Researchers developed a new X-ray imaging scanner that provides surgeons with a full 3D image of extracted tissue lumps, allowing for improved detection of diseased tissue. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce the need for repeat operations in breast cancer patients.
A new study found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals are more likely to experience mental health conditions and report alcohol and drug misuse than heterosexuals. The research analyzed data from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Surveys and found no improvement in disparities between 2007 and 2014.
A new drug, semaglutide, has been shown to cut body weight by 20% in a major global study involving over 1,900 participants. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that three quarters of people who received the drug lost more than 10% of their body weight.
A UCL-led team discovered 32 gene regions affecting facial features such as nose and lip shapes. The analysis of over 6,000 volunteers found that one gene, TBX15, was inherited from the Denisovans, an extinct group of ancient humans.
A recent study by University College London researchers found that people living in areas with high levels of air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter, are at increased risk of developing AMD. The study suggests that improving air quality could be a key public health priority to reduce the risk of eye disease.
Researchers link magnetic waves in chromosphere to areas of abundant ionised particles in hot outer atmosphere, explaining the Sun's unique chemical make-up. The discovery provides a foundation for understanding the solar wind and its impact on Earth.
Researchers found that people with Parkinson's disease who have visual problems are more likely to develop dementia, with underlying changes in brain wiring explaining the connection. Vision tests may provide a window of opportunity to predict Parkinson's dementia before it begins.
Researchers developed an online risk-stratification tool to predict COVID-19 patients' likelihood of deterioration, using 11 measurements including age, oxygen levels, and laboratory tests. The '4C Deterioration Score' provides clinicians with a percentage risk score to support decision-making and potentially save lives.
A new UCL study found that combining heat treatment with chemotherapy delivered via magnetic nanoparticles killed cancer cells more effectively than chemotherapy alone. The therapy showed synergistic effects, enhancing the effectiveness of both treatments when combined. Heat treatment can reduce side effects by targeting only cancer ce...
Researchers at UCL developed a pioneering new eye test called DARC that can predict wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) three years before symptoms appear. The test uses a fluorescent dye to detect stressed retinal cells, which then predicts future AMD activity.
Researchers investigated COVID-19 and Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune condition. The study found no significant association between the two conditions, contradicting previous small case series. The researchers conclude that COVID-19 vaccination is unlikely to cause GBS.
A study led by UCL researchers found that flightlessness evolved in birds at least four times as often as expected. With 166 extinct species lacking flying ability, the findings show how human-driven extinctions have biased our understanding of evolution, altering most ecosystems worldwide.
A new study found that cancer drug treatment registrations in the UK increased by June 2020, following 'rapid' NHS guidance. The initial decrease in April was largely reversed by May and June, with a significant increase in neoadjuvant breast cancer therapy registrations.
A novel CAR T-cell therapy has shown promising early results in children with relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma. The treatment induced rapid reduction in tumor size, but effects were transient. Researchers are optimistic about the potential of this immunotherapy as a future treatment for solid cancers in children.
A study of SARS-CoV-2 virus genomes from over 46,000 people with COVID-19 found that most common mutations are neutral for the virus, and do not appear to increase transmissibility. The research team identified 12,706 mutations, including one in the spike protein D614G, which is not associated with increased transmission.
A new study by UCL researchers used quantum sensing abilities of nanodiamonds to improve the sensitivity of paper-based diagnostic tests, enabling earlier detection of diseases such as HIV. The tests can detect lower viral loads and may be adapted for COVID-19 and other diseases.
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.