A new study found that older Black and Asian adults report having significantly fewer close friends and local friends compared to their White peers. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to address social isolation and loneliness among ethnic minority adults.
Women who have sex weekly are 28% less likely to experience early menopause, according to a new study published in Royal Society Open Science. The research found that having less sex is associated with an earlier menopause, suggesting a biological trade-off between investing energy in ovulation and other activities.
Researchers at University College London discovered a new mechanism that allows the brain to monitor its own blood supply, potentially leading to new treatments for hypertension and dementia. Astrocytes, specialized brain cells, act as blood flow sensors to regulate brain blood flow and maintain oxygen supply.
Researchers at University College London have identified a subset of immune cells that can kill cancerous cells, opening the door to new and more effective cancer treatments. The discovery builds on previous research and provides evidence for utilizing Blimp-1 to enhance anti-tumor activity in CD4+ T cells.
A new study suggests that targeted screening for men at higher genetic risk of prostate cancer could prevent nearly one in six deaths from the disease. The research modeled the harms and benefits of introducing four-yearly PSA screening for all men aged 55 to 69 versus more targeted checks for those at higher risk.
A new analysis found that people exposed to higher levels of air pollution are more likely to experience depression or die by suicide. Reducing global average exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) could result in a 15% reduction in depression risk worldwide.
Researchers found that meerkat clans exhibit aggression by chasing or doing a 'war dance' in over half of interactions, often leading to physical violence. Winning groups move further away from the center of their territory, while losing groups are forced to retreat closer to the center.
A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience found that when people disagree, their brains fail to encode the quality of the other person's opinion, making it harder to change their minds. This type of confirmation bias can lead to polarization and the maintenance of false beliefs.
A simple health questionnaire could be a highly effective tool to pre-screen people for early signs of oesophageal cancer, enabling much earlier diagnosis and treatment. Eight factors were identified as markers in those individuals who had Barrett's oesophagus or went on to develop it.
A large study found that a single dose of radiotherapy is as effective as five doses in controlling pain and alleviating symptoms for end-of-life cancer patients with spinal canal compression. The study, published in JAMA, showed similar patient outcomes between one-dose and multi-fraction radiotherapy regimens.
A new study reveals that malaria parasites sourced from 1940s blood-stained microscope slides originated from Europe, with genetic similarities to modern strains found in the Americas. The research sheds light on the historical spread of Plasmodium vivax malaria and its potential for drug resistance.
Scientists discovered that white blood cell envelopes' molecular order and electric charge protect cytotoxic lymphocytes from harm. This finding could help explain why some tumours resist certain cancer treatments.
A new study found that a one-off dose of ketamine can significantly reduce urges to drink and prolonged decrease alcohol intake in heavy drinkers. After reactivating their drinking-related memories, participants who received ketamine showed rapid improvement and sustained reduction over nine months.
A new UCL-led study found that living in a more polluted area is associated with a greater likelihood of having glaucoma, a debilitating eye condition that can cause blindness. People in areas with high levels of fine particulate matter pollution were 6% more likely to report having glaucoma than those in less-polluted areas.
Researchers at UCL found that newborn baby hiccups trigger a large wave of brain signals, potentially helping babies learn how to regulate their breathing. The study used brain scans to record EEG activity in 13 newborn infants with hiccups, finding that the contractions evoked a pronounced response in the brain's cortex.
A UCL-led research team has successfully created self-assembling protocells in hot, alkaline seawater, a key stepping stone to cell-based life. The study suggests that heat and alkalinity are necessary for the formation of life, adding weight to the theory that deep-sea hydrothermal vents could be the origin of life.
The human brain can recognize a familiar song within 100 to 300 milliseconds, with rapid pupil dilation and cortical activation related to memory retrieval. The study suggests that the brain's temporal circuitry is fast and efficient in recognizing familiar music, which may have implications for music-based therapeutic interventions.
Researchers at University College London analysed Martian landslide structures to understand their formation. The study found that high-speed rock particles and vibrations could create the unique ridges and furrows, contradicting the idea of icy substrates.
A new UCL-led study found that the lowest-paid workers in the UK have three more years of retirement on average compared to their professional counterparts. However, they are also more likely to suffer from ill health after retiring.
A new UCL-developed model tracks ecosystem changes and human societies to predict Ebola outbreaks, identifying countries at risk in Africa. The model's results show that climate change and slower socioeconomic development increase the likelihood of outbreaks.
The US green economy generates over $1.3 trillion in revenue annually, employing an estimated 9.5 million people, with renewables sectors experiencing significant growth. The study highlights the need for new policies to support the green economy's growth and job creation.
Incorporating physical exercise into school lessons boosts test scores and overall educational outcomes, with significant effects on attention and learning, while increasing physical activity levels
A new UCL study has found that a period of rest following a traumatic event can reduce the development of involuntary 'memory intrusions' in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study suggests that increasing memory consolidation, which involves storing and contextualizing memories, may help prevent these disturbances.
Between 2014 and 2017, China's annual power plant emissions of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter dropped by 65%, 60% and 72% respectively. This significant reduction demonstrates the technical and economic feasibility of controlling emissions from power plants to reach ultra-low levels.
A triple drug combination of lithium, trametinib, and rapamycin has been shown to extend the lifespan of fruit flies by 48%, a significant increase compared to previous studies. The treatment targets different cellular processes and may have potential benefits for preventing age-related diseases in humans.
A new UCL-led study found that some genes predicting high cholesterol don't apply to people from Uganda as they do in European populations. The researchers investigated genetic variants affecting blood fat levels and found that only 10% of markers were implicated in cardiovascular risk factors among Ugandan participants.
Scientists at UCL have developed a method to reactivate 'tumour suppressor' genes silenced by cancer cells. This finding could lead to new targeted biotherapies for cancer treatment.
Researchers found that digital computers struggle to replicate the behavior of chaotic dynamical systems, even with vast numbers of available single-precision floating-point numbers. This limitation can lead to errors in simulations, affecting fields like climate change, physics, and chemistry.
A UCL-led clinical trial found that antidepressant sertraline reduces anxiety symptoms earlier than depressive symptoms, with participants showing improvement in mental health overall. The study suggests antidepressants like sertraline may benefit a wider group of people beyond those diagnosed with depression or anxiety.
A quarter of English teachers work more than 60 hours a week, with an average weekly worktime of 47 hours. This exceeds the OECD average and highlights the need for government reform to reduce teacher workload.
Researchers found a gene that responds to brain activity to coordinate the need for sleep, and zebrafish studies suggest that intensive brain activity increases sleep pressure. The findings may help understand sleep disorders and conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists at University College London have discovered water vapor on the potentially habitable exoplanet K2-18b, which orbits a cool dwarf star about 110 light years from Earth. The detection confirms that the planet is in its star's 'habitable zone', where temperatures could support liquid water and life.
Researchers found organised 'hand-like' maps of toes in the brains of professional foot painters, as they used their feet similarly to how people use hands. The study demonstrates an extreme example of brain plasticity and suggests that all people may have innate capacity for forming such maps.
A dietary supplement called sarcosine may help people with schizophrenia by improving glutamate receptor function. Researchers urge clinical trials to confirm its effectiveness and establish guidelines for its use.
A systematic review suggests that cannabinoids in cannabis may help reduce nightmares and improve sleep for people with PTSD. However, more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these treatments and ensure their safety.
Researchers used a newly developed algorithm to study mixed x-ray images of the Ghent Altarpiece, separating features from the front and back of the painting's double-sided panels. The analysis improved our understanding of art masterpieces and provided new opportunities for art investigation, conservation, and presentation.
A new study led by University College London analyzed over 600,000 menstrual cycles and found that only 13% of women have a traditional 28-day cycle. The research suggests an individualized approach to identify fertile windows could benefit many women in planning pregnancies.
Research at University College London found that minute-to-minute fluctuations in human brain activity, linked to dopamine levels, impact decision-making. When the brain's dopaminergic midbrain is in a state of low activity, individuals are more likely to choose risky options.
A new study by UCL found that nearly half of elite athletes have untreated tooth decay and a third report negative impacts on training and performance. Despite frequent brushing and flossing habits, sports drinks, energy bars, and energy gels are linked to increased risk of oral disease.
A team of researchers used innovative approaches to calculate the mass of neutrinos, setting an upper limit for the lightest species for the first time. They combined data from various sources, including galaxy observations and particle accelerator experiments, to arrive at a maximum possible mass of 0.086 eV.
A study proposes that the nitrogenase enzyme, essential for photosynthesis, blocked its own activity at 2% atmospheric oxygen levels, stabilizing oxygen levels for nearly two billion years. This negative feedback loop prevented further oxygen production and explains why oxygen levels rose to today's levels.
Changes in blood pressure in early adulthood have been linked to markers of poorer brain health in later life, according to a UCL-led research study. Higher blood pressure at midlife and faster rises in blood pressure between ages 36 and 43 were associated with smaller brain volumes.
A new study led by UCL and Cardiff University finds that groundwater replenishment depends on heavy rainfalls and flood events amplified by climate change. This knowledge can inform strategies to enhance groundwater supplies in drylands, where it is often the only lasting source of freshwater.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that increased social contact at age 60 is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing dementia later in life. Social engagement may help develop cognitive reserve and reduce the risk of dementia.
Antibiotic-resistant genes were found in London's freshwater sources, with the River Thames having the highest levels. The genes come from human and animal waste, which contaminates water bodies through wastewater discharge. Researchers are now experimenting with slow sand filtration to remove these genes.
A UCL-led study found that adding canned laughter to jokes increases their perceived funniness, while real laughter has a more significant effect. The research also discovered that autistic adults respond equally well to both types of laughter, suggesting comedy may be more accessible to individuals with autism.
A UCL study finds that a programme of therapy and coping strategies for people caring for family members with dementia successfully improves their mental health. The START programme has been shown to be cost-effective in improving the wellbeing of both carers and those they care for, with patient-related costs being significantly lower.
A UCL study reveals that aminonitriles, the precursors to amino acids, can be easily turned into peptides in water, bypassing traditional formation methods. This discovery sheds light on how life first formed and has implications for synthetic chemistry.
Research by UCL and Yale University reveals that platelet cells were crucial for the evolution of eutherian mammals, including humans. The discovery suggests that these cells enabled haemochorial placentation, allowing mothers to prevent haemorrhaging at birth.
A national survey finds that half of the population believes cancer requires better treatments, and two-thirds expect most cancers to be curable by 2050. The UK public also supports a tax-funded NHS and wants closer partnerships between the public and private sectors to develop more effective cancer treatments.