Researchers at Cambridge have developed a way to visualize chemistry in lithium-ion batteries using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. This technique could help identify the formation of dendrites, which cause short circuits and fires, enabling the development of safer battery technologies.
A study from the University of Cambridge found that problem gamblers' brains react more intensely to near misses than casual gamblers. This reaction is linked to increased activity in brain regions associated with reward and learning, and may contribute to addictive behavior.
Researchers discovered that birds use complex patterns and color to detect foreign eggs, but surprisingly, they don't rely on the unique scribbles found only on host eggs. This finding offers insights into a 20 million-year-old evolutionary arms race between cuckoo parasites and their hosts.
Researchers found that human brains, nematode worms and computer chips have a Russian doll-like architecture and exhibit Rentian scaling. This discovery challenges the notion that the human brain is unique and highlights the importance of studying simple organisms like the worm to gain insights into our own evolution.
Researchers identify 110 million-year-old tyrannosaur hip bone from Australia, challenging the idea that tyrannosaurs only existed in the northern hemisphere. The discovery sheds new light on the group's evolutionary history and raises questions about why they evolved into giant predators like T. rex only in the north.
Researchers have discovered a molecule, Affibody, that can prevent the formation of toxic protein clumps in the brain and promote their clearance. This breakthrough could lead to new possibilities in Alzheimer's therapy development, offering hope for preventing the disease.
Researchers found that birds leave messages in the egg that influence the development of their chicks' begging behavior. The messages can affect the chick's weight gain and survival after hatching.
Researchers found tiny genetic regions, or hotspots, responsible for the butterflies' identical wing patterns, challenging previous assumptions about evolution. The study reveals a flexible genetic mechanism underlying this remarkable example of adaptation.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a new algorithm that significantly improves glucose control and reduces the risk of hypoglycemia in children with type 1 diabetes. The study shows that using an artificial pancreas system overnight can halve the time blood glucose levels fall below 3.9mmol/l, while sleeping.
A team of scientists found that brain size evolved differently in various primate lineages, with some species experiencing decreases in brain mass despite larger body sizes. This challenges the long-held assumption that evolution always results in bigger brains.
A study published in PLoS ONE found a correlation between DNA methylation and heart failure, suggesting that environmental factors may play a key role in the development of the disease. The researchers compared DNA from diseased hearts with healthy hearts and found distinct 'marks' on the genome
Scientists discovered that locusts, like mammals, rely on vision rather than touch to navigate ladders. This finding highlights the complexity of insect behavior and challenges the notion that larger brains are necessary for sophisticated motor control.
Scientists found that autistic brains show less activity when processing self-relevant information, unlike typical brains. This atypical response may contribute to social difficulties in individuals with autism, impacting their ability to navigate relationships and develop social skills.
Researchers have identified a specific gene on chromosome 16 called SH2B1 that plays a key role in regulating weight and handling blood sugar levels. The study found large chromosomal deletions associated with severe early-onset obesity in children.
Researchers found that individuals in vegetative and minimally conscious states can form associations and demonstrate partial consciousness through classical conditioning. This breakthrough has implications for assessing patient consciousness without imaging or instructions.
The Rome meeting aimed to address the challenges of sharing biological research data and materials, highlighting the negative impact of restrictive licensing on genetically engineered mice and embryonic stem cells. The meeting recommended increasing investment in public databases and mouse repositories to facilitate efficient sharing.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have identified a critical protein called Nanog that plays a pivotal role in creating pluripotent cells. By understanding how Nanog influences other molecules, scientists hope to develop more efficient and safe methods for harnessing stem cells for medical applications.
Rats fed a high-fat diet showed reduced physical endurance and cognitive decline after nine days. They were able to run only 50% as far on a treadmill as those on a low-fat diet.
A new study demonstrates that rooks can solve complex problems using tools, including raising water levels to reach a floating worm. The birds' ability to estimate the number of stones needed and adapt to different stone sizes shows remarkable intelligence.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge and Birmingham have successfully created a new particle called spinon and holon when electrons are confined to narrow wires. This experiment has significant implications for the development of quantum computers, which could lead to a new computer revolution.
Researchers found individual algal cells can regulate flagellar beating in synchrony to control swimming trajectories, exhibiting two distinct modes: synchronous and unsynchronised. This study reveals hydrodynamic interactions as the driving force behind synchronization.
A new genetic study has identified 27 genes associated with Asperger syndrome, autistic traits, and empathy. The research found that single nucleotide polymorphisms in these genes were nominally associated with autistic traits and empathy, providing preliminary leads for understanding the genetic basis of Asperger syndrome.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge and UCSF have identified the Wnt pathway as a crucial determinant of brain stem cells' ability to repair damaged tissue. The study's findings open up new avenues for developing therapies that block the Wnt pathway, potentially enhancing remyelination in MS patients.
A new study found that many nations are seeing an annual increase in visitors to their conservation areas, with visitor numbers rising by as much as 7 or 8 per cent per year in some countries. The research suggests that nature-based tourism remains extremely popular and is growing quickly in most places.
Researchers at Cambridge University successfully cage individual molecules of white phosphorous, rendering it safe until release. The technique has potential to be used in cleaning up spills and handling other dangerous chemicals with greater safety.
Research reveals that clearing the Amazon rainforest brings initial improvements in income and quality of life for Brazilian communities, but these gains are short-lived. The study suggests that levels of development revert back to below national average levels once natural resources are exploited and deforestation expands.
Researchers found that inexperienced reed warblers learn to defend themselves by observing the mobbing behavior of other members of their species. This social learning enables them to fine-tune their defenses against cuckoo parasites, a mechanism that responds rapidly to changes in parasitism.
Researchers found that rooks can use tools to solve problems and adapt them for better performance. They also demonstrated sequential tool use and creative modifications.
Research published in The Lancet found that diabetics who maintain intensive, low blood sugar levels are significantly less likely to suffer heart attacks and coronary heart disease. This is due to a 17% reduction in heart attacks and a 15% reduction in coronary heart disease.
Researchers found that a specific region of the brain, orbitofrontal cortex and ventral striatum, is associated with higher levels of social reward dependence and emotional warmth. This discovery may help understand why some people are more sociable than others.
Researchers found that bees prefer conical-celled petals with a rough surface, allowing for better grip and easier nectar extraction. This adaptation enables bees to efficiently collect nectar from flowers in windy or wet conditions.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered 'dancing' algae, Volvox, that form stable groupings and exhibit unique waltzing and minuet patterns. The 'dance' is held together by fluid flows and induced attraction between colonies.
Scientists from the University of Cambridge discovered four rare genetic mutations that reduce the risk of developing type 1 diabetes, a link between T1D and enterovirus infections established. The IFIH1 gene variants were found to protect against T1D by reducing immune activation caused by enterovirus infections.
A study published in Neuron found that near-misses in slot machines elicit brain activity linked to natural rewards and motivate players to gamble again. Brain regions involved in drug addiction showed increased activity in response to near-misses.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have identified a key biological reason behind locust swarming behavior, linking it to an increase in serotonin in specific parts of the insect's nervous system. This discovery could lead to new strategies for controlling locust plagues and understanding behavioral traits in animals.
Researchers at University of Cambridge identify Neurokinin B as critical part of control system that switches on human puberty, offering new treatments for sex hormone dependent diseases and contraception. The discovery also has implications for understanding normal regulation of key bodily functions.
Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease share common genetic mechanisms, including autoimmunity-related tissue damage and intolerance to dietary antigens, the study found. Researchers identified seven chromosome regions shared between the two diseases, suggesting a potential link in environmental triggers as well.
Entrepreneurs are riskier decision-makers than managers, according to a study published in Nature. The study found that entrepreneurs' 'functional impulsivity', or ability to make quick decisions under stress, is linked to brain neurochemistry and may be possible to teach or enhance with pharmaceuticals.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that alemtuzumab may not only stop MS from advancing but also restore lost functions in patients. The study found that alemtuzumab reduces attacks by 74% and disability accumulation by 71% compared to a current treatment.
A study by the University of Cambridge found a link between lower cortisol levels and antisocial behavior in male adolescents. The research suggests that antisocial behavior may be linked to physiological symptoms, including a chemical imbalance of cortisol in the brain and body.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that disrupting or erasing memories associated with drug use during recall can prevent relapse in recovering drug abusers. By blocking a brain chemical receptor important to learning and memory, scientists reduced drug-seeking behaviors in rats for up to four weeks.
Researchers at University of Cambridge discovered under-active brain regions associated with genetic risk for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to measure brain activity in patients with OCD and their family members, showing impaired function in areas controlling flexible behavior.
Scientists have discovered the location of doped hole carriers that aggregate in high-temperature superconductors, advancing understanding of how they form pairs. This finding reveals the interplay between magnetism and superconductivity, suggesting that non-superconducting vortex cores may exhibit collective magnetism.
Scientists found that delaying childbirth has contributed to rising caesarean sections, with advancing maternal age associated with impaired uterine function. The study suggests that understanding the effects of age on childbirth is crucial in addressing increasing rates of intervention in pregnancy.
Scientists say conserving biodiversity must consider reducing greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation. A plan to protect forests could shift land use to low-carbon forests and harm other ecosystems important for biodiversity. Conservation efforts may need to focus on less valuable but biodiverse forests and non-forest ecosystems.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge and Bristol have successfully maintained membrane complexes intact in a mass spectrometer, enabling the study of previously unexplored interactions. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for understanding cellular security and drug resistance.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that low serotonin levels are associated with increased impulsivity, particularly during social interactions. The study suggests that boosting serotonin levels through diet or therapy may help alleviate symptoms of depression, OCD, and anxiety disorders.
Researchers analyzed 13,000 virus samples from 2002 to 2007 to understand migration patterns of seasonal flu. They found that East and Southeast Asia serves as a source for influenza A (H3N2) viruses globally, with new strains emerging in the region before spreading to other parts of the world.
Research at University of Cambridge reveals high morning testosterone levels increase City traders' profits for the rest of the day. Testosterone is found to boost confidence and appetite for risk, leading to a positive-feedback loop that can be detrimental if excessive.
Menopause is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation that helps minimize reproductive competition between females in the same family unit. The researchers propose that older women should cease breeding when younger women start to breed, explaining the observed timing of reproductive cessation in humans.