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.
Research reveals Iberian lynx fossils have low genetic variation over the last 50,000 years, suggesting moderate population sizes may ensure long-term survival. This finding challenges the myth that certain species are doomed by their genetics.
Scientists studied brain cells in rats and found that only place cells were sensitive to height, with weak responsiveness. The brain's sense of space is more accurate in horizontal directions, suggesting a flat map of space for altitude.
Researchers from University College London and Imperial College London developed an algorithm to search for signatures of other universes in cosmic microwave background radiation. They found an observational upper limit on the number of bubble collision signatures, providing a test of the multiverse theory.
Researchers found that sighted players in rock-paper-scissors games often subconsciously imitate their blindfolded opponents' hand shapes. This automatic imitation increases the chances of a game ending in a draw.
A comprehensive review of 172 research papers found a significant association between smoking during pregnancy and an increased risk of birth defects. Missing or deformed limbs, clubfoot, facial disorders, and gastrointestinal problems were among the most common malformations linked to maternal smoking.
Astronomers detect cosmic dust from a supernovae using Herschel Space Observatory, confirming the theory that these explosions create dust. The study reveals a large amount of cold dust formed during the explosion, which could explain the origin of dust in galaxies.
Researchers at UCL have demonstrated the first electrically driven quantum dot laser grown directly on a silicon substrate with a suitable wavelength for telecommunications. This breakthrough enables efficient light sources in silicon, a crucial material for future silicon photonics.
Researchers at University College London and Birkbeck have discovered the structure of FimD, a protein complex that assembles pili on cystitis bacteria. This breakthrough provides insights into pilus biogenesis and has potential applications in developing new antibiotics that target cystitis.
Research emphasizes strengthening simple number concepts through specially-designed teaching schemes supported by adaptive software, aiming to help learners build basic understanding of arithmetic and tackle math difficulties.
Researchers at University College London have discovered powerful electron beams flowing back and forth between Saturn and its moon Enceladus, a finding that suggests a universal process similar to Jupiter's moon Io. This discovery was made using the Cassini spacecraft and its CAPS-ELS instrument.
The European Space Agency has approved a £400 million mission to study extra-solar planets, led by UCL, to look for signs of life in nearby star systems. The Exoplanet Characterisation Observatory (EChO) will use a 1.2 meter telescope to analyze the atmospheres of habitable planets and search for biomarkers.
Scientists have discovered a new sauropod dinosaur, Brontomerus mcintoshi, with enormous thigh muscles and unique hip structure, suggesting it may have used its kick as defense against predators. The discovery challenges the previous idea that sauropods began to disappear in the Early Cretaceous period.
Researchers found that viewing a person's hand reduces pain levels due to its size. Participants who saw an enlarged hand tolerated greater heat before reporting pain, while those seeing a smaller hand reported lower temperatures.
Research published in Nature reveals that simple marine worms Xenoturbella and Acoelomorpha are distantly related to humans and other complex species. The findings suggest that these organisms have evolved backwards into simpler forms, shedding light on the early stages of animal evolution.
Research suggests that reduced exposure to seasonal cold may contribute to rises in obesity due to minimized energy expenditure and reduced body heat production. Increased indoor temperatures may also lead to a loss of brown fat, reducing the body's capacity to burn energy.
A new species of parrot-sized dinosaur, Linhenykus monodactylus, has been discovered in Inner Mongolia with only one finger. The fossil found preserved bones from the vertebral column, forelimb, and hind limbs. It is believed that this feature may have been used for digging into insect nests.
Researchers at University College London found that our sense of time is shaped by sensory input from the environment, allowing us to refine our internal timekeeping. By comparing sensory change to an average rate, we can judge how much time has passed and improve our judgements.
A new study reveals that the UK's richest and poorest continue to experience significant health disparities, with lower-income groups facing higher rates of kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, and smoking. The study highlights the need for continued efforts to address these inequalities and improve public health outcomes.
A new study reveals that fighter pilots exhibit superior cognitive control, accuracy, and response to distracting information. Their brains also show distinct structural alterations in white matter connections, which may be linked to expertise in certain aspects of cognition.
The Cassini mission has discovered an oxygen atmosphere on Saturn's moon Rhea, which is extremely thin and sustained by high-energy particles bombarding its icy surface. The formation of oxygen and carbon dioxide could be a pre-requisite for life, with complex chemistry potentially common throughout the solar system.
Mitochondria power stations are crucial for complex cell evolution and innovation, enabling eukaryotes to accumulate more genes than bacteria. The tiny mitochondrial genome is essential for cell respiration, allowing cells to support a vast number of genes and proteins.
A team of astrophysicists has observed dramatic flares and bursts of energy from a weakly magnetized, slowly rotating pulsar, challenging the understanding of how these events occur in normal, low-field neutron stars. The discovery indicates that internal magnetic fields may be responsible for powering these phenomena.
A genetic variant reducing disease susceptibility is more prevalent in urban populations, suggesting exposure to TB led to its evolution. The study analyzed DNA samples from 17 populations across Europe, Asia, and Africa, revealing a link between city history and genetic resistance.
Research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that children under 12 do not combine different sensory information like adults, and this ability develops around age 12. Adults can integrate multiple sources of visual information, such as perspective and binocular depth, to make a unified estimate.
Researchers at University College London found that single neurons and even individual dendrites can effectively distinguish between different temporal sequences of incoming information. This challenges the widely held view that large numbers of neurons working together are necessary for sequence processing in the brain.
Scientists discovered that inhibiting a protein called N-cadherin prevents cancer cells from forming groups and migrating. This new approach could lead to more effective therapies for cancer treatment.
Researchers identify parietal cortex as key brain region combining touch and limb position to create 'body map' of space. The discovery has implications for understanding developmental coordination disorders and improving motor skills.
A new study reveals that astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating breathing by sensing changes in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Activated astrocytes release ATP, which stimulates brain respiratory centers to adjust breathing rates accordingly.
A recent study by UCL scientists found that the brain is intrinsically unreliable due to high levels of noise. The researchers proposed a rate code strategy as a possible solution to this problem.
New results from a galaxy survey set the smallest upper limit on the size of the elusive neutrino particle to date at 0.28 electron volts. The research uses a large 3D map of galaxies and cosmic microwave background radiation, providing insights into dark matter.
Researchers have successfully controlled quantum superposition in silicon, a crucial step towards building affordable quantum computers. The breakthrough could enable faster processing of complex information and secure code-cracking capabilities.
Researchers found that Parkinson's patients with impulsive-compulsive spectrum behaviors have impaired self-control, but normal motivation. They prefer smaller immediate payments over larger delayed ones.
A new study by scientists at UCL reveals that the brains of newborn rats already possess a sense of direction and place, which improves with age. The research suggests that this innate ability could be independent of experience and provides insights into how our sense of space develops.
Researchers found that brain's representation of hands is out of sync with reality, with fingers perceived as shorter and hands fatter. The findings may be relevant to psychiatric conditions involving body image.