A team of researchers has tracked a rare 'boomerang' earthquake in the ocean for the first time, revealing how it can cause devastating effects on land. The study used underwater seismometers to monitor the Romanche fracture zone and recorded a magnitude 7.1 earthquake with a unique reversing rupture mechanism.
Researchers developed a blood test that can identify babies at risk of serious neurodisabilities like cerebral palsy and epilepsy just hours after birth. The test looks for specific genes being switched on or off, which may provide new targets for treating brain damage before it becomes permanent.
New offshore wind projects in the UK are expected to produce electricity very cheaply, potentially reducing household energy bills. The projects will operate with 'negative subsidies,' paying money back to the government and then passing it through to consumers.
A recent study found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to a 50% global reduction in human-caused seismic noise, with the most pronounced effects seen in densely populated areas. This 'anthropause' phenomenon has provided a unique opportunity for researchers to better distinguish between human and natural seismic noise.
Research suggests that having more flowers and a more diverse bee community could reduce the spread of bee parasites. The study found that when bee communities are at their most diverse, the proportion of infected bees is lowest, and when flowers are at their most abundant, fewer are likely to act as transmission hubs.
Scientists have tracked quadruple helix DNA formation in living human cells for the first time, allowing them to see how it works and its possible role in cancer. The discovery could reveal new targets for drugs that interrupt gene expression, a fundamental process in gene regulation.
Researchers observed that C. jejuni swims faster in viscous liquids due to its flagella, which wrap around the helical body to propel itself forward. This finding could lead to new strategies for preventing C. jejuni infections by targeting its movement mechanisms.
A recent study in the quarantined Italian town of Vò found that nearly 40% of COVID-19 cases showed no symptoms, emphasizing the role of asymptomatic transmission. The study suggests that widespread testing, isolating infected people, and community lockdowns effectively controlled the outbreak.
Researchers at Imperial College London found that asteroid impact caused an impact winter decades long, decimating dinosaur habitats worldwide. In contrast, volcanic eruptions had a limited effect on global ecosystems.
Researchers applied machine learning techniques to explore microstructure of fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries. They used DC-GANs to generate 3D image data and run simulations to predict cell performance. The technique could help design optimized electrodes for improved energy storage.
A new urine test measures diet quality and identifies an individual's unique 'fingerprint', providing insights into their nutritional needs. The test reveals associations between metabolites in urine and dietary intake of specific foods, nutrients, and health conditions.
A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that COVID-19 patients with extremely high cortisol levels are more likely to deteriorate quickly and die. Cortisol levels can be used as a marker of illness severity, helping identify patients who need intensive care.
A new study emphasizes the need for international cooperation on CO2 removal to meet Paris Agreement targets. Countries must allocate quotas fairly and consider trading with countries that can fulfill their obligations, as only a handful can do so alone.
Researchers have identified a new inflammatory syndrome in children linked to COVID-19, characterized by symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease but affecting older children and presenting more often with abdominal pains and diarrhoea. The condition, PIMS-TS, requires close monitoring and early treatment to prevent severe complications.
The study found that total and non-HDL cholesterol levels are falling sharply in high-income countries, particularly those in North-western Europe, North America, and Australasia, while rising in low- and middle-income nations, especially in East and Southeast Asia. This shift has significant implications for global cardiovascular health.
The asteroid impact at an estimated 60-degree angle led to the release of massive amounts of sulphur into the atmosphere, blocking sunlight and causing a nuclear winter. This event ultimately contributed to the extinction of dinosaurs and 75% of life on Earth 66 million years ago.
A new analysis suggests that no more than 2,700 Gigatonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) would be needed to meet the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's global warming targets. This is less than leading estimates of available storage space globally.
A study of 300,000 commuters in England and Wales found that walking or cycling to work significantly reduced the risk of early death and illness. Cycling was associated with a 20% lower mortality rate compared to driving, while walking was linked to a 7% reduced cancer diagnosis rate.
Scientists at Imperial College London used gene drive technology to create an all-male population of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, leading to a total collapse in the population. The modified mosquitoes produce more male offspring, causing females to be born and eventually leading to no females being present.
A new study by the T2K Collaboration confirms that neutrinos and antineutrinos behave differently, which could explain why matter persists over antimatter in the universe. This result brings scientists closer to answering the fundamental question of why the universe is dominated by matter.
Current medical guidelines for diagnosing cow's milk allergy in babies and young children may lead to overdiagnosis due to common symptoms being mistaken for the condition. Studies have found that only around 1% of infants have cow's milk allergy, but up to 14% of families believe their child has it.
Researchers discovered evidence of a 90-million-year-old rainforest near the South Pole, suggesting average temperatures were around 12 degrees Celsius. The finding challenges climate models and suggests higher carbon dioxide levels during the mid-Cretaceous period.
Research found that regular screening and access to new treatments have significantly reduced new hepatitis C infections among HIV-positive men in London and Brighton. The study analyzed data from over 9,000 men at risk of hepatitis C and showed a decline in new cases, with the lowest recorded since 2008.
Researchers have created a device that uses sound waves to produce high-resolution images of the human brain, potentially revolutionizing brain imaging. The technology could be suitable for continuous monitoring of high-dependency patients and overcome obstacles with current MRI methods.
Researchers develop a new health tracking sensor that can monitor vital signs like heart and breathing rates through fur or up to four layers of clothing. The sensor could help owners track their pets' health and improve the work of sniffer dogs used to detect bombs and missing persons.
Researchers have found a combination of two existing medications that can trigger the release of stem cells from bone marrow, which can aid healing in spinal fractures. The study suggests using these drug combinations could speed up the repair process and potentially lead to new treatments for various bone fractures.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that genetic tests for heart disease risk had only modest improvement over conventional testing. The test analyzed thousands of genetic variants linked to heart health but did not significantly enhance predictive power.
New research reveals that Mediterranean-type climates experience rapid decreases in rainfall when greenhouse gases rise, impacting water resources. Cutting greenhouse gas emissions can interrupt these effects, benefiting regions reliant on winter rainfall.
Researchers have discovered that kisspeptin can enhance brain activity related to attraction and arousal in men, particularly those with low sexual quality of life. The study used MRI scans to track brain responses to female faces and perfume, finding that kisspeptin triggered greater activation in attraction pathways.
Researchers found that altering aircraft altitudes could significantly reduce contrail-caused harm to the climate, with a potential reduction of up to 59%. The study suggests targeting flights responsible for the most climate forcing and using cleaner engine technology to achieve a total reduction of up to 90%.
A new MRI tool has been developed and shown to be 90% accurate in distinguishing between malignant and benign ovarian cysts. This could lead to earlier treatment and improved outcomes for women with ovarian cancer, reducing the need for invasive surgery.
A team of international scientists has created a global map of dengue transmission intensity and predicted that releasing infected mosquitoes with Wolbachia could reduce cases by up to 90%. The study also suggests that the Sanofi Pasteur dengue vaccine could reduce cases by up to 30%.
A study of over 650 women who experienced early-stage pregnancy loss found that nearly a third suffer post-traumatic stress, while one in four experience moderate to severe anxiety and depression. The research calls for improved care following an early-stage pregnancy loss.
Researchers found that hotspots are not sources of infection but rather sinks for the virus, with more infections originating from outside communities. Inland communities with lower HIV prevalence drove more new infections in hotspot areas.
Researchers predict a 2 degrees Celsius rise in temperatures could result in around 2,100 additional deaths from injuries every year in the United States. Most of these deaths would be among young men, with California, Texas, and Florida potentially seeing the highest number.
A global database of 10,000 bird species shows that body measurements can predict a species' role in an ecosystem. The study found that similar body shapes are often associated with similar lifestyles and dietary preferences, even among distantly related species.
Researchers have created a novel method for producing non-toxic chemicals using microorganisms, which can be scaled up for industrial use. The technique, developed at Imperial College London, mimics the way organisms naturally produce toxic chemicals without harming themselves.
The study reveals syndecan-4's role in sensing environmental conditions outside cells, driving cellular processes behind cancer and diseases. Activating these cellular 'hands' triggers a pathway involving YAP, controlling apoptosis and blood vessel development.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new technique using powerful lasers and bright x-rays to capture information about extremely dense and hot matter. This breakthrough allows for unprecedented resolution and efficiency in studying warm dense matter, crucial for fusion power and astrophysics.
Researchers at Imperial College London and the University of Toronto have developed a sponge that captures and removes oil microdroplets from wastewater, improving upon previous concepts. The new sponge works faster and over a wider pH range than its predecessor, making it suitable for industrial wastewater applications.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new bonding method to create stretchy and squeezy soft sensing devices. The innovative approach allows for the integration of electrical components, enabling low-cost and portable sensors for monitoring health in various settings.
A team of physicists and cardiologists at Imperial College London have developed a model that explains the chaotic electrical signals underlying irregular heart rhythms. The model predicts which patients are unlikely to benefit from surgery and could lead to more targeted and successful treatments.
Research suggests that tropical forests are hardest hit by forest fragmentation, with sensitivity increasing six-fold at low versus high latitudes. This finding could allow for more effective conservation schemes, such as preserving larger areas of pristine forest.
A major NHS survey found critical deficiencies in medical record keeping, putting patients at risk due to incompatible systems. Over 11 million occasions, patients were unable to access full medical information from previous hospital visits.
The Parker Solar Probe has discovered new evidence on how the solar wind is accelerated away from the Sun's surface, finding that bursty 'spikes' originate in holes near the equator and are generated by magnetic reconnection. The probe also measured a sideways speed of the solar wind, which contradicts previous predictions.
A new study finds that face masks (CPAP machines) can improve symptoms of mild sleep apnoea, leading to increased energy levels and vitality. The research involved over 200 patients and revealed a significant improvement in those who used the CPAP machine compared to those receiving standard care.
Imperial College London scientists have developed a new type of membrane that can improve water purification and battery energy storage efforts. The new approach uses low-cost plastic membranes with many tiny hydrophilic pores, making them more selective and efficient than current technology.
A UK study of over 3,000 doctors reveals that 36% experience burnout, leading to suicidal thoughts, depression, and anxiety. The research highlights the need for improved workplace environments, compassionate leadership, and support systems to prevent burnout and improve patient care.
A digital alert system has been introduced to monitor patients with sepsis, leading to lower odds of death and shorter hospital stays. The system has also increased the chances of receiving timely antibiotics, resulting in improved outcomes for patients.
Researchers found that DMT significantly altered brain activity, characterized by a marked drop off in alpha waves and an increase in theta waves. The study suggests that DMT induces a unique state of consciousness, like daydreaming but with vivid visual imagery and immersive experiences.