A new study from King's College London found that ethnic inequalities in stroke are primarily attributed to differences in traditional stroke risk factors, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The study analyzed data from over 650,000 people in South London and found that Black and Asian patients were more likely to develop these ...
Research found that young people who consume more caffeine sleep less and show small differences in brain development, with a higher risk of mental health problems. Caffeine intake as low as one cup per week was linked to lower surface area across the brain's outer layer.
A new study from King's College London found that fewer than 1 in 15 young people with mental health disorders received a diagnosis from NHS mental health services. Despite an increase in diagnoses from 2.6% in 2009 to 4.4% in 2024, many young people with disorders remain undiagnosed, highlighting the need for strengthened mental healt...
Rosalind Franklin created 'Photo 51' after using an earlier image, 'Photo 49', to calculate key features of DNA's helical structure. The new research reveals that Franklin carefully planned and produced the high-quality repeat of the earlier image, challenging the long-held belief that she did not recognize its significance.
A global study found ecosystems have far less 'spare' capacity than previously thought, with biodiversity playing a crucial role in providing benefits such as pollination, water purification, and carbon storage. The study suggests that functional redundancy has been overestimated, and that maintaining diversity is essential for ecosyst...
King's College London is co-leading a new partnership uniting London's health and care community to tackle pressing research priorities. The partnership will focus on four key areas: neighbourhood health, prevention, productivity, and data sciences for healthcare.
A study of over 5,500 adolescents found that those who took more daily steps had fewer mental health problems a year later. Higher step counts were associated with differences in brain areas linked to movement and mood, explaining the link between physical activity and mental health.
A major review of 63 studies involving over 265,000 people found that cannabis use is associated with a higher risk of committing violent acts and experiencing violence. Women were more likely to be victims of violence than men.
Babies born to anaemic mothers have smaller brain volumes, with differences detectable from 12 months old. The study found that anaemia affects brain development, particularly in regions involved in movement, learning, and communication.
Researchers developed a new mathematical framework to test AI transparency in clinical settings, detecting information leakage in concept-based AI models. The framework provides practical guidance for designing models that minimize leakage and offer meaningful transparency.
A comprehensive molecular study of ageing found that genetic factors and environmental influences continuously interact to shape an individual's ageing journey. Researchers identified distinct biological shifts, including correlations between environmental exposures and molecular profiles, which may indicate higher risk of disease and ...
A new research centre, InnoHK I-GET, will use AI and data analysis to make smart grids more efficient and resilient in Hong Kong and globally. The centre will bring together leading academics and industry partners to develop a future power grid capable of supporting electric vehicles and AI-enabled services.
Researchers have identified a potential new target for preventing preterm labour, targeting a specific group of proteins in the uterus muscle that can suppress human uterine contractions and delay preterm birth in a preclinical model. The study, published in Communications Medicine, highlights a promising avenue for developing new drug...
Experts warn that common narratives about polarisation are overgeneralised and often based on evidence from the US alone. The study calls for a global literature on political polarisation to be a fundamental goal, emphasizing the need for country-dependent solutions to address the growing polarisation challenges of social media and AI.
Researchers have mapped how the immune response in people with sepsis changes over time, revealing three distinct immune states. This finding could lead to targeted treatments for sepsis patients, as the immune state doesn't match the clinical stage of sepsis.
The study, conducted in Northern Ireland schools, found that lockable pouches led to a reduction in smartphone use, improved classroom behaviour, and decreased anxiety and depression symptoms among students. However, challenges in implementation, such as inconsistent enforcement and damage to pouches, were identified.
The collaboration aims to advance molecular imaging research and develop new treatments for patients across the UK. Funded through charitable giving, the partnership brings together specialist radiopharmaceutical production and cutting-edge research, strengthening the UK's radiopharmaceutical research base.
Researchers created a detailed map of B cell development and behavior in melanoma tumours, revealing new insights into immunotherapy response. The study identified an 'inflamed' B cell state that persists throughout disease progression and after treatment.
Scientists at King's College London discovered that urolithin A improves heart function, reduces scarring and prevents harmful enlargement of the heart in a type of heart failure. The compound has already been evaluated in human studies and shows a favorable safety profile, offering a promising new treatment target.
A large genetic study of anorexia nervosa and binge-eating behaviour has identified six areas in the genome associated with binge eating and eight loci associated with anorexia nervosa. The study also found that genetic associations with binge eating and anorexia nervosa have similar positive correlations with psychiatric disorders, bu...
A large-scale study of bereavement among ethnically diverse communities in UK healthcare reveals racism exacerbates grief experience. Bereavement services must adopt an anti-racist stance and adapt to individual needs.
Women with multiple long-term conditions face a 20% higher risk of miscarriage and a 69% higher risk of severe nausea and vomiting compared to those with no conditions. The study also found a four times higher risk of anxiety and depression.
A new study by King's College London reveals that proposed new obesity definitions give greater insight into the ill health of metabolic bariatric surgery candidates compared to BMI. The study found marked variation in disease burden among patients considered for surgery, despite similar BMI.
A study by King's College London has identified two types of white blood cells linked to survival outcomes for patients with melanoma. Effective immunotherapy treatment is associated with efficient B and T cell responses, while immature or poorly functioning B cell populations predict poorer outcomes.
A new portable blood testing device connects via Bluetooth and uses AI to analyze blood samples, providing real-time health insights. This technology allows for regular monitoring of patients undergoing chemotherapy or taking medications with potential side effects.
A study by King's College London has identified an immune pathway that prevents a normally harmless fungus from developing into a fatal infection. The IL-1 family signalling plays a critical role in containing the fungus, suggesting it may be a broader defence mechanism against other fungal species.
Researchers found that ESCRT-III proteins form a protective coating around exposed DNA bridges, preventing damage and ensuring genome stability. This discovery provides insight into how cells protect themselves from DNA damage events linked to cancer development.
Researchers found that women receiving beetroot juice experienced fewer serious adverse events, better kidney function after pregnancy, and reduced need for blood pressure medication. The study suggests beetroot juice could be a safe and low-cost intervention to support women with chronic kidney disease during pregnancy.
A recent study found that consuming a daily blend of over 30 different plants increased populations of 'favourable' gut bacteria compared to a probiotic control. This results in improved gut health and reduced symptoms such as constipation and flatulence.
A new study from King's College London identifies widening ethnic and socioeconomic inequalities in stroke, with higher rates of diabetes and hypertension among black African and lower socioeconomic groups. The research calls for targeted and earlier primary prevention efforts to reduce these disparities.
A landmark study published in Nature Medicine has identified 26 genetic variants that increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia syndrome. The study analyzed genetic data from over 2.5 million adults and found significant overlap with other conditions, such as low back pain and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A large-scale study found that disrupted sleep and anxiety persisted after the pandemic, contributing to fatigue in people with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome. Experts recommend routine assessment of sleep for post-pandemic fatigue and stress prevention.
A new study by King's College London found that mental health treatment for serious offenders can significantly reduce aggression and reoffending rates, resulting in cost savings. The intervention, Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT), showed potential to improve outcomes for individuals with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) convict...
A new report reveals that 42% of people in the UK deliberately limit their AI use, primarily driven by worries about data protection. Despite the benefits, many individuals are ambivalent towards AI due to growing security and privacy concerns.
Researchers developed a human-safe drug that repairs DNA breaks and reduces inflammation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The approach targets multiple disease-relevant cellular pathways, providing a broader therapeutic strategy than previous approaches focused on individual disease hallmarks.
Scientists at King's College London have developed a human-safe drug that repairs DNA breaks and reduces inflammation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. This approach targets multiple features of the disease simultaneously, providing a broader therapeutic strategy than previous approaches focused on individual disease hallmarks.
Researchers at King's College London discovered a molecule linked to chronic inflammation disrupts brain neuron formation, highlighting a pathway with therapeutic potential for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and depression. High cytokine levels trigger an 'immune alert' state, reducing new nerve cell production.
Researchers developed a strategy to attack glioblastoma on two fronts by targeting the tumour and its immune support system. In preclinical models, the therapy eliminated detectable tumours and led to long-term disease-free survival.
A study by King's College London found that students with declining school performance are at a higher risk of contact with the criminal justice system. Researchers identified 'signals' in school records indicating pupils who may need support, highlighting opportunities for early intervention.
A new study led by King's College London finds that human-driven climate change has intensified the retreat of Pine Island Glacier, one of the single biggest contributors to global sea level rise. The glacier retreated by around 18-20% since the 1940s, adding several kilometers to its landward withdrawal.
Researchers at King's College London have developed an AI model that can improve a Formula One team's finishing position in simulations of the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix. The model, which uses reinforcement learning and explainable AI, outperformed existing race strategy optimization techniques in many cases.
Researchers identified karyoptosis as a key link between toxic protein accumulation and neuron death in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The study found that targeting proteins acting as 'switches' in this pathway may slow or prevent cell death by karyoptosis.
A virtual reality study with zebrafish shows that the environment experienced by young fish influences the shape and electrical activity of neurons in the eye. Fish growing up surrounded by horizontal stripes develop differently shaped neurons compared to those exposed to vertical stripes, which affects their behavior.
A major new study found that mental health and behavioural changes, such as depression, anxiety, and emotional instability, are common in people who survive encephalitis. The research suggests that routine mental health screening and support are crucial for post-encephalitis care.
Researchers at King's College London discovered that chewing sugary gum after consuming beetroot increases nitrite production, leading to lower blood pressure. This finding could have implications for sports people using beetroot to improve athletic performance.
The STAR study found that an integrated Trauma-Focused-CBTp was safe and highly effective for people with co-occurring diagnoses of psychosis and PTSD. Participants showed significant improvements in various outcomes, including PTSD symptom severity, psychosis symptoms, mood disorders, and emotional well-being.
Universities and hospitals conduct substantial numbers of late-stage clinical trials to repurpose generic drugs at reduced costs. This research has huge potential to provide society with affordable treatments for various conditions.
A new study forecasts global antimicrobial resistance threats for the next two decades, identifying 210 traits that could pose the greatest future risk. The research uses machine learning and forecasting to predict which genetic factors will become more prevalent and which may decline over time.
A study by King's College London found that following a short-term low-calorie diet can reduce markers of inflammation associated with gum disease. This suggests lifestyle modifications may be important alongside plaque control in managing gum disease.
A large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) has identified 74 genetic loci associated with anxiety symptoms, providing new insight into the biological pathways involved. The study found that common genetic variation explains around 6% of differences in anxiety symptom severity.