A new study found that 4.9 million adults in Great Britain have recently used a drug to support weight loss or were interested in using one in the near future. The usage far exceeds NHS England's initial goal of prescribing these drugs to 220,000 people over three years.
Researchers from UCL discovered a way to grow bacterial cellulose from beer waste, creating edible scaffolds for cultivated meat. The new approach could make lab-grown meat more sustainable and cost-effective.
A new study suggests that well-designed school meal programmes can simultaneously improve child nutrition, reduce long-term diet-related illness, lessen climate pressures, and stimulate resilient food systems. Providing a healthy, sustainable meal to every child by 2030 could generate substantial health and environmental gains worldwide.
A comprehensive review of prior research found no evidence that menopause hormone therapy increases or decreases dementia risk in post-menopausal women. The study included data from over 1 million participants and analyzed the impact on mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease, with no significant association found.
A study found a sharp rise in nicotine pouch use among young men in Great Britain, particularly those aged 16-24, with 1 in 13 using them. The product's lower risk to health compared to cigarettes may help reduce harm for non-smokers, but its potential for youth uptake and regulation are concerns.
A new study suggests that midlife depression is driven by a small cluster of specific symptoms, rather than depression overall. The six symptoms are loss of self-confidence, difficulty coping with problems, and poor concentration, which can lead to reduced social engagement and decreased cognitive reserve.
A new study found that highly educated, Western European millennials have the most digital concerns, with individuals having higher levels of digital literacy being the most affected. The research also found that people's perceptions of digital harm are heightened by their level of digital exposure and knowledge.
A comprehensive analysis of 383 US cities found common patterns of isolation and segregation, with wealthy suburban areas and poorer downtown zones often having limited interactions between residents. Researchers recommend zoning incentives and strategic development to encourage greater diversity and social mixing.
Teenagers who struggle with their bodies are at risk of developing eating disorders and depression in early adulthood, according to a new study. The research, which followed over 2,000 twins, found that body dissatisfaction at age 16 predicted greater symptoms of mental health issues well into the twenties.
A new treatment using genome-edited immune cells has shown promising results in helping children and adults fight a rare form of blood cancer called T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL). The gene therapy, known as BE-CAR7, uses base-editing to modify T-cells and destroy cancerous cells.
A major new study by UCL researchers reveals the challenges faced by London’s 1.3 million night workers, including pay inequality, health problems, transport difficulties, safety concerns, and a lack of workplace dignity. The study provides personal stories and policy recommendations to inform UK employment law reforms.
A new study found that long-term exposure to toxic air can weaken the health benefits of regular exercise. The study analyzed data from over 1.5 million adults and found that people living in high pollution areas had a reduced risk of dying, but not eliminated, despite exercising regularly. Clean air can still enhance health gains, wit...
A new 10-minute PET-CT scan reveals overactivity in adrenal glands, allowing for precise targeting of treatment. The test has huge potential to completely change the way high blood pressure is diagnosed and treated.
A team of researchers has identified a new mechanism behind the 2025 Santorini earthquakes, finding that magma intrusion waves triggered the seismic unrest. The study used advanced machine learning techniques to analyze ground vibrations recorded by seismometers and inferred the movement of pressurized magma with unprecedented detail.
Archaeologists uncover vast planned settlement Semiyarka, dating back to 1600 BC, which challenges current understanding of steppe societies and reveals complex bronze production systems. The site provides insight into a period of history when nomadic communities transitioned into permanent settlements.
A new study found that middle-aged people with higher levels of cardiac troponin I in their blood were more likely to develop dementia in later life. The study also found that damage to the brain seen in people with dementia accumulates slowly over decades before symptoms develop.
The INSIGHT Health Data Research Hub for Eye Health and Oculomics is expanding UK eye health research by linking national data resources, supporting research and improving patient care. The hub will on-board NHS sites, broaden national data linkages, and integrate genetic data to accelerate oculomics research.
A new brain atlas developed by UCL researchers enables analysis of brain scans at an unprecedented level of detail, opening up possibilities for studying neurodegenerative diseases and ageing. The atlas uses AI to identify hundreds of brain regions in living patients quickly and consistently.
Astronomers at UCL and the University of Warwick discovered that aging stars are destroying giant planets orbiting closest to them. The researchers analyzed nearly half a million stars and found that planets were less likely to occur around stars that had expanded and cooled enough to be classed as red giants.
A new analysis of the PANDA trial found that sertraline contributes to improvements in low mood and suicidal thinking within two weeks of taking the drug. The study also revealed an improvement in emotional symptoms of depression within two weeks, with continued benefits from six weeks to 12 weeks.
A new study from UCL researchers found that cycling near misses are most likely to occur on roads without dedicated cycling infrastructure and during peak hours. The study used helmet-mounted cameras and GPS devices to track commuter journeys, resulting in 94 near miss events.
A new study published in The Lancet found that semaglutide, a 'weight loss' drug, can help prevent heart attacks and other major cardiac events, regardless of the amount of weight people lose. The study suggests there are multiple ways the drug benefits the heart, beyond its protective effect on cardiovascular health.
A new study found that fitness and calorie counting apps can lead to negative emotions such as shame, disappointment, and demotivation among users. The researchers called for a more holistic approach focusing on wellbeing rather than rigid calorie counting and exercise quantification.
Researchers analyzed ape skulls to find that humans evolved the largest brain size and flattest face among closely related species. This rapid evolution suggests a strong link between cranial structure and cognitive abilities, but social factors may also play a role in human skull development.
A pioneering eye device has restored reading vision to people with sight loss, allowing them to read letters, numbers, and words through a prosthetic eye. The PRIMA chip operation involves an implant paired with augmented-reality glasses, enabling patients to regain their independence and confidence.
Scientists at UCL have engineered γδT cells to kill slow-growing bowel cancer cells resistant to chemotherapy. The supercharged cells outperformed regular cells, surviving longer and killing cancer cells even when they couldn't be targeted by chemotherapy.
A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reports the long-term safety and efficacy of gene therapy for children with ADA-SCID, a rare immune disorder. The treatment resulted in a 100% survival rate and over 95% cure rate, with patients able to respond to routine childhood vaccinations.
A study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity found that quitting smoking, even in the 50s or older, significantly reduces cognitive decline. Cognitive scores of quitters declined 20% less for memory and 50% less for verbal fluency over six years after cessation.
A new study found that cognitive performance peaks during ovulation, while physical activity level has a greater influence on brain function. Reaction times are faster and errors are lower when active compared to inactive women, with a difference of around 70 milliseconds.
Researchers found that women who had Caesareans during advanced labor are eight times more likely to develop scars near or within the cervix, increasing the risk of premature births. The study also discovered that scars lower down the womb heal less well than those higher up.
A new drug combination has shown promising results in delaying the progression of advanced prostate cancer in patients with specific genetic mutations. The trial, led by UCL researchers, found that combining niraparib with standard treatment delayed disease recurrence and improved survival rates for eligible patients.
A panel of experts recommends considering hormone replacement therapy for breast cancer survivors with severe menopausal symptoms, citing the need for more patient-centered care. The study suggests that HRT may be safe and beneficial for many women, particularly those with low-risk disease, while minimizing the risk of relapse.
A new analysis of rock samples from the far side of the moon suggests it may be colder than the near side, with a temperature difference of up to 100 degrees C. The study, led by UCL and Peking University researchers, found that the far side has fewer heat-producing elements, which release heat through radioactive decay.
Researchers from UCL and Imperial College London have discovered how life-saving antibiotics called polymyxins target the outer layer of Gram-negative bacteria. By triggering the production and shedding of this armor, polymyxins create gaps in the cell's defenses, allowing the antibiotic to enter and kill the bacteria.
A major review of international evidence found that racial discrimination contributes to the development of psychosis, with people experiencing discrimination being 77% more likely to develop psychotic symptoms. The study highlights the need for public health action to tackle systemic racism and its impact on mental health disparities.
A new study found that plain packaging of vape pods reduces young people's interest in trying them, but does not affect adults' interest. Standardised packaging also failed to deter adults from perceiving vapes as harmful compared to cigarettes.
A new study suggests that school meal procurement can be redesigned to maximize public value, promoting nutritious meals, sustainable farming, and local producer participation. This approach has the potential to shape markets and drive social, environmental, and economic benefits, as seen in Scotland's and Brazil's successful programs.
A UK study found that implementing AI in NHS hospitals is challenging due to governance, contracts, data collection, and staff training issues. The research highlights the importance of national programme leadership, dedicated project management, and education on AI implementation.
A quicker and cheaper two-part MRI scan is just as effective as the current 30-40 minute scan in detecting prostate cancer. The PRIME trial confirms that this streamlined approach can diagnose cancer at the same rate as a full three-part scan, cutting scan time to 15-20 minutes and reducing costs.
A new ultrasound device has been developed to precisely stimulate areas deep in the brain without surgery, offering new possibilities for neurological research and treatment. The technology features a special helmet with 256 elements that target specific parts of the brain, and includes a soft plastic face mask to keep the head still.
Researchers developed a powerful new AI algorithm called RoboBallet that enables large sets of robotic arms to work together faster and smarter. The system plans movements and tasks automatically, unlocking new levels of flexibility and efficiency in manufacturing.
Researchers have created a new technique to control synthetic cells using magnetic fields, enabling precise targeting of medicines for cancers or bacterial infections. This approach reduces side effects and increases effectiveness, with potential applications in treating tumors or detecting bacteria.
A Phase III clinical trial has shown that baxdrostat significantly lowers blood pressure in people whose levels remain dangerously high despite taking multiple existing medicines. The study found that nearly 4 in 10 patients achieved healthy blood pressure levels, compared to fewer than 2 in 10 on placebo.
A new study found that a gene expression test can help guide therapy choices for prostate cancer patients with metastatic disease. The Decipher Prostate Genomic Classifier test identified groups of patients who are more likely to benefit from docetaxel chemotherapy, reducing the risk of death by 36%.
A major clinical trial led by University College London has found that surgery is more effective than long-term use of antibiotics in treating chronic rhinosinusitis. The study, which involved over 500 patients, showed that sinus surgery significantly improved symptoms and quality of life for those who underwent the procedure.
Researchers at UCL successfully chemically linked amino acids to RNA under conditions that could have occurred on early Earth, a significant step towards understanding the origin of protein synthesis. The study demonstrates how RNA might have first come to control protein synthesis.
Researchers are using nanodiamonds and VEGF to design treatments for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH), a devastating disease affecting 1 in 3,000 newborns. The treatment aims to stimulate lung growth before birth and improve survival rates.
A major new study quantifies the health impacts of outdoor air pollution from US oil and gas activities, revealing widespread disparities in exposure and health burden across racial and ethnic groups. The research estimates 91,000 premature deaths annually, with Black, Asian, Native American, and Hispanic populations most affected.
Researchers at UCL discovered that blocking brain damage triggered by glioblastomas can slow cancer growth and maintain normal brain function. The study found that early-stage tumours damaged axons, accelerating tumor growth, but deactivating SARM1 slowed tumor progression.
A new study by University College London researchers suggests that lessons on periods in British schools should be more comprehensive, covering the impact on well-being and academic performance. The study also recommends involving boys in menstruation education to promote better understanding and support for friends and future partners.