Scientists at King's College London argue that biobank donors should have unrestricted access to data derived from their own material. This move aims to increase reciprocity and partnership between donors and researchers, recognizing the donor's agency in decision-making processes.
Scientists at King's College London have discovered two distinct types of fibroblasts in the skin, one responsible for hair growth and the other for repairing wounds. Increasing these cells may lead to new treatments for scarring and aging-related skin issues.
A new study from King's College London found that genetic differences between students explain on average 58% of the differences in GCSE scores, while environmental factors account for 29%. The research used identical and non-identical twins to compare the impact of genetics versus environment on educational achievement.
A new study from King's College London suggests that maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure prior to conception can boost women's chances of an uncomplicated pregnancy. The research found a high intake of fruit during pregnancy also increases the likelihood of an uncomplicated pregnancy.
Researchers have identified a biomarker for sepsis in the blood that can be screened for at a patient's bedside, enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment. This breakthrough has the potential to save thousands of lives by reducing diagnosis time from up to two days to just two hours.
Researchers at King's College London have discovered a new gene called MX2 that may prevent HIV from spreading after it enters the body. The study found that expressing the MX2 gene can inhibit HIV replication and replication.
A recent study published in the journal Cell highlights the natural regenerative capacity of cardiac stem cells that reside in the heart. These cells are responsible for repairing and regenerating muscle tissue damaged by a heart attack, which leads to heart failure.
Researchers identified neuroimaging markers in the brain that can help predict which people with psychosis will respond to antipsychotic medications. Cortical folding defects were found in individuals who did not respond to treatment, while those who responded had brain structures similar to healthy controls.
Research from King's College London reveals that people with mental health problems face higher unemployment rates and increased social exclusion during economic downturns. The study, published in PLOS ONE, highlights the need for governments and employers to address stigma and discrimination against individuals with mental health issues.
The Sackler Institute aims to advance understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders and develop innovative treatments through collaboration across King's and other research networks. The new institute will foster interdisciplinary training and translation of findings into patient care.
A recent study found that over 90% of dementia cases in China are undiagnosed, with a high level of undiagnosed dementia in rural areas. The study highlights the need for improved mental health education targeting high-risk populations to increase diagnosis rates.
Researchers have identified a unique pathway in the human brain that enables word learning, which is distinct from other species. The arcuate fasciculus connects auditory regions with motor areas, facilitating the connection between sound and articulation of words.
A recent study suggests that eczema can trigger food sensitivity in babies, potentially leading to the development of food allergies. Infants with impaired skin barriers and eczema are over six times more likely to be sensitized to common allergenic foods like egg, cow's milk, and peanut.
A study by King's College London reveals that key metabolites in blood can indicate a person's long-term health and aging rate. The research identified a specific metabolite linked to birthweight and associated with age-related traits, suggesting it may be used to predict aging and develop therapies.
Researchers found that IVF treatments for severe male infertility are associated with a small increased risk of intellectual disability (18%) but not autism. ICSI procedures, particularly those involving surgically extracted sperm and fresh embryos, carry a higher risk of intellectual disability and autism.
A new study by King's College London found that children who suffered maltreatment are 36% more likely to be obese in adulthood. The authors estimated that preventing or effectively treating child maltreatment could avoid up to 1 case of adult obesity.
Researchers used MRI to identify disrupted brain processes in premature infants, showing a link between preterm birth and impaired cognitive function. The study found that cortical development was reduced in premature infants, with the greatest effect in the most premature babies.
Researchers identified a key protein responsible for stress hormones' detrimental effect on brain cells. A new compound was found to block this effect, increasing the number of new brain cells in a potential new avenue for drug discovery.
Researchers discovered distinctive patterns of DNA methylation associated with both autism diagnosis and related behavior traits, suggesting a quantitative relationship between the two. The study provides insight into the biological mechanism mediating gene-environment interaction in autism spectrum disorder.
A new study by King's College London and University of Arizona scientists has found deep similarities in brain regulation between arthropods and vertebrates, shedding light on evolution and disease mechanisms. The discovery suggests a common evolutionary origin for brain circuits underlying behavioral choice.
Scientists at King's College London found that the middle ear cavity is formed by two different tissue types, one of which is less efficient at clearing debris and more susceptible to infection. This 'evolutionary glitch' may be the reason why some children are more prone to developing chronic ear problems like glue ear.
A new study reveals that men who have children at older ages are more likely to have grandchildren with autism. The research found that the risk of autism increases with the age of the grandfather, suggesting that genetic risk can accumulate over generations.
Scientists warn millions in Asia may be at risk of kidney failure and bladder cancer from taking widely available herbal medicines. A new study proposes protocols for diagnosis and treatment, and suggests a need for better regulation to prevent exposure.
Researchers at King's College London have developed a new method for replacing missing teeth with bioengineered material from human gum cells. The technique, which uses adult human epithelial cells and mouse mesenchyme cells, can produce functional teeth with viable roots and dentine.
Researchers discovered melanoma tumors deliberately create conditions to knock out the body's 'premier' immune defense and attract a weaker immune response. Higher levels of IgG4 antibodies in patients' blood are linked to a less favorable prognosis.
An international team of scientists has discovered 24 new genes associated with refractive errors and myopia, a major cause of blindness worldwide. The findings could lead to new treatments or prevention strategies for this condition.
Researchers at King's College London have developed an injection-free vaccine technique that uses dried live vaccines delivered to the skin without needles, offering a potential solution to global vaccine challenges. The technique has been shown to be effective in inducing immune responses comparable to traditional needle-based methods.
A new genetic variant has been identified as a potential target for treatment in reducing stroke risk, with no association found in small vessel disease. The study highlights the need for individualized treatment approaches, given the different genetic mechanisms underlying various types of stroke.
A new study published in the British Journal of Cancer suggests that the British 'stiff upper lip' may be preventing people from presenting with cancer symptoms early on. The research found that cultural factors such as embarrassment and not wanting to waste doctors' time are more common in the UK than in other countries.
The Human Brain Project, led by King's College London, aims to simulate the human brain in a supercomputer. The project will explore social implications and develop neuromorphic computing for medical advances.
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that targeted psychological interventions significantly reduced drinking behavior among high-risk teenagers. The 'Adventure Trial' intervention showed a 29% reduced risk of problem drinking and delayed risky drinking behavior over two years.
A Chinese study of nearly 6,000 people found that passive smoking significantly increases the risk of severe dementia syndromes. The research also found associations between ETS exposure and cognitive impairment in never-smokers, former and current smokers.
Research from King's College London reveals that individuals with mental health disorders are at a higher risk of experiencing domestic violence. Women with depressive disorders were 2.5 times more likely and those with PTSD were 7 times more likely to have been victims compared to women without mental health problems.
A recent study published in PLOS Genetics found a specific set of genes interacting to regulate pain sensitivity in humans. The research used exome sequencing to analyze DNA samples from individuals with varying levels of pain sensitivity, revealing distinct patterns of genetic variants in each group.
Researchers at King's College London identified the 'Hedgehog pathway' regulating stress hormones and brain cell development. The study revealed that inhibiting this pathway can reverse damaging effects of stress hormones on brain cells, offering new potential mechanisms to target depression.
A new study by King's College London has identified the RASGRF2 gene as a key player in regulating alcohol-induced reinforcement, with individuals carrying the variation more likely to engage in binge drinking. The research also found that the absence of this gene reduces alcohol-seeking activity and impairs brain function.
A study found that parents with children living in urban areas are less likely to experience depression than those with children nearby. The key protective factor was the financial support sent by children, which mitigated the empty-nest syndrome.
Neutron scattering experiments have provided new insights into the origin of AmB's side effects, revealing that it interacts differently with fungal and animal cell membranes. The study suggests that AmB can open up holes in fungal cells but is unable to do so as readily in human cells, leading to harmful side effects.
Researchers identify FGF2 as a protein that stimulates cells to divide and activates dormant stem cells, leading to muscle depletion. By administering an FGF2 inhibitor, they halted the decline in muscle stem cells in mice.
A new study finds that only 42% of patients with advanced non-malignant conditions prefer to die at home, while living alone reduces the chance of home death. Providing professional home care support can increase the chances of dying at home, according to researchers.
Researchers at King's College London have identified a gene linked to age-related degeneration of the intervertebral discs in the spine, a common cause of lower back pain. The largest study to date has revealed an association with the PARK2 gene.
A new vaccine for hayfever could be more effective, less invasive and cheaper than existing options. Researchers found a significant reduction in skin sensitivity to grass pollen with intradermal injections, promising results for potential allergy treatments.
Researchers mapped how light behaves in complex photonic materials, breaking the limit of light resolution at the nanoscale. They developed a new technique combining electronic excitation and optical detection to explore the inside of a photonic crystal, revealing new insights into light-matter interactions.
A new system, Terra-i, monitors deforestation across Latin America every 16 days, revealing significant increases in deforestation rates in Colombia and Paraguay. The system uses NASA's MODIS satellite sensor to assess land cover change and highlight emerging hotspots of deforestation.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry reveals that psychopathy is characterized by reduced grey matter volumes in key brain areas, leading to impaired empathy and moral behavior. The findings suggest a clear behavioral difference between psychopaths and non-psychopathic offenders with anti-social personality disorder.
A study by British and Japanese researchers shows that rogue DNA from the heart's own cells mistakenly activates the body's immune system, leading to inflammation and reducing the heart's ability to pump blood. This process can kick-start in heart failure, a debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide.
A team of researchers at King's College London has identified a group of 'ageing' genes that are switched on and off by natural mechanisms called epigenetic factors. These epigenetic processes can be caused by external factors such as diet, lifestyle and environment, and may be initiated from an early age.
Researchers have identified a specific gene linked to throat cancer in a family study. A mutation in the ATR gene was found to be present in all members of the affected family who developed throat cancer.
A new study suggests that extending treatment to moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease patients with the commonly used dementia drug donepezil can help treat more patients worldwide. The trial found that continued treatment resulted in improved cognitive and functional abilities, with benefits noticeable to patients for at least a year.
A new study published by King's College London reveals that stroke is the leading cause of death among older people in low- and middle-income countries. The study also highlights the importance of education and social protection in prolonging life, with education being a strong protective factor against mortality.