A UK-based study found that 31% of young people experienced traumatic events during childhood, with those exposed to trauma twice as likely to develop mental health disorders. Only a small proportion of young people with PTSD received effective treatment.
A new study found that eating 200g of blueberries daily for a month improves blood vessel function and reduces systolic blood pressure in healthy people. Anthocyanins, a type of phytochemical responsible for blueberry's color, play a key role in this effect.
Researchers at King's College London found that Wnt signalling can be activated to revive a rudimentary dental lamina (RSDL) in mice, allowing for the formation of additional teeth. This breakthrough demonstrates potential for tooth replacement and provides insights into mammalian evolution and trait restoration.
Recreational cyclists experience reduced exercise efficiency and skeletal muscle oxygenation at high cadences, unlike elite professionals who can sustain high intensities. The study found forces exerted on the pedals decrease at higher cadences, and cycling efficiency decreases.
A year-long trial of electronically-delivered prescribing feedback and online decision support for GPs reduced antibiotic prescribing for respiratory illnesses. Antibiotic use was reduced by 12%, with no increase in serious complications.
A new study published in the European Journal of Neurology found that women are more likely to experience severe depression following a stroke, with 20% of women suffering from severe depression compared to 10% of men. The study suggests that women's social relationships and longer lifespan contribute to this increased risk.
A new study published in JAMA found that frequent aspirin use can lead to a 50% increase in major bleeding episodes. While aspirin reduces cardiovascular event risks, it increases the risk of major bleeding, making its use for initial prevention uncertain.
A study by King's College London found that UK smokers and ex-smokers have common misperceptions about the harm from vaping. Only 57.3% correctly stated that vaping is less harmful than smoking, while 63.4% said nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is less harmful.
Researchers used brain scans to identify patterns that distinguish individuals with DID from healthy controls, achieving an accuracy of 73%. The study provides the first evidence of a biological basis for diagnosing DID, potentially preventing unnecessary suffering through earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
A new study from King's College London found that breathlessness-focused services can significantly reduce patient distress and symptoms of depression. These holistic services, which combine palliative care and self-management strategies, empower patients to take control of their breathlessness and improve their quality of life.
New research from King's College London identifies changes in memory and attention as earliest signs of Alzheimer's in Down syndrome, paving the way for prevention trials. The study suggests that treatments could delay symptoms if started in the mid-30s with relatively low participant numbers.
A new specialist programme at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust has been shown to significantly reduce hospital readmissions for people with bipolar disorder. The OPTIMA Mood Disorders Service provides intensive, specialist treatment tailored to individual needs, resulting in lower rates of re-admission.
Research from King's College London and UCL found that parents' feeding practices are shaped by their child's natural body weight, which is influenced by genes. Parents of children with a higher genetic predisposition to weight tend to be more restrictive, while those of children with a lower predisposition are more pressuring.
The study found that MDMA increases activity in brain regions linked to social processing, particularly when interacting with trustworthy players. This suggests that MDMA may be a valuable tool in treating psychiatric conditions like PTSD by enhancing cooperation and rebuilding relationships.
Research highlights the negative impact of hospital noise on communication, patient rest, and recovery, as well as staff performance and burnout. The authors propose a new approach to addressing noise pollution, prioritizing SPL reduction and involving patients in its creation.
Research from King's College London found that genetics explain 57% of the differences in A-level exam results and 46% of the difference in achievement at university. Shared environmental factors influence university choice, but become less important over time.
A vicious feedback loop drives brain degeneration in Alzheimer's disease, but a clinically approved drug may provide a solution. The study identified Dkk1 as a central player in the cycle, and targeting it with fasudil shows promise in animal models.
Research from King's College London has found that cannabidiol can help reduce psychotic symptoms by resetting abnormal brain activity. The study provides the first evidence of how cannabidiol acts in the brain to alleviate psychosis and suggests it could be a safer alternative to current treatments.
Research finds that babies born to mothers with depression in pregnancy show altered behavior and biological changes, linked to depression-induced inflammation. These changes may contribute to a higher risk of depression in children born to depressed mothers as adults.
A recent study by King's College London reveals that local authorities across England have failed to prioritize palliative and end-of-life care, highlighting the need for effective strategies as the population ages.
A study by King's College London found that babies introduced to solid foods early slept longer and woke less frequently at night compared to those exclusively breastfed for six months. This research challenges current government advice, which states that starting solid foods won't make babies more likely to sleep through the night.
Research from King's College London and Brunel University London found that standing in meetings can be difficult due to social pressure, with participants feeling awkward about breaking rules. However, some reported increased engagement and motivation when standing, and suggested ways for employers to encourage active meetings.
The €115 million AIMS-2-Trials grant aims to understand autism, develop personalized therapies, and improve quality of life for autistic individuals. It will create a European clinical trials network and partner with charities, governments, and industry to rapidly determine therapy effectiveness.
A new gene therapy has been shown to restore hand function in rats with spinal cord injuries by breaking down scar tissue and allowing nerve cell regeneration. The therapy uses a 'stealth gene' switch that can be turned on and off, providing a safeguard and paving the way for human trials.
Researchers at King's College London have discovered a fundamental process by which brains are built, involving the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. This finding may lead to new treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and epilepsy.
A recent study by King's College London has identified the processes in the gut that drive fat build-up around the waist. The research found that environmental factors such as diet have a major impact on gut activity and fat distribution, with less than a fifth of processes attributed to genetic factors.
Researchers at King's College London found that patients prescribed antidepressants were 21% more likely to experience weight gain than those not taking the drugs. The risk of weight gain remained elevated for up to six years, with peak risk periods after two to three years of continued use.
A study of 140,000 people identified 133 genetic variants that could help predict the risk of developing glaucoma. These genetic markers can be measured as early as birth and may allow for earlier diagnosis and treatment.
A global research project has identified 44 genetic variants linked to major depression, 30 of which are newly discovered. These findings suggest a shared genetic basis with other psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia.
A study of 32 children under 10 found significant DNA damage from small amounts of sun exposure, similar to levels in Danish adults. Parents are advised to use rigorous protection measures and consider vitamin D supplements.
A global meta-analysis found that engaging in physical activity decreases the chance of developing depression in people of all ages and geographical regions. The study pooled data from over 250,000 individuals and found consistent evidence that higher levels of physical activity are protective against future depression.
A study by King's College London found that lonely 18-year-olds are more likely to experience mental health issues and be out of work. The research highlights the importance of early intervention to prevent loneliness from affecting young adults' lives.
A team of scientists discovered 124 genes involved in determining human hair color variation, explaining a substantial fraction of hair color variation and heritability. The new findings have implications for conditions linked to pigmentation, such as skin, testicular, prostate, and ovarian cancers.
Research found adults with psychotic disorders experience cognitive decline in early childhood and adolescence, suggesting potential for early intervention to prevent illness onset. The study tracked IQ scores and cognitive abilities throughout the first two decades of life among individuals who developed psychotic disorders in adulthood.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that adolescents who experienced racism between 11-23 years old are more likely to take up smoking. The study analyzed questionnaire and interview data from over 6500 pupils, revealing a strong link between racial trauma and the development of smoking habits.
Scientists from King's College London have discovered a new drug combination that effectively awakens the immune system to attack cancer. The breakthrough involves combining chemotherapy with a drug trialled for neonatal jaundice, which targets an enzyme called Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and promotes tumour growth.
Scientists developed a method to analyze lymph node tissue, identifying patients with higher risk of secondary cancers. The study found that analyzing architectural features of cancer-free lymph nodes can help differentiate between patients at high and low risk of metastasis.
A King's College London study found that extending sleep hours by up to 1.5 hours per night resulted in a 10-gram reduction in reported free sugar intake. The researchers also noticed trends for reduced total carbohydrate intake among participants in the sleep extension group.
Research at King's College London found that spending time outdoors, surrounded by trees, hearing birdsong, seeing the sky, and feeling connected to nature all have a positive impact on mental wellbeing. Individuals with higher levels of impulsivity benefit most from these experiences.
Scientists at King's College London have discovered a seaweed compound that can protect human skin from UV radiation without harming marine ecosystems. The mycosporine-like amino acid, palythine, has been shown to absorb harmful rays and offer antioxidant protection against cellular damage.
A new report highlights how the King's Sierra Leone Partnership joined forces with local mental health professionals to improve psychiatric healthcare during the 2014 Ebola outbreak. The partnership created a nurse-led mental health and psychosocial support service, strengthening skills of non-specialist nurses, which led to the establ...
Researchers discovered a previously unknown cellular communication method between neurons and immune cells in neuropathic pain. Blocking this method could prevent neuropathic pain without side effects.
Researchers at King's College London have discovered novel mechanisms of cell death involved in debilitating neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. This finding could lead to new treatments or delay the progression of currently incurable conditions.
High levels of inflammation in the brain can reduce neurogenesis and increase cell death, potentially increasing depression risk. Researchers found that a protein called interferon-alpha accelerates these processes.
Researchers from King's College London predict that care homes will become the most common place to die, with over 230,000 annual deaths predicted by 2040. This increase is driven by a rise in deaths occurring at home and a decline in hospital deaths.
A new study from King's College London reveals the molecular basis of chronic nerve pain in diabetes, identifying HCN2 as a key player. The findings suggest that targeting this protein could lead to effective treatments for painful diabetic neuropathy, a condition affecting up to one in four people with diabetes.
Researchers at King's College London have identified a gene, DLG4, associated with brain damage caused by pre-term birth. The study found that DLG4 is involved in controlling the inflammatory process and may open doors for effective treatments of diseases such as cerebral palsy and autism.
Regular and early lifestyle modifications, including healthy diet, lifestyle, and physical activity, can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in young South Asians. The study found that interventions starting before age 18 were more effective than those starting later.
A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that children who eat breakfast every day have superior nutritional profiles compared to those who skip it. Children who consumed breakfast daily had higher intakes of key nutrients like folate, calcium, and iodine.
A clinical trial has observed noticeable changes in the behavior of immune systems of type 1 diabetes patients treated with peptides. The treatment has a noticeable effect on the immune system and suggests a potential way to protect remaining beta cells.