A new study reveals that global warming can lead to a phenomenon where animals shrink due to the decoupling of growth rate and development rate. This effect is observed in marine planktonic copepods, which show increased growth but mature faster at warmer temperatures.
Researchers identified 16 new gene regions associated with blood pressure and confirmed 12 previously discovered ones, providing insights into the genetic mechanisms of hypertension. The study's findings could lead to new therapeutic drug development and improved treatment options for individuals with high blood pressure.
Researchers found that bumblebees significantly reduced flight distances by learning and memorizing individual flower locations, prioritizing the shortest route. This innovative approach demonstrates that bees can solve complex routing problems without a sophisticated cognitive representation of space.
Estrogen has been found to help regulate white blood cell activity, preventing them from sticking to blood vessel walls and causing vascular damage. This natural mechanism could have important implications for understanding and treating cardiovascular disease.
A novel molecule, QUASIMODO (QSM), has been discovered as essential for relaying light-information to the circadian clocks of fruit flies. This molecule plays a crucial role in synchronizing the internal biological processes, such as sleep/wake cycles, with external time.
A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that genetic traits contribute to female sexual orientation and gender nonconformity, with 25% influence on sexual orientation and 31% on childhood gender nonconformity.
A £4.5m research project led by Queen Mary University of London aims to transform invisibility science into practical technology using spatial transformations. The project will focus on developing practical applications for communication, wireless energy transfer, sensors, and security.
Scientists from Queen Mary University of London and UCL are investigating whether robots can learn to recognize faces like humans do. This research aims to develop software that allows robots to interact with humans in a natural way, understanding facial expressions and emotions.
Scientists have developed a sensor to detect zinc in zebrafish, which could help understand the role of zinc in diseases like type 2 diabetes, prostate cancer, and Alzheimer's. The new technology has been successfully tested and is expected to aid further research into these conditions.
Research reveals bumblebees use a trade-off strategy to visit high-reward flowers while minimizing travel distance. As they gain experience, individual bees balance both factors to optimize their routes.
A recent study shows that regular breast screening with mammography significantly reduces the number of deaths from breast cancer. Over 130,000 women were monitored for nearly three decades, and results indicate that 30% fewer women in the screening group died of breast cancer.
A study found that certain white blood cells, called neutrophils, can re-enter the bloodstream and cause damage to unconnected organs after trauma or major surgery. Researchers believe this process is controlled by a protein on the surface of blood vessels called JAM-C.
Research suggests that UK government plans to divert mentally ill prisoners into mental health services are unlikely to succeed due to a lack of suitable facilities. The study found that only a small percentage of psychotic prisoners receive treatment, and those who do often face significant barriers to follow-up care after release.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London found that relocating Met molecules from the inside to the cell surface could halt cancer growth and shrink tumours. This approach may lead to new drugs for treating aggressive breast and lung cancers.
Researchers study plant photosynthesis to harness efficient sunlight absorption for solar energy. The antenna structure in plants can adapt to environmental changes, regulating its own light harvesting capabilities.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London found that oil palm plantations are driving forest fragmentation, leading to a decline in bat species and genetic diversity. Larger forest patches, over 10,000 hectares, are necessary to retain comparable levels of biodiversity and prevent local extinction.
New research from Queen Mary University of London has found that mother and kid goats can recognize each other's calls shortly after birth, a finding that suggests robust mechanisms of memorization and recognition in goats. This study's results have implications for understanding animal communication and behavior.
Using age alone to identify those at risk of heart disease or stroke is a viable alternative to current screening methods. According to the study, this approach has an 84% detection rate and false-positive rate of 24%, comparable to existing methods with slightly lower rates.
Scientists have discovered how nifurtimox kills parasites by converting it into a toxic form through an enzyme in the parasite. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new anti-parasitic medicines with fewer side effects and improved efficacy.
A recent study found that female fallow deer tend to mate with younger, lower-ranking males rather than the dominant ones. This 'indirect mate choice' may be due to factors such as inexperience or difficulty carrying larger offspring. The research has important implications for understanding sexual selection and evolution.
Scientists mimic the body's natural mechanism of fighting inflammation by using natural human microparticles to deliver anti-inflammatory therapeutics. This new approach could have application for various inflammatory diseases, including arthritis and temporomandibular disorders.
Scientists discovered that the new plant species Tragopogon miscellus has relaxed gene expression control in its earliest generations, allowing it to rapidly adapt. After 80 years of evolution, different patterns of gene expression are now found in every plant, offering new ideas for agriculture.
Research found that folic acid lowers homocysteine in the blood, which should reduce heart attack risk. However, clinical trials showed no extra benefit due to high aspirin use by participants. The study suggests folic acid may still be beneficial for those not taking aspirin.
A new software developed by Queen Mary University of London's Centre for Digital Music allows drummers to speed up or slow down pre-programmed music. The 'B-Keeper' software gives artists more freedom to vary the rhythm, resulting in a better atmosphere and more loyal live followings.
New research shows vitamin D can speed up antibiotic treatment of tuberculosis (TB), clearing bacteria from the lungs in just 5 weeks for certain patients. Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem among TB patients, and those with a specific genetic type of vitamin D receptor responded better to supplementation.
Bees perceive the world differently than humans, with variations in hue that are invisible to us. The Floral Reflectance Database (FReD) provides data on flower colours as seen by bees, addressing existing gaps in records.
Researchers have successfully manipulated a magnetically polarized current using electric fields, opening up the prospect of combining computer memory and processing power on the same chip. The discovery, made with flexible organic semiconductors, has significant implications for power efficiency and device weight.
Research strengthens evidence of link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and childhood asthma. The study found that prenatal paracetamol exposure may depend on antioxidant genes in the mother, increasing the risk of childhood asthma.
Researchers identify FOXM1 as a key player in initiating human cancer by exploiting the self-renewal property of stem cells, leading to excessive cell growth and pre-cancerous conditions. The study aims to translate these findings into molecular diagnostic tests and anti-tumour drugs.
A project led by Mr Hemant Kocher aims to target the stroma surrounding pancreatic cancer tumours, which is believed to drive tumour growth and prevent drug treatments from reaching the tumour. The research may lead to new drug targets for treating pancreatic cancer, a disease with poor survival rates.
A study found that nearly three-quarters of pancreatic cancer tumours have high levels of a protein called P110γ, which could provide a new target for treatments. Blocking this protein stopped cancer cell growth in laboratory experiments.
Researchers have created a material for bone grafts that attracts stem cells and growth factors to promote bone regrowth and integration. The synthetic graft heals similarly to natural bone implants in animal tests, suggesting potential as a replacement for traditional grafts.
A community-based study found HPV DNA testing to be over 50% more sensitive than cytology testing for detecting precancers and cervical cancers. The study involved 50,000 women and revealed a significant reduction in precancer rates among HPV DNA-positive women.
Researchers discovered that groups of cockroaches forage for food collectively, leading to a better understanding of their behavior. This finding could lead to the development of more effective pest control methods using pheromones or insecticides.
Research suggests extending HPV testing intervals to five years for women over 30 could significantly reduce cervical cancer cases. The study found HPV tests detect early signs of cervical cancer more accurately than current cytology screening.
Researchers discovered NG peptides in marine animals, similar to the mutant gene causing diabetes insipidus, providing new understanding of a rare form of diabetes. The discovery could help explain symptoms and treatment for around 10,000 people in the UK.
The Cassini spacecraft has provided stunning insights into Saturn's ring system, showing routine collisions and debris trails. The rings are composed mostly of water ice, with a mysterious reddish contaminant that could be rust or small organic molecules.
The buff-tailed bumblebee's unique behavior allows it to collect nectar from exotic winter-flowering plants like strawberry trees and Mahonia, raising an extra generation of workers.
A new study has identified four key aspects of immune system disturbance that contribute to the development of coeliac disease, including how T cells react to toxic wheat proteins and the body's response to viral infections. The research also suggests a shared risk between coeliac disease and other chronic immune-mediated diseases.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London have discovered that dolphins and bats evolved the same specialized inner-ear hair cells for echolocation, resulting in identical genetic changes. This unprecedented example of convergence highlights the complexity of evolutionary processes.
A new oral drug Cladribine has been shown to significantly reduce multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse and deterioration, with no short-term side effects. The treatment, which only needs to be taken for 8-10 days a year, promises to change the lives of the 100,000 people in the UK affected by MS.
Researchers have discovered over 30 species of invertebrates and 100 single-celled organisms at the East Stoke Fen nature reserve. The findings highlight the importance of protecting 'cryptic biodiversity', which helps natural ecosystems recover from environmental change.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London have discovered that medulloblastomas, the most common type of children's brain cancer, can arise from a specific type of stem cell. This breakthrough finding may lead to new ways to tackle the disease and improve treatment outcomes for patients.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered fundamental differences between skull and limb bones that could lead to new osteoporosis treatments. The study found significant variations in gene activity and behavior between the two types of bone cells.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London found that insect brains are capable of intelligent behaviors like counting and categorizing, challenging the idea that larger brains are more intelligent. Research suggests that many size differences in brain size only exist in specific regions and may not lead to increased complexity.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have identified a gene called nocte that interferes with the fly's ability to synchronize its body clock using temperature signals. Disabling this gene prevents both synchronization to light-dark cycles and temperature changes.
Researchers discovered how fish oils convert to Resolvin D2, a chemical that reduces inflammation and may treat conditions like arthritis, sepsis, and stroke. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for diseases associated with inflammation.
A new study reveals a 71% increase in Down syndrome pregnancies and births over 20 years, largely due to women delaying childbearing. Despite this rise, improvements in prenatal screening have maintained the number of babies born with the condition at around 750 per year.
Scientists have developed micrometer-sized capsules that can safely deliver drugs inside living cells. These 'micro shuttles' can be loaded with specific doses and released by biological triggers or light activation, offering a promising solution for managing chronic conditions.
A new study by Queen Mary University of London finds that celebrity suicides can trigger copycat suicides due to increased media coverage. The research suggests that restricting media reports on celebrity suicides is crucial to prevent such pandemics.