Add BrightSurf on Google Email

University College London


Ancient Egyptian mummified bodies smell ‘woody,’ ‘spicy’ and ‘sweet’

Researchers from UCL and the University of Ljubljana conducted a systematic study on the smells of nine ancient Egyptian mummified bodies, identifying materials used in mumification and evolution of practices. The study also provides insights into how museums conserve remains and preserves their olfactory heritage.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Wild baboons not capable of visual self-awareness when viewing their own reflection

Researchers at UCL conducted a study on wild Chacma baboons, finding they didn't recognize themselves in mirrors. The baboons showed curiosity with laser marks on visible body parts but not when the mark appeared in their mirror reflection. This strengthens evidence that monkeys do not recognize their own reflections.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2025

Previous experience affects family planning decisions of people with hereditary dementia

A new study led by UCL researchers reveals that people at risk of hereditary dementia significantly impact their choices about having children and parenting. Genetic risk is viewed in the context of other factors, with concerns including practical and emotional challenges of caring for someone with familial frontotemporal dementia.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Genetic Counseling·TypeSurvey·DateJan 13, 2025

Exposure to aircraft noise linked to worse heart function

A new study found that exposure to high aircraft noise levels can lead to stiffer and thicker heart muscles, increasing the risk of poor heart function and major cardiac events. People exposed to night-time aircraft noise were particularly at risk, with increased risks of heart attacks, life-threatening rhythms, and strokes.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 8, 2025

‘Sandwich carers’ experience decline in mental and physical health

A new study by UCL researchers has found that people who care for both their children and older family members – known as 'sandwich carers' – experience a significant decline in both mental and physical health. The study, which analysed data from around 2,000 sandwich carers, highlights the need for better support and resources to help...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPublic Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2025

Bias in AI amplifies our own biases

A new study by UCL researchers found that AI systems amplify human biases, leading to a snowball effect where small initial biases increase the risk of human error. The researchers demonstrated real-world consequences, including overestimating white men's likelihood of holding high-status jobs and underestimating women's performance.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2024

New CAR-T cell therapy gives hope for patients with aggressive blood cancer

A new chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy called obe-cel has delivered promising results in treating patients with an aggressive blood cancer. The treatment reduced immune toxicity and persisted for longer in patients, overcoming two common limitations of earlier CAR-T cell therapies.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 29, 2024

New genetic explanation for heart condition revealed

A new study has found that hundreds of genes, rather than a single 'aberrant' genetic variant, contribute to the development of dilated cardiomyopathy. Researchers developed a polygenic risk score to assess individual risk and found those with the highest genetic risk had a fourfold chance of developing the disease.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2024

Two million ex-smokers currently vape in England

A new study found that approximately 2.2 million people who have stopped smoking for more than a year in England currently vape, with the majority using e-cigarettes as a quit-smoking aid. The prevalence of vaping among ex-smokers has increased sharply since 2021, particularly among younger age groups and heavier drinkers.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBMC Medicine·DateNov 20, 2024

Unregulated experts can cause harm to children in family courts in England and Wales

A UCL study reveals that unregulated experts appointed by family courts in England and Wales have caused devastating harm to children, separating them from their mothers and forcing them to live with abusive fathers. The 'alienation' belief system has become a legal weapon that punishes and controls those who speak up about abuse.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Social Welfare and Family Law·DateNov 14, 2024

Long Covid could cost the economy billions every year

A new study found that individuals with Long Covid experience persistent functional impairment and poor quality of life, leading to significant economic burdens on patients and the economy. The study estimated that the economic cost of Long Covid could reach £20billion annually due to productivity losses and working days off.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBMJ Open·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2024