Patients with OCD have difficulty learning which stimulus is safe and vice versa due to impaired brain activity, specifically in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. This cognitive inflexibility affects how they perceive threats under updated circumstances, making current exposure therapies less effective.
Researchers at University of Cambridge create structure resembling mouse embryo in culture using two types of stem cells and 3D scaffold. The artificial embryo's development follows the same pattern as naturally developing embryos, but it lacks key cells needed for further growth.
A new study found that cocaine addiction disrupts iron regulation in the body, leading to a build-up of iron in the brain. This accumulation is directly linked to the duration of cocaine use and may be accompanied by mild iron deficiency elsewhere in the body.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered a key to increasing crop diversity by manipulating plant sex through the HEI10 gene. This breakthrough has significant implications for introducing novel disease resistance genes into elite crop varieties, addressing a major limitation in crop improvement.
Researchers say viral charity campaigns like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge have a shallow 'half-life' and require a shift from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation. Dr. Sander van der Linden's SMART formula outlines social influences, moral imperatives, affective reactions, and translational impact as key psychological levers.
A new study reveals gills originated earlier than thought, suggesting a link between active lifestyle and evolutionary history. Gills develop from the same embryonic tissue in jawed and jawless vertebrates, supporting a single origin of these respiratory organs.
A study published in Social Science and Medicine found that patients worry about wasting doctors' time, particularly in an overstretched NHS. This concern can affect patients' decisions to seek medical attention, with serious implications for their health if delayed due to fear of resource wastage.
Researchers use Gaia data to detect pulsating stars and trace the extent of the Large Magellanic Cloud, revealing a fuzzy halo stretching 20 degrees from its center. The discovery provides insights into the clouds' mass and interaction with the Milky Way, shedding light on their role in galaxy formation.
Researchers have found that modern East Asian populations share a remarkable genetic similarity to their hunter-gatherer ancestors from the Stone Age. The study provides evidence of 'genetic continuity' in East Asia, suggesting that there was little population turnover for over seven millennia.
Researchers analyze how ancient South Asian population coped with changing environmental conditions using lake records and speleothem data. They found that the civilization developed in a diverse environment where water was critical for survival, and its populations were well-adapted to varying climate conditions before urbanization.
Researchers found that cooperatively breeding mammals better cope with droughts and food scarcity due to helping behavior. These species are more likely to occupy human-modified habitats and colonize new environments.
Researchers analyzed a large dataset of brain images from over 500 individuals to identify correlations between brain cortical anatomy and the Big Five personality traits. High levels of neuroticism were associated with increased thickness in certain regions, while openness was linked to reduced thickness and increased area and folding.
A new study suggests that a 'psychological vaccine' can help build tolerance to climate change misinformation, shifting opinions closer to the truth. Researchers found that pre-exposing people to small amounts of misinformation can provide resistance against subsequent exposure.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that teenagers with mental health problems who receive treatment experience a greater decrease in depressive symptoms than those without. By age 17, service users were more than seven times less likely to report clinical depression compared to untreated individuals.
A study found that modafinil improves episodic and working memory functions in patients with remitted depression. The results suggest that modafinil may be a feasible option to tackle persistent cognitive problems in depression, improving cognition and motivation.
A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that people who frequently curse are less likely to be associated with lying and deception. The research also showed that those who use more profanity tend to use language patterns related to honesty, such as using pronouns like 'I' and 'me'.
A new study reveals that IMF lending conditions in West Africa reduce government health expenditure per capita by around 0.25% for every additional binding condition. This results in a 6.2% annual reduction in health spending, often at the expense of healthcare investment.
Researchers identified genetic variants that affect Crohn's disease severity, but found these variants do not determine individual risk of developing the condition. The study suggests new pathways for treating established disease.
Over a third of scientific reports are published in languages other than English, leading to biases in our understanding. The researchers call for basic summaries to be published in multiple languages and translations to be included in 'outreach' evaluation criteria.
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.