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.
Scientists sequenced DNA from nearly 200 rabbits spanning 150 years and found that modern rabbits in Australia, the UK, and France have acquired resistance to myxomatosis through cumulative genetic changes. The team also discovered that this resistance relies on multiple mutations of different genes.
Researchers found that filling and draining of meltwater lakes on Antarctic ice shelves causes them to flex, which can lead to instability. The study supports the idea that recent ice shelf breakup was triggered by large amounts of surface meltwater produced in response to atmospheric warming.
A machine learning algorithm has been developed to speed up the process of discovering new medicines, identifying four new molecules that activate a protein relevant to symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. The algorithm is twice as efficient as industry standards and can analyze vast amounts of chemical data.
A recent study by researchers at Witten/Herdecke University and the University of Cambridge found that drinking too much alcohol will still cause a hangover regardless of the order in which it is consumed. Hangovers are associated with dehydration, immune response, and disturbances in metabolism and hormone regulation.
A study reveals that tropical hotspots have higher rates of speciation over the last 25 million years, with some regions experiencing up to 36% higher bird speciation compared to non-hotspot areas. In contrast, temperate regions are mainly populated by immigrant species that originated elsewhere.
A gene expression atlas has mapped the variability in genetically identical plants, revealing that around 9% of genes behave unpredictably. This variation helps plants respond to environmental factors like light, temperature, and pathogens, increasing their survival chances.
A recent study by the University of Cambridge found that individuals who are slim and healthy tend to have fewer genetic variants associated with obesity. The researchers identified new genetic regions involved in severe obesity and those contributing to healthy thinness, suggesting a genetic advantage for those who maintain their weight.
A new brain training game, Decoder, has been shown to improve attention and concentration in healthy young adults after playing for 8 hours over a month. The game was tested against Bingo and no game controls, with significant improvements in focus and performance.
Researchers tracked changes in river discharge, ocean stratification, and planktonic foraminifera oxygen isotopes to analyze past monsoon strength. Abnormally strong winter precipitation occurred around 4.5-4.3 thousand years ago, followed by a minimum at 4.1 thousand years ago.
New research from the University of Cambridge suggests that recalling positive experiences can reduce vulnerability to depression in young people. The study found that remembering specific positive memories was associated with fewer negative self-related thoughts and lower levels of cortisol, indicating improved resilience against stress.
A study shows that gamblers sensed the Leave vote coming an hour before currency experts in the city, creating a window of arbitrage. By trading early on either market, astute traders could have made up to nine US cents of profit per pound sterling.
International research teams identify key regulatory networks controlling radial growth in plants, enabling the development of more efficient carbon sinks and increased vegetable crop yields. The study reveals complex mechanisms behind plant stem cell activity and vascular tissue formation.
Researchers found that post-natal depression in fathers is linked to increased risk of depression in their teenage daughters. Girls whose fathers experienced depression after birth were more likely to develop depression at age 18.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed a 3D-printed robotic hand that can play simple musical phrases on the piano using passive movement. The robot's wrist actuation allows it to mimic different playing styles, demonstrating the potential for smart mechanical design in achieving complex movement.
New research suggests that removing sweets from checkouts can lead to a significant reduction in the amount of unhealthy food purchased, with 17% fewer small packages of sugary confectionary and chocolate taken home, and 76% fewer on-the-go purchases made.
A recent study using marmosets identified the brain region responsible for anhedonia, a key symptom of depression. The researchers found that over-activity in this region blunts excitement and motivation, but a commonly used antidepressant ketamine blocks these effects, suggesting new treatment possibilities.
Researchers have developed 'mini-placentas', cellular models of the early stages of placenta formation, to study early pregnancy and reproductive disorders. These miniature functional models closely resemble normal first-trimester placentas and may provide insights into pre-eclampsia, miscarriage, and chromosomal abnormalities.
The LION LBD AI system is designed to assist scientists in the search for cancer-related discoveries by analyzing tens of millions of publications. By identifying indirect associations between entities, it can help researchers make new connections and discover potential links that may have been overlooked.
A new study suggests that a molecule called BMP8b could be used as a drug to increase the amount of brown fat in humans and make it more active. In mice, increasing BMP8b levels changed some white fat into brown fat, leading to increased energy burn and lower risk of heart attack. Further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.