Researchers at Imperial College London found that around half of Earth's zinc inventory came from asteroids in the outer Solar System, contributing to the emergence of life on Earth. The study suggests that this material supplied other important volatiles like water, crucial for sustaining life.
A study suggests that loyalty card data on over-the-counter medicine purchases could help spot ovarian cancer cases earlier. Women with ovarian cancer were found to buy more pain and indigestion medications before diagnosis, often up to 8 months prior. This could lead to improved survival rates if symptoms are picked up earlier.
Researchers developed a way to track rare diseases like DMD and FA using motion capture technology and AI. The approach identifies clear movement patterns, predicts future disease progression, and increases the efficiency of clinical trials.
Researchers at Imperial College London have designed a low-cost external fixator for broken bones, made from stainless steel and aluminium, which can be manufactured locally. The device has shown similar stiffness to commercial devices in cadaver leg bones and is being tested in Gaza, Sri Lanka, and Ukraine.
A new study finds that tropical forests recovering from logging are a source of carbon due to soil and rotting wood releasing more carbon than new growth can absorb. The study highlights the need for sustainable logging practices to minimize collateral damage.
A study involving three volunteers found that skin scars treated with hair follicle transplants exhibited profound architectural and genetic shifts towards healthy, uninjured skin. The findings suggest the potential for new therapies to rejuvenate mature scars and restore organ function.
New research reveals that COVID-19 nasal antibodies provide first-line defence but decline nine months after infection, while blood antibodies last at least a year. Vaccination boosts blood antibodies to prevent severe disease, but has limited effect on nasal IgA levels.
Researchers have developed a low-cost way to extract gold and other valuable metals from electronic waste, which can be used as catalysts for reactions in pharmaceutical manufacture. The process has the potential to improve the sustainability of drug production by reducing dependence on environmentally damaging mining practices.
A new £2.9 million trial will recruit children and adults hospitalised with severe flu from 150 UK hospitals over two years. The adaptive platform trial will test multiple treatments, including anti-viral drugs and steroids, to determine the best use of NHS resources.
A new study models likely future cliff retreat rates of two rock coasts in the UK, finding that rock coasts are likely to retreat at a rate not seen for 3,000-5,000 years. The researchers predict that rock coast cliffs will retreat by at least 10-22 meters inland due to accelerating sea level rise.
Researchers found variable voltages in breast cancer cell membranes, which may indicate an electrical communication network between cells. This discovery could lead to new treatments by disrupting this network, potentially making cancer cells easier to treat.
Two billion people globally rely on mountain water for drinking and irrigation, which is under threat due to global heating. Researchers propose integrated water strategies that include scientists working directly with communities to drive climate adaptation and boost water security.
A 460km-long river under the Antarctic ice sheet affects the flow and melting of ice, potentially accelerating ice loss. The discovery reveals more active water flow than previously thought, which could make it more susceptible to changes in climate.
The platform enhances neurosurgical procedures by delivering precise treatment and diagnosis in deep brain tissue. Researchers successfully implanted the catheter in live sheep without damage or infection, paving the way for potential human trials within four years.
Imperial College London researchers have developed a new low-cost sensor thread called PECOTEX that can be embedded into clothing to monitor vital signs. The sensors, which cost $0.15 to produce, can track breathing, heart rate, and gases like ammonia, potentially leading to diagnosis and monitoring of disease.
Researchers have developed a technology using flying robots that mimic the collective building methods of bees and wasps to construct and repair large structures. The Aerial Additive Manufacturing system consists of drones that work autonomously but are monitored by human controllers, adapting their techniques as needed.
Researchers engineered mosquitoes to produce compounds that stunt malaria parasite growth, reducing the risk of disease transmission. The technique could be combined with gene drive technology to drastically cut malaria transmission in real-world settings.
The MICROSCOPE satellite has confirmed the equivalence principle with unprecedented accuracy, supporting Einstein's general relativity. The result shows that any deviation in acceleration is less than 1 part in 10^15, ruling out some candidate universal theories of physics.
Researchers at Imperial College London discovered a 'silent' mutation in bacteria that helps them evade antibiotics. The mutation alters the structure of an mRNA intermediate, preventing ribosomes from producing protein, and has arisen independently several times globally.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new material, sodium bismuth sulfide (NaBiS2), that can absorb comparable levels of sunlight as conventional silicon solar cells but with 10,000 times lower thickness. The material has potential for making lightweight solar cells suitable for aerospace applications.
Scientists analyzed UK bumblebee populations and found evidence of increasing stress due to climate change, with higher asymmetry in wing shapes linked to hotter and wetter years. The study used ancient DNA methods to determine genetic diversity loss and adaptability of bee genomes over time.
A study of 57 people with mild COVID-19 found that the average duration of infectiousness was five days, and two-thirds of cases remained infectious for at least five days after symptoms began. Lateral flow tests can safely shorten self-isolation by identifying when someone is no longer contagious.
New research reveals that fossil fuel companies' decarbonisation scenarios are incompatible with Paris Agreement goals, with most projecting high levels of warming and exceeding the 1.5°C limit. The study provides a critical assessment of scenarios published by public, commercial, and academic institutions.
Researchers at Imperial College London developed a new rapid test called CrisprZyme, which detects biomarkers in the body to diagnose non-infectious diseases like heart attacks and cancers. The test works at room temperature with colorimetric analysis, eliminating the need for amplification and temperature control.
A study by Imperial College London found that 64% of calories in school lunches come from ultra-processed foods, contributing to childhood obesity. The analysis revealed higher levels of processed foods in packed lunches and secondary school meals, with lower-income children more likely to consume them.
Researchers found that current reported rates of carbon capture are overestimated by 19-30%, with actual storage rates being significantly lower. This discrepancy affects the accuracy of climate change mitigation impact assessments and hinders efforts to tackle the crisis.
Scientists at Imperial College London have created a laser device that can reconfigure its structure in response to changing conditions. The innovative technology mimics the properties of living materials, enabling self-healing, adaptation, responsiveness, and collective behavior.
A study led by Imperial College London researchers discovered that certain types of stress induce sleep in mice, which subsequently relieves anxiety. The findings suggest that a specific set of neurons detected and responded to stress hormone levels, inducing both NREM and REM sleep.
A new approach uses a single magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan to diagnose Alzheimer's disease with high accuracy, identifying changes in regions not previously associated with the condition. This method has the potential to revolutionize diagnosis and treatment, allowing for early intervention and improved patient outcomes.
A new Imperial analysis found that biogas and biomethane supply chains release more than twice as much methane as previously estimated, with 62% of leaks concentrated in a few 'super-emitters'. The researchers call for better monitoring and fixing of leaks to ensure the continued use of these climate-friendly gases.
Researchers have discovered proteins that mediate intimate contacts between bacteria, enabling DNA transfer and resistance to antibiotics. Understanding this process can help develop new approaches to slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers have developed a method using nanomagnets to perform artificial intelligence, slashing energy costs and offering huge efficiency gains. The technology uses 'nanomagnetic states' to process and store data, cutting out the need for software simulation.
Researchers have developed a new method for precisely altering gene expression by supplying and removing electrons, enabling controlled biomedical implants and bioreactors. The improved system allows for accurate control of gene expression in the presence of oxygen, opening up new possibilities for synthetic biology.
A new approach to battery design uses a polysulfide-air redox flow battery with two membranes, overcoming main problems and opening up potential for large-scale energy storage. The dual membrane design enables the use of lower-cost materials, improving performance and reducing costs.
A six-week online programme, ENO Breathe, using singing techniques, has been shown to improve breathlessness and mental component of quality of life in people recovering from COVID-19. The programme resulted in a 10.48 point reduction in breathlessness and a 2.42 point improvement in mental quality of life.
Researchers found six cases of drug-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus infection linked to environmental spores. The fungus, common in soil and compost, has become resistant to antifungal drugs due to agricultural use, posing a growing threat to lung health.
A new hydrogen fuel cell has been developed using an iron catalyst, which could make green energy more accessible and affordable. The innovation allows for a significant reduction in the cost of one of the primary components, making it a viable alternative to fossil fuels.
Researchers have developed perovskite solar cells with improved efficiency and stability thanks to the addition of ferrocene layers. The devices can now reach 25% efficiency, approaching traditional silicon cells, and maintain over 98% of their initial performance after 1,500 hours.
A new analysis of brain scans from close to 60 people receiving treatment for depression reveals that psilocybin-assisted therapy shows increased brain connectivity even after use, leading to self-reported improvements in depression. The findings differ from conventional antidepressants and suggest a fundamental mechanism via which psy...
A new study by Imperial College London found that home pulse oximetry can act as a safety net for COVID-19 patients, reducing unnecessary hospital admissions while spotting early signs of deterioration. The researchers recommend using a defined cutoff point in blood oxygen levels to determine when patients need medical attention.
Research led by Imperial College London estimates that higher cigarette taxes could have averted around 182,000 newborn deaths and 231,000 child deaths under one year old in 2018. The study found that increasing tobacco taxes in low- and middle-income countries can reduce neonatal and infant mortality rates.
A global study found symptoms of COVID-19 differ significantly between countries and individuals with underlying health conditions. Researchers analyzed data from 78,299 individuals in 190 countries, revealing varied symptom profiles that can inform clinical practice, public health messaging, and treatment strategies.
A new study suggests that persistent breathlessness after COVID-19 is linked to altered immune cell landscapes in the airways and signs of ongoing lung damage. While preliminary results indicate a possible improvement over time, further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore potential treatments.
Research by Imperial College London reveals that patients who experience both a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest are more likely to develop abnormal heart rhythms and die within three years. The study found that these patients were over twice as likely to have subsequent ventricular arrhythmia and 36% more likely to die.
Researchers at Imperial College London developed a bendy robotic arm that can twist and turn in all directions, allowing for customizable shapes. The team created an augmented reality system to enhance user-friendliness, enabling users to easily configure the robot using motion tracking cameras and smartglasses.
A new type of ultrasound scan has been shown to detect most prostate cancer cases with good accuracy, potentially replacing expensive and time-consuming MRI scans. The study found that the ultrasound scan missed only 4.3% more clinically important prostate cancer cases compared to MRI scans.
A new study by Imperial College London reveals that London is releasing more methane than previously thought, primarily due to natural gas infrastructure leaks. The findings suggest that upgrading leaky pipes could significantly reduce emissions. This research highlights the importance of atmospheric measurements in tracking progress t...
Researchers found that T cells induced by previous common cold coronavirus infections can recognize and target internal proteins of SARS-CoV-2, providing a potential new vaccine target. This immunity offers long-lasting protection as T cell responses persist longer than antibody responses.
The £10m Leverhulme Centre for the Holobiont aims to map associations between microbes and higher organisms to understand how they support each other. This knowledge can help manipulate the relationship to save species from extinction, grow crops more efficiently and restore habitats.
Researchers have developed a new platform to design printed electronics with 2D materials, enabling the creation of high-performance flexible devices. The study identified key properties that need to be tweaked to control electronic charge transport, opening up possibilities for wearable devices, bio-implantable electronics and more.