A large-scale review of clinical evidence suggests that losing significant weight through diet or surgery can bring about type 2 diabetes remission. Meal-replacement diets and low-carbohydrate diets were found to be effective in achieving remission, with people who lost the most weight being more likely to succeed.
Researchers identified a new mechanism preventing toxic DNA lesions in cells, which could lead to therapies for Huntington's disease. The study found that FAN1 can block the accumulation of DNA mismatch repair factors, alleviating toxicity in cells derived from patients.
A new study led by UCL researchers confirms that genetic inheritance has a significant impact on educational outcomes. However, the study also reveals that parent genes that aren't directly inherited can shape parents' education levels and subsequently influence their children's learning environment, affecting their academic success.
A new dietary supplement, K.Vita, has been shown to reduce seizures in children and adults with drug-resistant epilepsy, with a mean 50% reduction in seizures or paroxysmal events. The study found that the supplement was well-tolerated and palatable, with fewer than 10% of participants producing significant ketones.
A study of 3,568 children aged 9-15 found that proximity to woodlands was linked to better cognitive development and lower risk of emotional problems. Higher exposure to woodland was associated with higher scores in cognitive development and a 16% lower risk of emotional and behavioural problems.
A new study published in Nature found that the arrival of plants on land about 400 million years ago may have altered the Earth's natural climate regulation. The researchers discovered a shift in the global formation of clay, which led to reduced carbon dioxide levels and a cooler planet.
A large international study has identified over 200 symptoms of long COVID, affecting multiple organ systems. The research calls for widening medical guidelines and a national screening programme to address the complex range of symptoms and their impact on daily life.
Researchers have solved a decades-old mystery as to how Jupiter produces spectacular bursts of X-rays every few minutes. The X-rays are triggered by periodic vibrations of Jupiter's magnetic field lines, creating waves of plasma that send charged particles towards the planet's atmosphere.
Researchers at UCL and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine argue that modern society's emphasis on cleanliness does not impede childhood immunity. Instead, they suggest exposing children to beneficial microorganisms through maternal contact, family members, and natural environments is crucial for immune system development.
A study by UCL researchers suggests that levelling up access to finance for poorer countries can accelerate the transition to renewable energy, allowing Africa to reach net-zero emissions approximately 10 years earlier than current projections. This would require policy interventions to lower the weighted average cost of capital (WACC)...
Neuroscientists at UCL have identified abnormalities in the way memories are 'replayed' in the brains of people with schizophrenia. The study found that individuals with schizophrenia were less able to build a structure of the task, with impaired neural replay linked to their symptoms.
Scientists at UCL GOS ICH and Great Ormond Street Hospital have developed a precision gene therapy that has been shown to relieve defects in DTDS brain cells, potentially offering a cure for the condition. The therapy was tested on laboratory models and mice, showing promising results and paving the way for a clinical trial.
A new study suggests that cosmic dawn, when stars formed for the first time, occurred between 250 and 350 million years after the beginning of the universe. The study used data from the Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes to estimate the age of distant galaxies.
A new modelling report calls for cities to reduce private car use and promote walking, cycling, and public transport. By decreasing car use, cities can lower congestion, improve air quality, and create faster, more sustainable urban environments.
Researchers developed an AI-powered app to improve the accuracy of HIV test results, particularly for laypeople. The app achieved 98.9% accuracy in classifying images, reducing errors compared to traditional interpretation.
The Milky Way's galactic bar has slowed down its spin by at least 24% since its formation, according to a study published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Dark matter acts as a counterweight slowing the spin.
A new meta-analysis of 215 COVID-19 studies reveals a wide range of ways the virus affects mental health and brain function. Common symptoms include fatigue, loss of smell, depression, anxiety, and headaches, even in mild cases, suggesting that mental health impacts may be more prevalent than expected.
Researchers found that prior COVID-19 infections reduced the risk of reinfection by 85% for care home residents and 60% for staff within a four-month period. The study, published in Lancet Healthy Longevity, used antibody testing to determine previous infection status.
A new UCL study finds that Arctic sea ice in coastal regions is thinning at a rate of 70% to 100% faster than previously thought. The study uses a novel snow model and satellite radar observations to estimate the overall rate of decline of sea ice thickness in the Arctic, with implications for human activity in the region.
Scientists have measured the mass of human chromosomes using X-rays for the first time, finding them to be significantly heavier than expected. The study's results suggest there may be unexplained excess mass in chromosomes, which could have important implications for understanding human health and diagnosing cancer.
Researchers at University College London have pioneered a single-dose radiotherapy approach for breast cancer treatment that is as effective as traditional radiotherapy and avoids potential damage to nearby organs. The treatment, TARGIT-IORT, has been shown to reduce the risk of fatal cardiovascular disease and other cancers in patients.
Researchers discovered a sub-set of CAR T-cells called 'stem cell memory T-cells' that play a key role in destroying cancer and maintaining immune surveillance. These cells are critical to the long-term success of CAR T-cell therapy, which could improve treatment outcomes for patients with high-risk relapse.
Researchers identify 'antisense long non-coding RNA' regulating tau protein production, a crucial mechanism for brain cell function. The discovery may lead to new treatments for dementia-related diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Researchers at University College London developed a robotic 'Third Thumb' that allows users to perform dextrous tasks with one hand. The study found that participants' brains adapted to the extra thumb, changing their natural hand movements and reporting it felt like part of their body.
A new study led by UCL researchers suggests intensive agriculture could drive loss of bees and other tropical pollinators. Insect pollinators were found to be more than 70% less abundant in areas with intensive cropland compared to wild sites.
Scientists at UCL have identified a new immunotherapy that targets acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT), an enzyme helping to manage cholesterol levels in cells. Boosting ACAT inhibition boosts specific immune cells fighting both the virus and cancerous tumours, demonstrating its effectiveness as an immunotherapy.
A large-scale trial of annual screening for ovarian cancer found that neither method reduced deaths from the disease, contradicting expectations. Early detection strategies detected cancers earlier, but this did not translate into saving lives.
A new study found that almost half of women with babies under six months old met the threshold for postnatal depression during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Social isolation and lack of support were significant contributors to this increased risk.
Researchers developed a gene therapy that successfully treated 48 out of 50 children with ADA-SCID, a rare life-threatening disease. The treatment involves removing stem cells, delivering a new copy of the ADA gene, and returning the corrected cells to produce healthy immune cells.
A groundbreaking study has identified IL-17 cytokine as the primary culprit behind excessive lung inflammation in TB patients. By targeting this pathway, doctors may be able to reduce disease harm and speed up patient recovery.
A recent study led by University College London researchers has found that mild COVID-19 infections do not lead to lasting heart damage. The study of 149 healthcare workers with mild COVID-19 infections showed no significant differences in heart structure or function compared to healthy controls.
London's low-income households face higher levels of indoor air pollution due to poor housing quality and surrounding environmental factors. Long-term exposure to pollutants like PM2.5, NOx, and CO can lead to health problems such as respiratory issues and cardiovascular complications.
A new simulation study led by UCL researchers suggests that studying black hole-neutron star collisions could provide a new measurement of the Universe's expansion rate, helping to resolve a long-standing dispute. The study found that instruments on Earth could detect ripples in space-time caused by up to 3,000 such collisions by 2030.
A review of over 500 academic papers found that wasps are valuable for agriculture, providing biocontrol services worth $416 billion annually. Wasps also contribute to pollination, visiting 960 plant species, including those dependent on them for reproduction. Their venom and saliva have medicinal properties.
Researchers used AI to identify three new MS subtypes based on brain images, which can help predict disease progression and treatment response. The study found a clear difference in patients' response to different treatments by subtype, paving the way for individualized treatment planning.
A single qubit on a standard silicon transistor chip has been successfully demonstrated as 'quantum capable' in a new study. The researchers were able to isolate and measure the quantum state of a single electron in a silicon transistor manufactured using existing manufacturing processes.
A study found that metformin successfully reduced symptoms associated with tuberous sclerosis complex, including a 44% drop in seizure frequency and a 21% reduction in brain tumour size. Researchers believe this could improve quality of life for TSC patients.
Research finds that global awareness of biodiversity is growing, but its value is poorly measured. The Species Awareness Index tracked changes in Wikipedia page views from 2015 to 2020, revealing faster increases for certain species like reptiles and the long-tailed tit.
A study found that gene therapy can create a long-term store of correct T cells in the human thymus, leading to sustained health in patients with SCID-X1. The treatment works by delivering corrected genes into stem cells, which then produce healthy immune cells.
A UK study found that the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 spread rapidly in care homes across England, reflecting its rapid growth in the general population. The proportion of infections caused by this variant increased sharply between late November and December, with a notable rise among older residents.
The Antikythera Mechanism, a 2,000-year-old device used to predict astronomical events, has a newly recreated gearing system that conforms to physical evidence and matches descriptions on the Mechanism. The team recovered cycles for all planets using an ancient Greek mathematical method.
A new study suggests that targeted screening for prostate cancer could prevent up to 16% of prostate cancer deaths and reduce overdiagnosis by 27%. The study, led by UCL researchers, recommends screening men with a high genetic risk profile using an MRI scan before biopsy.
A recent study published in Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology found that head injuries in people under 50 can lead to lower cognitive scores at age 70. The researchers discovered a small but significant impact on brain health and thinking skills, potentially accelerating the normal aging process.
A new study found that 58% of healthcare workers met the threshold for any mental health disorder, with 22% experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. The research highlights the need for immediate additional mental health support and long-term planning to meet staff needs.
A large-scale trial found that daily albumin infusions provide no significant health benefit to patients hospitalised with advanced liver disease, over and above 'standard care'. The study showed no reduction in infection, kidney dysfunction, or death among patients receiving targeted albumin treatment.
Scientists at UCL and George Mason University have located the source of potentially hazardous solar particles for the first time, finding they originate from plasma confined close to the top of the Sun's chromosphere. This discovery aims to improve forecasts of solar storms and reduce risks to satellites and electronic infrastructure.
Researchers have developed a temporary tattoo using organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) that can emit green light. The technology has the potential to be combined with other electronics for various applications, including fashion, sports, and healthcare, such as detecting dehydration or signaling expiry dates.
Research from UCL found a surprising synchronicity between car accidents and violent crimes in Mexico City, revealing 'heartbeats' of the city that peak in the evening. Improving road safety could improve crime prevention and give more resources to police tackling crime.
A new study published in Nature Communications shows that genetic mutations during embryonic development can cause spina bifida, a severe birth defect. Researchers found that even when these mutations occur randomly in only 16% of spinal cord cells, it's enough to lead to spina bifida.
A new study published in Psychological Medicine found that boys who regularly play video games at age 11 are less likely to develop depressive symptoms three years later. In contrast, girls who spend more time on social media appear to develop more depressive symptoms. The study suggests that different types of screen time can positive...