A recent study calling for expanded genetic testing for hereditary breast cancer has been criticized by researchers at the University of Cambridge. The criticism highlights methodological flaws in the study and potential conflicts of interest among its authors, leading to concerns about the accuracy and practicality of such tests.
A new online game called Bad News has been shown to increase 'psychological resistance' to fake news by exposing players to disinformation tactics. The game reduces perceived reliability of fake news headlines and tweets by up to 24%, with the greatest effect on those most susceptible to fake news.
Researchers have identified a combination of penicillin and clavulanic acid that can overcome resistance in some MRSA strains, making them potentially effective against the superbug. The study suggests that existing medicines could be used to treat one of the world's major strains of MRSA.
A recent study published in Social Science and Medicine found that working one day a week can provide significant mental health benefits, reducing the risk of mental health problems by an average of 30%. Working longer hours did not provide further boosts to wellbeing. The researchers suggest that the ideal
A new study estimates that half of all Ebola outbreaks have gone undetected since the virus was discovered in 1976. The research highlights the need for improved detection and rapid response to prevent future epidemics.
Critically ill children with reduced numbers of 'good' bacteria and decreased levels of beneficial chemicals have a higher risk of organ failure. Chemical analysis revealed dramatic depletion of certain bacterial compounds, including hippurate, formate, and 4-cresol sulphate.
Researchers analyzed plant, animal, and human remains to reconstruct the diets of Portus Romae inhabitants. They found a shift from rich meat-based diets to more peasant-like diets after the Vandal sack in AD 455.
Archaeologists from the Cambridge Archaeological Unit present a definitive timeframe for Must Farm's occupation and destruction in Antiquity. The site, located in Cambridgeshire, England, features remarkably preserved Late Bronze Age structures, including stilted houses and logboats, which provide insight into daily life 3,000 years ago.
A team of UK scientists has identified the mechanism behind hardening of the arteries, which is associated with dementia, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. They found that a generic medication normally used to treat acne could be an effective treatment for the condition.
A study published in Addiction found that children whose parents have less restrictive attitudes towards drinking are more likely to start drinking and drink frequently. The review of 29 articles covering over 16,500 children and 15,000 parents in the US and Europe showed a mismatch between perceived parental attitude and actual behavior.
Plant scientists at Cambridge and Bordeaux have discovered a gene called Phloem Unloading Modulator (PLM) that affects nutrient trafficking in plants. The study found that PLM relieves a bottleneck, allowing plants to transport nutrients more efficiently, resulting in faster-growing roots.
Researchers used climate and ecological modelling to show that many tropical bird groups are relatively recent arrivals in their equatorial homes. Climate change rates may be too fast for species to adapt, putting them at risk of extinction.
A recent study has uncovered how a non-profit research organisation has been deployed by its corporate backers to push industry-favourable positions to policymakers and international bodies. The International Life Science Institute (ILSI) analysed over 17,000 pages of emails obtained through Freedom of Information requests.
A team of researchers has discovered intestinal parasite infection in ancient faeces from the Çatalhöyük village, dating back to 7,100 BC. Whipworm eggs were found in two coprolites, providing early evidence of human disease in the Near East.
Research found that children from disadvantaged backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, engage in less vigorous physical activity compared to their more advantaged peers. The study suggests that promoting vigorous physical activity can help reduce childhood obesity and its associated health risks.
A new study from the University of Cambridge suggests that virtual reality can spot navigation problems in early Alzheimer's disease, a condition affecting over 525,000 people in the UK. The research highlights the potential of new technologies to help diagnose and monitor conditions like Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that matching mitochondrial DNA to nuclear DNA could be important when selecting potential donors for mitochondrial donation treatment. They discovered that mitochondria are fine-tuned to the nucleus and may influence the likelihood of certain mutations being passed on.
A study examines how local communities interact with and view peatlands, highlighting their cultural and spiritual importance. The research reveals that communities have existing conservation strategies, emphasizing the need for further support from NGOs and institutions.
Historians have picked 500 favourite cases from the astrologers' notes, providing a unique insight into health and fertility concerns, bewitchment fears, and sexual desires of thousands of lives lost to history. The transcribed casebooks offer a trap door into the arcane archive of magic and medicine.
A study of Agta hunter-gatherers in the Philippines found that those who adopt farming work around 10 hours a week longer than their forager neighbours, impacting women's lives disproportionately. The research suggests that agriculture may not represent progress as previously thought.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that children who regularly walk or cycle to school are less likely to be overweight or obese. The research measured body fat and muscle mass instead of using BMI, revealing a trend where inactive children were more likely to be obese.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge programmed a fleet of miniature robotic cars to demonstrate how autonomous vehicles can communicate with each other and improve safety. In experiments, cooperative driving improved traffic flow by 35%, while aggressive driving increased this improvement to 45%.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have identified a specialized population of skin cells called Regeneration-Organizing Cells (ROCs) that coordinate tail regeneration in frogs. These ROCs work together to regenerate a tail with the right size, pattern, and cell composition after amputation.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed wearable electronic components that can be directly incorporated into fabrics, enabling flexible circuits, healthcare monitoring, and energy conversion. The devices are based on low-cost, sustainable, and scalable dyeing of polyester fabric using graphene inks.
International study finds that as temperatures rise, trees grow faster but die younger, reducing the amount of carbon they store. This phenomenon has significant implications for global carbon cycle dynamics.
Researchers used machine learning to predict mechanical properties of metal organic frameworks (MOFs), which could be used for water extraction, gas storage, and hydrogen fuel cells. The results enable faster material characterization and design at the molecular scale.
Scientists at University of Cambridge developed tiny gold particles to create smallest pixels yet, a million times smaller than smartphone pixels, for large-scale flexible displays. These colour-changing pixels can be applied to building-sized screens, reducing production cost and enabling sustainable technologies.
Researchers have developed a method to identify potential targets for new drugs using live blood cells from patients with mental health disorders. The approach has the potential to accelerate drug discovery and personalized medicine for neuropsychiatric disorders, reducing animal testing and improving treatment outcomes.
A study found that Coca-Cola's contracts allow the company to 'quash' health research findings at public universities. The researchers argue that this suppresses critical health information and contravenes the company's commitment to transparent support for science.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new test that can reliably predict the future course of inflammatory bowel disease in individuals. The accuracy of the test is comparable to similar biomarkers used in cancer, with an accuracy rate of 90-100% in correctly identifying patients who do not require multiple treatm...
Scientists found that honey bees share immunity with each other and their offspring through RNA 'vaccines' transmitted via royal jelly. This discovery could lead to new ways to protect bees against viruses and diseases.
Scientists have found that part of the world's largest ice shelf is melting 10 times faster than average due to solar heating of surrounding ocean surface. The Ross Ice Shelf's stability is affected by both deep ocean water and surface solar heat, with implications for sea level rise and glacier flow.
Researchers have identified genetic variants in the MC4R gene that increase the activity of the brain receptor, providing protection against obesity and its complications. These variants may be used as models for developing new, safer weight loss therapies.
Researchers have discovered a green material that can replace polluting gases used in most refrigerators and air conditioners. The plastic crystal of neopentylglycol achieves huge cooling effects comparable to conventional coolants.
A commonly used blood pressure medication has shown potential in slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and dementia. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that felodipine induced autophagy in mice with Huntington's disease and zebrafish models of dementia.
Scientists have developed a catalogue of DNA mutation 'fingerprints' caused by 41 environmental agents linked to cancer. The 'mutational signatures' can help doctors pinpoint the culprit responsible for a patient's tumour.
Researchers used knife crime data to forecast London's most likely areas for fatal stabbings. Areas with high assault rates showed a significant increase in homicide risk the following year.
Researchers identified special brain cells that allow animals to reconstruct their social partner's state of mind and predict their intentions. Dysfunction in these 'simulation neurons' may contribute to social cognition difficulties in conditions like autism and social anxiety.
A large-scale study found consensus among conservationists on core aims, but significant disagreement on mechanisms to achieve them. The study reveals deep divisions over assigning economic value to nature and the necessity of protected areas, as well as varying perspectives on non-native species and human population growth.
A recent study published in The FASEB Journal found that low oxygen levels during fetal development can lead to premature ovarian ageing and reduced egg availability. Researchers exposed pregnant rats to chronic hypoxia, leading to accelerated ageing of the ovaries and fewer eggs available for future reproduction.
Researchers suggest that combining glucocorticoids with antioxidants could further improve clinical treatment for premature babies while minimizing potential risks. The proposed therapy aims to overcome adverse effects associated with existing glucocorticoid treatment and accelerate lung maturation in infants.
A joint Chinese-UK study has revealed that around one in a hundred people in China have an autism spectrum condition, similar to the Western world. The research used a validated screening method and included mainstream school children, confirming under-diagnosis of autism in China.
A study of US cleantech startups found that patenting activity increases by over 73% when collaborating with government agencies on 'cleantech' development. Additionally, licensed technologies developed by government agencies led to more than double the amount of financing deals secured by startups.
Researchers at University of Cambridge found link between chronic inflammation and increased risk of depression and heart disease. Inflammation-related proteins IL-6 and CRP were identified as biomarkers for depression.
A report by the University of Cambridge explores the nature and resolution of maths anxiety, finding that girls tend to be more affected than boys and that teachers and parents may inadvertently play a role in its development. The study also highlights the need for conscious awareness of an individual's maths anxiety affecting their pe...
A new web tool, PREDICT Prostate, helps patients make informed decisions about treatment for early prostate cancer by providing a personalized prognosis and treatment options. The tool uses data from over 10,000 UK men to estimate survival rates and potential side effects of treatment.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that smaller beetles can boost their fitness by partnering with tiny mites, which provide a 'warm jacket' effect during exercise. This mutually beneficial relationship allows smaller beetles to win more fights over resources, while larger rivals experience reduced fitness.
A recent study published in Neuropsychopharmacology reveals that young adults at risk of addiction show differences in the putamen brain region, which is associated with impulsivity and addictive disorders. The research suggests that individuals displaying higher levels of impulsivity tend to have lower myelin levels in this area.
New research reveals that laptops and desktops are susceptible to hacking through common plug-in devices like chargers and docking stations. Attackers can compromise an unattended machine in seconds, taking complete control of the target computer.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have generated a comprehensive molecular map of gastrulation in mice, revealing the genetic activity of over 100,000 embryonic cells. This discovery provides critical information on how mammalian embryos develop during gastrulation and paves the way for new understanding of organ formation.