A recent UCL-led study found that UK teenagers are increasingly dieting to lose weight, with girls being more likely to experience depressive symptoms. The research also showed that boys are becoming more likely to try to gain weight, and both sexes are overestimating their weight.
In a new study published in Science, UCL scientists have recreated how cysteine was formed at the origins of life, delivering vital catalysts that enabled the earliest protein molecules to form. The researchers observed how once-formed cysteine catalyses the fusion of peptides in water, a fundamental step towards protein enzymes.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that people with low aerobic and muscular fitness are nearly twice as likely to experience depression. The study also found a 60% greater chance of anxiety in individuals with low fitness levels over a seven-year follow-up.
A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that loneliness is a leading cause of depression in older adults, with nearly one in five cases potentially preventable. The research, led by UCL researchers, suggests that subjective experiences of loneliness contribute to depression up to 12 years later.
Researchers at UCL have used laser beams to 'switch on' neurons in mice, showing how memories drive the brain's inner GPS system. The study uses an 'all-optical' approach to read and write activity in specific neurons, reactivating memories of a location where rewards were obtained.
A recent study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found that COVID-19 is associated with worse stroke outcomes, particularly among people of Asian descent. The study revealed a significantly higher mortality rate and more severe strokes among patients with COVID-19 at stroke onset compared to those without.
Researchers at UCL and King's College London developed a novel earwax sampling technique to measure cortisol levels, which appear more stable than traditional methods. The new device can be used at home without clinical supervision, facilitating medical check-ups while maintaining social distancing.
Researchers have developed a new drone technology that combines measurements from the air, earth and space to better understand highly active volcanoes. This allows for more accurate forecasting of future eruptions and provides insights into the global carbon cycle.
A new study found that dementia prevention strategies can be cost-effective and cost-saving, reducing dementia rates by 8.5% and saving £1.86 billion each year in England. The interventions included nicotine gum, medication for high blood pressure, and hearing aids.
A new modelling study by researchers at UCL and Yale found that paper recycling may increase greenhouse gas emissions unless powered by renewable energy. The study suggests that modernising landfill practices and using renewable energy can reduce emissions significantly.
Researchers at University College London have used laser technology to measure the volume and biomass of giant Californian redwood trees for the first time. The technique offers new insights into carbon storage and ecosystem structure, with estimates suggesting these large trees are up to 30% heavier than previous indirect methods.
Research reveals that trapping is ineffective in controlling invasive American signal crayfish in Europe, and may even exacerbate the problem. A novel 'triple drawdown technique' proved significantly more accurate in determining population size.
A new study found that about 24,000 more people died in Lombardy than expected between January and April, with only 14,000 confirmed as COVID-19-related. The researchers estimated that up to 43% of excess deaths may be due to delayed or reduced access to healthcare for other health issues.
Researchers found 26 mammals that could be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection due to variations in the ACE2 protein. These include domestic cats, dogs, mink, and great apes, which could potentially act as reservoirs for the virus.
Researchers found that brain activity increased in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex when participants conversed with someone of a different socioeconomic background. This increase in activity suggests that our brains have developed a system to help us deal with diversity, supporting previous research on frontal lobe systems and ...
A new study predicts that alien species will continue to spread globally at an alarming rate, increasing by 36% worldwide by 2050. In Europe, the number of alien species is expected to rise by 64%, with over 2,500 new arrivals predicted.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Pain found that holding a newborn baby against their parent's skin dampens brain activity in response to painful stimuli. This suggests that touch between parents and their newborns plays an important role in pain processing and development.
Researchers at University College London have discovered that chromium steel was first made in ancient Persia, dating back to the 11th century CE. The production of chromium crucible steel marks a distinct Persian tradition, separate from Central Asian methods.
A study by University College London researchers found that hospitals in England missed diagnoses for severe mental illnesses in over a quarter of cases. People from ethnic minority groups were more likely to have previously diagnosed mental illnesses go unnoticed by medical staff, but the situation is improving.
A new meta-analysis of global evidence found that people with PTSD are up to twice as likely to develop dementia later in life. The study analyzed data from over 1.6 million people and found a significant association between PTSD and increased dementia risk, which may be related to hypervigilance and social withdrawal.
A new study by UCL researchers reveals that animals in tropical and Mediterranean areas are the most sensitive to climate change and land use pressures. The findings suggest that large declines in tropical biodiversity are likely to occur imminently due to agriculture expansions and temperature extremes.
A new global climate reference curve reveals the natural variability and extreme climate events that occurred during warm climate states over the last 66 million years. The study provides context for ongoing anthropogenic change and its potential to exceed natural variability.
A new study reveals that multinationals' supply chains account for 18.7% of global carbon dioxide emissions, with the majority generated by investments in developing countries. The research highlights the need for companies to take responsibility for their global emissions and encourages greater energy efficiency among suppliers.
A UCL-led study found that unequal compensation reduces people's happiness and willingness to work. The research suggests that large disparities in rewards for the same task bring about greater unhappiness, leading to lower motivation and well-being. Participants who were told they would benefit from unfair advantages still showed a de...
Researchers have found a way to improve the accuracy of brain-inspired computing systems using memristors, which are at least 1,000 times more energy-efficient than conventional transistor-based AI hardware. This could lead to a significant reduction in carbon emissions from training one AI model.
A new study by UCL researchers found that contract tracing apps are unlikely to be effective without large-scale uptake and adherence to quarantine advice. The review analyzed 15 relevant studies and suggests that automated contact tracing methods would still need to be used within an integrated public health response.
New research from UCL and King's College London finds that telemedicine may not work for everyone, with major challenges to be addressed for its effective adoption. Mental health staff report concerns about reduced referrals, visits to services, and access to physical healthcare for people with mental health conditions.
A 480,000-year-old archaeological site in Sussex, England, has provided unprecedented insights into the life of a poorly understood human species. The site reveals that early humans engaged in cooperative activities and shared tools, suggesting highly social spaces for interaction and learning.
A new imaging paradigm using broadband electric force microscopy has been developed to non-destructively image and localize dopant structures in silicon chips. The technique provides a wealth of previously inaccessible detail about the electrical environment around these structures.
A new study found that animals carrying diseases known to infect humans are more common in landscapes intensively used by people. The research suggests altering land use to reduce the risk of future spillovers of infectious diseases.
A new UCL study using brain imaging found that paying attention increases energy use in the brain, while diverting energy from unattended tasks. The brain has a hard limit on energy supply, which can lead to feelings of overwhelm and neglect of important information.
A new study identifies 20 ways AI can be used to facilitate crime over the next 15 years, with fake content ranking highest in concern. The report highlights the potential for AI-powered crimes like deepfakes to erode trust in audio and visual evidence.
Scientists at UCL have discovered new biomarkers that can identify people with Type 1 diabetes who are likely to respond to the immunotherapy drug Abatacept. The study found that certain immune cells, known as 'follicular helper T cells', play a key role in the disease.
A new CT scan method splits a full X-ray beam into thin beamlets to deliver the same quality of image at a significantly reduced radiation dose. The technique has been shown to reduce exposure by up to 90% while maintaining image resolution, offering potential benefits for medical research and patient safety.
A new UCL-led study reveals that people in their 40s and 50s are likely to suffer more years of ill health than older generations. The study found a greater prevalence of ill health among those born later, with conditions such as diabetes and obesity affecting people earlier.
A new study found a higher prevalence of neurological complications in COVID-19 patients, including delirium, brain inflammation, and strokes. The researchers identified one rare condition called ADEM, which appears to be increasing in cases due to the pandemic.
Researchers from UCL and international collaborators propose a detector using nano-scale diamond crystals to measure mid-frequency gravitational waves. The device would be 4000 times smaller than current detectors, enabling the study of black hole collisions and exploring nonclassical gravity.
Researchers from UCL and ZSL have discovered a soft coral garden habitat in Greenlandic waters, characterized by cauliflower corals and diverse fauna. The discovery has direct implications for the management of deep-sea trawl fisheries and may lead to protection under UN guidelines.
Researchers discovered that looking at deep red light for three minutes a day can significantly improve declining eyesight in people over 40. The study found improvements in rod and cone sensitivity, with significant gains in color contrast sensitivity, particularly in the blue part of the spectrum.
A new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that obesity is associated with a higher risk of dementia, with women facing a 39% increased risk. The study suggests that weight management could play a significant role in reducing this risk.
A new technique that synchronises the clocks of computers in under a billionth of a second can eliminate one of the hurdles for the deployment of all-optical networks, potentially leading to more efficient data centers. This method, called clock phase caching, can reduce the time to recover the clock and increase performance of optical...
Researchers warn that SARS-CoV-2 can infect various animals, posing a risk of transmission to humans. Implementing surveillance programmes is crucial to detect infected animals and prevent outbreaks.
A study led by University College London found that elite athletes who adopted simple oral health measures reported reduced negative effects on performance related to poor oral health. The behaviour change programme improved oral health behaviours and reduced symptoms of gum inflammation, leading to improved sporting performance.
Researchers found that less than 10% of protected areas are home to invasive species, but almost all are at risk due to nearby human activity and lack of monitoring. The study highlights the need for increased efforts to monitor and record invasive alien species in protected areas.
A new UCL-led study found that repetitive negative thinking is linked to cognitive decline and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The research, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, suggests that psychological tools like mindfulness or meditation may help reduce dementia risk.
A new study by UCL and Great Ormond Street Hospital found that virus DNA can spread to nearly half of all sites sampled in a hospital ward within 10 hours. The study used artificial DNA replication to simulate how SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing Covid-19, spreads across surfaces.
A new modelling study suggests that a cautious approach to easing lockdown restrictions can be better for the global economy in the long run. The study found that shorter, stricter lockdowns minimize supply chain impacts, while gradually easing measures over 12 months may also be less disruptive.
Scientists at UCL have discovered sets of regulatory genes responsible for maintaining healthy hearing in fruit flies. They found that manipulating these genes could prevent age-related hearing loss in humans, and have already started a follow-up drug discovery project to fast-track novel treatments.
Research suggests that bees specializing in allogrooming exhibit stronger immune systems, which may enable them to withstand higher infection risks. Allogroomer bees occupy central positions in the colony's social network, benefiting a large number of bees.
A large international trial found that pembrolizumab more than doubled the progression-free survival time of patients with a specific subtype of advanced bowel cancer, compared to chemotherapy. The treatment also showed durable benefits, with 48.3% of patients experiencing no disease progression after two years.