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.
Researchers mapped the brains of teenagers with serious antisocial behavior problems, finding significant differences in structure compared to peers. Childhood-onset and adolescent-onset conduct disorders showed distinct patterns of brain development, highlighting the importance of early interventions.
A year-long experiment in Peterborough found that targeting crime hot spots with extra PCSO patrols can prevent 86 assaults and save thousands in prison costs. The study, published in the Journal of Experimental Criminology, suggests a five-to-one return on investment for every £10 spent on targeted foot patrols.
Scientists have developed a method to trap single molecules in tiny optical cavities, enabling the mixing of molecules and light. This breakthrough allows for new ways to manipulate matter's physical and chemical properties.
Researchers found that larger wine glasses led to an almost 10% increase in wine sales, with consumers drinking more due to perceived volume changes. The study suggests that avoiding larger wine glasses could reduce consumption, but further research is needed to confirm this effect.
A global review of systematic reviews found that people under 35, particularly women, are disproportionately affected by anxiety disorders. The study also highlighted the importance of understanding how common these disorders are and which groups are at greatest risk, especially those with chronic health conditions.
Researchers develop Bend-Induced-Oscillatory-Shearing (BIOS) process to produce hundreds of meters of polymer opals on a roll-to-roll process, exhibiting chameleon-like color-shifting properties. The material has potential applications in smart clothing, building coatings, and banknote security.
A genetic approach has been demonstrated to identify potential side effects of new diabetes drugs at early stages of development. Researchers used genetic data from over 12,000 individuals and found a variant in the GLP1R gene associated with lower fasting glucose and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
In a study published in Nature, researchers found that subordinate female meerkats track the growth of potential competitors and adjust their own weight gain to stay ahead. The results suggest that competitive growth is a key strategy for social mammals to maintain dominance.
A new study has examined International Monetary Fund policies over three decades and found that the IMF has increased structural adjustment conditions to pre-crisis levels. The researchers argue that the IMF's 'reforms' are superficial and do not address the root causes of economic instability in borrowing countries.
Researchers have identified the genes responsible for producing the red pigment in bird species, linking it to detoxification processes and suggesting a link between mate quality and genetic fitness. The discovery provides new insights into the evolution and ecology of red coloration in birds.
Teenagers who experienced childhood family adversity are more likely to be bullied at school and develop depressive symptoms. However, supportive family or friends in early adolescence can help reduce depressive symptoms later on.
An international team of astronomers has detected icy comets and carbon monoxide gas around a nearby sun-like star using ALMA. The findings provide early insights into the properties of comet clouds in stellar systems just after their birth.
New research reveals that body-worn cameras associated with an increase in assault against police officers when they choose to turn them on and off during their shift. This finding contrasts with current thinking that cameras should reduce the rate of use-of-force, but rather found it increased when officer discretion was used.
A study on the 'canine transmissible venereal tumour' reveals how this contagious cancer, dating back to 11,000 years ago, has spread across the globe by 'stealing' DNA from its host. The research shows that cancer cells can shuffle or recombine DNA from different mitochondria.
Research from the University of Cambridge found that neighborhoods saturated with fast food outlets exacerbate social inequalities in diet and obesity. Individuals with lower education levels consumed more unhealthy takeaway food and were more likely to be obese in areas with higher takeaway outlet densities.
Researchers have compiled the first global set of observations of the Earth's mantle movement, finding chaotic convection with length scales on the order of 1000km. This discovery challenges long-held geological predictions and has implications for understanding oceanic circulation, past climate change, and hydrocarbon generation.
Researchers have successfully cultured human embryos in the lab beyond day seven, allowing them to study key stages of development and improve IVF success rates. The technique reveals a self-organising capacity of human blastocysts that was previously unknown.
A new study finds that walking and cycling have significant health benefits, outweighing the risks of air pollution, even in cities with high levels of pollution. The research suggests that only a small minority of workers in extremely polluted cities may be at risk due to prolonged exposure.
Researchers discovered that single-celled algae can coordinate their flagella into leaping, trotting, or galloping gaits, similar to four-legged animals. The networks of elastic fibres within the cell play a crucial role in coordinating these diverse movements.
Researchers have identified five new gene regions associated with an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer, bringing the total number of known risk regions to nine. This discovery doubles the number of genetic risk factors known for the disease, which affects one in four women worldwide.
A genetic variant in Labradors has been identified as a key factor in their obesity-prone nature. The POMC gene affects how the brain recognizes hunger and feelings of fullness after meals.
Developed by University of Cambridge researchers, the nanoscale engine harnesses light energy to generate elastic forces, making it suitable for water navigation and disease-fighting applications. With immense force capabilities and bio-compatibility, these 'ANTs' could revolutionize nano-machinery and microfluidics industries.
The California sudden oak death epidemic cannot be stopped, but its impact can be reduced by starting control measures earlier. Mathematical modeling shows that targeting the 'wave-front' of the disease and 'front-loading' the budget are more effective methods of control.
Astronomers from the University of Cambridge have discovered strong winds leaving mysterious binary systems, with speeds exceeding 70,000 km/s. The findings confirm that these sources conceal compact objects pulling in matter at extraordinarily high rates.
A new study found that bi-dialectal children exhibited similar cognitive advantages as multilingual children, including improved memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility. The research suggests that the ability to switch between two dialects of the same language provides mental stimulation and leads to higher cognitive performance.
Researchers developed a technique to reduce infectious malaria parasites in whole blood, significantly reducing the risk of transmission through blood transfusion. The Mirasol pathogen reduction technology system has shown promising results in treating whole blood using ultraviolet light energy and riboflavin.
Research at University of Cambridge reveals that management-imposed flexible hours lead to work-life balance issues, childcare struggles, and health concerns among low-paid supermarket workers. The study highlights the need for better labor protections and more equitable working conditions.
Researchers found striking similarities between the genetic mechanism used in human limb development and that of skate embryos' gill arches. The study suggests that limbs may have evolved from sharks' gills via a critical gene called Sonic hedgehog, supporting a century-old theory.
A 20-year study found a significant drop in dementia incidence among men in the UK, driven by reduced risk factors such as smoking and improved vascular health. The study suggests that targeted public health measures may help prevent future increases in dementia cases, contradicting global projections of a looming 'dementia tsunami'.
Researchers found that male Barbary macaques' metabolic rate increases dramatically during mating season, allowing them to allocate more energy for reproduction and competition. The study suggests that this adaptation may be an echo of a vital physiological mechanism in humans.
A recent study published in eNeuro found that overweight individuals are more prone to choosing unhealthy foods when presented with real options, unlike their lean counterparts. The researchers also discovered an association between impulsivity and consumption of unhealthy foods in overweight participants.