Researchers have developed a comprehensive tool to predict prostate cancer risk, incorporating genetic and family history data. The algorithm aims to identify men at highest risk for targeted screening and diagnostic tests, reducing unnecessary tests for those at low risk.
Researchers identify an off-patent liver disease drug that can prevent SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells, potentially offering protection against future variants. The study used a unique combination of 'mini-organs', animal studies, and human subjects to demonstrate the drug's effectiveness.
A study found that up to 78% of walkers would choose a more challenging route with obstacles, suggesting 'Active Landscape' routes could improve health outcomes and tackle the 'inactivity pandemic'. The researchers identified design characteristics, such as handrails and signage, that influence participants' choices.
Researchers developed a method to measure overall fitness using wearable devices, outperforming current consumer smartwatches and fitness monitors. The model uses machine learning to predict VO2max during everyday activity, providing accurate predictions based on heart rate and accelerometer data.
A new species of ancient bird, Janavis finalidens, has been found with a mobile beak, challenging the long-held assumption that modern birds evolved from a 'ancient jaw' group. The fossil shows a fused palate bone, similar to those of ostriches and their relatives.
Researchers used India's SARAS3 radio telescope data to place limits on the mass and energy output of the first stars and galaxies, determining what they were like and weren't. The study enabled them to rule out scenarios of inefficient heaters and efficient producers of radio emissions.
The River Thames ecosystem has suffered a drastic decline in mussel numbers since the 1960s, with native species dwindling to nearly nothing. The invasive zebra mussel and Asian clam have also taken hold, further threatening biodiversity.
A study involving 8,000 primary pupils found that COVID-19 closures severely ruptured the social and emotional development of Ethiopia's poorest children. Children lost at least a third of an academic year in learning, with those already disadvantaged educationally being particularly affected.
Cambridge researchers discovered that plants regulate the chemistry of their petal surface to create microscopic three-dimensional patterns reflecting different wavelengths of light, visible to bees. These patterns act as diffraction gratings producing an iridescent optical effect, which is essential for attracting pollinators.
Research on over 11,000 UK students reveals a sharp decline in well-being and self-esteem between ages 11 and 14, linked to the transition to secondary school. Students with higher self-esteem at age 11 experienced less significant drops in well-being.
A new study published in Nature Scientific Reports reveals that social media engagement with climate policy events can increase the focus of the building sector on environmental justice. The researchers found a strong environmental justice discourse among public concerns, which can foster positive sentiments and inspire innovative emis...
Researchers at Cambridge University have successfully created artificial enzymes, known as XNAzymes, that can target and destroy the genetic code of SARS-CoV-2, a promising approach to develop new antiviral drugs. The engineered enzymes are highly specific and can be programmed to attack mutated RNAs involved in cancer or other diseases.
A study found that mothers of younger children (under four years) engage in the least moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, averaging around 18 minutes per day. In contrast, mothers of school-aged children manage about 26 minutes of such activity daily, with multiple children under five increasing light intensity activities.
Researchers at University of Cambridge found that a thin shell of water surrounding proteins can determine aggregation, with slower movement leading to more clumping. The discovery has significant implications for treating protein misfolding diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
A study from University of Cambridge found that young people who feel poorer than their friends have lower self-esteem and are more likely to be bullied. Feeling economically equal among peers had the best outcomes for mental health and social behavior.
Astronomers discovered that the building blocks of planets like Jupiter and Saturn form while their parent star is still growing. The study analyzed spectroscopic observations from polluted white dwarfs, which revealed signs of asteroid melting, indicating a rapid process of planet formation.
A recent audit by the University of Cambridge found that a third of church buildings cost more money each year than they can raise, with only one in five being financially profitable. Churches will need to find innovative ways to remain financially sustainable and be useful to communities if their future is to be secured.
A recent study by University of Cambridge researchers found that lack of computer access led to poorer mental health among young people during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The team's analysis of data from 1,387 10–15-year-olds revealed that those without access to a computer experienced a more significant increase in Total Difficulties scores.
Scientists identified a three-protein signature in the blood that can improve detection of isolated impaired glucose tolerance, a form of prediabetes. The new test reduces the number of individuals who need to undergo oral glucose tolerance testing.
A recent UK-based experiment found no significant change in the overall number of calories purchased when food and drink labels showed physical activity calorie-equivalent values. The study suggests that PACE labelling may not be effective in reducing energy intake, contradicting previous expectations.
Astrophysicists have identified a potential test to rule out cosmic inflation, a theory explaining the universe's origins. The cosmic graviton background (CGB) could provide evidence against inflation if detected, and its impact on the early Universe's expansion rate could be measured by next-generation probes.
Researchers found that people with substance use disorders are more likely to die from or experience shorter life-expectancies when developing certain physical health conditions. The study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, analyzed patient records from Czech nationwide registers and suggests a link between substance use disorders an...
Researchers measured rhino horns from photographs taken between 1886 and 2018, finding a significant decrease in length across all five species. The decline is believed to be caused by intensive hunting, which has also led to a shift in human perceptions of rhinos from hunting to conservation.
A study found that Eurasian jays with greater self-control can pass a version of the 'marshmallow test' and score higher on intelligence tests. The researchers believe that this self-control may have evolved as a result of the birds' need to delay gratification in order to plan for future meals.
A recent study found that companies' zero-deforestation supply chain commitments have reduced tree clearance in the Brazilian Amazon by only 1.6% between 2006 and 2015. Despite this, over 50% of soy-suitable forests in Brazil remain unprotected. Experts call for stronger regulations to effectively combat deforestation.
A new study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that autistic parents are three times more likely to report prenatal depression and anxiety compared to non-autistic parents. The research highlights the need for effective mental health screening and support for autistic individuals during pregnancy.
Research found that new autism diagnoses tend to cluster within specific NHS service regions, suggesting a possible health service effect on diagnosis rates. This study highlights potential healthcare disparities and the impact of social determinants on autism diagnosis likelihood.
Scientists have found a way to produce high-performance magnets without rare earth elements, using the 'cosmic magnet' tetrataenite. The discovery could reduce reliance on China's dominant rare earth supply, supporting low-carbon technologies.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that ineffective teacher training is the likely cause of failures in promoting children's physical health in schools. The review of 51 randomised control trials suggests that key ingredients like clear goals, regular feedback, and resources are often missing from teacher training.
A UK study has found that officers with strong support networks and a sense of meaningful work have lower rates of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), highlighting the need for improvements in police working lives.
Tracking lithium ion movement in real-time, researchers found uneven lithium storage in promising battery materials leads to reduced capacity and hindering performance. The discovery highlights a key reason why nickel-rich cathode materials lose around 10% of their capacity after the first charge-discharge cycle.
Researchers have identified cognitive impairment in patients with dementia-related diseases up to 9 years before diagnosis, raising hope for earlier interventions and clinical trial recruitment. The study analyzed UK Biobank data and found subtle impairments in problem-solving and memory across various conditions.
Astronomers have observed dust plumes from the binary star system WR140 being accelerated into interstellar space by intense starlight. The team used the James Webb Space Telescope to capture images of the dusty plumes, which form a cone-shaped shock front between the two stars.
Research suggests widely-used assessment tools measuring executive functions in US students from high-poverty communities are inaccurate. The study highlights the need for culturally representative assessments to provide effective support and understanding of diverse student needs.
New research highlights the dangers of AI-powered recruitment tools that claim to remove discrimination from hiring. The tools reduce race and gender to trivial data points and often rely on personality analysis that is
Scientists have observed distinct seasonal movements in the flow of land-based ice draining into George VI Ice Shelf on the Antarctic Peninsula, with glaciers speeding up by approximately 15% during the Antarctic summer. This finding suggests that similar seasonal variability may exist at other vulnerable sites in Antarctica, potential...
A University of Cambridge study has found a significant reduction in long COVID clinic referrals following the vaccine rollout. The study analyzed data from Addenbrooke's Hospital and observed a 79% decrease in patient referrals between August 2021 to June 2022, compared to the previous year.
Scientists have discovered that mitochondrial DNA can insert itself into human nuclear DNA in every 4,000 births, leading to the development of rare diseases and some cancers. The new inserts can cause cancer and trigger its development in some cases.
A team of experts from the University of Cambridge has set out a five-point framework to help level up health and tackle health inequalities. The researchers argue that reducing health disparities is crucial, particularly in light of the long-term economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A team of researchers has found new evidence for the presence of liquid water beneath Mars' south polar ice cap using spacecraft laser-altimeter measurements and computer model predictions. The findings agree with earlier radar data interpretations and provide independent confirmation of the existence of subglacial liquid water.
UK researchers recommend recruiting highly skilled scientists and volunteer staff to provide surge capacity for testing capacity. The system aims to hit the ground running in case of future outbreaks.
Researchers recreated primordial seawater containing phosphate in the lab, suggesting that seawater could be a major source of this essential element. This finding has implications for understanding the origins of life on Earth and potentially even beyond our planet.
A new analysis suggests that bird-hipped dinosaurs evolved from silesaurs, which were first identified two decades ago. The study reveals a 25-million-year gap in the fossil record, but provides insight into the early evolution of ornithischians.
A team of scientists created a digital mask that can erase identifiable features from facial images while retaining disease-relevant information, allowing for precise diagnosis and reducing the risk of data breaches. The study found that patients are more willing to share their medical data if such a measure is implemented.
A study by University of Cambridge and University of California, Berkeley finds that competition with China drove significant increases in clean energy investment between 2000 and 2018. The share of RD&D funding for clean technologies grew from 46% to 63%, while fossil fuel funding remained relatively unchanged.
A new study analyzing YouTube comments found that fans of a celebrity will often continue to support them despite immoral acts. The study used language-processing algorithms to analyze comments on Logan Paul's videos before and after a scandalous incident in which he shared a video of a dead body.
A study by researchers at the University of Cambridge found no difference in motivation or enjoyment between adult and adolescent cannabis users and non-users. Cannabis use was not linked to apathy, anhedonia, or brain response to rewards. The findings contradict common stereotypes portrayed in media.
A study using child-sized humanoid robots found that they can assess mental wellbeing in children more effectively than parent-reported or self-reported testing. The robots were able to encourage children to share their thoughts and feelings, leading to more accurate assessments of their mental health.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have successfully grown a model embryo with a brain, beating heart, and all other organs using mouse stem cells. This breakthrough could help understand why some pregnancies fail and develop a new approach for repairing synthetic human organs.
Researchers developed a new Integrated Ozone Depletion metric to measure ozone-destroying substance impacts on the ozone layer. The IOD considers emission strength, atmospheric duration, and ozone destruction, providing a straightforward tool for evaluating ozone layer protection measures.