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King's College London


Scientists prove Turing's tiger stripe theory

Researchers have provided experimental evidence confirming Alan Turing's 1950s theory on how biological patterns such as tiger stripes are formed. The study identifies the specific morphogens involved in this process, including FGF and Shh, and demonstrates a mechanism that is widely relevant in vertebrate development.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 19, 2012

Cyber war might never happen

Dr. Thomas Rid argues that cyber warfare has never taken place and is unlikely to occur in the future due to the lack of lethality in most attacks. He suggests that modern cyber attacks are more sophisticated versions of traditional sabotage, espionage, and subversion.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Strategic Studies·DateOct 18, 2011

Childhood maltreatment linked to long-term depression risk and poor response to treatment

A new study led by King's College London found that childhood maltreatment increases the risk of developing both multiple and long-lasting depressive episodes. Maltreated individuals are also more likely to respond poorly to treatment for depression, with antidepressant medication and psychological treatment being less effective.

SourceKing's College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateAug 13, 2011

New cell therapy to prevent organ rejection

Researchers at King's College London have developed a new approach using immune cells to prevent organ rejection. The 'specific' Tregs can regulate only the activity of effector cells that would target a transplanted organ, leaving the remaining effector cells to function normally.

SourceKing's College London·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 18, 2011

'Master switch' gene for obesity and diabetes discovered

A study published in Nature Genetics reveals that the KLF14 gene acts as a master regulator controlling multiple genes found in fat tissue, influencing metabolic traits such as body-mass index, cholesterol, insulin, and glucose levels. This discovery has great therapeutic potential for treating conditions like obesity and diabetes.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 15, 2011

Genetic clue to common birth defects found

Researchers at King's College London have identified the genetic cause of Adams-Oliver Syndrome, a rare condition that can lead to birth defects. The study found mutations in the ARHGAP31 gene, which regulates proteins involved in cell division and growth, potentially leading to disruptions in limb formation.

SourceKing's College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 12, 2011

Genes that control 'aging' steroid identified

Researchers have uncovered 8 genes that control the main steroid produced by the adrenal gland, which is believed to play a role in aging and longevity. The study found that these genetic regions are also associated with common age-related diseases, providing the first genetic evidence for the ageing role of the steroid.

SourceKing's College London·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 14, 2011

Strategies for translational research in the UK

The UK's NIHR Biomedical Research Centres have established a cutting-edge translational research infrastructure, driving progress in disease research and treatment. With strong focus on interdisciplinary working, public engagement, and industry partnerships, the centres aim to deliver rapid benefits for patients.

SourceKing's College London·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 21, 2010

Largest ever epigenetics project launched

The Epitwin project will analyze methylation patterns of 20 million sites in DNA from 5,000 twins to identify differences that explain why identical twins don't develop the same diseases. This study has the potential to uncover key genes responsible for disease and accelerate research into human healthcare.

Adult autism diagnosis by brain scan

Researchers at King's College London have developed a pioneering new method of diagnosing autism in adults using a quick brain scan that takes just 15 minutes. This technique can identify adults with autism with high accuracy and may lead to the screening for autism spectrum disorders in children.

Epigenetic signals differ across alleles

Epigenetic signals vary across alleles in numerous genomic regions, influencing gene expression and regulation. The study reveals over 35,000 such sites across the genome, with implications for genetic studies of complex diseases, including psychiatric conditions.

SourceKing's College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 12, 2010

Childhood traumas linger as health risk factors for adults

Research from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study found that childhood abuse, neglect, social isolation or economic hardship can affect nervous, immune and endocrine functioning in adulthood. Adults who experienced these traumas were more likely to exhibit depression, chronic inflammation and metabolic markers of...

SourceKing's College London·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateDec 7, 2009

BRC for Mental Health gets cash for CRIS

The BRC's Case Register Interactive Search (CRIS) system, a groundbreaking research tool, will be expanded with the new funding. CRIS allows researchers to search and analyze electronic medical records in an anonymized format, facilitating personalized diagnosis and treatment for mental health patients.

Acute impact on brain function in earthquake survivors

Researchers found significant alterations in brain function similar to posttraumatic stress disorders shortly after the Wenchuan earthquake. Hyperactivity in certain areas and decreased functional connectivity were observed, suggesting a need for early treatment and potential long-term psychological impact.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2009