A new study led by UCL researchers found that the Gulf Stream was stronger during the last ice age due to more powerful winds across the subtropical North Atlantic. If climate change causes a reduction in these winds, the Gulf Stream could weaken, potentially cooling Europe and causing higher sea levels in North America.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that smoking is a key lifestyle factor contributing to cognitive decline among older adults. Non-smokers who engaged in healthy behaviors such as regular exercise, moderate alcohol consumption, and social activity experienced significantly slower cognitive decline compared to smokers.
A new study finds that cool roofs are the most effective way to cool cities like London, with a potential reduction of 1.2-2 degrees C in outdoor temperatures. In contrast, green roofs and street-level vegetation have negligible net cooling effects.
Researchers found that bowel cancer cells can regulate their growth using genetic on-off switches, allowing them to maximize survival chances. The study also showed that DNA repair genes can be repeatedly created and repaired, acting as 'genetic switches' to control tumour growth or put the brakes back on.
Researchers have identified a cellular mechanism that detects when the brain needs an extra energy boost to support its activity. This discovery could lead to new therapies for maintaining brain health and longevity by targeting impaired brain energy metabolism, a process accelerated in ageing and neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study demonstrates the potential of stem cell therapy to treat Hirschsprung disease by generating nerve cell precursors that produce missing nerves in the intestine. Transplanted gut samples showed improved functionality, suggesting a breakthrough for this rare condition.
A new study led by UCL researchers found that cardiovascular health is a significant risk factor for future dementia rates. The study analyzed data from 27 papers and found that rates of obesity and diabetes have increased over time, contributing to higher dementia risk.
A narrative review found a lack of evidence on the effective use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in people not living with diabetes. The devices may have unintended adverse health effects, including anxiety about diet and blood sugar levels, potentially leading to eating disorders.
A new AI model has been developed to improve clinical trial recruitment for eye disease, specifically Geographic Atrophy. The system identified almost twice as many candidates and with higher precision compared to conventional approaches, showing promise for overcoming a major obstacle in GA clinical trials.
A new study by UCL researchers found that people with anxiety over the age of 50 are at least twice as likely to develop Parkinson's disease. The study, published in the British Journal of General Practice, also identified symptoms such as depression, sleep disturbance, and fatigue as risk factors for developing the condition.
A team of researchers has developed a simple blood test that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to predict Parkinson's disease up to seven years before the onset of symptoms. The test analyzes a panel of eight blood-based biomarkers with concentrations altered in patients with Parkinson's, providing a diagnosis with 100% accuracy.
Researchers discovered that lung cancer cells with specific genetic mutations, including EGFR and p53, are more likely to double their genome, leading to drug resistance. This discovery has implications for the development of targeted treatments for non-smoking lung cancer patients.
Researchers discovered that brain regions, including anterior insula and striatum, are involved in the biased response to pleasure in people with bipolar disorder. In those with bipolar disorder, these brain regions show reduced communication, leading to a 'vicious cycle' of escalating mood and risk-taking behavior.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that depressive symptoms are linked to subsequent memory decline in older people, and conversely, poorer memory is associated with an increase in depressive symptoms. The researchers suggest that addressing depressive symptoms may help slow down memory decline.
A new study found that astronauts' kidneys are 'remodelled' by space flight, with permanent damage and loss of function possible after extended periods. The researchers' findings highlight the importance of kidney health in space travel and may lead to the development of new technologies or pharmaceutical measures to protect astronauts.
A new study published in Nature Neuroscience found that training exercises designed to improve cognitive control in children do not lead to any brain changes or improvements in related behavioral measures. The study tested 235 children aged six to 13 and found that while they improved on specific tasks, these gains did not carry over i...
A new study from UCL reveals that Large Language Models exhibit irrational behavior, failing to reason logically and making simple mistakes. Despite their sophisticated capabilities, these AIs consistently fabricate information and respond inconsistently.
A new study found that internet addiction in adolescents can lead to changes in the brain's neural networks, resulting in addictive behaviors and tendencies. The study, published in PLOS Mental Health, reviewed 12 articles involving 237 young people aged 10-19 with a formal diagnosis of internet addiction.
New research from UCL and ISEH found that women's reaction times are faster and errors are fewer during menstruation. This challenges the assumption that women are less capable during this time, which could have implications for injury prevention and sports performance.
A new study by UCL researchers found that socially connected older people experienced a sharper drop in quality of life and life satisfaction during the pandemic. In contrast, more isolated adults experienced a greater decline in loneliness but similar levels of life satisfaction.
A new trial found that immunotherapy before surgery increased the number of cancer-free patients by over ten times compared to traditional chemotherapy. The study showed significant improvements in survival rates and reduced side effects for patients with stage two or three bowel cancer and a specific genetic profile.
A new type of immunotherapy has been developed to treat bone cancer osteosarcoma, with promising preclinical results in mice. The treatment uses gamma-delta T cells, which are less well-known immune cells that can be engineered to target tumours.
A new study suggests that some dinosaurs, such as theropods and ornithischians, may have developed endothermy around 180 million years ago. This adaptation allowed them to be highly active and sustain activity over longer periods, leading to faster growth and increased offspring production.
A UCL-led team of researchers warn that climate change will aggravate brain conditions such as stroke, migraine, and dementia. The study, which reviewed 332 papers, found that extreme temperatures and weather events can disrupt sleep, exacerbate cognitive impairment, and lead to increased hospital admissions and mortality.
A new study published in Nature found that sleep weakens new brain connections forged during wakefulness only during the first half of a night's sleep. The researchers suggest that this 'reset' prepares the brain for learning and new connections the next day.
A new study suggests that the withdrawal of a prescription stop-smoking pill could lead to thousands fewer people quitting each year in England, resulting in avoidable deaths. The disruption to varenicline supply may have caused smokers to rely on less effective smoking cessation aids or no medication at all.
A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that women in the perimenopausal stage are significantly more likely to experience depression. The meta-analysis of seven studies involving over 9,000 women from around the world reveals a 40% increased risk of depressive symptoms during this life-stage.
A recent study published in Nature Cell Biology found that increased hydrostatic pressure can hinder the healthy development of neural crest cells, leading to an increased risk of facial malformations. The researchers suggest that physical cues in the womb, such as pressure, may play a role in shaping facial features.
A new study found that gay and bisexual men who contracted mpox during the 2022 UK outbreak experienced substantial stigma and poor-quality care when accessing services. The research highlights the importance of involving affected communities in responses to outbreaks and improving quality of care for emerging infectious diseases.
A new study found that 19 out of 34 countries failed to fully meet their 2020 climate commitments set in Copenhagen 15 years ago. The study highlights the challenges countries face in reducing emissions while maintaining economic growth, particularly for those unable to meet their targets.
A new study found that nasal cells from children respond quickly to SARS-CoV-2 by increasing interferon, restricting viral replication. In contrast, nasal cells from elderly individuals produce more infectious virus particles and experience increased cell shedding and damage.
The study found that the carbon beads were effective in restoring gut health and had a positive impact on liver, kidney and brain function in rats and mice. The beads were also tested on 28 cirrhosis patients and proved to be safe with negligible side effects.
Researchers found that humans transfer viruses to domestic and wild animals at a rate twice that of animal-to-human transmission, highlighting the importance of monitoring viral exchange between species. This study's findings have significant implications for understanding zoonotic diseases and conservation efforts.
Researchers have developed a new framework for classifying tuberculosis (TB) that replaces the traditional binary approach with four disease states: clinical, subclinical, infectious, and non-infectious. The International Consensus for Early TB (ICE-TB) framework aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of early-stage TB, which has hist...
A new study finds that e-cigarette users with a limited smoking history experience similar DNA changes to specific cheek cells as smokers. The researchers also found that some smoking-related epigenetic changes remain more stable after giving up smoking, suggesting that e-cigarettes may not be completely safe.
A recent study by UCL researchers found that 16% of adult smokers in England, Wales, and Scotland reported using menthol-flavored cigarettes, equivalent to nearly one million people. The prevalence of menthol cigarette smoking remained stable despite the UK ban, which aimed to curb its use.
A new study finds that climate change will further exacerbate projected economic losses from global warming when its impact on global supply chains is factored in. By 2060, total GDP losses could amount to between $3.75 trillion and $24.7 trillion, with supply chain disruptions accounting for a significant proportion of these losses.
A new study found that giant sequoias introduced to the UK are well-adapted to the climate, growing at rates close to their native ranges and capturing large amounts of carbon during their long lives. The trees can potentially pull an average of 85 kilograms of carbon out of the atmosphere per year.
A new treatment has been shown to reduce mental health difficulties in children with epilepsy compared to standard care. The Mental Health Intervention for Children with Epilepsy (MICE) treatment uses a modular approach to treat multiple conditions simultaneously, reducing the likelihood of psychiatric disorders by 40%.
Children with amblyopia are more likely to experience hypertension, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in adulthood. The study found a correlation between amblyopia and increased risk of heart attack, even when other risk factors were taken into account.
A study led by UCL researchers found that over half of English smokers believe vaping is equally or more harmful than smoking. The survey data showed a sharp increase in perceived harm from 2021, coinciding with rising youth vaping rates. Better communication about health risks is needed to help smokers make informed choices.
A new vest can map electric impulses of the heart in fine detail, detecting abnormalities from a potentially fatal heart disease much earlier. The study found that the vest identified electrical changes among 1 in 4 individuals with a gene mutation for whom no signs of disease were detected via standard tests.
A meta-analysis of 30 studies involving 3,501 women found that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions significantly improved anxiety, depression, memory, and concentration difficulties. CBT was also the most cost-effective option for menopause management.
A new study finds that gut bacteria can cause blindness in some inherited eye diseases by breaching the body's defenses. Treating these bacteria with antimicrobials may prevent sight loss, offering a potential new approach to treatment.
Scientists successfully synthesized pantetheine, a chemical essential for all living things, in lab conditions mimicking early Earth. The compound is crucial for metabolism and may have played a role in the emergence of life on Earth.
A study published in Obesity Facts found that reducing sedentary time in the classroom led to a significant reduction in waist-to-height ratio and an increase in sport participation among primary school children. The approach, called Active Movement, integrates non-sedentary behavior and low-level physical activity into daily routine.
Researchers use James Webb Space Telescope to observe Supernova 1987A and detect ionised argon and sulphur atoms, providing conclusive evidence for a neutron star's presence. The discovery sheds light on the formation of heavy elements and the nature of compact objects in supernovae.
A new study published in eClinicalMedicine found that the iTalkBetter app significantly improved patients' ability to talk after six weeks of use. The app provided digital speech therapy for over 200 commonly used words, with a 13% increase in naming items and improvements in spontaneous speech.
A new study found that high food responsiveness in early childhood is linked to a higher likelihood of experiencing eating disorder symptoms in adolescence. Children who exhibited high levels of hunger and desire for food were more likely to develop binge eating, emotional eating, and restrictive eating behaviors.
A new study found that potassium deficiency is a significant threat to global food security, affecting 20% of agricultural soils worldwide. The researchers recommend six policies and practices to mitigate the issue, including better management of soil potassium and intergovernmental coordination.