A study from University College London found that genetic differences significantly associate with managerial responsibilities, with a specific DNA sequence linked to leadership ability passing down through generations.
Scientists from University College London have found that animal cells exhibit poroelastic behavior when mechanically stimulated, similar to organs within the body. The rate of cell deformation is limited by how quickly water can redistribute within the cell interior.
Scientists propose that early life forms utilized deep-sea hydrothermal vents to harness energy, driving the emergence of complex cellular structures. The new theory explains why all living organisms conserve energy in the form of ion gradients across membranes.
New genetic analysis reveals that many Amazon tree species are likely to survive man-made climate warming in the coming century. The study finds that these trees have previously survived warmer climates and are expected to endure higher temperatures. However, droughts and forest fires remain major threats to the Amazon's future.
Researchers at UCL have identified over 200 gene locations linked to Crohn's Disease, a complex condition with a significant genetic component. The study uses a new method to analyze the human genome and provides evidence that specific clinical sub-groups may carry different risk genes.
Researchers found cycling is safer than driving for young males aged 17-20, with almost five times greater risk for drivers compared to cyclists of the same age. Cycling offers significant health benefits, saving £17bn in healthcare costs alone through active travel.
A new study claims that forest canopy structure is a more important factor in infrared reflection than leaf nitrogen levels. The researchers found that the complex arrangement of leaves within a forest can mask the effect of individual leaf nitrogen levels on infrared radiation.
A systematic review of 14 studies and 1,600 participants found lasting decrements in neurological and cognitive function, particularly in memory and information processing speed. The study's findings suggest that low-level exposure to organophosphate pesticides may be associated with impaired cognitive function.
A study by University College London reveals that happy adolescents tend to earn higher levels of income later in life. The research found that happy individuals are more likely to get a degree, find work, and get promoted quicker than their gloomier counterparts.
Using cutting-edge virtual reality technology, researchers have successfully beamed a person into a rat facility, allowing the rat and human to interact on the same scale. The technology enables real-time interaction between humans and animals, providing new insights into animal behavior.
A major three-year trial found that giving one-to-one feedback to healthcare workers makes them twice as likely to clean their hands or use soap. The study, published in PLOS ONE, showed improvements of up to 18% on Intensive Therapy Units and 13% on Acute Care of the Elderly wards.
A European team has completed the first micro-structure atlas of the human brain, utilizing advanced MRI technology. The atlas provides unprecedented detail and accuracy, revealing new information about brain structure that helps understand how cellular architecture relates to thought processes.
A new analysis suggests that brain size relative to body size is driven by different evolutionary mechanisms in different animals, with changes in body size often occurring independently of changes in brain size.
A study found that over a third of refugee children showed signs of malnutrition and 15% of women experienced nutritional deficiencies during development. The population's diet is suboptimal for health due to excessive sugar consumption, starchy foods, and lack of fresh produce.
A new blood test has been developed to measure levels of the toxic protein that causes Huntington's disease, which builds up gradually in blood cells over time. The research found that levels of mutant huntingtin protein corresponded to brain shrinkage, and may help explain how damage accumulates, eventually causing symptoms.
Researchers found a strong negative effect of neighbourhood income deprivation on altruistic behaviour, with wealthier areas returning 87% of letters compared to poorer areas at 37%. This suggests that those living in poor neighbourhoods are less inclined to behave altruistically toward their neighbours.
A new X-ray imaging technique has produced dramatic three-dimensional images of gold nanocrystals, revealing their structure for the first time. The improved image quality will likely lead to a better understanding of nanomaterials' properties.
A study published in Biology Letters found that humans punish cheats only when they end up better off than the punisher, challenging the notion of revenge-based motivation. The researchers aimed to clarify the relationship between punishment and cooperation by investigating underlying motivations.
A recent study found that Native American populations originated from at least three migrations, with most descending from the First American migration through Beringia. This migration was later joined by two additional streams, which contributed to the genetic diversity of Arctic populations and some Na-Dene-speaking groups.
Researchers have developed a technique to reprogram adult cells from patients with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy into stem cells, which can then be genetically modified and transplanted into mice. The study shows promise for treating this rare form of muscular dystrophy.
Researchers found that neurons follow a simple pattern described by a power law, which explains their tree-like shape and efficient wiring. This pattern is supported by the growth of newborn olfactory neurons in the adult brain.
The European Space Agency has adopted the largest astronomy collaboration to build the Euclid satellite, which will study the dark universe with great precision. The mission will trace the distribution and evolution of dark matter and dark energy throughout the Universe.
Researchers from UCL and EPFL have successfully created a material that mimics the behavior of traditional bar magnets, but at the quantum level. By manipulating the spins of tiny atoms in a transparent salt, they achieved an antiferromagnetic configuration, similar to large bar magnets, without the usual complications.
Researchers searched for 'knots' in space using WMAP data, finding no signs of cosmic textures. The study places limits on theories producing textures, ruling out most models at 95% confidence.
Researchers at University College London have discovered a new property of flames that allows for the control of reactions at solid surfaces, opening up new fields of chemical innovation. This breakthrough has significant implications for future technologies, including air quality detection and greenhouse gas management.
Scientists at University College London have discovered a potential new method to regenerate damaged skeletal muscle tissue using stem cells derived from amniotic fluid. The treatment resulted in improved survival rates and muscle activity in mice with spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic disease affecting one in six thousand births.
The tuatara's unique chewing technique, using its lower jaw to slice food apart, raises doubts about the link between chewing and high metabolism in mammals. This specialized mechanism allows the tuatara to eat a wide range of prey, including beetles, spiders, and small lizards.
Researchers at University College London have developed a new silicon oxide-based 'Resistive RAM' memory chip that can operate in ambient conditions, offering significantly greater memory storage and reduced energy consumption. The chip promises to be much faster than current technology, with potential applications beyond memory storage.
Researchers have found that sex-linked chromosomes, particularly the W chromosome in female chickens, play a vital role in predicting fertility. The study's results support the idea that these chromosomes are unlikely to become extinct due to their importance in survival.
Scientists at University College London have successfully transplanted photoreceptors into adult mice with degenerate retinas, restoring their vision. The study suggests that this approach could lead to effective treatments for thousands of people affected by degenerative eye disorders.
A new study published in Nature has disproved the theory that pigeons' navigation skills are linked to iron-rich nerve cells in their beaks. Macrophages, specialized white blood cells, were found to contain tiny balls of iron instead, contradicting earlier research.
A quantitative analysis of Google search queries found a link between online behavior and real-world economic indicators, suggesting countries with higher GDP are more focused on the future. The study used Google Trends data from over 45 billion searches in 45 countries to calculate a 'future orientation index' that correlates with GDP.
A three-year study found that embedding TaMHS programme in schools led to greater improvements in behavioural problems among primary pupils. Schools providing self-help leaflets also saw reduced aggression and anger issues.
A genetic study has traced cattle back to a small herd of approximately 80 animals domesticated around 10,500 years ago. The research used DNA extracted from ancient cattle bones found in Iranian archaeological sites to determine the origins of domestication.
UCL Engineering has been awarded £18 million by the EPSRC to tackle major ICT challenges. The funding will support three projects: developing high-capacity optical communication systems, advancing wireless technology using terahertz frequency band, and creating a radical new software engineering technique.
A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that our brains use a simplistic strategy to filter out options when faced with complex decisions, leading to poor choices. The researchers also linked this 'pruning' decision-making bias to depressive symptoms, suggesting a possible connection between the two.
Researchers at University College London have discovered specific antibodies that block the toxic effect of Amyloid-ß on synapses, raising hopes for a treatment to combat early cognitive decline. The findings suggest targeting the secreted protein Dkk1 could offer an effective treatment to protect synapses.
The Leonard Wolfson Experimental Neurology Centre will accelerate the development of treatments and identify future therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases, aiming for earlier intervention for patients. The centre will be based at UCL's National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
Scientists at UCL have discovered three new gene regions on chromosome 16 associated with Crohn's Disease, which could lead to personalized treatment and improved understanding of its inheritance. The study used a novel gene mapping approach to analyze genetic information from 1698 patients, replicating results using independent US data.
Research reveals that children exposed to family violence show increased brain activity in the anterior insula and amygdala when viewing angry faces, similar to soldiers exposed to combat. This adaptation may help them detect danger but also increases risk of anxiety problems later in life.
Researchers at University College London discovered electronic stripes on graphene sheets, a finding that could revolutionize the exploitation of this material. The discovery was made using a scanning tunneling microscope and found that extra electrons arrange themselves into nanometer-scale stripes spontaneously.
A new study found that children with thinner parents are three times more likely to be thin, with a strong association between parental and child body size. Children of thinner parents were more likely to have the 'skinny' genes, increasing their chances of being naturally thinner.
Researchers found that patients with well-developed coronary collaterals have a 36% reduced risk of mortality from heart disease. The study suggests promoting natural bypass vessels through lifestyle factors and potential treatments, such as external counterpulsation or injections with growth factor G-CSF.
Researchers have discovered a way to create molecular 'circuitry' that can capture, direct, regulate and amplify raw solar energy. By leveraging the collective quantum properties of natural light-harvesting systems, scientists can design efficient antennas that transfer energy quickly and regulatedly.
Researchers analyzed CT scans of fossil skull fragments from five Australopithecus species and found distinct internal structures in the anterior pillars. This suggests different evolutionary pathways for different species, contradicting previous theories on shared ancestry.
A study analyzing hundreds of millions of names reveals global 'naming networks' that bind people to cultural, ethnic and linguistic communities. The researchers used forenames and surnames to create a representation of population structure around the world.
Researchers found that babies' brain activity changes from non-specific 'neuronal bursts' to localized activity in specific areas of the brain, indicating they can perceive painful stimulation as separate from touch. This shift may occur around 35-37 weeks gestation.
A new study by University College London found that targeted policing can lead to a reduction in crime not only in the targeted area but also in surrounding locations, known as 'diffusion of benefits'. Problem-oriented policing was shown to have the greatest positive effect on crime in nearby areas.
Women show heightened neural responses in anticipation of negative experiences, influencing long-term memory. This emotional responsiveness may help women counter the impact of negative emotions.
Scientists at University College London and Sapienza University of Rome have developed a method to manipulate high-temperature superconductivity in materials. By illuminating with X-rays, researchers can create and control tiny superconducting structures, enabling the creation of new electronic devices.