Research in the Eurasian Steppes reveals horse domestication originated from a single founder population, with herds restocked with wild horses as they spread across Eurasia. The large number of female lineages in the domestic horse gene pool is explained by later introductions of local wild mares.
Researchers have created a method to sequence epigenetic marks 5hmC and 5mC in DNA at single base resolution, improving our understanding of gene regulation and cell development. This breakthrough has major implications for regenerative medicine and stem cell research.
Researchers found that chronic cocaine users lost about 3.08 ml brain volume per year, almost twice the rate of healthy volunteers. The accelerated age-related decline was most prominent in the prefrontal and temporal cortex, important regions associated with attention, decision-making, and self-regulation as well as memory.
Researchers at University of Cambridge use light to guide electrons through a barrier, creating new particles that interact strongly. This breakthrough has potential to lead to practical devices using quantum mechanics visible to the eye.
A genetic study found that targeting the interleukin-6 receptor (IL6R) signalling pathway could be an effective way to combat heart disease. The research, led by the University of Cambridge, discovered a genetic variant that reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.
A new research agenda has been developed to strengthen the relationship between science and policy, addressing key questions on scientific advice to governments. The final set of 40 questions includes topics such as designing scientific advisory systems and ensuring early identification of policy issues requiring scientific input.
Scientists analyzed data from an Antarctic ice core and arrival of modern humans to determine that a combination of human pressure and climate change led to the extinction of many large animals. The research provides insights into the consequences of pressures on megafauna living today, including tigers and rhinos.
A new study has found that cancer patients with breast, melanoma, testicular, and endometrial cancers are more likely to be referred to a specialist after just one or two consultations. In contrast, patients with less common cancers such as multiple myeloma, pancreatic, stomach, and ovarian cancer require three or more visits before re...
Research found that micronutrient supplements before pregnancy alter gene methylation in offspring, impacting their immune system. The study's findings have significant public health implications for regions with food security issues.
Researchers have developed a method to overcome the barrier of implantation into the womb and study embryonic development for the first 8 days. This allows them to understand how clusters of extra-embryonic cells signal where to make the head of the embryo.
A new MRI technique allows for non-invasive examination of battery internal workings, enabling testing of various designs and materials under normal operating conditions. This method has the potential to improve battery performance and safety by visualizing build-up of lithium metal deposits on electrodes.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that iron pyrite, commonly known as 'Fool's Gold', has catalytic properties. The study focused on the reactions between iron pyrite and nitrogen oxides, an extremely poisonous class of compounds produced by car engines and industrial power plants.
Scientists from the University of Cambridge have developed a new type of solar cell that can harness more of the energy from the sun. The hybrid cell absorbs red light and uses blue light to boost electrical current, enabling it to capture 44% of incoming solar energy.
Researchers discovered African bats have antibodies that can neutralise deadly viruses known in Australia and Asia. This finding provides valuable insights for understanding how viruses persist in bat populations.
A study published in Cell Stem Cell highlights the possibility of reversing ageing in the central nervous system for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The age-associated decline of remyelination, a regenerative process, can be reversed using inflammatory cells from young mice.
A protein linked to learning and memory plays a crucial role in driving desert locusts from harmless grasshoppers to destructive swarms. Researchers discovered that this protein acts as a molecular switch in social feedback loops, triggering the locusts' gregarious behavior.
Researchers found that buttercup flowers' bright yellow reflection is due to their unique petal structure, which doubles the gloss through two flat surfaces and an air gap. The study provides insight into how flowers attract pollinators like bees.
Researchers at University of Cambridge have mapped DNA methylation in human heart, revealing its connection to environmental factors such as diet and lifestyle. The study provides new insights into the genetic changes that can lead to heart disease and potential ways to identify and treat it.
The PomBase database provides a comprehensive resource for studying fission yeast and its relevance to human diseases. The database contains counterparts of over 300 human disease genes, enabling researchers to study mechanisms involved in cell growth and division.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new method to create nanoporous materials, which can be used for water purification and chemical sensors. The collective osmotic shock (COS) process enables the creation of porous structures with realistic industrial cross-over potential.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that amino acids, found in proteins like egg whites, stimulate orexin neurons more than other nutrients. This discovery has implications for understanding obesity and sleep disorders.
New research reveals that chiral metal surfaces can control chiral chemistry, offering a novel approach to pharmaceutical drug synthesis. The study finds that certain surface orientations form stable structures with one molecular enantiomer but not the other, promoting enantiospecific effects.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have identified a rare genetic alteration responsible for a severe form of hypoglycemia. This discovery offers an explanation for the condition and suggests a potential target for new drugs.
A structural variation in the paracingulate sulcus (PCS) may explain why some people are better at distinguishing real events from imagined ones. Adults with an absent PCS were significantly less accurate on memory tasks, despite their own confidence in their memory abilities.
Researchers at Cambridge University have developed a technique to transfer quantum information by controlling individual electrons in Gallium Arsenide. This innovation has the potential to enable faster and more efficient processing in quantum computers, addressing complex problems beyond classical computers' capabilities.
Researchers found that low serotonin levels weaken communication between brain regions, making it harder to control angry feelings. Healthy volunteers' brains were scanned while viewing angry faces to understand the impact of serotonin on aggression.
Scientists at University of Cambridge identify gene HCN2 as key regulator of chronic pain. The discovery opens up possibility of developing new, targeted pain medications.
A new study suggests that separating natural habitats from high-yielding farmland could be an effective way to conserve wild species. The researchers found that farmlands with some retained natural vegetation had more bird and tree species than high-yielding monocultures, but produced less food energy.
A large international study has identified 29 new genetic variants associated with multiple sclerosis, providing key insights into the biology of the disease. The research highlights the pivotal role of the immune system in causing damage and helps explain the nature of the immune attack on the brain and spinal cord.
Modern humans arriving from Africa swarmed the region with over ten times the population of Neanderthals, leading to their sudden disappearance. The incoming group's superior hunting technologies, social contacts, and complex behavioural patterns allowed them to outcompete Neanderthals for resources.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge identified a biomarker for autism in siblings of individuals with autism, showing reduced brain activity to emotional facial expressions. This finding provides an opportunity to investigate genes linked to autism and sheds light on why some family members are more affected than others.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new, more efficient way of generating spin current using collective motion of spins called spin waves. This breakthrough addresses a major obstacle in spintronics, a technology that could radically change computing with high-speed, high-density and low-power consumption.
Research at the University of Cambridge found a connection between impulsivity and superstitious rituals in problem gamblers. The study suggests that high impulsivity can predispose individuals to complex distortions, including superstitions, that contribute to problem gambling.
A new study reveals that bird plumage coloration falls short of filling the colour space, leaving vast regions unoccupied. Despite having an additional color cone sensitive to ultraviolet light, birds can only produce a subset of colors theoretically visible to other birds.
Researchers discovered widespread loss of grey matter in frontal lobe of cocaine users, associated with greater compulsivity and attention problems. The study also found enlarged basal ganglia reward system, suggesting potential inherited vulnerability to addiction.
A study from University of Cambridge found that autism diagnoses are more common in an IT-rich region. The 'hyper-systemizing' theory suggests that populations enriched for analytical skills, such as engineering and mathematics, may have a higher rate of autism.
A new strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been discovered in both human and dairy cow populations. The genetic makeup of the new strain differs from previous strains, making current molecular tests ineffective in detecting it.
A study at the University of Cambridge found that compulsions lead to obsessions, challenging the traditional understanding of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The research provides insight into the debilitating repetitive behavior of OCD and could lead to more effective treatments.
New research provides evidence for the significant differences between new and old red blood cells used for transfusions. The study found that older red blood cells have undergone 'significant changes and damage', compromising their cell membrane integrity, making them not useful for transfusions.
Scientists at University of Cambridge and Rutgers University develop new class of organic thin films on surfaces, exhibiting unique properties ideal for high-density stable thin films. The findings pave the way for creating smaller electronic devices, replacing conventional fabrication techniques.
A new study from the University of Cambridge shows that simple chemical reactions can delay or prevent CO2 from spreading in deep saline rock formations. The findings have implications for carbon sequestration methods and may enable engineers to manipulate reaction strength to enhance storage.
A new study from the University of Cambridge has found that female-to-male transsexual people have a higher number of autistic traits. The research used the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) test and compared AQ scores across five groups, finding that transmen had higher average scores than typical females, males, and transwomen.
Research reveals that host birds have evolved advanced strategies to fight back against brood parasitic cuckoos, including varying egg patterns and egg discrimination. These defenses make it harder for the cuckoo finch to lay accurate forgeries, ultimately outsmarting the parasite.
Poor diet during pregnancy increases offspring's vulnerability to aging effects, leading to increased risk of type 2 diabetes and age-related diseases. The study reveals a novel mechanism by which maternal diet interacts with epigenetics to influence gene expression in offspring throughout life.
A new study found that teenagers rated positively by their teachers had higher levels of well-being later in life, including higher work satisfaction and more frequent social activities. Happy children were also less likely to develop mental disorders throughout their lives.
New research reveals the Earth's core is rotating at a rate of approximately 1 degree every million years, much slower than previously estimated. This finding provides insight into the evolution of the Earth's magnetic field and has implications for simulations of the outer core's convection.
Scientists discovered an 'atmospheric imprint' in insects, revealing where they can survive under climate change. By analyzing oxygen isotopes, researchers determined the type of atmosphere each insect needs to thrive.
A new study from University of Cambridge found that testosterone administration negatively affects women's ability to mind read, an indication of empathy. The effects are predicted by a fetal marker of prenatal testosterone, the 2D:4D ratio.
Scientists have identified a 24-hour internal clock in red blood cells, which works independently of DNA and gene activity. This discovery sheds light on the ancient mechanism that controls daily and seasonal activities across all living organisms.
A recent study found that red deer on the Isle of Rum are rutting earlier in the year, with their calving seasons now up to two weeks earlier than 30 years ago. This change is attributed to warmer spring and summer temperatures, providing rare evidence of climate change's impact on large mammals.