Researchers found that adolescents with higher risk for depression had lower levels of neuroprotective compounds, while inflammation-driven neurotoxic chemicals were more prevalent in females. This study suggests an imbalance in the kynurenine pathway may contribute to the higher incidence of depression among teenage girls.
Research from King's College London reveals that social factors such as education level and financial stability influence the duration of COVID-19 symptoms. The study analyzed data from over 3,800 participants across two UK cohorts, finding that those with fewer advantages were more likely to experience ongoing symptoms.
A new study has found that teenage girls in London experience higher levels of depression than their Tokyo counterparts, with the gap doubling to twice as large by age 16. The research also suggests that social influences and cultural contexts play a significant role in shaping mental health outcomes.
Researchers have discovered a protein called MdfA that enables bacteria to shut down into dormant spores under extreme conditions. This process allows bacteria to survive in uninhabitable places and evade hospital cleaning, making them potentially deadly superbugs.
A new bacterial protein, BeeR, has been identified and its structure is being used to develop protein nanoparticles for targeted cancer drug delivery. The protein forms a hollow tube with a cavity capable of containing drug molecules.
A new type of antibody that stimulates the immune system to target cancer cells has shown promise in reducing tumor growth in treatment-resistant breast and ovarian cancers. The study found that the antibody, IgE, uniquely stimulated otherwise inactive immune cells to directly target HER2-expressing cancer cells.
A study published in Physical Review Letters suggests that a mysterious phenomenon at the center of our galaxy may be caused by a lighter form of dark matter. The research team detected unusual energy signatures radiating from this region, which they believe could be produced by the annihilation of tiny dark matter particles.
A new AI-powered tool, MELD Graph, has been developed to detect subtle brain abnormalities in children with epilepsy. The tool improves detection rates by 64% compared to human radiologists, reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment. This could lead to faster surgical interventions, improved outcomes, and reduced costs for the NHS.
A study by King's College London found that a diet high in plant-based foods and low in saturated fats may help reduce psoriasis severity. Individuals with lower adherence to the DASH dietary pattern were more likely to report higher psoriasis severity, while those consuming more fruits, nuts, and legumes had less severe symptoms.
Researchers found a rare genetic interaction between ERAP1 and ERAP2 genes that increases the risk of frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA). The study sheds light on the autoimmune basis of FFA and may lead to new treatments, including predictive genetic tests.
A new study identified USP5 as an enzyme crucial for breaking down unneeded or damaged proteins in the heart. Low levels of USP5 lead to protein buildup, triggering dilated cardiomyopathy in animal models. Increasing USP5 levels helps clear protein 'junk', improving heart function and reducing disease progression.
A 0.5°C rise in global warming will triple the area of Earth that is too hot for humans to survive, with the over 60s facing a 35% increase in heat-related risks. This could lead to millions of deaths, especially in regions like Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Researchers at King's College London have developed a complex model of molecular 'wear-and-tear' that sheds light on how proteins age. The study found that chromatin, the DNA-protein mix, is more resilient to aging than previously thought, suggesting new avenues for anti-aging treatments.
A new framework, DECODE, has been published to facilitate global adoption of digital health in medical education. The framework provides a set of competencies and learning outcomes to equip future physicians with the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed to navigate digital health technologies effectively.
A new study from King's College London suggests that calorie labels on menus can trigger eating disorder thoughts and behaviors in individuals with a lived experience of the condition. The review of existing research found that people with eating disorders feel stigmatized when nutritional labels are made mandatory, leading to increase...
A study of 23-year-olds in Europe found over half exhibit restrictive, emotional, or uncontrolled eating behaviors. Structural brain differences play a role in the development of these habits.
Research reveals more American cities are struggling with people living without running water due to unaffordable housing and the cost-of-living crisis. The study found that households of color were disproportionately affected, with 40% of Philadelphia's population but 66% of those without access to running water in 2021.
The study found that individuals with accelerated biological ageing had poorer health outcomes, while those with decelerated ageing had weaker links to good health. Metabolomic ageing clocks have the potential to identify early signs of declining health and inform preventative strategies.
Researchers have developed a new scan that lights up aggressive cancer tumors, allowing doctors to target and treat cancer more effectively. The scan uses a radiotracer to show treatment-resistant tumours on PET scans, giving patients alternative options for better survival rates.
A study from King's College London reveals that the dural sinuses and skull bone marrow act as a likely interface between the central and peripheral immune systems, suggesting a potential link between brain and body inflammatory signals. The research highlights areas of the skull that work as 'traffic lights' between the two systems.
Researchers at King's College London developed a new method to produce biofuels from fatty acids in cooking oil, making it as effective as diesel with improved efficiency. The technology uses enzymes to break down fatty acids into alkenes, reducing the need for conventional catalysts and toxic chemicals.
Research from King's College London finds that frequent cannabis use increases psychosis risk, regardless of genetic load for schizophrenia. The study used polygenic risk scores to investigate the relationship between cannabis use and psychosis.
A recent study by King's College London analyzed satellite data and found a link between toxic cyanobacteria blooms in watering holes and the deaths of over 300 African elephants in Botswana. The research suggests climate change may have contributed to the poisoning, with increased algal growth linked to extreme weather events.
Researchers have developed a mathematical model that provides strong evidence for the cosmic censorship conjecture in three dimensions, suggesting singularities inside black holes will always be hidden. The model has implications for quantum gravity and advances efforts to understand thermodynamic properties of black holes.
A new injection treatment has been found to reduce the need for further treatment by 30% compared to current steroid tablets. The treatment, benralizumab, targets specific white blood cells to reduce lung inflammation and improve symptoms.
A new study reveals dramatic changes to gut and mouth bacteria in people with chronic liver disease, correlating with increased antibiotic resistance and poor clinical outcomes. The findings suggest a need for personalized microbiome-based treatments and rapid diagnosis of infections to improve patient care.
Researchers developed AI to predict bloodstream infections and antimicrobial resistance in ICU patients, providing same-day assessments. This technology is cost-effective and faster than current methods, enabling quicker decision-making on antibiotic use.
Researchers have identified specific human endogenous retrovirus sequences associated with increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The study suggests that these viral elements contribute to disease susceptibility by influencing brain function.
The study found that frequent users of high-potency cannabis had changes in genes related to mitochondrial and immune function, particularly the CAVIN1 gene. This effect was not explained by tobacco's impact on DNA methylation. The research provides valuable insights into how cannabis use may alter biological processes.
Researchers from King's College London have created a new kind of compact circuit that enables robots to receive complex instructions without electricity. This breakthrough could enable the creation of robots with more complex AI-powered software and improve their social awareness and dexterity.
A new blood test using lipids could identify children at risk of complications from obesity, including type two diabetes, liver disease, and heart disease. The test uses mass spectrometry to assess a broader range of lipid molecules, offering a more accurate early warning system.
Researchers from King's College London found that the lateral fabella, a sesame seed-sized bone in the knee, evolved differently in humans than most primates. This distinct evolutionary pathway may have helped early humans walk upright and could be an example of exaptation.
A new study from King's College London found that a common antidepressant does not improve breathlessness in patients with respiratory disease and may cause side effects. The researchers call for further research into potential therapies for severe breathlessness and recommend using non-pharmacological approaches to treat the symptom.
A new study from King's College London found that people often hold incorrect assumptions about others with different political views. Despite seeking more information, participants were unable to accurately predict the thoughts and opinions of those in their out-group.
Research from King's College London suggests that childhood maltreatment, particularly neglect, is associated with significant cognitive deficits. The study, published in Lancet Psychiatry, used court-documented records and adult recall to test the relative associations of maltreatment with cognitive abilities.
An AI model developed by King's College London has produced realistic synthetic images of the human brain, supporting medical research on brain diseases like dementia, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. The high-resolution images accurately reflect clinical factors and can be used to tailor treatment plans for individual patients.
Scientists discovered that Komodo dragons' serrated teeth are tipped with iron, giving them razor-sharp cutting edges. This unique feature may provide clues about how carnivorous dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex killed and ate their prey.
A new statistical analysis by King's College London found that the current poverty line calculation leads to a skewed picture of global poverty distribution, hampering efforts to eradicate it. The study suggests that a better alternative exists, based on the UN's Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development.
A systematic review of 50 studies on donor-conceived individuals found comparable well-being outcomes to non-donor conceived people, including higher self-esteem and relationship warmth. However, a significant proportion experience identity difficulties and trust issues due to lack of information about their genetic parentage.
Researchers developed a custom-built robot system to treat wet neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), administering radiation followed by injections. The treatment reduced the number of injections needed by about a quarter, potentially saving around 1.8 million injections per year worldwide.
Scientists at King's College London have developed a rapid method for creating cyclic peptides, an important class of antibiotic molecules, which can be produced in minutes rather than hours or days. This breakthrough could inspire renewed efforts towards developing new antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance.
A new home-administered treatment combining tDCS and ABMT has shown significant improvements in reducing binge eating episodes, weight loss, and mood in individuals with BED. The treatment demonstrated substantial changes compared to sham treatments and control group.
Researchers at King's College London have developed a novel drug delivery system using biologically compatible peptides found in chicken feathers and skin tissue. This innovative approach enables targeted delivery of chemotherapy drugs and repair of faulty enzymes, potentially reducing side effects and improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers at King's College London found that thousands of DNA sequences from ancient viral infections contribute to psychiatric disorder susceptibility. Five specific Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) were associated with increased risk for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.
Researchers have developed a targeted therapy for triple negative breast cancer by linking an antibody to a cell-killing drug. This approach may reduce side effects and improve patient outcomes for women diagnosed with this aggressive form of the disease.
A study found female health apps exposing users to unnecessary privacy and safety risks through poor data handling practices. Researchers discovered apps coercing users into entering sensitive information that could put them at risk.
A new study from King's College London found that environments with a diverse range of natural features are associated with stronger improvements in mental wellbeing. The research, published in Scientific Reports, used citizen science data from nearly 2000 participants and found that the benefits can last for up to eight hours.
Rising water levels in East Africa's soda lakes are reducing the main food source for lesser flamingos, leading to declining populations. The birds may be pushed into new unprotected areas in search of food, threatening their survival.
Xylazine, a non-opioid sedative used in veterinary medicine, has infiltrated the UK's illicit drug market, causing widespread problems. Researchers detected its presence in 16 people, 11 of whom were fatal, and warn that it poses a significant risk to those who use drugs beyond heroin users.
Scientists at King's College London discovered that limiting damage from an asthma attack could stop the disease by blocking a process that causes epithelial cell death. The findings suggest that preventing this damage could also prevent long-term inflammation, wound healing, and infections in asthma sufferers.