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.
A new characteristic 'biosignature' has been identified to track the remains of ancient life on Earth. The discovery suggests that graphite-like crystals alongside minerals such as apatite and carbonate are indicative of biological origin.
A new study reveals that chromium on bronze weapons of the Terracotta Army is likely contamination from a nearby lacquer coating, not an ancient anti-rust technology. The excellent preservation of the bronze weapons may be attributed to the soil's moderate alkaline pH and low organic content.
New research by UCL and University of Edinburgh scientists reveals that many countries' forest restoration pledges are insufficient to meet global climate goals. Restoring natural forests is shown to capture more carbon than plantations or agroforestry, with potential to remove 42 billion tonnes of carbon by 2100.
Researchers tracked the spread of K. pneumoniae bacteria in a Beijing hospital and found they were highly transmissible and adaptable to antibiotics. The study highlights the importance of genomic data in understanding multi-drug resistant infections, which are predicted to rise to 10 million per year by 2050.
A new UK-based study reveals that alcohol, cannabis, MDMA, and cocaine are the most commonly combined with sex. The research found that people of all genders and sexual orientations engage in substance-linked sex, but gay and bisexual men are more likely to do so.
Researchers have discovered that two brain regions guide navigation in familiar and new environments. The hippocampus plays a role in tracking distance in new environments, while the retrosplenial cortex takes over when navigating well-known places. This finding helps explain why Alzheimer's patients experience severe disorientation.
A UCL-led study found that engaging households in evidence-based face-to-face workshops increases long-term disaster preparedness. Households that received training showed significant improvements in safety measures such as securing objects and having functioning smoke detectors.
Researchers discovered a novel gene mutation that reduces activity of the FAAH gene, which is involved in pain sensation and anxiety. The mutation is associated with enhanced wound healing, reduced anxiety, and fearlessness, potentially leading to new treatments for post-surgical pain and anxiety.
A new study reveals that the Earth's lower mantle is more dynamic than previously thought, with increased flow in regions where ancient ocean floors plunge into the planet's core. This discovery has significant implications for understanding how quickly Earth is cooling and the dynamic evolution of our planet.
A UK consortium of cyber security experts is supporting global businesses to address cyber threats and protect against cybercrime. The project aims to develop interventions to provide guidance and support, with a focus on board decision-making and risk assessment.
A second person has experienced sustained remission from HIV-1 after ceasing treatment through a stem cell transplant. The patient remained undetectable after stopping antiretroviral therapy (ARV) and his immune cells continue to lack the CCR5 receptor, making it difficult for the virus to enter host cells.
A new study by UCL researchers finds that alien species are the primary cause of recent global extinctions, responsible for 126 extinctions. Many plant and animal species, including mammals and birds, have been affected, with some species, such as rats and cats, being major contributors.
Women who work over 55 hours a week are at a higher risk of depression, while weekend working is linked to increased depressive symptoms for both men and women. The study suggests that women face additional burdens due to domestic labor and lower paid service sector jobs.
Researchers found that Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has a lower mutation rate than previously believed, contradicting theories of high genetic diversity. This discovery could pave the way for the development of an effective HCMV vaccine.
The partnership aims to advance genetic diagnosis and therapy for patients with muscle wasting neuromuscular diseases, including motor neurone disease and muscular dystrophy. AIIMS will launch its first patient trials, providing insight into the different genes present in India's populations.
A new study led by UCL and NHM found that bird skull shape is more influenced by shared ancestry and behavior than diet. Researchers tested 352 bird species, representing 159 out of 195 existing families, and discovered that birds who eat nectar or seeds exhibit the highest rate of cranial evolution.
A new UCL-led study has pinpointed the exact locations of two quarries in Wales that supplied the bluestones to Stonehenge. The discovery reveals how the stones were quarried and transported, challenging a popular theory about their transportation method.
Researchers from UCL and Flatiron Institute develop technique to calculate gravitational wave data, enabling accurate measurement of Hubble constant. By observing 50 binary neutron stars over the next decade, scientists can resolve the long-standing debate on the universe's expansion rate.
A new study reveals that Neanderthals had the technological capabilities to hunt at a distance using advanced wooden spears, contradicting previous theories that they only hunted at close range. The spears, dating back to 300,000 years ago, were found to be effective in hitting targets up to 20 meters away.
Researchers at University College London have discovered the genetic differences between lung cancer precursor cells and harmless lesions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of screening tests and new treatments that can stop cancer in its tracks, saving lives by detecting the disease earlier.
A genetic study of over 6,000 Latin Americans has identified new variations associated with skin colour and eyesight. The research found that lighter skin among Eurasian people evolved independently from different genetic backgrounds.
Research implicates genetic variants affecting NMDAR functioning as a risk factor for schizophrenia. Variants in four genes, including GRIN1 and GRIN2B, were found to be more common in people with schizophrenia.
A large cohort study found that exposure to statins, blood pressure medications, and diabetes treatments reduced rates of psychiatric hospitalization and self-harm in patients with serious mental illnesses. The study suggests that these commonly used drugs may have repurposed benefits for individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorde...
Researchers at University College London and the University of Illinois at Chicago have developed a new method for making magnesium chromium oxide materials that can reversibly store magnesium ions, a crucial feature for magnesium battery technology. This discovery could lead to more efficient and safer batteries with increased capacity.
A new therapy has shown 'very promising' initial results in improving the sight of people with Leber congenital amaurosis type 10 (LCA10), a severe inherited retinal disease. The therapy, QR-110, was injected into one eye and left untreated in the other, resulting in improved vision and restored levels of normal CEP290 protein in cells.
People with radical political views tend to overestimate their certainty on incorrect answers, but struggle with recognizing when they're wrong. The study found no difference in task performance between moderates and radicals, despite radicals' higher confidence ratings.
A UCL-led study confirms that some vials of discontinued hormone used in medical treatments contained seeds of a protein implicated in Alzheimer's disease. The research found that these seeds can seed amyloid pathology in mice and supports the team's hypothesis that amyloid beta was accidentally transmitted to patients via this treatment.
A new UCL-led study found that gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth experience higher depressive symptoms starting at age 10 and persisting through adolescence. The study also showed that LGBQ young people are four times more likely to self-harm with suicidal intent than their heterosexual peers.
A new medical software system, SmartTarget, enhances prostate cancer detection by overlaying MRI scans onto ultrasound images, guiding surgeons during biopsies. The technology has shown that combining both techniques can detect clinically relevant cancers missed with current methods.
A recent study published in BMJ Open found that smokers who mainly roll their own cigarettes are less motivated to quit compared to those who mainly smoke factory-made cigarettes. The main reason for this disparity is the relatively cheap cost of RYO products, with users spending around half as much on smoking each week.
A new study suggests that womb kicks may play a role in helping babies develop a sense of their own body. The research, published in Scientific Reports, found that brainwaves produced during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep fire in the corresponding hemisphere when a baby kicks its limbs.
Researchers at University College London have developed a new method to study facial somatosensation in newborns using electroencephalography (EEG). The study found that brain responses to touch on the face are present from birth and can help medical professionals make informed decisions about premature babies' development.
Researchers from UCL and University of Reading studied rapidly evolving aurora to understand energy release physics. They mapped back to where instabilities occur in space, gaining valuable physical clues.
A recent study by University College London found that smokers who regularly spend time with vapers are more likely to try quitting smoking. The study discovered no evidence that vaping discourages smokers from quitting, alleviating concerns about the public health impact of e-cigarettes.