Scientists have developed a laser imaging technique that can assess bone strength more accurately, predicting the likelihood of young women developing osteoporosis in later life. By measuring collagen content, the new Raman spectroscopic technique eliminates the impact of overlying tissues.
A new mathematical model developed by researchers at Imperial College London can help reduce the numbers affected by river blindness. The model measures exposure by analyzing how often people were bitten by flies carrying the parasite, providing a better understanding of the role of exposure in the fight against the disease.
A new GM mosquito sexing technique allows for the quick identification of males, paving the way for releasing sterile males to control mosquito populations. This could lead to a significant reduction in malaria cases and population growth.
Researchers at Imperial College London estimated that nearly 1 in 8 young adults in London use crack cocaine, with men being more than three times as likely to use the drug as women. The study found that 46,000 Londoners aged 15-44 use crack cocaine, accounting for 1.3% of the population.
Researchers at Imperial College London analysed primitive meteorites, coal-like rocks older than the Earth, and found they are depleted of volatile elements. This suggests 'volatile depletion' may be an inevitable part of planet formation across many planetary systems.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new microchip design that uses nanotechnology to store large amounts of data in small volumes. This technology has the potential to increase mobile phone memory capacity by 200 times, making it possible to record longer videos and store them without sacrificing storage space.
Recorded numbers of new sexually transmitted infections have doubled in five years, with many patients waiting over two weeks for treatment. Increasing capacity is essential to break the 'vicious circle' of delayed treatment and reduce future demand.
A study by Professor Peter Openshaw suggests a link between reduced childhood infections and increased asthma prevalence, highlighting the importance of early exposure to dirt. The 'hygiene hypothesis' proposes that a lack of environmental factors can lead to immune system imbalances, making individuals more susceptible to diseases.
Researchers at Imperial College London have made a major breakthrough in growing human lungs for transplantation using embryonic stem cells. The cells will be used to repair damaged lungs, particularly in cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
A 425-million-year-old clam-like creature, known as an articulate brachiopod, has been found with its soft parts still intact. The fossil provides a unique insight into the workings of ancient shellfish and challenges existing assumptions about their anatomy.
The study uses a new global database to show that different measures of biodiversity, such as species richness and extinction risk, do not map consistently across the globe. This finding highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to conservation strategy.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a technology that uses naturally occurring surface roughness to create an inherent identity code for materials. This 'fingerprint' can be easily read using a low-cost portable laser scanner and provides secure authentication and tracking, eliminating the need for tags or inks.
The study identified key factors contributing to large mammal extinction, including biological disadvantages and human impact. Smaller mammals are more vulnerable due to limited distribution sizes and exposure to humans, while larger animals face additional challenges such as long gestation periods and late weaning ages.
The Schistosomiasis Control Initiative has treated over ten million people in sub-Saharan Africa with a single dose of praziquantel, reducing the burden of illness for millions. The programme, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, also aims to raise awareness about the disease through education programmes.
COPD researchers found a correlation between increased lung inflammation and reduced histone deacetylase activity, which may explain the disease's resistance to steroids. Low doses of theophylline, a tea leaf substance, could help restore HDAC activity and reverse resistance.
A new computer model reveals that ancient Palaeozoic seas were almost tideless, preventing oxygen circulation and creating an environment inhospitable to life. This finding has significant implications for understanding the evolution of early marine life and ancient climates.
Researchers from Imperial College London identified an enzyme called IKKá, which acts as a 'brake' on immune cell pathways. By inhibiting IKKa activity, the body's ability to fight off infection increased, but also led to higher inflammatory responses.
Researchers believe gut microbes influence how medicines affect the body, leading to individualized treatments and drug discovery. Changes in gut microbiome composition may impact medication effectiveness between individuals.
Researchers found asthmatics produce lower levels of interferon beta, making them more susceptible to respiratory virus infections. A potential new treatment for asthma attacks involves using a device to top up interferon levels in the lungs.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a way to decrease allergic reactions by boosting the levels of CD4+ regulatory T-cells. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for allergies and autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers at Imperial College London have solved the structure of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus enzyme, revealing its atomic details and potential target for anti-viral drugs. The discovery could lead to the development of a vaccine that can be administered quickly to control outbreaks.
The Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT) found that a new treatment strategy for hypertension reduced the risk of strokes and heart attacks by 25% and 15%, respectively. The new strategy, combining calcium channel blocker amlodipine with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor perindopril, outperformed traditional therapy ...
Shigella bacteria uses a Type III secretion system to inject proteins into human cells, causing inflammation and symptoms of dysentery. The bacteria's lipopolysaccharide (LPS) shield protects it from being destroyed by the immune system.
Researchers analyzed data from a three-year study in rural Zimbabwe and found no correlation between contaminated needle use and increased HIV transmission. The study collected data from over 1,800 participants and excluded injections as a major transmission route.
Research from Imperial College London finds that bacterial communities mirror human social life, with close contacts more likely to share infections. Despite potential advantages like antibiotic resistance, the variation in pathogen strains' ability to spread is largely explained by chance.
Researchers found that periodic syphilis outbreaks are caused by a loss of immunity among those at risk of infection, not changes in sexual behavior. The study analyzed data from 68 US cities since the 1940s and found that rises and falls in disease cases followed a distinct 10-year cycle.
Scientists at Imperial College London and the University of Manchester have discovered a way to activate melanopsin, a gene that makes nerve cells responsive to light. This breakthrough could lead to new therapies for forms of blindness such as retinitis pigmentosa.
Researchers discovered two distinct areas in the medial frontal cortex associated with free choice and conflict. This discovery may explain why people with damage to this area seem incapable of making decisions, and has implications for our understanding of free will and decision-making processes.
A study by Imperial College London found that up to nine percent of supermarket bakery workers may have symptoms of asthma. The research also discovered high levels of sensitisation to ingredients involved in the baking process, including flour.
A study published by Imperial College London researchers suggests that around 70 future cases of vCJD may arise from consuming BSE-infected beef, with a total of up to 600 deaths. However, the team believes this is unlikely due to low reported clinical cases in other genetic groups.
The new AEM will enable researchers to gain new insights into the interrelationships between atomic arrangement and material properties. It will support projects in fuel cell research, magnetic nanostructures, smart coatings, semiconductor quantum dots and biomedical research.
A study of 1,285 gay, lesbian, and bisexual respondents found that discrimination due to their sexuality can lead to increased risk of mental health problems. High levels of physical and verbal attacks, as well as previous bullying, were linked to high rates of self-harm and mental disorder.
Researchers found that theobromine is nearly a third more effective than codeine in stopping persistent coughs. The new treatment works by suppressing vagus nerve activity, with no adverse effects on cardiovascular or central nervous systems.
Researchers developed a new way to predict the number of drug users, finding two epidemic periods with significant increases in opiate and injecting drug users between 1975 and 1995. The study suggests the number of current opiate users has continued to rise since the early 1970s, doubling between 1977 and 1982.
The Imperial College London team, led by Dr. Danny Altmann, is developing new vaccines against anthrax and other bio-weapons using state-of-the-art technologies. The research will also contribute to a better understanding of emerging infectious diseases and the development of effective diagnostics and treatments.
Researchers describe how microbes in the gut form the second largest metabolic 'organ' in the body, influencing disease processes alongside genetic and environmental factors. The discovery of this 'superorganism' could lead to new approaches to treating disease and developing personalized medicine.
Researchers discovered that differences in life histories among parasitoid wasp species lead to 'gaps' that open up over time, resulting in the great diversity of wasps seen in nature. This finding suggests a new basis for explaining how communities assemble and sheds light on the role of evolution in shaping ecological patterns.
Researchers from Imperial College London and UK universities successfully accelerated electron beams near the speed of light using laser-produced plasmas. This achievement paves the way for the development of smaller, more affordable particle accelerators that could be used in university laboratories.
A study found that offering patients in A&E who had been drinking excessively the chance to visit an alcohol health worker reduced their consumption by 60 units a week, compared to those not referred. This simple intervention also led to fewer hospital visits among participants.
Researchers have characterised the structure and function of Dr Adhesins, a family of proteins responsible for chronic diarrhoeal and urinary tract infections. The discovery provides new insights into how these proteins cause multiple diseases by targeting a common receptor on host cell membranes.
A study of 250 patients aged over 55 will examine whether prescribing GPs a supplement can help those with memory loss. Gingko may slow down dementia's degenerative process through improving blood flow and thinning the blood.
Researchers at Imperial College London have visualized the structure of the Thermus thermophilus chaperonin complex, a crucial molecule for protein folding. The complex's unique cavity accommodates large proteins and is driven by cellular energy source ATP.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed sugar-like molecules that mimic the body's immune defense mechanisms to prevent scarring after glaucoma eye surgery. These new drugs show a dramatic increase in success rates from 30% to 80%, offering hope for patients with this condition.
A global study found that carnivore extinction risk is more closely tied to biological traits such as small geographic distribution and high trophic level. Human population density plays a lesser role in determining extinction risk, but can exacerbate it when combined with these factors.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a way to channel and focus light beams on a chip using artificial materials with tiny grooves and holes. This breakthrough could revolutionize the design of the first optical computers, which struggle to overcome constraints due to the need for efficient wire replacement.
Researchers at Imperial College London have shown that an amino acid can amplify the concentration of one particular chiral form, a process known as autocatalysis. This discovery may offer insights into the evolution of biological homochirality and could provide a model for how life began.
Researchers have identified a protein called RIP140 that blocks the expression of UCP1, leading to increased energy expenditure and reduced fat accumulation. This discovery could lead to novel obesity treatments by increasing the activity of UCP1.
Researchers identified a plant-like enzyme, CDPK4, essential for malaria parasite transmission to mosquitoes. The findings provide a promising new target for developing safe and effective anti-malarial drugs.
Researchers tested rTMS on four patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries, finding a 37.5% drop in intracortical inhibition and improvements in motor and sensory function. This treatment may facilitate functional recovery and has the potential to help people with partial spinal cord injuries recover some movement and feeling.
Researchers found that simple public health measures can contain highly transmissible diseases like SARS and smallpox. In contrast, moderately transmissible viruses like HIV and pandemic influenza require more complex control measures due to early symptom onset.