Add BrightSurf on Google Email

University College London


Tracking drivers’ eyes can determine ability to take back control from ‘auto-pilot’ mode

A new method can detect drivers' attention levels from their eye movements, enabling the development of more effective takeover signals. The study found that drivers who are engrossed in on-screen activities take longer to respond to warnings, highlighting a potential safety concern.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCognitive Research Principles and Implications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

Mosquito hearing could be targeted by insecticides

A new study reveals that mosquitoes use a specific receptor in their ears to modulate their hearing, which is crucial for reproduction and mating. This discovery could lead to the development of novel insecticides or mating disruptors to control mosquito populations and reduce human disease.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2023

Significant rise in ADHD diagnoses in the UK

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBJPsych Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 16, 2023

Men who previously used antidepressants significantly more likely to need them after having a child

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 ...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 2023

Immunotherapy for ‘difficult to treat’ lung cancer patients improves long-term survival

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...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 6, 2023

Lack of sleep lessens cognitive benefits of physical activity

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 5, 2023

Number of autistic people in England may be twice as high as previously thought

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 26, 2023

Regular napping linked to larger brain volume

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalSleep Health·DateJun 19, 2023

Crust of Campi Flegrei volcano is weakening

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2023

3D 'bio-printing' inside hydrogels

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 2023

Alcohol dependency in adolescence, but not consumption, linked with later depression risk

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJun 1, 2023