Researchers have successfully incorporated phosphorene nanoribbons into new types of solar cells, achieving an efficiency above 21%, comparable to traditional silicon-based solar cells. The unique properties of PNRs, including improved hole mobility, enable the creation of high-performance optoelectronic devices.
Researchers mapped how HTLV-1 transforms T-cells into cancerous cells, revealing the virus over-activates them and makes them more vulnerable to DNA damage. This study provides new directions for potential treatments to prevent cancer development.
A new study led by Imperial College London scientists has found that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) was larger than previously thought during colder periods in the Miocene, contributing significantly to sea-level rise events millions of years ago. This insight will help researchers predict the future of the WAIS as the world warms.
The OneZoom tree of life is an interactive visualization that connects over 2.2 million living species, showcasing their evolutionary history and threat status. The platform also features images of over 85,000 species and allows users to explore their relationships with others.
The new technology measures ammonium levels in soil using machine learning and combines it with weather data to predict optimal fertilisation timing. This could lead to reduced overfertilisation, lower expenses for growers, and improved crop yields, particularly for nutrient-thirsty crops like wheat.
A team of researchers at Imperial College London has generated and observed non-Gaussian states of high-frequency sound waves comprising over a trillion atoms. This breakthrough makes important strides towards generating macroscopic quantum states that will enable future quantum internet components to be developed.
Researchers have discovered the internal soft tissues of an exceptionally preserved 20-million-year-old ammonite fossil using advanced imaging techniques. The study reveals that these ancient cephalopods used hyponomes to jet propel themselves through water, similar to modern squid and octopuses.
A special form of four-stranded DNA has been found to interact with the gene that causes Cockayne Syndrome when faulty. G-quadruplexes, which form knot-like structures in DNA, specifically bind to a protein called CSB, affecting its function and potentially leading to premature ageing.
A study by Imperial College London found that the first SARS-CoV-2 spike protein encountered through vaccination or infection influences subsequent immune responses to current and future variants. This 'immune imprinting' affects the rate of decay of protection and impacts antibody levels over time.
Researchers found four main drivers of CO2 reduction: subsidised renewable investment, regulation-driven coal closure, rising carbon prices, and energy efficiency measures. Building renewable sources and setting a stronger carbon price were key contributors to the UK's success in reducing emissions.
A UK study found that social disadvantage in early childhood increases the risk of developing persistent asthma by 70%, with nearly two-thirds of the risk attributed to early life exposures. This highlights the need for public health measures and policies to support families and improve housing conditions.
Research by Imperial College London found life expectancy declined in nearly one-fifth of women's and one-ninth of men's communities between 2014-2019. Communities with lowest life expectancy were often located in urban areas in the North of England, with stark geographical differences observed.
The Mars rover's images show a complex watery cycle for the lake at Jezero Crater, with steady water flow and dramatic deposits from high-energy floods. The findings help guide the rover's sampling strategy, focusing on rocks that could contain signs of past life.
Travelling fires, which burn locally and spread across entire floors over time, can cause significant structural damage in large open-plan spaces. Researchers at Imperial College London have found that these lesser-known fires are a concern for buildings with fuel-rich environments, such as warehouses and offices.
Researchers tracked fruit flies' ability to interpret information while asleep, discovering a specific brain region involved in processing salient smells. The study used defined fly brains to analyze neural connections, finding that aversive odors woke the flies up more often than attractive ones.
Scientists have developed a technique to enhance digital sensor capabilities beyond current limits, enabling applications in consumer photography, medical imaging, and space exploration. The new approach uses 'modulo' sampling to process a wider range of information, unlocking high dynamic range for sensors.
A study found that people who feel their sense of autonomy is unmet by government incentives like vaccine passports are less likely to take the COVID-19 vaccine. The research highlights that public health incentives might affect people's vaccination decisions in unintended ways, potentially undermining herd immunity.
Researchers developed GripAble to improve arm function in stroke survivors with severe arm weakness. The device enables users to play arm-training games and track progress, achieving an average of 104 upper limb repetitions per day.
Researchers found that bumblebee flight performance rises rapidly from 12°C and peaks between 25-27°C, but declines beyond this. This study suggests that climate warming may benefit some northern-latitude bee species, but poses risks to southern-latitude populations due to more frequent extreme weather events.
Strategies to reduce antibiotic prescribing in primary care have been found to be insufficient on their own to tackle the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. Despite a modest reduction in antibiotic-resistant infections from E. coli, the study highlights the need for a multi-sectoral approach to address this substantial health ...
A widely used procedure to treat birth-related brain damage in newborn babies in low and middle income countries (LMICs) may increase the risk of death. The HELIX trial found that 50% of infants who received the cooling treatment died or had moderate or severe disability.
Researchers successfully tested gene drive technology to control malaria-carrying mosquitoes in large cages mimicking natural environments. The technology, which spreads a genetic modification blocking female reproduction, worked as expected and showed significant population decline within one year.
A study of 44 elite rugby players found significant changes in white matter and volume over time. The research suggests that professional rugby participation may be associated with structural changes in the brain that could have long-term implications for player health.
A new study found that 48% of ICU staff showed signs of mental health conditions, including depression, insomnia, and PTSD. The study also found a significant increase in mental health issues among those who spent more than six hours in personal protective equipment.
A new approach to analyze satellite measurements shows that clouds are likely to enhance global heating, further exacerbating climate change. The research suggests that a doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations will lead to an average warming of more than 3°C.
A study published in Nature Communications found that COVID-19 antibody levels remain high for at least nine months after infection, regardless of symptoms. The research tested over 85% of an Italian town's residents and found no significant difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic cases.
The bridge, led by Dutch company MX3D, will serve as a 'living laboratory' in Amsterdam's city centre, with sensors measuring its performance and behavior. Researchers will analyze data to understand how the public interacts with 3D-printed infrastructure and its long-term behavior.
Researchers at Imperial College London have created a metal-based molecule that inhibits the build-up of amyloid-β peptides associated with Alzheimer's disease. The molecule was shown to be non-toxic to human brain-like cells and cross the blood-brain barrier in mice using focused ultrasound.
A research team from Imperial College London proposes a way that singularities could violate the law of conservation of charge by introducing axions, hypothetical particles that may explain dark matter. They show that temporary singularities in black holes could destroy electric charge, challenging a fundamental law of physics.
Researchers found that up to 40% of lead in airborne particles comes from legacy leaded petrol, highlighting the persistence of contaminants introduced by human activities. Long-term low-level exposure to lead can have detrimental health effects, and measures should be taken to reduce further lead emissions.
A new method for collecting pure malaria parasites from infected mosquitoes could accelerate the development of new, more potent malaria vaccines. The 'mosquito smoothie' innovation enables rapid purification with fewer contaminants, increasing scalability and efficacy.
A study of 614 children found that corticosteroids reduced inflammation levels by half within a day, with similar recovery rates to immunoglobulin treatments. Corticosteroids may be a cheaper alternative to immunoglobulin, which is in short supply and expensive.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that ultra-processed foods make up a high proportion of British children's diets, increasing the risk of obesity and long-term health damage. The research highlights the importance of reducing UPF consumption among children to protect their health.
New research from Imperial College London found that warmer temperatures and higher population density contribute to SARS-CoV-2 transmission. However, policy interventions such as lockdowns and social distancing remain the most important drivers of disease spread, even in seasonal variations.
A new analysis from Imperial College London suggests that countries investing in new coal mines and exports risk losing billions of dollars as the world shifts away from fossil fuels. Transitioning to a sustainable pathway by 2040 could save $10 billion per year globally, while avoiding job losses and economic instability.
Researchers re-animated a 70-year-old fungus that causes coffee wilt to understand its evolution and spread. By studying the fungus's genes, they identified how it acquired traits to infect specific coffee varieties, shedding light on potential prevention methods.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed nanocapsules that target specific blood clots, potentially reducing the risk of life-threatening bleeding and increasing the effectiveness of a clot-dissolving drug. The new nanocapsules are designed to attach to activated platelets and release tPA, which dissolves clots.
Researchers have mapped the genetic changes of malaria parasites in unprecedented detail, revealing new targets to block key stages in the parasite's development. This could lead to new ways to prevent transmission through future drugs or vaccines.
Scientists have identified a mechanism that causes perovskite solar cells to degrade, but also found a potential solution by selecting a crucial layer within the material. This new approach aims to increase stability and efficiency of next-generation solar cells.
Researchers used machine learning to predict patient outcomes using routine clinical information, identifying factors that determined which patients were likely to get worse. The AI model improved oxygenation in only 44% of patients, while proning was ineffective in those with blood clots or inflammation.
Researchers created a probe that glows when detecting an enzyme associated with blood clots and strokes. The probe, made up of two components, can host fluorescent molecules and detects an increase in fluorescence intensity when the probe comes into contact with the enzyme.
A study by Imperial College London found that prior COVID-19 infection significantly enhances protection against the Kent and South Africa variants after a single dose of mRNA vaccine. In contrast, those without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection may not receive sufficient immune response, highlighting the importance of second doses.
Ancient dune fields in Gale crater provide evidence of variable wind directions, shedding light on Mars' climate evolution. The findings suggest that the Martian surface may have been less hospitable to life than previously thought, with a vast expanse of desert sand representing a snapshot of time.
In a small study, psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, was found to be at least as effective as a leading antidepressant medication in reducing depressive symptoms. The results showed that depression scores decreased more quickly and were greater in magnitude in the psilocybin group compared to the escitalopram group.
A study of over 1000 patients found UK cancer patients were 1.5 times more likely to die after a COVID-19 diagnosis compared to European counterparts. This increased mortality rate may be attributed to the UK's lagging cancer care and patient frailty.
A study of over 150,000 European women has identified PAX8, CLPTM1L, and HLA region gene variants associated with an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. The findings open avenues for personalized screening approaches or targeted treatments.
A breakthrough discovery has pinpointed the mechanism by which normal proteins convert to diseased forms, causing conditions like CJD and Kuru. The research could lead to the development of new drugs to combat these devastating diseases.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new fire suppressant that can kill zombie fires 40% faster than using water alone. The agent reduces surface tension and acts thermally to encapsulate the fire, bringing down temperature and removing heat from the fire triangle.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new type of nanoprobe that uses second harmonic generation (SHG) to detect tumors more brightly and precisely than existing fluorescent nanoprobes. The biodegradable bioharmonophores attach specifically to tumor cells, reducing misrepresentation and improving detection sensitivity.
A team of scientists has developed an AI model that can predict the success of bacterial infections by analyzing the interactions between different effectors. The study found that even if some effectors are removed, the infection can still take hold due to the inherent strength and flexibility of the effector network.