Researchers have identified a link between negative symptoms of schizophrenia and adverse clinical outcomes, including increased hospital admission rates and longer hospital stays. Patients with two or more negative symptoms were 24% more likely to be admitted to hospital, with an average extra 21-day stay duration.
A new study published in the Lancet found that metabolic or bariatric surgery was more effective than standard medical treatment for the long-term control of type 2 diabetes in obese patients. Surgery resulted in better glycemic control, lower levels of blood glucose, and reduced need for anti-diabetic medication.
A new study led by King's College London found that preserving the natural structure of dietary fibre during food production can help slow blood sugar levels after a meal. This could lead to the development of 'diabetic-friendly' foods with slower energy release and prolonged fullness.
A study by King's College London found that one in five older people who drink alcohol consume it at unsafe levels, with median consumption being just 6 units per week. The research also revealed that men are more likely to be unsafe drinkers than women and those from higher socioeconomic status.
A new study from King's College London found that many of the same genes affect GCSE results in a range of subjects, including English, mathematics, science, and humanities. The research suggests that genetic factors explain over half of the differences between children's educational achievement across all disciplines.
Neurons have developed ways to regulate their electrical activity, preventing overexcitability and non-functional neurons. A new study reveals that unique synapses along the axon initial segment (AIS) modulate neuronal output by acting directly on the AIS.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that obese individuals have a low chance of recovering normal body weight, with only 1 in 210 men and 1 in 124 women achieving this goal. The research highlights the need for obesity prevention strategies to address the rising obesity epidemic.
A large-scale trial found that an intensive diet and exercise regime does not prevent gestational diabetes in obese pregnant women. However, the intervention led to reductions in pregnancy weight gain, lower glycaemic load, and higher activity levels, which were associated with healthier outcomes for mothers and children.
A new study by researchers from King's College London found that antidepressants were prescribed more often and used more regularly in countries with higher levels of healthcare spending. Attitudes towards mental illness, such as viewing people with a mental illness as 'dangerous', were also associated with higher use of antidepressants.
A review of randomised trials on cancer screening finds that mammographic screening may not reduce breast cancer mortality as expected. The study suggests that the benefits of mammography screening are likely to have been overestimated due to an unconventional statistical method used in earlier trials.
A new study reveals how synchronized gene activation is achieved in developing neurons through a TTP/miR-9 regulatory pair, which limits messenger destabilization and ensures coordinated accumulation of neuronal proteins.
The Bcl-Rambo protein is involved in safely clearing damaged mitochondria from cells, a process called mitophagy. Controlled regulation of this protein may help limit the development of heart failure. Further research is needed to develop methods to control its activity.
Research conducted by King's College London found a 50% increase in females reaching age 100 between 1990 and 2013, with women four times more likely to reach this milestone than men. Centenarian men, on the other hand, tend to be healthier, experiencing fewer chronic illnesses and disabilities compared to their female counterparts.
Interneurons from the medial ganglionic eminence migrate to the striatum through a mechanism involving Eph/ephrins signalling. The study reveals parallel mechanisms of target chemoattraction and off-target chemorepulsion for interneuron migration.
A new study finds that genetic risk scores for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are higher in creative individuals, suggesting a shared genetic root with creativity. This association could provide new clues about the underlying biological pathways of psychiatric disorders.
A new study found that childhood trauma can lead to heightened inflammation across three blood biomarkers in adults. This increased inflammation may contribute to various health problems, including type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The research suggests that different types of trauma have varying effects on inflammation levels.
A Phase I/II trial has shown promising results for a new stem-cell based therapy in children with recessed dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a painful skin condition. The treatment involves infusions of mesenchymal stromal cells, which improved pain scores and reduced the severity of the disease.
A study by King's College London found that mood instability occurs in a wide range of mental disorders and is not exclusive to affective conditions. The research also identified that mood instability was associated with poorer clinical outcomes, such as longer hospital stays and increased use of antipsychotic medication.
A new study by King's College London found nearly double the proportion of people dying in hospices since 1993, with most deaths from cancer. The gap between those living in affluent and deprived areas is increasing, with hospice deaths becoming more age-related.
A systematic review of six randomised controlled trials found that antidepressants were of benefit for postnatal depression, with 54% of participants reporting 'much improved' symptoms after treatment. Remission rates were also improved, with 49% of participants showing remission compared to 26% in the placebo group.
A new study has found an association between vitamin E concentrations and exposure to fine particulate pollution in the general population. Higher levels of alpha-tocopherol, a form of Vitamin E, were linked to lower lung function and reduced exposure to PM2.5.
A UK study reveals extremely high rates of cardiovascular risk factors in people with psychosis, including obesity and metabolic syndrome. The research highlights the importance of incorporating weight and cardiovascular risk assessment into routine care, as well as promoting healthy lifestyles.
A new study has found that myopia, or short-sightedness, is becoming more common across Europe, affecting around a quarter of the population. The correlation between education levels and short-sightedness has also been identified, with those completing higher education at increased risk.
A new study by King's College London found that premature birth alters the connections between key areas of the brain. This can lead to difficulties in learning, concentration, and social skills later in childhood.
A new study by King's College London found that up to 7% of households in 41 countries faced catastrophic dental health expenditure, often due to inability to pay. Wealthier households and those with better healthcare systems were less likely to struggle with costs.
Researchers found that verbal updating reduced intrusive memories and distress by half compared to exposure groups. Updating also led to significant decreases in physical arousal when confronted with trauma reminders.
A new paper by Dr Michael Weale from King's College London argues that Patrick Matthew deserves recognition alongside Darwin and Wallace as an originator of evolution by natural selection. Matthew's work, published in 1831, captures a valuable aspect of the theory that wasn't clear in Darwin's version.
Institutions like King's College London are reviewing military medical advancements to improve civilian healthcare, focusing on low-resource regions where life-saving treatments can be adapted and implemented. The review calls for research and policy changes to transfer these innovations.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that healthy middle-aged and older adults can reduce their risk of heart disease by adapting to current UK dietary guidelines. The trial revealed significant reductions in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body weight.
The LEAP study shows that frequent consumption of peanut starting within the first 11 months of life protects high-risk infants from developing peanut allergy by age 5. The study found a greater than 80% reduction in the prevalence of peanut allergy among participants who consumed peanut.
Research from King's College London found that spontaneous release of neurotransmitter glutamate causes neurons to branch and connect with each other, enabling the formation of synapses. This process plays a crucial role in regulating electrical signals through the brain.
Researchers at King's College London identified a mechanism by which bacteria trigger tumour formation in skin damaged wounds. The study highlights the role of bacterial protein flagellin and immune receptor TLR-5 in this process.
A study by King's College London found that amateur cyclists aged 55-79 had levels of physiological function similar to younger individuals. The study revealed that exercise can buy extra years of healthy function compared to sedentary people, and cycling is particularly beneficial for maintaining health and wellbeing.
Scientists at King's College London have identified the TRPA1 gene as a crucial player in the body's response to cold, triggering a vascular response that can help prevent frostbite and hypothermia. The study suggests that targeting this gene could lead to new treatments for conditions associated with cold exposure.
A new study found a strong link between environmental exposure to peanut protein during infancy and an allergic response to peanuts in children who have eczema early in life. Exposure to peanut in dust doubled the risk of peanut allergy, particularly in children with a history of eczema.
Researchers identified a specific bacterial family that is highly heritable and more common in individuals with low body weight. Transplanting this microbe into mice prevented weight gain, suggesting its potential as a treatment for obesity.
A study published in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found a strong link between early-life exposure to peanut protein in household dust and peanut allergy in children genetically predisposed to a skin barrier defect. Exposure to peanut protein was associated with a three-fold increase in risk of school-age peanut allergy.
Research led by King's College London finds that the high heritability of exam grades reflects many genetically influenced traits such as personality and self-efficacy. The study, which analyzed 13,306 twins, found that individual traits were between 35% and 58% heritable, with intelligence being the most highly heritable.
Research suggests that newborn babies have a strong immune system, triggered by T cells producing IL8, which activates neutrophils to fight infections. This finding may lead to future treatments aimed at boosting neonatal immunity in intensive care settings.
A recent WHO-commissioned review of evidence on e-cigarettes contains important errors and misinterpretations that may put policy-makers and the public in danger. The authors argue that e-cigarettes are much safer than cigarettes and could have significant public health benefits if regulated correctly.
A study by King's College London found that children's drawings at age 4 are moderately associated with their intelligence at ages 4 and 14. The researchers also measured the heritability of figure drawing, finding a strong genetic link between drawing ability and cognitive development.
A new study found that two beneficial variants of a gene controlling red blood cell development have spread from Africa to nearly all human populations globally. These variants promote fetal haemoglobin production in adulthood, leading to milder symptoms of inherited blood disorders like sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia.
A study by King's College London suggests that genes increasing schizophrenia risk also contribute to higher cannabis use. Individuals genetically predisposed to schizophrenia are more likely to use and consume cannabis in greater quantities.
A new study found that heart attack patients with kidney problems are less likely to receive recommended treatments, including angiograms and invasive procedures. However, recent studies suggest these risks may be overstated, and clinicians can ensure patient hydration reduces the risk of injury.
Researchers at King's College London have discovered a molecular 'scaffold' that allows key parts of cells to interact, which comes apart in dementia and motor neuron disease, revealing a potential new target for drug discovery.
A recent study by King's College London found that centenarians in England are more likely to die from pneumonia, with many succumbing to infections. The researchers emphasize the need for tailored health services to address this growing demographic group's increasing frailty and vulnerability.
A study published in Pain journal found a genetic link between four common chronic pain syndromes, including IBS, musculoskeletal pain, pelvic pain, and dry eye disease. The research team analyzed over 8,000 twin pairs and concluded that each of the conditions is heritable, with a common genetic pathway estimated to be 66% heritable.
A study by King's College London found that combining unsaturated fats with vegetables rich in nitrites and nitrates can protect against hypertension. The Mediterranean diet, which includes olive oil and nuts, was shown to inhibit the enzyme responsible for blood pressure regulation.
Researchers found that eczema caused by skin defects could help prevent tumour formation by shedding potentially cancerous cells from the skin. The study, published in eLife, suggests that defects in the epidermal barrier protected genetically engineered mice against benign tumour formation.
A large-scale study published in JAMA found that environmental factors contribute equally to the causes of autism as genetic factors, with individual risk increasing according to family ties. The study suggests that shared and unique environments play a significant role in autism development.