A study published in Cell has described the comprehensive erasure of epigenetic information in early primordial germ cells prior to egg and sperm formation. However, researchers found that around 5% of DNA remains resistant to reprogramming, potentially contributing to conditions such as schizophrenia and obesity.
An international team of astronomers has identified a young planetary system, located 360 light years away, with a disc-shaped bright ring of dust around a star similar to the sun. The disc's brightness and composition are consistent with the Kuiper Belt in our solar system.
Researchers identified the PRDM12 gene essential for pain-sensing neurons in humans, which could lead to the development of new pain treatments. The study found that genetic variants of PRDM12 block the production of pain-sensing neurons, leading to conditions like congenital insensitivity to pain.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge captured the process of cytotoxic T cells destroying cancer cells using state-of-the-art imaging techniques. The study reveals the remarkable precision and efficiency with which these cells patrol our bodies, identifying and eliminating virally infected and cancerous cells.
A study published in Nature found that galaxies are being strangled to death due to a lack of raw materials needed to form new stars. The team analyzed metal levels in over 26,000 galaxies and found that dead galaxies have higher metal content than alive ones.
A study reveals that almost a quarter of our genes exhibit seasonal variation, impacting immune cells and blood composition. This seasonality may explain why certain conditions worsen in winter, with some genes more active in summer.
New research shows that chacma baboons associate with others of similar age, dominance rank, and even personality type. This homophily may limit the dissemination of new knowledge to the wider troop. The study tracked two baboon troops over several months and found bolder animals tend to spend more time with like-minded individuals.
Researchers found that cichlid fish reared in larger social groups display a greater range of social interactions, including lateral display, ramming, and mouth fighting. They also have a different brain structure, with enhanced social behaviour predicted by early environmental cues.
A new study from the University of Cambridge has identified a 500-million-year-old fossil brain that helped determine the origin of heads in early animals. The research found connections between the hard plate and eye-like features at the front of the body, indicating a common evolutionary transition from soft to hard bodies.
Researchers analyzed metabolites in the blood of children undergoing heart surgery for congenital heart disease and found a link between certain molecules and clinical outcome. The presence of ketone bodies correlated with better outcomes, while other metabolites such as citrate, lactate, and alanine were associated with poorer outcomes.
A new study from the University of Cambridge has enabled researchers to identify previously unrecognised fossil specimens by reconstructing the teeth of penis worms in fine detail. The results have aided in the identification of fossilised teeth from a number of species around the world.
New research found that mycorrhizal fungus triggers additional root growth in rice crops, allowing them to absorb more nutrients. The fungus also enmeshes itself within plant cells, providing a direct mineral boost.
A new standard for open and reproducible research has been set by a group of Cambridge researchers, sharing over 200GB of data and 20,000 lines of code. This move aims to increase the reliability of research results, particularly in publicly funded work.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have identified a pathway linking proteins amyloid precursor protein and tau, which may be targeted for treatment. This discovery using human stem cells suggests that manipulating this pathway could halt disease progression.
A study published in Cerebral Cortex found that brain activity differs between people who improve at tapping out their heartbeat and those who don't. The researchers also discovered a correlation between brain activity and subjective performance, suggesting that brain signals can provide a marker of objective performance.
A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge has proposed that electromagnetic waves are generated by symmetry breaking in dielectric materials. This discovery could enable ultra-small antennas for wireless communications and aid understanding of electromagnetism and quantum mechanics crossover.
The study found a strong correlation between men's endurance running ability and prenatal testosterone exposure, with good runners having greater reproductive potential. Researchers suggest that female selection for athletic endurance in males may have been driven by the importance of persistence hunting in hunter-gatherer societies.
Research found that a more virulent group of S. suis strains causing disease in pigs worldwide are also implicated in human diseases like meningitis and septicaemia. The study suggests that changes in pig rearing practices may have led to the emergence of these strains.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found a substantial increase in takeaway food outlets in Norfolk over two decades, particularly in deprived areas. The density of these outlets rose significantly, contributing to higher obesity rates and unhealthy diets among local residents.
Researchers at the Universities of Cambridge and Tübingen have found that the main increase in body size occurred tens of thousands of years after Homo erectus left Africa, primarily in the Koobi Fora region of Kenya. This study suggests that human body size diversity arose much earlier than previously thought.
A survey of almost 400,000 British residents found significant differences in personalities between regions. The study reveals that Scots are amongst the friendliest, Londoners the most open, and Welsh people the least emotionally stable.
A new study reveals that dottyback reef fish can change color to imitate various damselfish species, allowing it to sneak up on unsuspecting young and avoid detection by larger predators. This unique ability makes it harder for prey to develop strategies to evade the dottyback.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have successfully grown 'mini-lungs' using induced pluripotent stem cells derived from skin cells of patients with cystic fibrosis. These mini-lungs can be used to test potential new drugs and provide a more reliable alternative to traditional animal models.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that closely-related fruit fly species show similar levels of virulence when infected with an RNA virus. The team's findings suggest a simple rule of thumb: if a pathogen causes high levels of mortality in one host, it may also be deadly in closely-related hosts.
A large-scale genetic study of tuberculosis susceptibility has identified a key gene, ASAP1, that affects an individual's ability to fight the infection. The research found that variants of this gene impact susceptibility to TB and may hold clues to designing more effective vaccines for prevention.
The Messak Settafet escarpment in the Saharan desert features a vast 'carpet' of stone-age tools, averaging 75 artefacts per square metre. The tools were extracted and discarded over hundreds of thousands of years, creating an entire landscape modified by hominins.
A team of astronomers from University of Cambridge identified nine new dwarf satellites orbiting Milky Way, largest number ever discovered. The findings may help unravel mysteries behind dark matter, invisible substance holding galaxies together.
Transparency of network connections and reputation enhances cooperation, leading to a community of highly cooperative individuals. The study suggests that in a world with more accessible information, people may form insular communities, and belonging to such groups is beneficial.
Researchers discovered baby mantises deliberately create spin and harness it in mid-air to rotate their bodies for precise target landing. By controlling angular momentum, they achieve remarkable accuracy in a fraction of a second.
A study found that below 43% forest cover, species loss becomes more rapid and widespread in the Amazon. Researchers recommend focusing on maintaining 50% forest cover over entire landscapes to prevent biodiversity loss.
Researchers found that blocking interleukin-1, a master regulator of inflammation, increased the risk of coronary heart disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm. In contrast, naturally occurring interleukin-1 inhibition decreased the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
A recent study found that financial incentives can encourage one in five pregnant women to quit smoking, with a significant number stopping at least for the duration of their pregnancy. The scheme, which provided vouchers worth up to £752, was successful in motivating many women to quit, with only a small number 'gaming' the system.
A study by the University of Cambridge found that sleeping over 8 hours a day is associated with a greater risk of stroke, particularly for older individuals. The researchers followed 10,000 participants and discovered that those who persistedently slept longer had double the risk of stroke compared to those with average sleep duration.
The study reveals that nature-based tourism in protected areas is a significant economic driver, with an estimated annual value of $600 billion. This far surpasses the current spending on safeguarding these sites, which amounts to less than $10 billion annually.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge and Animal & Plant Health Agency highlight the importance of specificity in new diagnostic tests for bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB) vaccination. For vaccination to be economically viable, the number of false positives must be below 15 out of every 10,000 cattle tested.
Researchers have identified a molecular chaperone that can break the critical cycle leading to Alzheimer's disease. The molecule, Brichos, inhibits secondary nucleation, preventing the formation of toxic oligomers and amyloid fibrils, which are hallmark of the disease.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that the order of genetic mutations acquired determines how cancer behaves. The study found that patients who acquire mutations in JAK2 prior to those in TET2 are more likely to develop a severe red blood cell disease subtype and suffer from blood clots.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that supermarket price promotions lead to greater sales boosts for less healthy foods, even though they are not promoted more frequently. The researchers suggest that stockpiling during promotion may contribute to this finding.
Researchers developed a comprehensive computer model to simulate blood cell development, which could help identify promising pathways to target with drugs. The model has been validated through laboratory experiments and shows potential for reducing the risk of drug failure in leukaemia research.
Eve, an AI robot scientist, has demonstrated the success of its approach to speed up drug discovery and make it more economical. It discovered a compound that has anti-cancer and malaria properties, which could potentially improve the lives of millions of people worldwide.
A new study by University of Cambridge researchers identified a critical threshold in alpha-synuclein protein levels that increases the chances of aggregation and neurodegeneration. The findings provide a mechanistic description of the initial molecular events leading to Parkinson's disease.
A recent study published in The Journal of Physiology found that increased stress hormone levels in pregnant mice can lead to overeating and reduced fetal growth. However, this effect is not seen when the hormone is administered earlier in pregnancy or when the diet is restricted. The researchers believe that maternal glucocorticoid le...
Researchers capture asteroid magnetic field moments, revealing extended lifetimes and creating mechanisms similar to the Earth's own magnetic field. Ancient meteorites provide a cosmic archaeological mission, shedding light on the magnetic history of asteroids and their impact on the Earth's core future.
A new study found that around one in five Lassa fever cases could be caused by human-to-human transmission, with a disproportionate number of cases traced back to 'super-spreaders'. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding different modes of transmission and their impact on public health strategies.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that physical inactivity is responsible for twice as many deaths as obesity. The researchers analyzed data from over 334,000 European men and women and found that even a small increase in physical activity can have significant health benefits.
A new study reveals that computers can make accurate judgments about personalities better than most people, using digital signals like Facebook Likes. The researchers analyzed data from over 86,000 volunteers and found that computers could predict personality traits with greater accuracy than human judges, except for spouses.
Research found geographical differences in life satisfaction and personality traits across London's postal districts. Openness to experience and agreeableness were associated with higher life satisfaction, while extraversion was linked to lower life satisfaction in certain areas.
Researchers found that distinct motor memories can be learned with unique follow-throughs, allowing for faster learning of multiple skills. Practising consistent follow-through enables tasks to be learned quickly, while variable follow-through activates multiple motor memories.
Researchers developed a new self-assembled material that can amplify small variations in temperature and concentration of biomolecules, making it suitable for biosensors and drug delivery systems. The material's unique response to changes in temperature and concentration could lead to significant advancements in sensing technology.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge successfully created primordial germ cells from human embryonic stem cells, a crucial step in early mammalian development. The study identified a critical gene, SOX17, involved in directing human stem cells to become these cells, and showed that PGCs can be made from reprogrammed adult cells.