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.
Researchers have identified the underlying mechanism behind reduced brain blood flow in Alzheimer's disease, which is caused by pericytes contracting around blood vessels. The study suggests that keeping pericytes relaxed could be a key to treating the disease, with new treatments potentially targeting this area.
A new study found that people who are obese from childhood through middle age face a higher risk of difficulty with daily tasks such as lifting and carrying shopping by the time they are 50. Those who become obese in early life have more than double the risk of difficulties compared to those who were never obese.
Researchers found that birds are more likely to thrive in environments with similar native habitats and climates, as well as in areas where other alien species are already established. This study analyzed 4,346 global invasion events spanning 708 species to understand the factors enabling bird success in new habitats.
A gene mutation that became more common in humans after cooking and farming emerged as a potential adaptation to modern high-carb diets. The variant is associated with improved blood sugar regulation and may have helped ancient humans manage food scarcity.
A new study has found that Neanderthals and modern humans diverged at least 800,000 years ago, contradicting previous estimates of around 300,000-500,000 years. The research used dental evolutionary rates to analyze early Neanderthal fossils from Sima de los Huesos, Spain.
A new UCL-led study found that women with a history of eating disorders are more likely to experience depressive symptoms during pregnancy and beyond. The research suggests that early identification and treatment of eating disorders in pregnant women could reduce the long-term impact on both mothers and children.
Researchers found simvastatin helped delay disability worsening and slow brain atrophy in people with secondary progressive MS. The study suggests statins may have independent effects on the disease, beyond cholesterol lowering.
A UCL-led study found that 25.6% of regular meditators reported experiencing particularly unpleasant meditation-related experiences, including fear and distorted emotions. These experiences were more common among those who practiced deconstructive types of meditation and had higher levels of repetitive negative thinking.
New research suggests that sudden and severe climate change caused widespread population decline across South America between 8,000 to 6,000 years ago. The study found that unpredictable rainfall levels had a negative impact on early populations until around 6,000 years ago.
Researchers use atomic force microscopy to track the formation of deadly holes in bacterial surfaces, discovering a bottleneck that prevents harm to human cells. The study provides insight into how the immune system kills bacteria and may guide the development of new therapies harnessing the immune system against bacterial infections.
Researchers from UCL and University of Arizona developed a 'deep learning' approach called PlanetNet to detect storms on Saturn. The algorithm accurately maps the components and features in turbulent regions, revealing previously undetected atmospheric features such as ammonia ice clouds.
Researchers have identified distinct sensory neuron systems for detecting different intensities of cold in mammals, which may lead to the development of new drugs for treating cold-related pain. The study found that Trpm8 neurons detect acute cold and NaV1.8-expressing neurons detect prolonged extreme cold.
A new study found that CBD buffers against THC's effects on the brain, potentially making higher-CBD cannabis strains less harmful. The research used fMRI to gauge how different cannabis strains impact brain function.
A new UCL-led study investigates three genetic markers that influence cannabis addiction. Researchers found differences in cognitive mechanisms and identified a specific gene associated with increased craving and attraction to cannabis-related imagery.
A new study found that nearly half of dementia cases in low- to middle-income countries, such as China and India, could be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors like education, hearing loss, and obesity. Improving childhood education and health outcomes throughout life may lead to significant reductions in dementia rates.
Scientists at UCL have successfully produced individual 2D phosphorene nanoribbons with unique properties, opening up new avenues for applications in batteries, solar cells, thermoelectric devices, and more. The ribbons' flexibility and scalability make them promising for transforming industries.