Researchers sequenced over 1,000 viral genomes to identify 35 clusters of genetically identical viruses involving 159 patients. The study also showed a decline in patient admissions with COVID-19 and a rapid decrease in asymptomatic healthcare workers testing positive.
A recent study found that individuals with COVID-19 symptoms are at a higher risk of developing general psychiatric disorders and feeling lonely. Women and young people (aged 18-30) were significantly more at risk from these conditions, suggesting social and economic disruption as contributing factors.
Researchers recommend community-based exit strategies for low and middle-income countries, considering local epidemic growth rates, social and economic costs, and existing health systems capabilities. These approaches can help revive the economy while preserving people's health.
A new study from the University of Cambridge suggests that individuals with less active jobs, typically office-based desk jobs, performed better at cognitive tests and were at lower risk of poor cognition. Those in manual work had almost three times increased risk of poor cognition than those with an inactive job.
A team of researchers identified how a single-celled organism produces flashlights in response to mechanical forces, shedding light on the underlying physics. The study showed that the brightness depends on both the depth and rate of deformation.
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic shares similarities with global heating and species extinction, highlighting the need for early intervention and collective action. Researchers argue that delays in addressing these crises have devastating consequences, including loss of life and economic damage.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies found that women with gestational hypertension are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and heart failure. Women who experienced high blood pressure during their first pregnancy were 45% more likely to develop overall cardiovascular disease.
Research suggests that playtime with fathers from a young age can help children control their behavior and emotions. Fathers tend to engage in more physical play, which is well-suited for developing these skills. The study found a correlation between father-child play and children's ability to regulate their feelings and behaviors.
A University of Cambridge team found striking differences in COVID-19 mortality between NHS trusts, with some patients in certain trusts over four times more likely to die than those in average trusts. The researchers are calling for urgent research to understand these differences and inform ICU optimization.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge and King's College London discovered that problems in how the brain recognizes and processes novel information lie at the root of psychosis. The study found that defective brain signals in patients with psychosis could be altered with medication, leading to new treatment development pathways.
A study published in The Lancet Global Health found that physical activity prevents approximately 3.9 million early deaths globally each year, with a greater proportion of these deaths averted in low- and middle-income countries. This finding highlights the significant health benefits of regular physical activity.
Researchers at University of Cambridge developed a context-aware AI system that reduces the 'communication gap' by up to 96% for nonverbal people with motor disabilities, enabling faster conversation rates.
Researchers developed a new model to study early human development using human embryonic stem cells, allowing them to observe the formation of the body plan and potentially reveal causes of birth defects and diseases. The model, called gastruloids, resembles an embryo at around 18-21 days old.
Researchers used EEG to measure brain waves in sheep sedated with high doses of ketamine, finding a temporary halt in brain activity that corresponded to human users' reports of disconnection from their body. The study aims to better understand the effect of therapeutic drugs on the brains of people living with Huntington's disease.
A new MRI scan algorithm can detect small changes in knee joints over time, enabling researchers to develop new treatments for arthritis. The algorithm creates a three-dimensional model of an individual's knee joint and automatically identifies areas of cartilage breakdown.
Archaeologists successfully mapped the complete Roman city of Falerii Novi in Italy using advanced ground-penetrating radar technology. The study revealed a bath complex, market, temple, and sprawling network of water pipes, challenging assumptions on Roman urban design.
A team of researchers has identified potential new therapeutic targets to treat Parkinson's disease by understanding the structure and dynamics of the protein alpha-synuclein. They found that a specific region of the protein becomes more exposed when it aggregates, which can lead to diseases like Parkinson's.
A team of engineers at the University of Cambridge has successfully trained a robot chef to prepare an omelette using machine learning, with improved taste and texture. The robot's culinary skills were refined to produce a reliable dish that meets human standards, overcoming the subjective nature of cooking.
Researchers used seismic data to calculate the maximum speed at which an ice sheet can retreat, revealing historic retreat rates that are almost ten times faster than those observed today. The study found that the ice sheets surrounding Antarctica's coastline retreated at speeds of up to 50 meters per day during regional deglaciation.
Researchers have developed an antibody that can accurately detect and quantify toxic amyloid-beta oligomers, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. This discovery could lead to improved diagnostic methods and ultimately help monitor the progression of the disease.
Current ICU protocols lack detail, leaving doctors exposed to legal liability in case of medical shortages. The study argues that denying treatment based on disability or age could violate patient rights and cause unlawful death.
Research suggests that 'first-generation learners' - children whose parents never went to school - often underperform in Maths and English. The study found that systems need to adapt to prioritize their needs, requiring extra training for teachers and changes to curricula and assessment systems.
Scientists have mapped a large-scale bloom of green snow algae across Antarctica's coastline, which could become a significant carbon sink as the climate warms. The 'green snow' is likely to spread due to rising global temperatures.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that most young people experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm have only mild or moderate mental distress. The researchers argue that measures to reduce suicide risk should focus on the entire population, not just those with severe symptoms.
A study led by University of Cambridge researchers found that children from poorest families consistently perform worse in basic literacy and numeracy tests than those from more affluent backgrounds. The study suggests that poorer students are disproportionately clustered in low-quality schools, often lacking basic resources.
Researchers propose an alternating cycle of strict lockdown (50 days) followed by eased social distancing (30 days) to reduce COVID-19-related deaths and ICU admissions. This strategy may allow populations and economies to 'breathe' at intervals, making it more sustainable in resource-poor regions.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm that can detect and identify different types of brain lesions on CT scans, with clinical validation showing high accuracy. The tool has the potential to improve patient outcomes by providing more personalized treatments for head injuries.
Researchers propose that incentivizing social media influencers could effectively promote social distancing behaviors amongst adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that peer-to-peer campaigns are more successful in changing attitudes than adult-led interventions.
A recent study found that 3% of NHS hospital staff may be carrying the SARS-CoV-2 virus without realizing they are infected. This could lead to transmission to co-workers, family members, and patients. Regular testing for all staff is crucial to prevent infection spread.
A new study suggests that machine learning and AI in medical image reconstruction algorithms can result in myriad artefacts and major errors, leading to false positives and false negatives. The effects were typically not present in non-AI based imaging techniques.
A team of researchers argues that repurposing existing medicines for COVID-19 treatment could be a rapid alternative to vaccine development. The focus is on targeting key proteins on cell surfaces, such as ACE2 and TMPRSS2, with approved or clinical trial drugs like remdesivir.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that men and women aged 40-79 who engage in moderate physical activity are 25-27% less likely to have frequent hospital admissions. This translates to a potential annual savings of £247 per person for the NHS, amounting to 7% of UK health expenditure.
A new study of children under two found that parents who use an autonomy support approach can minimize behavioral problems during toddlerhood. The flexible method, which emphasizes the child taking the lead, was shown to be effective for easy babies who adapt easily to new experiences.
A new study finds that the UK has the highest overall levels of concern about coronavirus, followed by Spain. Risk perception is influenced by preventative measures and psychological factors such as prosociality and individualistic worldview.
A new study published in Nature found that a simple 'sniff test' can accurately diagnose and predict the recovery of severely brain-injured patients. The test measures the response to different smells, with minimally conscious patients showing significant changes in breathing patterns.
Researchers identify 'deep trap' caused by clusters of smaller atomic-sized defect sites at grain boundaries, leading to power losses and instability. The discovery could streamline efforts to increase efficiency of perovskites, bringing them closer to mass-market production.
Researchers have discovered a way to trigger heart cell regeneration using the overactive Myc gene, offering a potential first curative treatment for heart disease. The breakthrough involves targeting a specific protein, Cyclin T1, which enables the cells to replicate and regenerate.
Researchers have developed 3D-printed coral-inspired structures that can grow dense populations of microscopic algae, opening up new applications for coral conservation and bioenergy. The innovative technology mimics the symbiotic relationship between corals and algae, with microalgae producing sugars to the coral through photosynthesis.
Researchers used genetic network techniques to analyze the first 160 complete COVID-19 virus genomes sequenced from human patients. The study revealed three distinct variants, A, B, and C, with variant A being the 'root of the outbreak' and closely related to bat viruses.
A new machine learning method can predict battery health with 10x higher accuracy, enabling safer and more reliable batteries for electric vehicles and consumer electronics. The method is non-invasive and uses electrical pulses to measure the response of lithium-ion batteries.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that communicating uncertainty around key facts and figures can maintain public trust in information and its source, even on contentious issues. The study suggests presenting numerical ranges or verbal cautions can effectively signal uncertainty without reducing trust.
The discovery of a nearly complete 66.7-million-year-old bird skull, nicknamed the Wonderchicken, provides direct insight into the early evolution of modern birds. The fossil, found in Europe, combines features common to chicken- and duck-like birds, suggesting it is close to the last common ancestor of modern chickens and ducks.
Research from the University of Cambridge found a link between inflammation and protein build-up in various types of dementia. The study suggests that neuroinflammation is a common factor across different neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease.
New research from the University of Cambridge suggests that parents of children with genetic learning disabilities are at risk of mental health problems. The study found that social factors do not predict a parent's risk of low mood and stress, instead highlighting the impact of the child's genetic disorder and behavior on family life.
Researchers found fossilized thread-like filaments connecting organisms across nearly 40 sites in Newfoundland, Canada. The discovery may have revealed ancient social networks and challenged earlier studies of Ediacaran organisms' interactions.
The new tools, based on MRI principles, allow scientists to observe how next-generation batteries work and fail, enabling strategies to extend battery lifetimes. By charging batteries at lower voltages, they can significantly slow degradation, extending lifespan.
Researchers identified pectin nanofilaments aligned in columns along the edge of plant cell walls, which actively drive cell shape and growth independent of turgor pressure. The filaments trigger swelling and buckling of the cell wall, leading to the formation of unusual wavy-shaped cells.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that serving wine in larger glass sizes (370ml) led to increased wine sales, while reducing the size to 250ml resulted in lower sales. The researchers suggest that the perception of a 'standard' glass size plays a significant role in influencing drinking habits.
Research finds poor connectivity between brain hubs rather than specific regions causes learning difficulties. Children with well-connected hubs have either specific cognitive difficulties or none at all, while poorly connected hubs lead to widespread and severe problems.
Astronomers at the University of Cambridge discovered a potentially habitable exoplanet, K2-18b, which is 2.6 times the radius and 8.6 times the mass of Earth. The planet's hydrogen-rich atmosphere may allow for liquid water to exist beneath its surface.