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.
Scientists have discovered that semiconducting radicals can fabricate highly efficient OLEDs by exploiting their quantum mechanical 'spin' property, overcoming limitations of traditional materials. The new technology could lead to brighter displays and lighting technologies, including blue- and green-light radical-based diodes.
The study tested over half a million people, confirming two psychological theories of sex differences and autism. Autistic individuals showed a 'masculinized' shift on systemizing and autistic traits tests, with empathy scores lower than typical males.
Researchers found that rats possess the capacity for selective amnesia, using a similar brain mechanism as humans. By actively recalling memories, rats can selectively forget distracting experiences, improving memory efficiency but potentially leading to problems like witness forgetting in police interviews.
Perovskite LEDs have achieved close to 100% internal luminescence efficiency, opening up applications in displays, lighting, and communications. The devices outperform conventional OLEDs in terms of light-emission efficiency due to a composite layer of perovskites with an insulating polymer.
Scientists have discovered a way to detect the early signs of atherosclerosis, leading to blocked arteries, by analyzing changes in blood vessel cells. The study used single-cell RNA-sequencing and lineage labelling to identify unusual cells that express stem cell genes, which could help diagnose and treat cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge found that epigenetic marks are reprogrammed from one generation to the next, contradicting previous theories. Only a small percentage of variably-methylated transposable elements showed evidence of epigenetic inheritance.
Researchers have developed a 3D 'organ on a chip' that enables real-time continuous monitoring of cells, which could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases. The device allows scientists to study cells and tissues in new ways, mimicking the body's native three-dimensional environments.
Researchers developed a smartphone app to help people with OCD manage their symptoms, reducing obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. After just one week of using the app, participants showed significant improvements in cognitive flexibility and reductions in OCD symptoms.
A young star with a protoplanetary disc has been discovered to have four Jupiter and Saturn-sized planets in orbit around it. The system's extreme range of orbits raises questions about how such a system might have formed.
A team of scientists discovered that spontaneous genetic errors in brain cells could lead to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. These 'somatic mutations' are thought to arise during embryonic development, contributing to the roots of dementia in people without a family history.
A new model predicts retail failure with 80% accuracy by analyzing social media and transport data from 10 cities. The model suggests that venues popular around the clock and in diverse neighborhoods tend to succeed longer.
Researchers found that larvae without parental support evolved larger jaws to compensate for lack of help. This adaptation enables them to fend for themselves in case they receive no care.
A new study reveals women are two and a half times less likely to ask a question in departmental seminars compared to men. Despite an equal gender ratio, women's self-reported feelings towards speaking up differ significantly from those of men.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge are launching a new clinical trial for a trivalent vaccine targeting Ebola, Lassa, and Marburg viruses. The vaccine builds on nearly two decades of research and aims to predict future outbreaks by studying natural animal reservoirs.
Researchers developed a genome editing tool to target and eliminate damaged mitochondrial DNA, resulting in improved mitochondrial function in mice. The treatment, known as mtZFN, could provide a practical route to treating patients with mitochondrial diseases.
A new study suggests that high-yield farming systems can produce fewer pollutants, cause less soil loss, and consume less water than previously believed. However, the authors caution that if higher yields are used solely for profit or lower prices, they will only accelerate the extinction crisis.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a new technique to determine the structure and interactions of the Zika virus genome inside human cells. This technique, called COMRADES, can screen for host-virus RNA base-pairing and reveal interacting sequences, offering potential targets for anti-viral therapies.
Researchers found that dominant meerkat breeders exhibit accelerated aging due to the physical and social stresses of leadership, yet they consistently outlive their subordinate counterparts. This study suggests that being a dominant breeder is key to longevity in meerkats.
Researchers have successfully implanted a device in mice brains to detect, stop and prevent epileptic seizures. The device uses a neurotransmitter to signal to neurons to stop firing, effectively ending the seizure. Early results show promising potential for treating conditions like Parkinson's disease and brain tumors.
Researchers found that Sicilian amber traveled to Western Europe as early as the 4th Millennium BC, at least 2,000 years before Baltic amber arrived in Iberia. This challenges previous suggestions of direct trade between Scandinavia and Iberia.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found exposure to arsenic, lead, cadmium, and copper increases the risk of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that even low doses of toxic chemicals pose a significant risk to cardiovascular health, highlighting the need for policymakers to take action to reduce p...
Men who believe they've won a competition experience increased testosterone levels, self-perceived attractiveness, and confidence in approaching women. This 'plasticity' allows their bodies to adapt quickly to suit a perceived change in social status.
Scientists discovered that gas bubbles rising to the surface can alter volcanic gas composition, which affects eruption forecasts. The findings also suggest a new pathway for chemical changes in gases during large-scale eruptions.
Researchers measured isotopes of water trapped in gypsum to determine changes in rainfall and relative humidity during the Maya downfall. Annual precipitation decreased by 41-54% and relative humidity declined by 2-7%. These findings support theories that drought contributed to the Maya civilization's collapse.
Researchers found a significant link between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the risk of having an autistic child. Women with PCOS were 2.3% more likely to have an autistic child, compared to those without PCOS.
Researchers found a group of planets outside our solar system where chemical conditions similar to Earth's exist. These planets are in the habitable range and receive sufficient ultraviolet light from their host stars to kick-start life. The study identifies potential candidates, including Kepler 452b, that could support life development.
Researchers identified splicing as the earliest plant fibre technology for making thread in Early Bronze Age Britain and across Europe. This technology is fundamentally different from draft spinning and was previously unknown in Britain.
New class of materials has been identified that can be used to make batteries that charge faster. Lithium ions move through the materials at rates that exceed typical electrode materials, resulting in a much faster-charging battery. The researchers found that these materials, known as niobium tungsten oxides, do not result in higher en...
Researchers identified Shieldin, a protein complex that regulates DNA repair and may explain why some patients develop resistance to new anti-cancer drugs. The study's findings suggest that Shieldin levels can be used as a marker for identifying patients likely to respond poorly to PARP inhibitors.
Researchers from Cambridge University found no evidence of a trade-off between military spending and public services in the Middle East. The study challenges the 'guns versus butter' hypothesis, which suggested that prioritizing military spending led to neglect of health and education, sparking civil unrest.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have successfully generated key life event in artificial mouse embryo created from stem cells. The team used three types of stem cells to reconstruct the process of gastrulation, a crucial step in embryonic development.