A large international clinical trial led by UCL found that a gene test can safely spare many breast cancer patients of chemotherapy. The OPTIMA trial followed over 4,400 patients and suggested that those with hormone-sensitive breast cancer and low Prosigna scores can be treated safely with hormone therapy alone.
A recent study led by UCL researchers found that cooperative societies of tropical paper wasps can survive fierce leadership battles due to individual wasps that pick up the slack. These compensators avoid conflict and increase their investment in essential tasks like foraging and brood care, maintaining societal function.
A new study published in Nature Medicine finds that semaglutide improves weight loss and metabolic health outcomes in patients who do not respond well to bariatric surgery. Patients taking semaglutide showed significant weight loss from body fat, improved blood sugar levels, and better quality of life.
Tiny forelimbs in meat-eating dinosaurs, including T. rex, were linked to strong skulls and jaws used for attacking large prey. The study found a correlation between reduced forelimb size and skull robustness, suggesting that tiny arms evolved as a byproduct of powerful heads.
A new study found that childhood maltreatment can increase the risk of intimate partner violence victimization in young adulthood. The researchers identified three main psychological characteristics: low subjective wellbeing, conduct problems, and aggression.
An AI technology successfully plans life-saving radiotherapy for cervical and prostate cancers, bridging the workforce gap and enabling more people to be treated. The ARCHERY trial found that the AI technology can achieve international best-practice radiotherapy planning in over 95% of cervical cancer cases.
A new study finds that satellite launch pollution will account for nearly half of the total climate impact of space sector pollution by the end of the decade. The potent air pollution generated by megaconstellations lingers in the upper atmosphere, decreasing sunlight and having a 500-fold greater impact on the climate.
The discovery of Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, a 100-120 million-year-old sauropod, is the largest ever found in Southeast Asia. The dinosaur weighed around 27 tonnes and measured 27m long, making it 'the last titan' of Thailand.
A new UCL study reveals that heavy caring responsibilities can accelerate mental decline in people aged 50 and over. Lighter caring duties, on the other hand, can be beneficial to mental abilities. The researchers found that intensive carers are most at risk and need stronger support.
A new analysis of police data reveals that one in 10 missing incidents among people with dementia results in serious harm. The study highlights the need for preventative action to keep people with dementia safe and finds that older age, night disappearances, and longer durations of absence are risk factors for harm.
A new study by University College London researchers found that regularly taking part in arts activities slows the pace of biological ageing. Participants who engaged in arts and cultural activities more frequently appeared to have a slower pace of ageing, comparable to those who exercised at least once a week.
The ALARIC trial aims to treat at least 12 patients with light chain amyloidosis, a rare but serious blood disease affecting around 500 people in the UK each year. CAR T-cell therapy targets abnormal plasma cells producing faulty proteins, offering a one-off treatment with high and durable response rates.
Researchers discovered a massive magma intrusion on São Jorge Island in the Azores, which stalled just 1.6km below the surface, avoiding an eruption. The study used seismometers and satellite data to reconstruct the underground movement of magma, revealing how it rose through a main fault system.
A new study reveals that patients with stage two or three bowel cancer who received immunotherapy before surgery have remained cancer-free for over three years. The trial found that this treatment approach can provide more durable cancer control compared to traditional post-op chemotherapy.
A new study reveals that people with Parkinson's disease have a distinct gut microbiome, as do those at genetic risk but without symptoms. This could lead to early detection and potential prevention strategies.
A new study by University College London found that gabapentinoids, prescribed for chronic pain, double the risk of hospitalization for drug poisoning when combined with benzodiazepines or opioids. The risk persists even after starting gabapentinoid treatment, suggesting they may not be an effective solution to reduce poisoning risks.
A study of 1,001 people in England found that calorie labels on restaurant menus can be helpful for those with binge eating disorders, particularly those who feel a sense of control over their eating. In contrast, individuals with restrictive eating disorders viewed them negatively.
Researchers have discovered a new method to make cancer cells more visible to the immune system by blocking NMD, allowing faulty RNA to be used by cells to produce abnormal proteins. This increased visibility of antigens on cancer cells could improve immunotherapy response rates and lead to better outcomes for patients.
A new study suggests Saturn's magnetic field is asymmetrical, with cusps located most often between 13:00 and 15:00. The researchers believe rapid spin and heavy plasma from Enceladus drag the field lines to the right.
A new model of brain wiring could shorten the path to developing medicines for multiple sclerosis and other degenerative brain diseases. The model, made of a water-filled gel, replicates the physical properties of human axons and has been successfully grown from human cells in the laboratory.
A new tool developed by UCL researchers can identify diet and nutrition misinformation, as well as its risk for potential harm. The tool assesses the content's risk based on factors like inaccuracy, hazardous omissions, and manipulative framing.
A large clinical trial led by UCL researchers has shown that hormone patches are as effective as injections in controlling locally advanced prostate cancer. The patches cause fewer side effects, including hot flushes and breast tissue swelling, while improving quality of life for men with the condition.
A new study published in The Lancet Public Health found that community-based parenting programmes like Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities can improve family wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. Parents who participated reported higher levels of mental wellbeing and improved relationships with their children.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) has seen a significant increase in prevalence, with standardised prevalence doubling from 107 per 100,000 people in 2000 to 232 per 100,000 in 2020. The study also found that survival rates improved due to advances in treatments and care, but inequalities persist, particularly in deprived areas.
Scientists have created the first lab-grown oesophagus that safely replaces a full section of the organ and restores normal function in growing animals without immunosuppression. The technology has shown promising results, providing a blueprint for human treatment and offering hope for families affected by life-threatening oesophageal ...
A new study found that bilingual consent forms significantly improve cancer treatment understanding among people with limited English, with understanding rising from 35% to 60%. The study, published in Supportive Care in Cancer, examined the impact of different translation approaches on cancer treatment understanding among Bengali- and...
A new study by UCL researchers found that 6 out of 10 older people in England view climate change as a serious risk, with many aware of its consequences and ready to take action. The study also revealed that older adults are more likely to be engaged with climate change, particularly those who are better off financially and more social...
Researchers have successfully reconstructed videos from mouse brain activity, allowing them to understand how the brain processes visual information. By analyzing the neural activity in the visual cortex, the team created high-quality reconstructions of 10-second video clips, revealing the brain's representation of visual cues.
A new study by UCL researchers found that increasing physical fitness leads to a bigger release of brain-boosting proteins after just one session of exercise. The 12-week training program improved cognitive function and boosted brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, supporting the formation of new neurons and maintaining brai...
A new medication called zorevunersen has been found to reduce seizures in children with Dravet syndrome by up to 91%, improving their quality of life and behavior. The study, led by University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital, also showed the potential to reduce the impact of the condition on mental processes.
The international group of experts is urging rapid improvements in diagnosis, treatment, and research for cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer. The disease has a low one-year survival rate and high mortality rate, with around 3,000 people dying from it in England each year.
A study by UCL researchers found large variations in nitrous oxide use across UK dental services, with some sites emitting up to 1,849 kg CO₂e per week. The team recommends reducing wastage, standardizing practice, and considering alternatives to minimize environmental impact.
A pilot initiative led by University College London is using highly detailed 3D scans to estimate tree structure, volume, and stored carbon in tropical rainforests. This data helps scientists better understand how much biomass forests contain, essential for tracking climate change.
A study led by University College London found that academic pressure at age 15 is linked to higher depressive symptoms and self-harm in young people. The association persists into adulthood, with high levels of academic pressure at age 15 associated with increased risk of self-harm up to age 24.
A new study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that prehospital emergency intubation of high-risk trauma patients improves 30-day survival by 10.3% and could save 170 lives each year in the UK. Prehospital intubation needs to be administered by an advanced critical care team.
A new review highlights the growing burden of lung cancer in never-smokers, emphasizing the need for dedicated research, screening, and clinical trials. The study argues that LCINS has distinct causes and biology requiring a different approach to diagnosis and treatment.
A major study has shown that tumour stage at diagnosis is strongly linked to childhood cancer survival across six different cancers. Researchers analysed data from 9,883 children in 27 countries and found significant variation in three-year survival rates between regions, particularly in the UK and Ireland.
A new study reveals that young sauropods were a key food source for Late Jurassic predators, with adults unable to care for their eggs and offspring. The research team mapped out a 'food web' of the time, finding that sauropods had a significant impact on their ecosystem.
Researchers at University College London discovered that Alzheimer's disease disrupts the brain's 'memory replay' process, leading to impaired navigation and memory loss. The study found that even when mice were resting, their brains replayed recent experiences in an altered pattern, which had consequences on memory tasks.
A new study reveals how Parkinson's spreads from the gut to the brain via immune cells, identifying a key role for gut macrophages in transporting toxic proteins. Reducing these cells can slow disease progression and improve motor symptoms in mice.
Researchers created pea-sized mini-stomachs with three main regions, replicating human stomach function and acid secretion. The study models a rare genetic disease, paving the way for personalized treatment and accelerated clinical approval.
A remarkable prehistoric hammer made from elephant bone has been uncovered in southern England and analysed by archaeologists. The roughly 500,000-year-old tool provides an extraordinary glimpse into the ingenuity of early human ancestors who made it, likely either early neanderthals or Homo heidelbergensis.
A large longitudinal study of people with childhood ADHD traits found a strong link between the condition and physical health problems in midlife. People with high ADHD traits at age 10 were more likely to have two or more physical health problems by age 46.
New research reveals that North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) was only about 1.8°C colder than today during the Last Glacial Maximum, contradicting previous assumptions of near-freezing conditions. The study supports climate model projections and suggests that weakening AMOC could have dramatic consequences for future climate.
A new study estimates that over 1.6 million people in the UK will be living with glaucoma by 2060, with nearly 50% higher prevalence than previous estimates. The researchers call for expanded eye health services and increased awareness campaigns to detect early cases and prevent vision loss.
Researchers at University College London have uncovered a key mechanism that helps the body switch off inflammation. Tiny fat-derived molecules called epoxy-oxylipins act as natural brakes on the immune system, preventing chronic inflammation linked to arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.
A team of astronomers using the WEAVE instrument discovered a bar-shaped cloud of iron atoms inside the iconic Ring Nebula. The iron bar is roughly 500 times longer than Pluto's orbit and has a mass comparable to Mars, raising questions about its formation and composition.
A new study by University College London researchers found that women and people with anxiety are prone to two distinct types of underconfidence. Women initially show underconfidence but confidence grows as time elapses, while those with anxiety become less confident with more reflection.
A new study demonstrates the effectiveness of a widely-used eye injection in managing hypotony, a rare condition characterized by abnormally low eye pressure. The treatment, which involves injecting HPMC gel, has shown promising results in restoring vision and increasing eye pressure.
Researchers found that close to half of all dementia cases would not arise without the APOE gene's influence, and potentially more than 90% of Alzheimer's disease cases are linked to variants in this single gene. The study highlights the APOE gene as a powerful target for drug development.