A study of over 40,000 participants found that those who prefer immediate gratification are more likely to show other impulsive behaviors such as smoking and infidelity. The research suggests that individuals with an impulsive money-today attitude may ignore long-term consequences, leading to financial imprudence.
A new study by University College London scientists reveals that the ability to digest lactose first evolved in dairy farming communities in central Europe around 7,500 years ago. This genetic change enabled early Europeans to drink milk without getting sick, providing a survival advantage.
A new technique uses microscopic magnetic particles to target stem cells to sites of cardiovascular injury, resulting in a five-fold increase in cell localization and six-fold increase in cell capture. The method is directly applicable to clinical practice and could lead to the treatment of heart attacks and other vascular injuries usi...
A new study suggests that high population density catalyzed the emergence of modern human behavior, driven by increased exchange of ideas and skills. This skill maintenance, combined with a greater probability of useful innovations, led to the appearance of modern human behavior at different times in different regions.
A new UCL study reveals over half of £20 million compensation paid to British slave owners was used to fund modern Britain. The 'Legacies of British Slave Ownership' project creates the first online database of British slave owners, highlighting their economic, cultural, and social impact.
Researchers at UCL have identified a protein, SAP, as a potential therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease. CPHPC, a new small molecule drug, removes SAP from the blood and brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease, showing promising results.
Researchers from University College London have developed a new device to enable people living with HIV to monitor their own health and treatment effectiveness. The device uses nano-cantilever arrays to measure HIV markers, providing patients with clear, immediate advice on their condition.
Patients with schizophrenia can correctly identify a 'hollow mask' illusion, which may be related to their brains disconnecting visual information from internal thoughts. The study also found that cannabis users are less deceived by the illusion, suggesting a possible link between THC and brain connectivity.
A novel injectable, OCR-002, directly reduces blood levels of ammonia, a toxic chemical building up during acute hepatic encephalopathy attacks. Clinical trials will begin in 2009 to develop the treatment for patients with advanced liver cirrhosis and acute liver failure.
Researchers at the London Centre for Nanotechnology have discovered a novel one-dimensional ice chain structure built entirely from pentagons, challenging the long-held assumption that hexagons are the building blocks of ice. This discovery has significant implications for understanding hydrogen bonding at interfaces and may lead to ne...
A new study published in PLoS ONE found that children who carry the 'obesity gene' can offset its effects by eating a low energy density diet. The research, based on data from over 2,000 children, suggests that adopting a healthier diet with fewer calories per bite may help prevent weight gain and obesity.
A new study from University College London found that internal choices can be easily overridden by external stimuli, revealing a flexible brain. The researchers discovered that changing an internal choice is easier than making one based on external instructions, highlighting the importance of adaptability in decision-making.
A new psychodynamic approach, CAPSLE, focuses on empathy and power dynamics to reduce children's experiences of aggression and improve classroom behavior. The study found that schools implementing CAPSLE reported fewer aggressive incidents and more positive bystanding behaviors.
Researchers modelled gene evolution alongside language development, concluding that genetic adaptation to language is unlikely due to rapid cultural change. The study suggests that human language has evolved primarily through cultural conventions rather than biological adaptation.
A mathematical model by UCL researchers explains how extended courtship enables a male to signal his suitability and the female to screen out unsuitable mates. The study shows that long courtship carries information about the male's type, making it more probable that he is a good male over time.
A new study at University College London found that nitrous oxide enhances imagination vividness and imaginary suggestibility in participants, which could lead to improved pain relief for dental patients. The study's findings suggest that combining laughing gas with instructions and suggestions might enhance the pain-relieving effect.
Climbers on an expedition led by UCL doctors reached record-low oxygen levels in their blood, averaging 3.28 kPa, which is significantly lower than the normal human range of 12-14 kPA. The study aims to inform critical care treatment strategies for patients with low oxygen levels.
Research at UCL found premature infants who required intensive care or surgery have reduced sensitivity to temperature and pain later in life. This study, published in the journal Pain, suggests that early medical interventions may alter how children respond to painful stimuli.
Researchers at UCL developed a new universal test to predict the risk of major depression, which was tested in 6,000 people and found accurate in predicting future episodes. The tool, predictD, could be used by family doctors and local clinics to identify those at risk for whom prevention might be most useful.
Researchers have captured a rare binary star explosion inside a planetary nebula, offering new insights into stellar evolution. The study predicts that the combined mass of the two stars could lead to a larger supernova explosion.
Physicists at UCL and the London Centre for Nanotechnology have made a significant discovery in quantum computing, extending the quantum lifetime of electrons by over 5,000%. This achievement brings researchers closer to building a usable quantum computer. The study used a powerful magnetic field to align electron spins, providing a cr...
Researchers at UCL found a 'hate circuit' in the brain that is distinct from those related to love, fear, and aggression. The study reveals that the 'hate circuit' involves structures in the cortex and sub-cortex that are also activated by romantic love, but with a different pattern of activity.
A woman with phonagnosia, unable to recognize her daughter's voice on the phone, undergoes tests that reveal difficulties in recognizing famous actors' voices but not other sounds or music. The study suggests there may be more people with similar conditions, and researchers seek contact from potential sufferers.
The discovery of ancient DNA in 9,000-year-old bones found off the coast of Israel reveals that human tuberculosis is 3,000 years older than previously thought. The study confirms that the human strain of TB evolved before bovine TB and sheds light on its evolution over time.
Researchers have developed ultra-sensitive probes to investigate vancomycin's working mechanisms, paving the way for more effective new drugs. By detecting surface stress on bacteria, scientists can identify the disruption of cell walls and potentially develop more powerful antibiotics.
Researchers predict when Kondo effect occurs based on magnetic atom geometry, enabling new nanoscale devices. The discovery represents a major advance in understanding this fundamental physical phenomenon.
Researchers at University College London have combined silicon, iron, and manganese to create a new material with unique properties. The discovery demonstrates a simple recipe for reaching this 'quantum halfway house' and suggests new mechanisms for controlling electrical currents and magnetism in semiconductor devices.
A new study by UCL and the University of Melbourne found that Aboriginal children from restricted vocabularies could copy and perform number-related tasks. They were able to recognize and represent numerosities without relying on number words, suggesting an innate system for counting.
A genetic variation that protects against malaria increases susceptibility to HIV by up to 40%, yet also prolongs survival by approximately two years. This finding highlights the complex relationship between genetics and HIV/AIDS, with implications for targeted prevention strategies.
Researchers found abnormally high levels of cytokines in blood of Huntington's disease gene carriers years before symptoms appeared. White blood cells and microglia also showed hyperactivity, suggesting abnormal immune activation could be an early disease hallmark.
A recent study published in Science found that 57% of researchers were 'mostly pleased' with their media interaction, while only 6% were 'mostly dissatisfied'. The survey, conducted among 1354 scientists, suggests that science-journalist interactions are more positive than previously thought.
Archaeologists have discovered a treasure trove of stone tools at a site in West Sussex, revealing a thriving and developed population of northern Europe's last Neanderthals. The tools, which date back to between 35,000 and 42,000 years ago, showcase the group's sophisticated hunting skills and technological prowess.
Historical records show the evolution of signing and interpreting in court proceedings from 1725 to 19th century, highlighting the role of education and community in shaping British Sign Language. As deaf people gained access to education, their status in courts declined paradoxically.
A recent study from University College London suggests that investors' emotional states play a significant role in the stock market's behavior. The researchers argue that 'emotional inflation' - the unchecked enthusiasm and wishful thinking that can lead to excessive risk-taking - is a major contributor to market crashes.
Researchers found that T cells in chronically infected patients are triggered to commit suicide due to the presence of a protein called 'Bim'. This discovery provides a new target for developing therapies and vaccines to boost the body's ability to manage Hepatitis B infection.
A study by University College London found that beta-blockers slow heart failure progression through direct brain action, challenging existing views on their mechanism. The research suggests targeting the central nervous system may lead to novel treatments for cardiovascular disease.
Children with specific language impairment (SLI) have impaired grammar processing, but compensate by using neural circuitry associated with vocabulary and world knowledge. This finding offers new hope for sufferers of SLI and suggests a need for focussed and specialised help.
Scientists at University College London have identified two cell proteins that relax the gut and help accommodate large meals. The P2Y1 and P2Y11 receptor proteins could provide a new approach to combatting weight gain by preventing stomach expansion.
Researchers at University College London have identified a combination of genes in Asian monkeys that protects against retroviruses, including HIV. By mimicking these genes in humans, scientists hope to develop a novel gene therapy treatment for HIV/AIDS.
A 70-million-year-old giant frog fossil from Madagascar has been identified as a relative of living Horned toads, providing evidence for the link between Madagascar, India, and South America during the Late Cretaceous period. The discovery sheds light on the paleobiogeography of Madagascar's unique fauna.
Researchers found that a vague background context helps fill in blanks and enhance perception, while a bright context suppresses it. The study used 18 observers who saw a target rectangle on a black screen, with varying surroundings.
Researchers at UCL and the London Centre for Nanotechnology will investigate nanostructured carbon-based materials for hydrogen storage and develop large-surface organic solar cells. The refurbished laboratory aims to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
A 20-year study has shown a significant increase in survival rates for extremely premature infants at a top London hospital. The study found that the overall rates of survival for infants born between 22 and 25 weeks of gestation increased from 32 per cent to 71 per cent.
A 0.5°C increase in sea surface temperature is associated with a 40% increase in hurricane activity and frequency in the tropical North Atlantic region. The research, conducted by University College London scientists, quantifies the link between sea surface warming and hurricane activity for the first time.
Researchers at University College London used a virtual human simulation to predict the effectiveness of an HIV drug against resistant mutations. The study could lead to tailored treatment approaches for patients developing resistance to their drugs.
Researchers found that BERT and ERNI proteins interact to temporarily stop neural cell development, giving other cells a head-start in forming organs and skin. This discovery advances knowledge of stem cell behavior, with potential implications for medical research.
A study conducted by University College London found that unsupervised children engage in more physical activity, such as walking and playing, due to the ability to explore their local environment. This leads to improved social skills and overall well-being.
Researchers at UCL have identified a critical point of no return for gas giants, beyond which their atmospheres become unstable and rapidly expand. At this threshold, the cooling mechanism breaks down, leading to catastrophic consequences.
Research from University College London found that some of our closest extinct relatives had more in common with gorillas than previously thought. The study discovered that males continued to grow well into adulthood, leading to a significant size difference between males and females, similar to what is seen in gorillas.
Researchers found heavy negative ions in Titan's upper atmosphere, which may form complex molecules essential for life. The discovery poses questions about atmospheric chemistry and aerosol formation, suggesting that these ions form in the upper atmosphere before reaching the surface.