Researchers have solved a long-standing mystery of how key sugars in cells bind to form strong, indigestible materials. Cellulose induces xylan to untwist itself and straighten out, allowing it to attach itself to the cellulose molecule, forming a 'glue' that makes very strong structures.
Researchers developed a mapping system to identify areas where new roads can increase food production with minimal environmental cost. The study found potential for massive habitat conversion in some proposals, but also identified areas where new roads could substantially boost food production through improved transport links.
Researchers found a significant link between Antarctic Ice Sheet variability and global climate patterns over the past 8,000 years. The study suggests that ocean temperature changes in the Southern Hemisphere drive ice sheet melting and influence sea levels globally.
Researchers found that two new psychological treatments, alongside CBT, could reduce recurrence of depression in adolescents. The therapies showed sustained effects up to a year after treatment ended, with 50% reduction in symptoms.
Researchers developed a new imaging technique that allows studying protein misfolding and toxicity in neurodegenerative diseases. The technique enables visualizing changes in protein molecules' surfaces, shedding light on the mechanisms behind these devastating diseases.
Researchers found evidence of domesticated rice in South Asia up to 430 years earlier than previously believed. The study reveals a network of regional farmers supplied produce to ancient cities, using complex multi-cropping strategies across both seasons.
A large-scale genetic study found a strong link between the inability to safely store excess fat and increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The study identified 53 regions of the genome associated with insulin resistance, highlighting the importance of peripheral fat tissue in energy storage.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a tiny optical cavity, known as a pico-cavity, that focuses light down to single atom scales. This innovation enables real-time observation of atomic movement and opens up new possibilities for studying light-matter interactions.
A new study reveals that a global, transmissible, and increasingly virulent M. abscessus infection is spreading rapidly among cystic fibrosis patients, requiring combination treatment with multiple antibiotics for extended periods.
Researchers have found a link between cancer cachexia and the failure of cancer immunotherapies in patients. By understanding this mechanism, they hope to develop combination therapies that target metabolic abnormalities or hormonal responses, increasing the effectiveness of immunotherapy for more patients.
A study by researchers at Osaka University and the University of Cambridge found that a 'reorganisation' of the brain's wiring causes phantom limb pain in amputees. They developed an AI-based treatment using brain-machine interfaces to decrease pain levels.
Scientists have found a 'thermometer' molecule in plants that measures night-time heat to stimulate growth and trigger springtime budding. This discovery could help breed tougher crops resistant to climate change.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge suggest that social networks like Facebook can provide valuable data to improve knowledge of mental health disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. The study proposes using Facebook data to detect early signs of mental illness and potentially even offer support and interventions.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a prototype of a next-generation lithium-sulphur battery, inspired by the cells lining the human intestine. The new design overcomes a key technical problem hindering commercial development and offers a fivefold energy density boost compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
A new study proves that Gaétan Dugas was one of many thousands infected in the years before HIV was recognized. The term 'Patient Zero' was created inadvertently in the earliest years of investigating AIDS, and Dugas's global defamation is attributed to this mistake.
A small molecule can turn short-lived T-cells into long-lived, renewable cells that destroy tumour cells. Researchers have identified a way to increase the life-span of these T-cells, overcoming a key hurdle in immunotherapy.
Newly developed transistors harness near-off-state current to operate, reducing power consumption to below a billionth of a watt. This enables long-term operation without batteries, ideal for wearable and implantable devices in the Internet of Things.
Researchers found that anti-cytokine drugs showed significant antidepressant effects compared to placebo in clinical trials. The study suggests inflammation plays a role in depression and that these drugs may offer hope for patients who don't respond to current treatments.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a genetically modified fruit fly that can detect infectious prions in blood, leading to a potential breakthrough in diagnosing and preventing variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). This new test could be faster, more versatile, and more sensitive than current methods.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new treatment for type 1 diabetes that targets the immune system's damage, aiming to reduce or eliminate daily insulin injections. The treatment uses aldesleukin, a drug that enhances regulatory T cells to prevent autoimmunity.
Patients diagnosed with cancer at emergency presentation have poorer survival rates compared to those diagnosed electively. The review highlights inequalities in socioeconomic groups and ethnicity, emphasizing the need for new screening methods and improved participation in existing screening programs to reduce emergency presentations.
A new study found that people with a defective gene variant prefer high-fat foods over sugary ones, contributing to weight gain. Researchers tested participants with lean, obese, and MC4R-defective genes, showing a link between genetic variants and food choice.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that body-worn cameras are associated with a significant reduction in citizen complaints against police, with 93% fewer complaints filed after camera implementation. The 'observer effect' is believed to be a key factor, modifying behavior and increasing accountability.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that craniectomy significantly reduces the risk of death from brain swelling after a head injury. Craniectomy also improved patient outcomes at 6-12 months post-injury, with nearly half of patients regaining independence.
A recent study from the University of Cambridge found that exposure to vaping ads decreases young people's belief that occasional tobacco smoking is bad for their health. The research shows both healthy and glamorous e-cigarette adverts have a similar effect on attitudes towards smoking, making it less harmful in their minds.
Researchers developed a new mathematical model to predict zoonotic disease outbreaks like Ebola and Lassa fever. The model incorporates spillover and stuttering transmission, enabling more accurate predictions and informing targeted public health strategies.
A study of ancient dental calculus from the Balkans has provided direct evidence that Mesolithic foragers consumed domesticated plants, including wheat and barley, as early as 6600 BC. The findings challenge the established view of Neolithization in Europe and suggest a possible independent introduction of domestic cereals to the region.
Mole rat castes were previously believed to be fixed throughout their lives, but a new study shows that individuals perform different roles at different ages. As they grow older, mole rats become more generalists, participating in various activities and contributing to cooperative efforts.
Researchers have identified a young star over 30 times the mass of our Sun, which could help us understand how massive stars are formed. The discovery suggests that massive stars form in a similar way to smaller stars like our Sun.
Researchers found that virus replication increases at certain times of the day, with peak replication occurring in the morning. This suggests that shift workers, whose body clocks are disrupted, may be more prone to viral diseases.
Plant scientists found that the cucumber mosaic virus alters gene expression in tomato plants, changing their scent to attract bumblebees. This indirect manipulation may help the virus spread pollen of susceptible plants, benefiting both the plant and the virus.
A gene signature in healthy brains predicts the spread of Alzheimer's disease and identifies vulnerable brain regions. The discovery may lead to preventative treatments for at-risk individuals.
A new study found that positive teacher-student relationships around age 10-11 can influence prosocial behaviors such as cooperation and altruism, reducing problem classroom behaviors like aggression. The beneficial effects lingered for up to four years.
A multi-disciplinary team analyzed the Piltdown specimens using DNA and 3D X-ray imaging, revealing that an orang-utan specimen was used to create the fakes. The forgeries were created using a consistent method, suggesting the perpetrator acted alone, with some researchers now accusing Charles Dawson of being the 'lone forger'.
Scientists have created a mini electro-optical switch that can change the spin of a liquid form of light by applying electric fields to a semiconductor device. This technology bridges the gap between light and electricity, enabling faster and more powerful electronics.
Research reveals that obese individuals' brains display differences in white matter similar to those in lean individuals ten years older, from middle-age onwards. Obesity may affect the onset and progression of brain aging, with potential implications for health and cognitive abilities.
Researchers have identified a new mechanism that affects immune cell performance and disease risk. FAMIN protein regulates energy availability to macrophages, influencing their ability to fight infection.
A new study published in Nature Communications shows that CO2 can be securely stored underground for at least 100,000 years, much longer than the 10,000 years required to avoid climate impacts. This finding has significant implications for carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.
A study published in The Lancet found that 60-75 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per day can counteract the health risks associated with prolonged sitting. This translates to an hour or more of physical activity, which can be achieved through simple daily habits such as taking a walk at lunchtime or going for a run.
Research shows how a 'wonder drug' for hepatitis C was acquired by a pharmaceutical company, doubling its price and channelling profits into buying shares. This strategy limits innovation and leaves the public paying twice - once for initial research and then for high-priced medications.
Researchers mapped brain structure changes in teenagers to understand the onset of mental health problems. The study found that myelin levels increase within the cortex during adolescence, potentially linking it to schizophrenia risk genes.
Research reveals that humans use special calls to recruit wild birds, while honeyguides actively recruit appropriate human partners. This unique collaboration allows both species to access valuable resources.
Researchers at University of Cambridge identify mechanism behind rapid protein build-up in Alzheimer's disease, finding healthy proteins on fibrils drive self-replication. This discovery may lead to new ways to control plaque formation and slow disease progression.
Researchers have identified the 'cell of origin' in basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer, as stem cells. By analyzing clones derived from mutant stem cells, they found that these cells can overcome apoptosis and divide unchecked, leading to cancer growth.
Researchers develop new method to detect and measure black hole superkicks using gravitational waves, which occur when two spinning supermassive black holes collide. eLISA space-based detector expected to detect several runaway black holes upon launch in 2034.
Historical research reveals that foetus and infant cadavers were valued by anatomists for studying growth and development, often kept in museums. Researchers found that anatomists preserved the skulls of infants intact to use as teaching aids, differing from adult cadavers.
Researchers discovered that isoprene, a common natural chemical found in human breath, increases significantly at hypoglycemia levels. This finding may lead to the development of new tests for detecting hypoglycaemia and reducing its risk of life-threatening complications.
The ocean's slow circulation rate allowed it to store more carbon for longer periods than previously thought. This process released carbon into the deep ocean, where it was trapped due to slow circulation and eventually dissolved, storing large amounts of CO2 for thousands of years.
A new study found that Zika warnings significantly increased demand for abortions in Latin America, particularly in countries with restrictive laws. The number of requests for medical abortion through Women on Web, a non-profit organization, nearly doubled in some countries following the health alert.
People with cocaine addiction develop habits that render their behaviour resistant to change, suggesting punitive approaches are ineffective. Interventions building on habit formation may be more effective in treating cocaine addiction.