A new study led by Queen Mary University of London found that higher rates of severe COVID-19 infections in Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) populations cannot be attributed to socioeconomic or behavioral factors. The researchers used the UK Biobank cohort to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 infection and ethnicity...
A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that around 47% of sensitivity differences between individuals can be attributed to genetic factors. The research used data from the Twins Early Development Study and involved over 2,800 twins, including identical and non-identical pairs.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Haematology investigated COVID-19 infection outcomes in blood cancer patients, finding that most recovered despite weakened immune systems. Age and co-existing health conditions were significant factors in determining patient outcomes.
A recent study from Queen Mary University of London and the University of Oxford found that people are more likely to accept nudges if they know how they work and how effective they are. The study involved over 1700 participants from the US and UK, who were presented with examples of genuine behavioral interventions used by policymakers.
Researchers propose a novel 'higher-order' Kuramoto model combining topology with dynamical systems to characterize synchronization in higher-order networks. The study found that higher-order synchronization occurs explosively, revealing how topology induces dramatic changes in dynamics at the onset of synchronization transition.
A phase III clinical trial has shown that immunotherapy drug 'avelumab' significantly improves survival in patients with the most common type of bladder cancer. Treatment with avelumab resulted in a 31% reduction in risk of death and extended median survival by over seven months.
An international team of scientists has identified candidate resistance genes that could protect ash trees from the EAB, a deadly pest expected to kill billions of trees. Researchers sequenced the genomes of 22 species of ash tree and found 53 candidate resistance genes involved in making chemicals harmful to insects.
A large-scale study has identified more than 200 genetic factors associated with heart arrhythmias, a common form of heart disease. The research, involving nearly 300,000 individuals, sheds light on the complex interplay between genetics and electrical activity in the heart.
A new study found that personalized ovarian cancer risk prediction reduces cancer worry and anxiety in women. Participants who received the personalized risk estimate were more likely to take preventative action and reduce their risk of developing ovarian cancer.
A new study by Queen Mary University of London has shown that distinguishing between male and female dinosaurs is challenging due to limited sexual dimorphism. Researchers analyzed skulls from gharials to identify sex differences, finding only the presence of a bony growth on snouts to be reliable.
A training programme for GPs has led to a 30-fold increase in domestic violence referrals and a 27% increase in new identifications. The IRIS programme adapts electronic medical records and provides a referral pathway to specialist services, making healthcare respond adequately to DVA.
Children with chronic health conditions may experience higher rates of mental illness in early adolescence, according to new research. The study found that children with chronic health problems showed higher rates of mental illness at 10 years and continued to be associated with poor mental health at ages 13 and 15.
The study highlights the psychological impact of working in healthcare during the pandemic, including acute stress reactions, burnout, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and 'moral injury'. The paper offers pragmatic recommendations for individuals, teams, and organizational leaders to provide tangible support.
Researchers discovered the minimal value of viscosity, governed by the Planck constant and proton-to-electron mass ratio, using an equation that relates it to these physical constants. This finding has practical implications for developing new fluids with low viscosity.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London have discovered a link between a specific immune system protein and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Treating mice with an antibody that neutralised the protein reduced anxiety levels, suggesting a potential new treatment for human patients.
Researchers have developed a novel theory to explain the chaotic movements of particles in dynamic environments, where passive particles interact with active swimmers. The model suggests that such movements can be explained by Lévy flights, which arise from hydrodynamic interactions between swimmers and passive particles.
A clinical trial led by Queen Mary University of London found that immune therapy drug pembrolizumab significantly reduced the risk of cancer recurrence in patients with early triple negative breast cancer. Nearly 65% of women showed no sign of cancer after treatment, compared to 51% on chemotherapy alone.
A new study suggests that the diabetes drug metformin can improve the clinical status of patients on glucocorticoid treatment, reducing infections, hospital admissions, and metabolic side effects. The 12-week trial found a 30% reduction in infection rates and lower hospital admissions compared to the placebo group.
Research at Queen Mary University of London reveals that people's motivation shifts from rewards to effort when putting plans into action. To achieve goals, focusing on effort before action can lead to successful outcomes.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered that bumblebees can find objects in the dark based on past experiences, a phenomenon called cross-modal recognition. This ability allows bees to form mental images of shapes despite limited sensory input.
A new protein called factor H-related protein 4 (FHR-4) has been linked to age-related macular degeneration. Higher levels of FHR-4 in the blood may indicate increased risk of developing the disease, which affects over 1.5 million people in the UK.
A new study from Queen Mary University of London highlights the need for improved primary care support to help young stroke survivors return to work. The researchers found a mismatch between patient and carer needs, lack of awareness among GP's about invisible impairments, and inadequate coordination with other services.
A new study found that solitary female bees inspect neighboring nests for signs of danger and use this information to choose a safe location for their own nest. They can remember geometric symbols associated with infected nests and avoid them in future breeding periods, demonstrating impressive cognitive flexibility.
A positive psychology program, Strengths for the Journey, was evaluated in Greek refugee camps and found to improve wellbeing and optimism in refugee children, while reducing depressive symptoms. The seven-day program doubled participants' ratings of wellbeing and optimism.
A new study suggests that young startups with strong professional connections are more likely to achieve long-term economic success. The research used a visual network to analyze connections between companies and employees, finding that central positions in the network predicted future success.
A new study has identified a promising therapeutic route for combating drug-resistant skin cancer cells by targeting specific cytoskeletal proteins. Researchers found that melanoma cells use these proteins to survive and escape anti-cancer treatments, opening up new avenues for combination therapy.
A study co-led by Queen Mary University of London found that routine HIV screening in general practice increases testing rates and improves detection of earlier diagnosis. The analysis showed outcomes comparable to those achieved in a previous trial, with higher CD4 scores among newly diagnosed patients.
A breakthrough gene therapy treatment has been shown to offer long-term benefits for people with Haemophilia A, transforming the lives of 13 UK patients. The treatment resulted in a substantial fall in bleeding rates three years after treatment, with none requiring regular factor VIII injections.
A study found that while people think advertising and political campaigns exploit psychological research, they actually believe they maintain free choice when making purchasing or voting decisions. However, the research suggests that subliminal advertising still exists as a phenomenon, but its impact on consumer behaviors is disputed.
A study by Queen Mary University of London suggests regular cannabis use may be associated with an enlarged left ventricle and early signs of impaired heart function. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the cardiac impact of recreational cannabis use.
Researchers have developed new thermoelectric materials, halide perovskites, which can convert heat into electricity at lower costs. The team improved the materials' properties through partial oxidation and doping techniques, paving the way for their use in sustainable energy applications.
The IBIS-II study confirms anastrozole offers long term protection for women at high risk of developing breast cancer, with a 49% reduction in breast cancer incidence 12 years after stopping treatment. This is significantly higher than the 28% decrease in breast cancer recorded for women who take tamoxifen.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London and Zhengzhou University have developed a personalised vaccine system that can delay the onset of pancreatic cancer. The system was tested in mice, where it doubled their survival time compared to those without the vaccine.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew have identified genes associated with ash dieback resistance in UK trees. The study found that resistance is controlled by multiple genes, opening up new avenues for conservation and potentially breeding more resistant trees.
A programme of research and innovation led by Queen Mary University of London has reduced deaths from severe bleeding after major trauma by 40%. The 'Code Red' protocol, introduced between 2008 and 2017, involved new approaches to diagnosis and treatment, including the use of clotting components derived from blood.
A study by Queen Mary University of London researchers found that excess psychosis diagnoses amongst Black and South Asian men in deprived urban areas may reflect a cluster of disadvantage rather than individual factors. The team identified four markers of vulnerability: drug and alcohol dependence, criminality and violence, risky or c...
A study by Queen Mary University of London and University of Trento reveals that chicks are born with the knowledge to flee from predators and slow down when a threat is far away. This innate ability allows them to survive in their environment without needing to learn through experience.
The study uses a unique processing technique to create a polymer film capacitor with record-high energy density, promising a step change in the field of dielectric capacitors. This innovation could enable efficient and low-cost electric energy storage systems for intermittent renewable energy sources.
Researchers found that protein TET2 plays a key role in regulating the immune response generated by microglia in inflamed brains. This discovery may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Experts recommend promoting a 'brain-healthy lifestyle' through public education campaigns, research programs, and healthcare system preparedness. This can help reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases by emphasizing that healthy habits are generally good for brain health.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London used AI to analyze 17,000 healthy UK Biobank volunteers' heart MRI images, finding genetic factors account for 22-39% variation in left ventricle size and function. The study identified 14 genome regions associated with heart structure and function.
Researchers found that graphene shares similar mechanical properties with 3D graphite and has a significantly thicker thickness than believed. Graphene's true thickness was determined to be around 0.34 nm, revealing its 3D nature.
A new blood test detects early cancer cells in the bloodstream, predicting aggressive prostate cancer with high accuracy. Combining this test with the current PSA test reduces unnecessary biopsies and overtreatment of benign conditions.
A newly identified species of pterosaur, Cryodrakon boreas, has been found in Canada with a massive wingspan of up to 10 meters, making it comparable to the giant Quetzalcoatlus. The discovery provides valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of predatory pterosaurs in North America.
A new DNA methylation test has been shown to accurately predict which cases of precancerous cervical disease will become more serious, helping women decide on treatment options. Most women with moderate dysplasia can be safely followed without surgery until their disease resolves.
A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that the 'love hormone' oxytocin plays a crucial role in the feeding behavior of European starfish. When injected into the starfish, oxytocin induces fictive feeding, causing them to behave as if they are eating prey despite no actual food being present.
A study of dung beetles in Borneo found that species with more intense male competition for mating are less likely to go extinct. Species with horns were more likely to persist in disturbed environments than those without, and larger horns were associated with greater population sizes.
A Mediterranean-style diet has been shown to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes (by 35%) and weight gain (average 1.25 Kg) in pregnant women, particularly those with pre-existing obesity or metabolic risks. The study suggests that this intervention could be effective for high-risk pregnant women.
Salt intake in China has been consistently high over the past four decades, with adults consuming on average above 10g of salt a day. Potassium intake is also low, contradicting efforts to reduce salt consumption. Urgent action is needed to speed up salt reduction and increase potassium intake.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London will study graphene as a potential replacement for Indium in electronic devices. The project aims to reduce the environmental impact and cost of these devices.