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.
Researchers at University College London have identified a new mechanism for how polycomb proteins repress the wrong genes in embryonic stem cells. The discovery has significant implications for tissue engineering and cell differentiation, as it reveals how polycomb proteins control gene activity through interaction with short RNAs.
A recent study published in Cognitive Development found that teenagers take the most risks compared to other age groups, particularly between 14-35 years old. The researchers discovered that teenagers enjoy the thrill of taking risks more than other age groups, especially when they have a 'lucky escape'.
A new species of dromaeosaurid, Linheraptor exquisitus, has been discovered in Inner Mongolia with a near complete skeleton found since 1972. The fossil reveals unique features, including an antorbital fenestra, and is closely related to Velociraptor.
A study by UCL scientists found that people tend to accept the status quo and avoid making complex decisions, even when it leads to errors. The study used fMRI scans to examine the neural pathways involved in 'status quo bias' and discovered a key role for the subthalamic nucleus in overcoming this bias.
A new mental health outreach programme has successfully identified and treated hundreds of survivors of the 2005 London bombings, strongly suggesting similar programmes need to be included in disaster response plans. The programme highlighted a significant gap in traditional GP referrals for mental healthcare after terrorist attacks.
New research at UCL suggests that moderate alcohol consumption before a traumatic event can lead to increased recall of the traumatic experience, resulting in more frequent flashbacks. In contrast, high levels of alcohol consumption may disrupt both types of memory, leading to fewer flashbacks and reduced overall memory for the event.
Research at University College London found that genetic differences are responsible for the majority of variation in face recognition ability among individuals. Identical twins showed a stronger correlation in their face recognition skills compared to non-identical twins, indicating a significant role of shared genes.
Researchers at University College London have uncovered a previously lost Roman law code, the Codex Gregorianus, which dates back to AD 300. The fragments contain responses by emperors to public questions on legal matters, offering new insights into ancient Roman law and its enduring legacy.
Researchers at University College London have identified 'grid cells' in the human brain for the first time, which may help explain how we create internal maps of new environments. These specialized neurons are involved in spatial memory and have been previously discovered in rodent brains.
A new eye test technique enables real-time measurement of brain cell death, refining diagnosis and tracking disease progress in Alzheimer's. The method uses fluorescent markers to directly observe retinal nerve cell death, which could lead to successful reversal of the disease with treatment.
A comprehensive review of electronic patient record (EPR) programs reveals significant challenges in implementing and maintaining these systems. The study highlights how EPRs can hinder primary clinical work, favor paper-based records for flexibility, and struggle with seamless integration between different systems.
A survey of UK drug users found that they rate legal substances like alcohol and tobacco as more harmful than Class A substances, suggesting a flaw in the current classification system. The study also found high correlations between user ratings and expert ratings, indicating users are well informed about drug harms.
A new study from University College London finds that dopamine plays a significant role in shaping human expectations of pleasure, particularly when considering alternative options. The research suggests that dopamine signals the expected pleasure from future events, guiding decision-making.
Researchers discovered two distinct short-term memory networks: one independent of the hippocampus and another dependent on it, which are impaired alongside long-term memory. Patients with impaired long-term memory have a significant short-term memory burden.
Two genetic mutations, CARD9 and Dectin-1, have been identified as increasing the risk of fungal infections in humans. These findings offer new insights into the genetic basis of fungal diseases and may pave the way for future therapeutic options for patients suffering from chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis and other infections.
New research suggests that Europe's first farmers migrated into central and Eastern Europe around 7,500 years ago, bringing domesticated plants and animals with them. The study analyzed DNA from hunter-gatherer and early farmer burials, finding little evidence of a direct genetic link between the two groups.