Research reveals human smugglers operate in a highly segmented market, with each stage a competitive marketplace for 'independent and autonomous' smugglers. Successful smugglers rely on reputation among migrants to maintain their business, and removing one smuggler can lead to rivals seizing their market share.
Adolescents with OCD experience widespread learning and memory problems, affecting daily functioning and school performance. Researchers found impaired cognitive flexibility and goal-directed control, highlighting the need for structured environments to support their development.
Researchers employed AI 'scientist' Eve to discover that triclosan inhibits DHFR, an enzyme target of well-established antimalarial drug pyrimethamine; targeting this enzyme could help combat resistance
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new design for algae-powered fuel cells that is five times more efficient and potentially more cost-effective. The two-chamber system separates charging and power delivery processes, enabling enhanced performance and reduced electrical losses.
Researchers have discovered swirling gas motion in early galaxies, which spun like a whirlpool similar to the Milky Way. The galaxies, observed nearly 13 billion years ago, were found to be forming stars at a higher rate than expected, yet retaining order and appearing well-regulated despite their small size.
A study published in the journal Brain uses a combination of imaging techniques to examine tau build-up in patients with Alzheimer's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy. The findings support the transneuronal spread hypothesis, suggesting that tau starts in one place and spreads throughout the brain.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new brain mapping technique that highlights the relationship between brain connectivity and IQ. The study found a significant link between the density of connections in higher-order brain regions and individual intelligence.
Researchers recreate ancient copper alloy colours using colour charts, shedding light on the importance of aesthetics in prehistoric metal-making. The study reveals that early tin bronzes may have had a distinctive golden hue, driven by demand for an 'exotic' colour.
A new study by University of Cambridge researchers found that low national governance is the strongest predictor of declining species numbers. Protected areas do maintain biodiversity when situated in stable countries with strong legal and social structures.
A randomised controlled trial found that mindfulness training significantly reduced psychological distress and improved wellbeing among university students. The study, published in The Lancet Public Health, suggests that mindfulness can help build resilience against stress and is a useful addition to existing interventions.
Researchers studied great tit birds and found they learned to avoid brightly colored, distasteful prey after observing another bird's reaction. This social learning process, known as 'social transmission,' helps explain how conspicuous colors evolved in insects.
Researchers found that wine glass capacity in England increased from 66ml in the 1700s to 417ml in the 2000s, with the mean size being 449ml. This gradual increase was followed by a rapid rise since the 1990s, which may have contributed to the steep increase in wine consumption.
A new study finds that presenting a scientific consensus on climate change can bridge the conservative-liberal divide, reducing polarization and increasing belief in scientific accord. Exposure to the simple fact of a scientific consensus neutralizes negative interactions between higher education and conservatism.
A new study found that people living in former industrial heartlands of England and Wales are more prone to negative emotions, anxiety, and depression. The researchers suggest this is due to selective migrations during mass industrialization compounded by social effects of severe work and living conditions.
Researchers from UK and US institutions have set out six guiding principles for clean energy investment, emphasizing autonomy, stability, and adaptive strategies. The guidelines aim to provide more long-term stability when investing in clean energy.
A new genetics study from the University of Cambridge has found a strong association between higher educational attainment and reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that education may help build cognitive reserve, allowing individuals to better compensate for age-related brain damage.
Infants' brainwaves synchronize with adults when they make direct eye contact, allowing for more effective communication and potentially enhancing learning. This synchronization also enables infants to communicate more effectively, making vocalizations when the adult makes direct eye contact.
A new study reveals prehistoric women had up to 30% stronger arm bones than modern rowers due to activities like grinding grain and performing manual labor. The research suggests that the varied work of early agricultural women played a crucial role in shaping their physical strength.
Researchers found that shark skin's dermal denticles develop from neural crest cells, just like teeth, supporting the theory that these primitive scales were carried into jawed vertebrates to form teeth. This discovery suggests a deep evolutionary relationship between ancient fish scales and vertebrate teeth.
Scientists have developed a method to print electronic circuits on fabric using graphene-based inks, creating flexible, washable, and breathable wearable devices. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the textile industry with applications in healthcare, energy harvesting, and fashion.
Researchers trained sheep to recognize celebrity faces and found they could identify their handler's face without prior training. The study suggests sheep have advanced face recognition abilities, comparable to those of humans and monkeys.
A new study of 311 hominin fossils spanning four million years shows that stature and body mass advanced at different speeds. Hominin bodies evolved in 'pulse and stasis' fluctuations, with some lineages even shrinking.
Researchers have successfully cultivated the Périgord black truffle in the UK for the first time, providing a breakthrough in the fight against climate change's impact on this luxury ingredient. The truffle was grown in collaboration with local farmers in Monmouthshire, South Wales, using a Mediterranean oak tree as host.
Researchers discovered that a neurotransmitter called GABA plays a crucial role in inhibiting unwanted thoughts, particularly in individuals with disorders such as schizophrenia and anxiety. The study found that higher GABA concentrations in the hippocampus are associated with better thought suppression abilities.
Researchers used biblical and ancient Egyptian texts to determine an annular solar eclipse on 30 October 1207 BC, which could help date the Egyptian pharaohs, including Ramesses the Great. This calculation enables precise dating of their reigns with a one-year precision.
Scientists found that skin helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate in response to changes in oxygen availability. In mice genetically modified to lack certain HIF proteins, the response to low-oxygen conditions was altered, affecting heart rate, blood pressure, and overall activity.
Thousand-year-old iceberg marks in Pine Island Bay show how West Antarctic Ice Sheet retreated rapidly as it balanced on sloping ground. Researchers warn that similar instability may occur again due to global warming, triggering rapid ice retreat and sea-level rise.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that the default mode network plays a crucial role in switching to 'autopilot' during familiar tasks. The DMN enables fast and accurate responses by leveraging memory associations, suggesting an essential function beyond mere daydreaming.
Researchers at University of Cambridge develop a printing technique that can write structures small enough to trap and harness light. The method combines high-resolution inkjet printing with nanophotonics, enabling the creation of sensors, lasers, and compact optical circuits.
A major study identifies 72 new genetic variants that contribute to the risk of developing breast cancer, bringing the total number of known common variants to around 180. These variants are found in regions regulating gene activity and differ from those involved in other diseases.
A team of researchers successfully predicted earthquakes using machine learning techniques in a laboratory setting. By analyzing acoustic signals from faults, they identified a pattern that can be used to estimate the stress on the fault and predict when an earthquake will occur.
A new investigation reveals that human brains are less impaired than skeletal muscles when experiencing extreme physical and mental exertion. The 'selfish brain' hypothesis suggests that the brain prioritizes its own energy needs over peripheral organs, potentially contributing to human evolution's trade-offs.
Researchers found that flower petals with nanoscale ridges on their surface produce a 'blue halo' effect, which helps bees locate flowers. The irregularities in these nanostructures appear to be harnessed by evolution to aid floral communication.
Researchers have identified 13 new genetic risk variants for restless legs syndrome, a condition affecting up to one in ten people of European ancestry. The findings suggest that the condition may be related to neurodevelopmental disorders and offer clues for developing new treatments, including drugs like thalidomide.
A joint statement by world experts calls for caution in applying the Disorganised Infant Attachment classification to assess infant mental health and potential cases of abuse. The statement highlights the classification's limitations and suggests it should not be relied upon alone for child protection assessments.
A recent study reveals that education and knowledge have little impact on individual behavior when it comes to major issues like the environment and personal health. Conservationists were found to behave in a marginally 'greener' manner, but with surprisingly modest differences compared to economists and medics.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that very old people are more likely to die comfortably in care homes or at home, compared to hospitals. The researchers highlight the need for improved training in end-of-life care for all staff and address the shortage of palliative care doctors in the NHS.
A team of scientists believes they've identified Paranthropus boisei as the species that likely contracted HSV2 and transmitted it to human ancestors, including Homo erectus. The study suggests the virus jumped from ancestral chimpanzees via an intermediate hominin species.
Global antimicrobial use in animals is projected to rise by 52% by 2030, threatening antibiotic efficacy. Implementing policies such as user fees and stricter regulation could mitigate this trend.
A new study by the University of Cambridge found that telephone consultations to determine whether a patient needs to see their GP face-to-face do not reduce GP workload or hospital referrals. Instead, they may increase overall GP workload and lead to increased secondary care costs.
Botanic gardens conserve nearly two-thirds of plant genera and over 90% of plant families, yet face a significant imbalance between temperate and tropical regions. The majority of plant species are tropical, yet only 25% of these are represented in botanic gardens.
A team of scientists has developed a modelling system to predict the spread of devastating wheat rust disease, identifying Yemen as a potential hub for long-distance dispersal to India and Pakistan. The research highlights the risk of global economic loss from wheat stem rust, currently estimated at $1 billion annually.
Researchers have demonstrated a new type of computer that uses polaritons, a combination of light and matter, to solve complex problems. The system works by creating a potential landscape and forcing the polaritons to condense at its lowest point, enabling it to find optimal solutions.
New study reveals technical differences between Italian and Greek textiles, suggesting distinct cultural influences. Advanced analysis of preserved textiles provides insights into raw materials, weaving techniques, and thread counts.
Researchers found that winning a competition makes people more willing to pay for luxury items and assign greater value to them. Contrary to expectations, testosterone levels were unaffected by winning or losing.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that funding cuts to mental health services in schools and clinics reduce access for adolescents with mental health problems. Young people without treatment are more likely to suffer from depression later in adulthood.
Researchers describe elegantly simple solution to complex problem of how tissues branch and grow, revealing self-organising process that generates space-filling networks. This discovery has huge implications for basic biology, offering new insights into cancer development and potential applications.
Researchers have found a way to generate long-lasting immune cells that can respond to and stop HIV virus infection. The team demonstrated that a modified gp140 protein approach improves B-cell responses, boosting the ability of B-cells to make protective antibodies against HIV.
Researchers found that areas protected by local and indigenous communities were more effective at reducing deforestation and forest degradation compared to those protected by governments. Local ownership and support for protecting the Peruvian Amazon can be a particularly effective approach in conserving this vital ecosystem.
Defects in perovskites can be permanently healed with light and humidity, accelerating the development of cheap and high-performance solar cells. The process involves exposure to light, oxygen, and controlled humidity levels, which create a protective shell that locks in improvements.