Electrically charged volcanic ash from the 1815 Mount Tambora eruption may have contributed to Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo by 'short-circuiting' the ionosphere. Heavy rain brought about by this ash led to muddy and rainy conditions that hindered the Allied army.
Researchers have developed a new technique using 'quantum chaos' to prevent optical filaments from forming in semiconductor lasers, leading to instabilities. The new system uses a D-shaped cavity to create a quantum chaotic landscape, disrupting the formation of self-organized structures and maintaining laser stability.
Researchers at Imperial College London found that DTM can model near-death experiences in the brain, with participants scoring above a threshold for determining an NDE. The study suggests that DTM may be able to alter brain activity similarly to NDEs, but with different contexts.
Researchers found no evidence that a single mosquito species is vital to the ecosystem, reducing its removal would not significantly impact local animals. Locally eliminating this mosquito could drastically cut cases of malaria, but more research is needed.
Death rates from heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers are higher in low- and middle-income tropical countries compared to high-income Western nations. Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, account for 90% of deaths in Western countries due to late diagnosis and inadequate treatments.
The RIVER study tested a 'kick and kill' approach to target HIV reservoirs, forcing the virus out of hiding and killing it. Despite initial findings that the therapy didn't add up to a potential cure, researchers say the trial paves the way for testing different combinations to tackle persistent HIV in patients on antiretroviral treatm...
Scientists have identified a mysterious molecule called Yin Yang1 that may fuel tumour growth in breast cancer, revealing how tumours change their 'appearance' to evade treatment using epigenetics. The findings suggest doctors should take new tumour samples when a patient's cancer spreads
Researchers at Imperial College London found that the immune system's response to toxins triggers IgE, which protects against cancer development. The study suggests that allergies may be linked to chemicals in modern environments and could lead to new skin cancer treatments.
Researchers found that producing and deploying shade balls to prevent evaporation in reservoirs may actually consume more water than they conserve. The study estimates that for every drop of water saved by the balls, over one drop would be used elsewhere due to production requirements.
A new study published in European Urology found that high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment is as effective as surgery or radiotherapy in treating prostate cancer, with lower risks of side effects. After five years, the cancer survival rate from HIFU was 100%, comparable to surgery and radiotherapy.
Scientists have found that comet 67P's molecular oxygen is not produced on its surface, contradicting previous theories. The majority of the molecular oxygen in the coma is likely primordial and originated from the comet's body.
Researchers discovered that bacteria can use provoking toxins to increase aggression levels in competing strains, leading to the elimination of weaker strains. This strategy could be exploited to manipulate microbial communities and fight infections, particularly resistant biofilms.
Researchers developed an accurate diagnostic score that uses two simple blood tests to identify patients in need of treatment against the deadly hepatitis B virus. The test was found to be as accurate as existing methods but at a fraction of the cost, making it accessible for sub-Saharan Africa's poorest regions.
A study published by Imperial College London shows that financial incentives led to a 3% decrease in antibiotic prescriptions for common respiratory tract infections. The reduction was particularly notable among children and those with sore throats, highlighting the potential of this approach to curb excessive antibiotic use.
Researchers identified a compound called phenylacetic acid (PAA) produced by gut bacteria linked to the early onset of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). The study suggests PAA could be used as a biological marker in the clinic to identify patients at increased risk of disease.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a more efficient enzyme that can break down plant-based biomass 30 times faster than current methods. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper and more environmentally friendly biofuel production, as well as more efficient plastic recycling.
Scientists have discovered a new form of photosynthesis that uses near-infrared light, contradicting the long-held assumption that only red light is required. This discovery has significant implications for crop engineering and astrobiology.
A new study warns that Antarctica's ecosystem is under threat due to climate change, with a metre of global sea level rise predicted if drastic action is not taken. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing effective regulations could mitigate this impact.
A large-scale study found that tree fungi communities are stressed by pollution across 20 European countries. The study revealed thresholds of essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus beyond which the community of mycorrhizal fungi changes.
Researchers found that older males are more successful at siring illegitimate children, suggesting a biological effect rather than behavioral choice. The study suggests post-copulation mechanisms may be driving this phenomenon, with females potentially storing sperm internally and 'deciding' which to use for fertilization.
A new analysis found that construction delays contribute 18% to the costs of building new nuclear power plants, making them more expensive than expected. The study suggests that these extra costs make nuclear projects high-risk investments.
Researchers have discovered a genetic link between alcohol consumption and heart failure, specifically in individuals with a faulty titin gene. The study found that even moderate amounts of alcohol intake can worsen the condition by reducing heart output in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy caused by the faulty gene.
A new study by Imperial College London highlights the difficulties in guaranteeing 'deforestation-free' palm oil products, citing complex supply chains and a lack of consensus on what constitutes deforestation. Researchers suggest that certification schemes like RSPO can help, but more effective solutions are needed to ensure sustainab...
Researchers found that cutting social programme funding could increase avoidable childhood hospitalisations and deaths by up to 20,000 and 124,000 respectively. The poorest municipalities would be disproportionately affected, with potential child mortality rates 8.6% lower in 2030 if current funding is maintained.
Researchers from Imperial College London found that investing in existing low-carbon energy technologies now can save 61% of future costs compared to waiting for a mythical future technology. Delaying investment can lead to grossly oversized and underutilized power systems, or those that are far from being decarbonised by 2050.
A team of researchers has successfully created a microscopic drum that can simultaneously vibrate and stand still, a phenomenon known as quantum superposition. This breakthrough is expected to enable the development of ultra-precise sensors and new types of transducers.
The rise in resistance to antifungal treatments mirrors the well-established threat of bacteria, which have become resistant to antibiotics. Fungal infections, including blights affecting food crops, yeast and mould-related infections in humans and livestock, can be fatal for those with underlying conditions.
Machine learning has detected small vessel disease, a common cause of stroke and dementia, in CT scans more accurately than current methods. The software can identify and measure the severity of SVD, enabling clinicians to administer better treatments and predict patients' likelihood of developing dementia.
Researchers found traces of fatty acids in Dorset's acidic streams, mimicking conditions on Mars billions of years ago. They believe these findings could indicate nearly 12,000 pools of organic matter on Mars that represent past life.
Researchers have developed a molecule that can block multiple strains of the common cold virus from hijacking human cells. The molecule targets N-myristoyltransferase, a protein in human cells, making emergence of resistant viruses highly unlikely.
Scientists have successfully connected, merged and arranged artificial cells to form complex tissue structures with different connectivity types. This breakthrough enables the creation of artificial cell networks that mimic biological tissues.
Researchers have developed a new method for generating fast X-rays using standard laboratory lasers, allowing them to image the movement of electrons in organic materials. This breakthrough enables the study of extreme reaction steps and could lead to improved solar cells and catalysts.
Research by Imperial College London found that participating in Eurovision Song Contest may lead to a four percent increase in life satisfaction for every ten places improvement in final score. Conversely, doing poorly in the competition was associated with a greater increase in life satisfaction compared to not taking part at all.
A deadly fungus responsible for devastating amphibian populations worldwide may have originated in East Asia, new research suggests. The study analyzed genetic data from over 234 samples and found that four main genetic lineages of the fungus, including one native to Korea, contained high levels of genetic diversity.
Researchers analyzed data from NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission and found magnetic reconnection occurring at the smallest scale of electrons, creating hot jets of plasma that dissipate turbulence. This process was previously unknown at small scales, but it confirms reconnection is happening on these scales.
A new study casts doubt on a leading theory for bdelloid rotifers' evolution, suggesting DNA repair following desiccation may not be key to their success. The researchers found no evidence of the predicted differences between species that can and cannot survive desiccation.
Treating leg ulcers within two weeks improves healing rates by 12% compared to standard treatment, with a success rate of 85.6%. Early intervention helps patients recover quicker and reduces the risk of complications such as amputation.
Scientists tweak an existing diabetes treatment to alter its interaction with cells, leading to increased insulin release and improved efficacy. The new approach could also reduce drug side effects by avoiding internalization of GLP-1 receptors.
A new study published in Biological Conservation found that freshwater fish biodiversity is harmed by selective logging in rainforests as much as by complete deforestation. The researchers discovered a significant drop in fish diversity across all types of logging, regardless of the amount or recentness of the logging.
A new study published in JAMA found that SGLT-2 inhibitor and GLP-1 agonist drugs were associated with reduced risk of death, while DPP-4 inhibitor drugs showed no significant benefit. The findings suggest these treatments may not be equally effective in preventing mortality.
A team of researchers led by Imperial College London has developed a new technique to estimate CO2 emissions from fossil fuels using atmospheric measurements. The study found that the reported and actual emissions matched up well in California, suggesting the technique could be used globally.
Researchers have discovered a new class of drug that targets treatment-resistant cancers by inhibiting the action of enzyme CDK7. Early lab-based tests showed minimal side effects and successful suppression of tumour growth in various cancer types.
A study suggests that using existing natural gas infrastructure to replace coal in power plants can significantly reduce global carbon emissions. The UK's approach, which has already cut its emissions by 25%, could be emulated globally to achieve a 3% reduction in annual emissions.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new maser that operates continuously at room temperature, leveraging synthetic diamond to achieve this feat. The discovery has significant implications for various fields, including medical imaging, airport security scanning, and deep space communication.
Research from Imperial College London found that girls who start puberty earlier are more likely to be overweight as adults. The study used genetic variants to investigate the causal link between early puberty and body mass index (BMI) in women, suggesting that early puberty itself is a risk factor for obesity.
Researchers have successfully fused living and non-living cells to harness the natural ability of biological cells to process chemicals while protecting them from the environment. This system can lead to applications such as cellular 'batteries' powered by photosynthesis, synthesis of drugs inside the body, and biological sensors that ...
A new class of experimental drugs has been found to reduce hot flushes in menopausal women by almost three-quarters within three days. The treatment also improves sleep and concentration significantly. The compound works by blocking the action of a brain chemical called neurokinin B, which triggers hot flushes.
A new imaging technology has been developed to grade tumour biopsies, eliminating human subjectivity and variability. The Digistain method uses mid-infrared light to map out chemical changes that signal cancer onset, providing a reliable indicator of disease progression.
Researchers at Imperial College London caution against relying on over-optimistic renewable energy models that predict whole systems can run on near-100% renewables by 2050. Despite increasing UK energy production from renewables, the lack of firm and dispatchable backup energy systems poses reliability issues.
Research from Imperial College London found that taking daily fish oil capsules during pregnancy reduced the risk of egg allergy in children by 30%, while daily probiotic supplements reduced the risk of eczema by 22%. No significant impact on allergy or eczema risk was found from avoiding potentially allergenic foods.