Researchers used computer artificial intelligence to create new types of pictures and test people's brain performance in visual search experiments. They found that the human brain uses a single mechanism to find targets in pictures, with difficulty levels varying from easy to hard.
Researchers estimate that the 60-million-year-old Titanoboa cerrejonensis snake would have required an average annual temperature of 30-34°C to survive. Its size is comparable to that of today's anacondas and reticulated pythons, but its discovery challenges our understanding of climate and species adaptation.
Researchers found three factors governing circadian clock resetting: Cryptochrome, Jetlag, and Timeless. These proteins fine-tune light responses on a molecular level, ensuring the bodyclock stays synchronized with its environment.
A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that oral steroids are not effective in treating preschool children with virus-induced wheezing. The study monitored 700 children and found no significant difference in hospital stay time between those treated with prednisolone and those given a placebo.
A team of researchers has identified the enzyme phospholipase Cγ1 as critical for breast cancer cell invasion and metastasis progression. Downregulating PLCγ1 expression can revert metastasis progression, suggesting a promising approach to cancer treatment.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have improved their understanding of how magnetic information is lost in devices similar to hard drive read-heads. The findings, published in Nature Materials, could lead to the development of more efficient and powerful data storage technologies.
A study by Queen Mary University of London reveals higher rates of psychosis among all black and ethnic minority subgroups compared to white British individuals. The risk varies by ethnicity and generation, with second-generation immigrants facing a significantly increased risk due to their age profile.
Researchers found a positive correlation between learning performance and immune response in bumblebees, contradicting previous predictions. Bumblebee colonies with strong learning abilities also showed improved resistance to bacterial infection.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered that bumblebees use flower scent to guide their nest-mates to good food sources. The bees learned the most from demonstrations by other bees bringing back scent, but also gained knowledge when the anise odour entered the nest.
A recent study published in Addiction Journal found that abstaining smokers who find the smell of other people's cigarettes pleasant are not more likely to relapse than those with a neutral reaction. The researchers concluded that finding cigarette smoke pleasant does not predict relapse.
Researchers have identified SLC2A9 as a high-capacity urate transporter, playing a crucial role in controlling serum urate levels. The study suggests that genetic variants in SLC2A9 may contribute to increased serum urate levels and associated diseases such as gout.
Scientists identified P-Cadherin as a key molecule in causing colon cancer, with abnormal expression leading to pre-cancerous growths in the bowel. Their findings hold promise for preventative therapies and lifestyle changes to prevent or treat the disease.
A new rapid screening test for HPV has shown a 90% success rate in detecting precancerous cervical disease in rural China. The careHPV test is designed to be simple, affordable, and easy to perform with minimal training, offering hope for cervical cancer prevention in low-resource settings.
Research by Queen Mary University of London scientists found that some bat species' echolocation genes are similar to those of fruit bats, indicating possible independent evolution of the trait. This suggests that echolocation may not be a single evolutionary event but rather an example of convergent evolution.
Researchers found that bumblebees slow down when approaching camouflaged crab spiders to detect predators, losing valuable foraging time. However, this strategy doesn't improve their chances of avoiding capture and even leads to reduced efficiency.
Researchers discovered that extra chromosome 21 in embryonic stem cells disrupts a key regulating gene called NRSF or REST, leading to developmental changes. The study identifies a specific gene, DYRK1A, on human chromosome 21 responsible for the observed effects.
Scientists have discovered that bumblebees choose whether to search for food according to how stocked their nests are. The team used RFID technology to track the activity of bees in the lab and found that colonies with low food reserves had a stronger response to pheromones, leading to more worker bees becoming active.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have applied Geographic Profiling (GP) technique to bumblebees to analyze their foraging behavior. The study revealed that bees create a 'buffer zone' around their hive to reduce the risk of predators and parasites.
The study found that genetics accounted for around 35% of the differences in homosexual behavior among men, while non-shared environmental factors explained 64%. For women, genetic influences were more modest, accounting for 18%, with non-shared environment and shared family factors explaining 64% and 16% respectively.
Research at Queen Mary University of London found that HPV testing reduces cervical abnormality risk by up to 90% compared to smear testing. The study's results suggest that HPV testing may offer longer-term protection against cervical abnormalities, potentially allowing for extended screening intervals.
A study found that cultural identity influences mental health in adolescents, with different effects for girls and boys. Clothing preferences were also a significant factor, with traditional clothing associated with improved mental health outcomes.
The LIREC project aims to develop emotionally intelligent companion technology that can engage humans in the long term. Researchers will study people's perceptions of robots and explore how humans bond with synthetic companions, inspired by human-pet relationships.
A study examining suicide rates among ethnic groups in England found that young black men aged 13-24 were at highest risk. The research suggests symptoms commonly associated with suicide vary across ethnic groups, making it harder to predict suicidal behavior.
Researchers have identified an additional seven gene regions associated with coeliac disease, revealing a connection to type 1 diabetes. The study also highlights the importance of immune response genes in the development of coeliac disease, providing new insights into its causes and potential treatments.
A daily dose of beetroot juice can significantly reduce blood pressure, according to a study published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension. The research reveals that dietary nitrate, found in beetroot juice, leads to decreased blood pressure by converting into nitrite and then nitric oxide.
Researchers have identified a new chromosomal region strongly associated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. This discovery may lead to the development of new therapies for coronary heart disease, which claims over 250,000 lives annually in the UK.
Researchers discovered JAM-C plays a critical role in maintaining peripheral nerve integrity and function. The molecule was found to be defective in nerves from patients with specific disorders, suggesting potential causes and a platform for further research.
A study has identified a new genetic risk factor for coeliac disease, which lacks a protective DNA sequence in the interleukin-2 and interleukin-21 gene region. This discovery could pave the way towards improved diagnostics and treatments for the condition.
A systematic review of khat use and mental illness suggests a potential association between the stimulant plant and psychiatric disorders. However, the causal link remains unclear, with common psychological problems exacerbated by khat use but no clear evidence of a causal relationship.