Researchers have identified a gene sequence associated with an expanding waist line, weight gain, and insulin resistance, affecting half of the UK population. The sequence is more common in Indian Asians than Europeans, providing a possible genetic explanation for the high levels of obesity and diabetes in this group.
Researchers have identified genes that can cause enlarged hearts and kidney inflammation, leading to heart attacks and kidney failure. Understanding these genetic links may lead to new treatments for common heart diseases.
Researchers found that infection with the parasite creates distinct metabolic 'fingerprints' in the blood and urine, which can be detected as early as one day after infection. The findings could enable a simpler way to test for sleeping sickness, improving survival rates and reducing devastating side effects.
A study published in Nature suggests that closing schools could slow the spread of a flu pandemic and prevent up to one in seven cases. The researchers used computer modeling to explore how school closure would affect the transmission of a theoretical H5N1 avian flu virus in France.
Physicists have made significant breakthrough in understanding wetting theory with the development of a new simplified mathematical formula. The formula explains fluctuations in liquid droplets on surfaces, resolving long-standing problems and outstanding discrepancies between experiments and simulations.
Scientists have identified 'mother cells' that produce dopamine-producing neurons affected by Parkinson's disease. These radial glia-like cells could be used to grow replacement neurons in the lab, potentially leading to new treatments for the disease.
A new study has shown that lowering blood pressure in very elderly patients can significantly reduce their risk of death and cardiovascular events. The trial, HYVET, found a 21% reduction in total mortality rate and a 39% reduction in stroke mortality rate among participants.
Scientists have discovered ancient meteorites containing the highest concentration of amino acids ever recorded, suggesting that the early solar system was richer in life's raw materials than previously thought. This finding may have helped kick-start life on Earth.
The study found that an intermediate rate of dispersal creates a 'happy medium' wherein species move around enough to adapt to harsh environments, increasing ecosystem productivity and biodiversity. This breakthrough helps ecologists develop strategies for conservation areas with high biomass and diversity.
A new blood test, ELISpot-Plus, in conjunction with a skin test, can rule out tuberculosis infection within 48 hours, providing a much quicker result than existing methods. This combination enables doctors to diagnose TB more accurately and begin investigating other possible explanations for patients' symptoms.
Scientists at Imperial College London have discovered that dense plates tend to be held in the upper mantle, while younger and lighter plates sink into the lower mantle. This new understanding could improve earthquake risk assessments by explaining plate movements and earthquakes in regions like the Western Pacific.
Researchers monitored 140 sleeping volunteers near London Heathrow and three major European airports, finding that aircraft noise increased systolic blood pressure by an average of 6.2 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 7.4 mmHg. The study's findings highlight the need to reduce night-time aircraft noise levels to protect public health.
New research shows that aphids feeding on low-quality Brussels sprouts are smaller and fewer in number, leading to a ripple effect throughout the food chain. This has significant implications for the structure and diversity of ecosystems, highlighting the importance of plant quality in shaping ecosystem function.
Researchers identify distinct biochemical profile in patients with bipolar disorder, suggesting a balance of neurotransmitters is disrupted. The study's findings may lead to the development of more effective treatments using mood-stabilizing drugs like lithium and valproic acid.
A unique DNA gene, matK, has been identified as a potential 'barcode' for plants, allowing for easy identification and cataloging of different species. This discovery could lead to new methods for identifying plant ingredients in traditional medicines and monitoring endangered species.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new type of sensor that uses T-rays to detect explosives and poisons. The technology guides the radiation along a specially designed surface, increasing detection sensitivity and potentially revolutionizing security screening.
Researchers have mapped gut microbes to better understand their role in human metabolism and disease. The study identifies key bug species involved in metabolic processes, paving the way for new treatments.
A new approach to medicine may involve targeting specific gut microbes to combat diseases like diabetes and obesity. Research suggests that altering the gut microbiome using probiotics can have a significant impact on human health.
Genes have been found to recognize similar patterns of chemical bases without physical contact, shedding light on the process of homologous recombination. This ability could explain how genes group together to perform key processes involved in species evolution.
Scientists have identified a number of genes involved in Lupus, a complex condition that frequently causes skin rash, joint pains and malaise. The study found associations with ITGAM, PXK, KIAA1542, LYN, and BLK genes, which may lead to new therapies for the disease.
A new study published in Molecular Systems Biology reveals that probiotics can significantly alter the biochemistry of gut microbes and affect metabolism. Researchers found that different probiotic strains triggered distinct biochemical changes, including modifications to bile acid metabolism, which could influence fat absorption.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a mechanism that prevents the immune system from regulating itself properly, leading to allergic reactions. The new finding highlights the importance of regulatory T-cells in maintaining immune tolerance.
Researchers genetically engineered mosquitoes to release a sea-cucumber protein that impairs malaria parasite development, potentially preventing transmission. The study shows promising results but still requires further work before being effective in real-world scenarios.
A new study reveals that large numbers of modern-day beetle lineages evolved soon after the first beetles originated and have persisted ever since. The team used DNA sequencing and fossil records to compile an evolutionary family tree for beetles, showing that many species pre-date the appearance of flowering plants.
A recent study suggests that sugar-based markers on human sperm cells could provide insights into how some cancers evade the immune system. These markers, found on N-glycans and recognized by all human immune systems, may be universally used by cancer cells to avoid destruction.
A new study published in JAMA found that the sedative drug dexmedetomidine improves intensive care sleep quality and reduces instances of coma and delirium compared to lorazepam. The study showed that dexmedetomidine resulted in 30% fewer patients experiencing coma and an average of four more coma-free days.
A new study by Imperial College London found that diesel exhaust fumes increase asthmatic symptoms, reduce lung capacity, and cause inflammation in people with mild and moderate asthma. The research measured air quality and lung function in volunteers walking along Oxford Street, where only diesel-powered vehicles are allowed.
Scientists have developed a method to control the magnetic properties of a commonly used blue dye, Metal Phthalocyanine, which could significantly improve information processing. The technique uses magnetism to regulate interactions between molecules, offering potential benefits for spintronics and quantum computing.
A new imaging technique has enabled scientists to measure mouse satiety and hunger levels in the brain, offering a more objective understanding of why people become obese. The study used magnetic resonance imaging to observe neuronal activity in the hypothalamus area, revealing that certain neurons 'light up' when mice are hungry or full.
A new study suggests that treatment can lower the risk of stroke in people with rare lung disease. The research, published in the journal Thorax, found that seemingly healthy patients with pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (pulmonary AVMs) have the same risk of stroke as those who are obviously unwell.
Researchers from Imperial College London found that people with medium levels of HIV in their blood are the most likely to spread the virus. They can remain asymptomatic for six to eight years before progressing to AIDS, infecting multiple sexual partners during this time.
Local scientists play a crucial role in the fight against HIV, requiring adequate resources to conduct high-quality trials and develop treatments. Western governments must commit to sharing technology and expertise with developing countries on a long-term basis.
Researchers found that HIV reduced population growth in worst-affected areas by two-thirds, but the overall population continues to grow, with a higher crude death rate and lower birth rate in the presence of HIV.
A study by Imperial College London and Loughborough University found a significant increase in motorcycling casualties in inner London during the congestion charging period. The research suggests that the incentive to use motorcycles may be driving the rise, while cyclists in outer London also experienced an increase in casualties.
The Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial (HYVET) found that lowering blood pressure significantly reduces both stroke and mortality in patients aged 80 and over. The trial, which began in 2001, involved 3,845 patients from across the world and stopped early due to significant reductions in overall mortality.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new fingerprinting technique that analyzes chemical residues to detect an individual's diet, race, and sex. The technique involves lifting fingerprints with gel tape and analyzing them in a spectroscopic microscope, providing a detailed chemical composition of the print.
Researchers have identified a specific amino acid in the potassium channel protein that blocks anaesthetic activation, paving the way for targeted anaesthetics with fewer side effects. This discovery could lead to improved understanding of how anaesthetics work and the development of new, more specific alternatives.
A catastrophic megaflood separated Britain from France hundreds of thousands of years ago, carving a massive valley along the English Channel. The flood reorganized river drainages in north-west Europe, affecting early human occupation in Britain and potentially leading to an abrupt halt in migration.
A leading paediatric expert emphasizes the importance of including children in research programmes to develop targeted therapies. This approach acknowledges key differences between children's and adults' metabolisms, organs, and disease behaviors.
Researchers discovered a gene associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma, found to alter ORMDL3 levels in children with asthma. The study involved over 2,000 children and found that the disease-associated version of the gene increases asthma risk by 60-70%.
A team of scientists has identified over 350 immune system genes in the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits deadly diseases like yellow fever and dengue. Understanding these genes' role in virus transmission could lead to new ways of combating these diseases by enhancing the mosquito's immune response.
Process Systems Enterprise, a global operation that provides mathematical modelling software, has won the MacRobert Award for demonstrating engineering excellence and innovation. The technology helps process industry companies to maximize product quality and minimize production cost.
Research found that smokers with diabetes received increased cessation advice since 2004's performance-related GP incentives. This led to reduced smoking rates among those with the condition, especially in disadvantaged groups.
A new test for diagnosing TB has been developed, offering a quick and simple alternative to existing methods. The test involves taking three sputum samples from a patient over the course of one day, enabling the detection of traces of mycobacterium tuberculosis with high accuracy.
Scientists have challenged a long-held theory about how HIV depletes white blood cells, instead proposing that the virus slowly adapts to evade the immune system. This new understanding could pave the way for new treatment approaches.
Researchers have successfully transplanted human gut microbes into mice, providing insights into the metabolic system and its effects on fat absorption and digestion. The study found that gut microbes influence bile acid metabolism and fiber breakdown, impacting overall health.
A new study published in Journal of Biological Chemistry reveals that glucose enables the development of healthy beta cells, which secrete insulin. Understanding how to switch on genes crucial for beta cell development may enable the creation of insulin-producing cells from stem cells.
Researchers have determined the atomic structure of a key protein that helps toxoplasmosis parasites invade human cells. The protein binds to specific sugars on host cell surfaces, allowing the parasite to stick and enter cells.
Researchers at Imperial College London discovered that a protein called Flowering Locus T Protein (FT) plays a crucial role in plant flowering. The FT protein travels from leaves to the shoot apex, triggering the production of genes that cause flowers to bloom.
A new £4.2 million research project at Imperial College London aims to develop renewable and cost-effective methods of producing hydrogen for fuel cells. The project will explore both biological and chemical solar-driven processes to achieve this goal.