A new study reveals that extreme glacial cooling around 1.1 million years ago caused the extinction of early humans on the continent. The research suggests that the cooling pushed European climate to levels beyond what archaic humans could tolerate, emptying the continent.
Researchers at University College London found that humans can only reliably detect fake speech 73% of the time, and this ability improves only slightly with training. The study's findings raise concerns about the potential for deepfakes to be used by criminals and nation-states to cause harm.
A third of children with a history of social care in England faced school exclusion, according to a new study. The research found that those with special educational needs services or child protection plans were excluded at significantly higher rates than others.
A new study led by UCL researchers found that Caenorhabditis elegans' lifespan is limited by its reproductive self-destruction. The finding raises questions about the validity of insights from this model organism for human ageing advances.
A new study published in Interface found that casein, a protein found in cow's milk, significantly improved wound healing in rats compared to control groups. The promising results suggest that casein could replace expensive materials like silver in wound dressings.
Researchers at UCL and Stanford University create a three-component anti-cancer therapy using click chemistry, improving cancer-killing efficiency with sialidase enzyme, and exploring potential for next-generation agents.
A study by UCL researchers found that 68% of UK cosmetic injectable practitioners are not qualified medical doctors, with 32% being doctors and 13% nurses. The lack of regulation in the industry poses risks to patients, leading to concerns about competence and consent.
Researchers developed a new method to detect hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) using combined cardiac diffusion tensor imaging and cardiac MRI perfusion scans. The study identified abnormal microstructure and microvascular disease in people with genetic mutations but no symptoms, allowing for early detection of the condition.
A significant rise in ADHD diagnoses and prescriptions was observed in the UK over the past two decades, with a higher increase among adults. The study found that ADHD was more commonly diagnosed in children and boys than girls and women, and that the number of individuals receiving medication for ADHD increased significantly.
A new study by UCL researchers found that men who previously used antidepressants are over 30 times more likely to take antidepressants in the first year after having a child. Social deprivation was also a key factor in this risk. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 primary care electronic health records and suggests that mental ...
Researchers at UCL Institute of Archaeology discovered 800 stone artefacts, including giant handaxes, in deep Ice Age sediments. The tools are believed to have been used for butchering animals and cutting meat, with some exhibiting distinctive shapes and pointed tips.
A global study shows atezolizumab significantly improved overall survival and resulted in a clinically meaningful long-term survival benefit for advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer patients who were not able to be treated with platinum-containing chemotherapy. The treatment also showed stabilised or improved health-related qualit...
A team of researchers has identified a unique genetic signature in CAR T-cells that enables them to persist in the body for a longer time, leading to improved remission rates for children with leukaemia. This discovery provides a new understanding of why some CAR T-cells last longer and can help improve treatment outcomes.
A recent study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity found that people who were more physically active had better cognitive function, but this benefit was reduced for those with short sleeps. The research suggests that getting sufficient sleep is essential to reap the full cognitive benefits of physical activity.
A new study by University College London researchers estimates that between 150,000 and 500,000 adults aged 20-49 and 250,000 to 600,000 adults over 50 may be undiagnosed with autism. This brings the total autistic population in England to over 1.2 million, approaching double the government's cited figure.
A new study led by UCL researchers found that at least one in five women conceived naturally after having a baby conceived with IVF. This figure remained unchanged even when considering different types and outcomes of fertility treatment. The study analyzed data from 11 studies involving over 5,000 women worldwide.
A new study published in Sleep Health found that habitual daytime napping is associated with a larger total brain volume, a marker of good brain health linked to lower risk of dementia and other diseases. The research team used Mendelian randomisation to establish a causal link between napping and brain health.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that high-dose haemodiafiltration reduces mortality in kidney failure patients by 23%. The CONVINCE trial compared two treatments and showed that wider use of high-dose haemodiafiltration would have clear benefits for patients.
A new study by University College London found that Latin Americans with greater Native American ancestry are at a higher risk of developing severe liver failure and associated high risk of short-term mortality. The study suggests that genetic ancestry and race may determine the outcome of advanced liver disease in patients.
A systematic review of evidence found that Covid-19 led to an initial rise in depression and anxiety disorders across Europe, but rates did not return to pre-pandemic levels for many services. The pandemic exacerbated existing treatment gaps, with potential long-term repercussions.
Researchers at UCL have developed base-edited T-cells that can fight leukemia, showing promise in a NHS clinical trial. Three patients with relapsed T-cell leukaemia were treated with the cells, with one patient experiencing complete remission after just four weeks.
Researchers created a detailed snapshot of the structure of human cilia using advanced microscopy and artificial intelligence techniques. The study found that key elements of the axoneme structure are missing in people with primary ciliary dyskinesia, leading to defective cilia and breathing difficulties.
Researchers at UCL and INGV found that parts of the Campi Flegrei volcano have been stretched nearly to breaking point, indicating a higher risk of rupture. The study used a model of volcano fracturing to interpret patterns of earthquakes and ground uplift, suggesting that an eventual eruption could be preceded by weaker signals.
Researchers achieve 3D printing within mini-organs growing in hydrogels, allowing for precise control over shape, activity, and tissue growth. This breakthrough enables the creation of realistic models of organs and disease, with potential applications in cancer research and treatment.
A global observational study found high mortality among infants with culture-positive sepsis, highlighting the need for effective antibiotics. The study developed tools to identify at-risk newborns and inform WHO guidelines on treatment.
A new study found that LGB adults are more than twice as likely to experience suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors compared to straight peers. Depression, anxiety, and experiences of discrimination and bullying contribute to these increased risks.
A new observational study published in BMJ Open found that long Covid can have a devastating effect on daily lives, with fatigue impacting social activities, work, and relationships. The study's findings suggest that long Covid can leave people with worse fatigue and quality of life than some cancers.
A groundbreaking study has shown that a devastating heart condition can spontaneously reverse in three men, who are now free of symptoms. The condition, transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis, is progressive and previously considered irreversible.
A new experimental study suggests that adding 'trust' and 'distrust' buttons to social media platforms could significantly reduce the spread of misinformation. Incentivizing accuracy led to a large reduction in the amount of false posts being shared, with users more likely to share true information to gain trust reactions.
Researchers used mouse genetics to determine if brain or spinal cord causes dystonia, finding that spinal cord is responsible. Spinal cord dysfunction leads to signs of dystonia similar to those seen in humans, providing a new target for treatment.
New research finds masturbation serves an adaptive function in primates, increasing reproductive success and aiding pathogen avoidance. The study, based on nearly 400 sources, reveals masturbation's evolutionary history and its co-evolution with multi-male mating systems.
A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that adolescents with signs of alcohol dependence are more likely to develop depression by their mid-20s. This association remained after adjusting for potential confounding factors, suggesting a causal relationship between alcohol dependence and subsequent depression.
A recent study has demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of a liver dialysis device in treating acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). The device, DIALIVE, was associated with significant improvements in symptoms and organ function compared to standard care.
Researchers identified five subtypes of heart failure using machine learning, including early onset and atrial fibrillation related. These subtypes have different mortality risks, with some patients at higher risk of dying within a year after diagnosis.
A new chemical compound named '1938' has been identified that can stimulate nerve regeneration after injury and protect cardiac tissue from damage. The compound activates the PI3K signalling pathway and has shown increased neuron growth in nerve cells and improved recovery in animal models.
A recent study has revealed how genetic and environmental factors interact to cause cleft lip or palate in a developing fetus. The research found that mutations in the e-cadherin gene combined with exposure to inflammatory risk factors during pregnancy can lead to cleft lip, which affects one in 700 live births.
A new international clinical trial is evaluating new antibiotic combinations for newborn babies with sepsis, which affects up to 3 million babies globally. The NeoSep1 trial will assess the safety and efficacy of three new antibiotic treatments against existing standard regimens.
Researchers at UCL have uncovered the molecular basis of a woman's rare genetic mutation that allows her to live pain-free and heal rapidly. The study found that the mutation in the FAAH-OUT gene turns down FAAH gene expression, affecting other molecular pathways linked to wound healing and mood.
Victims of sexual assault are often blamed for not fighting back, but neuroscientific research suggests this may be due to involuntary immobility. Thirty per cent of women experience sexual assault or rape in their lifetime, and 70% report being 'frozen' during the ordeal.
A new study predicts that climate change will expose species to potentially dangerous temperatures, leading to an abrupt loss of habitat. The research found that up to 30% of species will be at risk of experiencing unfamiliarly hot temperatures across at least 30% of their geographic range in a single decade.
A study found that UK schools affiliated with Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) use curriculum materials denying human-caused climate change and presenting evolution as a conspiracy theory. This raises concerns about the quality of science education in these schools.
A new study led by UCL researchers finds that a particular gene affecting nose shape is inherited from Neanderthals and may have been influenced by natural selection. The study used data from over 6,000 volunteers and identified 33 genome regions associated with face shape.
A new study by UCL researchers hints at the possibility of detecting conditions such as coeliac disease and Parkinson's disease in principle up to 10 years before diagnosis. The review of existing evidence indicates a 'diagnostic window' – the point at which diagnosis may be possible for some patients.
A new study recommends using more positive and empathetic language to communicate fertility awareness, targeting both men and women. The review suggests five key changes to promote fertility awareness in a supportive way, including avoiding blame and stigma, emphasizing the choice of parenthood, and promoting healthy habits.
Researchers at UCL have identified proteins in the blood associated with an increased risk of developing heart diseases, including heart failure. The findings could lead to more refined cancer treatments that minimize cardiotoxicity and improve survival rates.
A deep learning AI model has been developed to screen for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants at risk of blindness. The tool was trained on images of newborns and found to be as effective as senior paediatric ophthalmologists in discriminating normal retinal images from those with ROP that could lead to blindness.
Researchers discovered two massive touching stars that will eventually become black holes and collide, generating waves in space-time. The stars are currently feeding each other every three days before the smaller star collapses into a black hole in 700,000 years.
A new genetic therapy, BIIB080, has been shown to safely lower levels of the harmful tau protein in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The trial found a greater than 50% reduction in tau protein concentrations after 24 weeks in treatment groups.
Researchers have sequenced the genomes of two hornet species, revealing clues to their invasive success. The study found rapid genome evolution and genes related to communication and smell, which may help explain why hornets are successful as invasive species across the globe.
Researchers found that people whose depression symptoms improved after psychological treatment had a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease over three years. The association was strongest in younger adults and suggested that accessing psychological therapy could have long-term physical health benefits.