate change, according to a new attribution study. The high vulnerability of the region amplified its impacts, causing widespread hospitalizations, damaged roads, and fires.
Researchers discovered that gut bacteria's F-pili are stronger in harsh conditions, enabling efficient gene transfer and biofilm formation. The findings highlight the challenge of combating antibiotic resistance and suggest exploiting similar molecular properties for precise drug delivery.
A new study found that SARS-CoV-2 presence on people's hands and frequently touched household surfaces significantly contributes to the spread of COVID-19. The research suggests that frequent handwashing, regular surface disinfection, and physical distancing can curb the virus's transmission.
Imperial College London physicists have recreated the famous double-slit experiment, showing light behaves as both particles and waves in time. This experiment could lead to ultrafast optical switches and control over light in space and time.
A global study analyzing height and BMI data from 71 million children and adolescents found that urban areas are no longer healthier than rural areas, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Rural areas have been closing the gap in recent decades due to improvements in nutrition and healthcare.
A new study suggests that climate change could lead to increased pesticide toxicity on bee populations and their pollination services. Environmental temperature can influence the degree to which pesticides affect bees' behavior, with certain temperatures causing a 'tipping point' in their ability to tolerate pesticide exposure.
A study at Imperial College London used advanced brain imaging to track DMT's effects on brain activity before, during, and after the experience. Increased connectivity across the brain and dysregulation of high-level brain systems were found in areas linked with imagination.
Contracting a lower respiratory tract infection in early childhood is associated with a higher risk of dying from respiratory disease as an adult. Children who had a LRTI by age two were almost twice as likely to die prematurely in adulthood.
A new model by Imperial College London and University of Lausanne researchers suggests that 'good genes' can sometimes lead to population collapse when males express traits that damage females. This can result in reduced female fecundity or even death, ultimately leading to a decline in population viability.
Researchers discovered that woodcock tail feathers reflect up to 55% of light, 30% more than any other bird feather, due to their unique structure and arrangement. This enhanced reflectance allows them to attract attention in dimly lit environments.
A new study from Imperial College London finds that earlier first birth, higher number of live births, and starting periods at a younger age increase the risk of cardiovascular problems in women. The researchers hope their findings will help doctors better understand and monitor women's risk factors.
Researchers have discovered that fungi in orange lichens can transport toxic pigments out of their cells, creating a 'sunscreen effect'. This mechanism allows the lichens to reflect harmful radiation while still allowing some solar radiation to pass through for photosynthesis.
Research from Imperial College London and University of Exeter reveals that cooperative microbial communities release more carbon dioxide than competitive ones, contributing significantly to climate change. This finding has far-reaching implications for understanding the impact of temperature changes on global carbon cycles.
Two studies found that kisspeptin improves sexual responses in women and men with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, boosting attraction brain pathways. The researchers believe the results lay the foundation for kisspeptin-based treatments for millions of people worldwide.
A new study suggests that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods may be linked to an increased risk of developing and dying from cancer. The study found that each 10% increase in ultra-processed food consumption was associated with a 2% increase in cancer incidence, as well as a 6% increase in mortality from cancer.
The study found that the lack of capacity in wastewater treatment works is a fundamental cause behind increased frequency and duration of Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs). This refutes suggestions that blame unpredictable weather for the issue. CSO use has been increasing, with most of it attributed to WWTWs' inadequate capacity.