Researchers at the University of Cambridge have successfully derived naïve pluripotent stem cells from human embryos, which can develop into all human tissue types. This breakthrough has significant implications for regenerative medicine and modeling human disorders, including Down's syndrome.
Researchers found that pregnant rats fed antioxidants had longer telomeres and slower aging in adulthood, while those with low oxygen levels aged more quickly. Antioxidants also benefited offspring of mothers without complications during pregnancy.
Research estimates 25% of current domains are unmet demand due to lack of available high-quality names and locations. New top-level domains (not-coms) may alleviate this issue, sparking a potential boom in domain registrations.
A study of 120,000 women found five genetic variants affecting breast cancer risk, which alter how cells respond to oestrogen. The variants are associated with changes in the expression of genes involved in oestrogen regulation, potentially leading to new breast cancer preventions.
Researchers have discovered a 520-million-year-old fossilized nervous system, providing the most detailed example yet found. The fossil, from southern China, has revealed individual nerves visible for the first time in a fossil of this age.
Researchers found an association between high BMI and poorer performance on a test of episodic memory in young adults. The study suggests that obesity may be linked to changes in brain structure and function, potentially affecting memory and decision-making abilities.
Researchers found that flowers with imperfect iridescence are easier for bees to spot than those with perfect iridescence, which can confuse bees' color recognition. This subtle signal allows flowers to communicate with bees without interfering with their ability to distinguish between colors.
Researchers found that physical activity among children is lower in autumn and winter compared to spring and summer. The study highlights the need for increased active opportunities during the colder months to support children's health and development.
Researchers simulated a thin ring-shaped black hole in five dimensions, which breaks down Einstein's general theory of relativity if it exists outside an event horizon. The simulation revealed the formation of a 'naked singularity', causing laws of physics to break down and potentially rendering general relativity ineffective.
A new drug called bexarotene has been identified as a potential 'neurostatin' that targets the first step in the toxic chain reaction leading to brain cell death. This delay can prevent Alzheimer's symptoms from appearing, suggesting a new avenue for treatments.
A study in yeast reveals that nutrients can affect gene expression, suggesting a complex interplay between metabolism and genetics. The findings have implications for understanding how cells respond to certain drugs and may explain why some individuals fail to respond to treatment.
A smartphone app developed by Cambridge researchers maps Swiss-German dialects through crowdsourcing, gathering data on dialect spread and changes over time. The app has been downloaded over 90,000 times and reveals that younger generations are adopting more geographically widespread variants of the language.
A group of researchers, aid workers, and Syrian medical professionals warn that ineffective interventions are worsening the health, education, and livelihoods of refugees. They call for evidence-gathering and transparency in aid allocation to direct funds to effective programs.
Researchers found that cancer cells kill off surrounding cells to make room to grow, but drugs that prevent cell death might be effective at fighting cancer. Manipulating genetic variants in surrounding cells can contain tumors and prevent their spread.
Numerical simulations found that erosion played a key role in driving magma production and subsequent volcanic activity at the end of the last ice age. The study's results may have implications for understanding climate change and atmospheric CO2 levels, as similar mechanisms are expected to occur at shorter timescales.
Researchers have successfully interfaced graphene with neurons, maintaining the integrity of these vital cells. The work may lead to the development of graphene-based electrodes that can safely be implanted in the brain, offering promise for restoring sensory functions in amputee or paralyzed patients.
Agricultural expansion is a leading cause of wild species loss and greenhouse gas emissions. To combat this, researchers propose "land-sparing mechanisms" that link yield increases with habitat protection, such as zoning and smart subsidy schemes. By minimizing farming's footprint, land can be spared for conserving natural habitats.
Research shows Aegean wall lizards select rocks with colors matching their backs to reduce visibility to birds, boosting camouflage effectiveness. This behavioral defense is more evident on islands with higher bird species and in female lizards.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that reed warblers employ a 'neighbourhood watch' system to detect and eject cuckoo eggs, taking into account both personal and social cues. By combining information from close surveillance and neighbourly mobbing, warblers can assess levels of risk and protect their nests.
The Nataruk massacre is the earliest record of inter-group violence among prehistoric hunter-gatherers who remained largely nomadic. Researchers believe it is the earliest scientifically-dated historical evidence of human conflict, dating back to around 9,500-10,500 years ago.
Scientists found that larger animals require more sticking power, but have less body surface area available to cover with sticky footpads. Geckos' unique footpads set a size limit for adhesive-based climbing strategies, making it impossible for humans to climb like Spiderman.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that e-cigarettes with candy flavors are more appealing to school children, who also express a greater interest in buying and trying these products. The study suggests that further regulation is needed regarding e-cigarette advertising to prevent tobacco smoking among young people.
Researchers found that different color patches on butterfly wings are controlled by independent genetic switches, which can be mixed and matched between species to create new patterns. This phenomenon allows butterflies to share common warning signs with predators, a form of mimicry.
Researchers found that brain network activity can predict how patients respond to general anesthesia. By analyzing alpha wave patterns and delta-alpha coupling, doctors may be able to optimize the amount of drug needed, reducing risks associated with anesthesia.
A new study by the University of Cambridge reveals a previously unknown pathway in the brain that links impulse with habits, making it harder to control cocaine addiction. A second study suggests that a drug used to treat paracetamol overdose may help individuals overcome their addiction if they want to quit.
A University of Cambridge researcher warns that abandoning carbon capture and storage (CCS) would hinder efforts to reduce carbon emissions. CCS is essential for delivering flexible power and reducing emissions from industrial processes, but funding issues have led to a decline in interest from corporations and governments.
The study found that intestinal parasites like whipworm and roundworm did not decrease in prevalence during the Roman Period, but instead increased. The Roman public baths may have actually helped spread these parasites due to infrequent water changes and scum buildup.
Research reveals that domesticated grains were adopted late and sporadically in North Africa, with communities instead integrating them into their existing nomadic lifestyle. This challenges the conventional narrative of a gradual transition to settled agriculture.
New research suggests that increasing UK agricultural yields and restoring natural habitats like forests and wetlands can largely offset the country's greenhouse gas emissions. By 2050, this approach could meet government targets of an 80% reduction in emissions for the farming industry.
Researchers find massive release of CO2 from Southern Ocean occurred when Antarctic sea ice melted, not due to changes in ocean density. The expansion and retreat of sea ice acted as a 'lid' controlling CO2 exchange between ocean and atmosphere.
A team has identified a second genetically distinct transmissible cancer in Tasmanian devils, which causes facial tumours indistinguishable from the previously discovered cancer. The discovery raises questions about the rarity of transmissible cancers and the vulnerability of Tasmanian devils to developing this type of disease.
Scientists have identified a new type of epigenetic modification that directly affects the base A in human and mouse DNA. This discovery suggests that many more DNA modifications exist than previously thought, which could impact gene regulation and human health.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge developed a new smartphone-based system called SegNet, which can identify objects in road scenes in real-time, even without GPS. The system has been successfully tested on city roads and motorways, and could potentially be used as a warning system for driverless cars.
Scientists recreated the skull of the last common ancestor of Homo sapiens and Neanderthals by applying digital methods and statistical techniques. The 'virtual fossil' reveals that this ancestral population likely originated in Africa and had early hallmarks of both species, with a split timeline of around 700,000 years ago.
Human pluripotent stem cells have been shown to develop normally when transplanted into an embryo, offering new hope for regenerative medicine treatments. The study provides strong evidence that stem cells are likely to be safe and effective for treating serious conditions like heart disease and Parkinson's disease.
A new study reveals a plant protein's role in detecting molecular signals from beneficial fungi, allowing plants to harness essential nutrients and sugars. This symbiotic relationship, prevalent across the plant kingdom, is believed to be crucial to early terrestrial survival and the evolution of life on Earth.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a non-invasive blood test that can diagnose some types of malignant childhood tumour with high accuracy. The test looks for specific genetic code patterns in blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples, allowing for early diagnosis and monitoring without exposure to radiation.
New research shows ancient millet played a key role in the development of multi-crop agriculture, leading to the rise of settled societies. Millet was carried across Eurasia by shepherds and herders, who combined it with other crops to create 'multi-cropping' systems.
The researchers used a bottom-up approach to generate complex shapes, driven by the physical properties of materials. The droplets shape-shifted into various forms through the self-assembly of a plastic crystal phase.
A new study suggests that lifting the EU pigswill ban could save around 1.8 million hectares of land by using heat-treated food waste as pig feed, cutting land use by 21.5% and feed costs in half. The model also shows that swill feeding is a safer alternative to grain-based diets.
The Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence aims to explore the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence, examining technical, practical, and philosophical questions. Researchers from various disciplines will work together to understand the potential benefits and risks of machine intelligence, with a focus on en...
Scientists discovered that visual crowding hinders our ability to make sense of what we see, particularly in cluttered scenes. They developed a new method to quantify crowding and found that brain processing limits peripheral vision due to degraded resolution and confusion between object details.
A recent study found that two-thirds of studies on 'psychosocial' treatments list co-authors who financially benefit from the treatments, yet few declare a conflict of interest. This lack of transparency may lead to biased research and influenced policy decisions.
A study published in Nature Communication found that a protein called sLR11 acts to inhibit thermogenesis, or heat production, in fat cells, making it harder for the body to burn excess fat. This protein is produced by fat cells and increases with total fat mass, suggesting its role in storing energy over long periods.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that people with compulsive sexual behavior seek out new sexual images more frequently than others. They are also more susceptible to environmental cues linked to sexual images, which can trigger their addiction.
Research found structural differences in brain regions of people with schizophrenia who experience hallucinations compared to those without hallucinations. The paracingulate sulcus, a fold towards the front of the brain, was shorter in individuals prone to hallucinations.
A new lineage of ancient European ancestry, originating from hunter-gatherers isolated by the Ice Age, has been discovered. This 'fourth strand' is found in modern populations across Europe and beyond, with significant influence on Indian genetics.
Researchers identified ancient stars in the Milky Way's center with extremely low metal content, suggesting they formed in the early universe. These stars contain chemical fingerprints indicating possible hypernova deaths, which could aid understanding of the Universe's evolution over billions of years.
Researchers found that cockroaches activate slow twitch muscle fibers only when chewing on tough material, generating a bite force of up to 50 times stronger than their body weight. This unique ability allows them to efficiently exert powerful forces with minimal head volume required.
A systematic review of 61 studies found that when missing preferences are included, the majority of those questioned preferred to die at home. However, the large amount of missing data makes it unclear whether home is where most participants with cancer or other conditions preferred to die.