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.
The game, developed by Cambridge sociologists and stem cell scientists, aims to provide a flavor of the lives and labor behind biotechnological advances. Players must balance competing demands, grow cells, and navigate the scientific career ladder while managing relationships and reputation.
Researchers developed time-resolved magnetic laminography technique to visualize magnetic state in three dimensions. This allows for understanding of complex magnetization patterns and behavior, crucial for next-generation data storage and processing.
A new study found that blue tits and great tits learn to avoid toxic foods by watching others' reactions, potentially increasing their survival rate. The birds can decrease the likelihood of bad experiences by observing others' behavior.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that random gene pulsing plays a key role in establishing spatial structures during biofilm development. This process allows for the distribution of cell states within a population, enabling the formation of complex patterns.
Researchers have uncovered the articulated Neanderthal skeleton of Shanidar Z, which offers unparalleled opportunities to investigate mortuary practices using modern technologies. The find suggests that Neanderthals conducted funerary rites with flowers, challenging previous assumptions about their cultural sophistication.
The researchers create a device that uses surface acoustic waves and industry-compatible fabrication processes to transport individual electrons one by one, recombining them with holes to produce single photons.
A new study found that higher genetic testosterone levels increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by 37% in women and reduce it by 14% in men. Similarly, higher testosterone levels increase the risk of breast and endometrial cancers in women and prostate cancer in men.
When provided with a reliable shrimp dinner, cuttlefish eat fewer crabs during the day, showcasing selective foraging behavior. They adapt quickly to changes in their environment by leveraging past experiences and adjusting their strategy accordingly.
Researchers at University of Cambridge discovered that sand dunes interact with and repel each other as they move, with turbulent swirls controlling the distance between them. The study used a unique experimental facility to observe long-term behavior, challenging existing theories on dune interaction.
Research published in PNAS reveals that brain networks 'come online' during adolescence, allowing teenagers to develop complex adult social skills. However, this process may also increase the risk of mental illness.
Researchers find that bumetanide reduces symptoms of autism by decreasing GABA to glutamate ratio, improving brain function and social communication. The treatment has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing symptoms in children as young as three years old.
A new study suggests that attitudes towards altitude sickness began to form over 200 years ago, with British explorers fueling distrust towards Himalayan peoples. The early 19th-century writings of British surveyors and travellers reveal a complex web of exploitation and competition between Europeans and locals.
A new study using bumblebees found that the sweetest nectar is not always the best; too much sugar slows them down. The researchers discovered that bees prefer nectars with lower sugar concentrations, which are easier to drink and vomit back up.
A new study found that river flow is reduced by an average of 25% within five years and 40% by 25 years after planting trees, with some rivers disappearing completely in a decade. The type of land where trees are planted determines the impact on local water availability.
A systematic review of existing literature found that leaving school and getting a job leads to a decrease in physical activity, while becoming a mother is linked to increased weight gain. As young adults transition into adulthood, they tend to put on weight due to changes in diet and lifestyle habits.
Regular police patrols on platforms reduced reported crime and disorder by 21% in some of London's most crime-ridden stations. The experiment found that the presence of patrolling officers had a minimal impact on crime, with 97% of the measured effect occurring when officers were absent.
A new study reveals that autistic mothers experience higher rates of post-natal depression, with 60% reporting difficulties in coping with domestic responsibilities and creating social opportunities. Despite challenges, many reported prioritizing their child's needs and seeking help when needed.
Researchers tested whether contaminating a fake rubber hand could help people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) overcome their contamination fears. The 'rubber hand illusion' technique showed promise in reducing disgust and anxiety levels, paving the way for new treatment options.
A major international study has identified over 350 DNA 'errors' that increase breast cancer risk, providing the most detailed picture yet of how differences in our DNA put some women at greater risk. The researchers found that 191 genes are likely target genes for these variants.
Researchers suggest that Norse hunters over-exploited walrus populations for their tusks, leading to a decline in the animal's population and making it harder for the communities to survive. This finding sheds new light on the mysterious disappearance of Greenland's Norse colonies in the 15th century.
Researchers harness cyber security techniques to give control to those targeted, without resorting to censorship. Algorithms can identify potential hate speech and provide a score for its likelihood, allowing users to view or delete unseen content.
Research from the University of Cambridge found that people living in deprived areas are more likely to be admitted to hospital, with manual workers and those with low educational attainment at highest risk. The study suggests that addressing environmental deprivation is crucial for reducing hospitalization rates.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered how aquatic larvae of net-winged midges create super-strong suction organs, enabling them to move around on rocks in turbulent water. This study aims to inspire the development of bio-inspired suction cups with improved industrial applications.
Research found that mothers' positive emotions strengthen brain connectivity with their babies', enabling efficient information sharing. This neural connection is crucial for learning and development, particularly in infants of depressed mothers.
Logging in tropical forests depletes vital nutrients, hindering recovery and limiting growth, as found in a new study published in Global Change Biology. The researchers discovered that multiple cycles of logging and regrowth irreversibly remove phosphorus from the forest system.
The study found that while water vapour is common in exoplanet atmospheres, its amounts are surprisingly lower than expected. The results also suggest a depletion of oxygen relative to other elements and provide clues into how these exoplanets may have formed without substantial accretion of ice.
A study published in Nature Medicine reveals a potential 'liquid health check' that uses proteins in blood to predict disease risk and improve preventative medicine. The technique, involving large-scale measurement of proteins, has shown promise for identifying health states and conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers use drones to observe fracture formation on Greenland Ice Sheet, finding that meltwater causes formation of new fractures and expansion of dormant ones. The study shows how these chain reactions can trigger catastrophic lake drainages, with significant effects on the ice sheet's instability.
Researchers have identified two brain networks that interact to increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These networks involve alterations in structure, function, or biochemistry that lead to excessive negative thoughts and difficulties regulating emotions.
A rat study found that older mothers' male offspring are more likely to develop heart problems due to changes in placental development and function. The placenta plays a crucial role in supporting fetal growth, but older mothers' placentas show detrimental effects on male fetuses.
Scientists identified a protein in fruit flies that can target mitochondria to reverse disease-causing mutations. This discovery may provide clues about treating human mitochondrial diseases, which currently have no cure. Researchers used three-parent flies to study the influence of nuclear DNA on mitochondrial genome competition.