Researchers have successfully developed genetically modified chickens that do not transmit avian influenza virus to other chickens, potentially stopping bird flu outbreaks within poultry flocks. This genetic modification has the potential to reduce the risk of bird flu epidemics leading to new flu virus epidemics in humans.
A new study published in The Lancet shows that starting treatment with two medicines instead of one produces better and faster results, and fewer side effects. This challenges popular medical practice and could change clinical practice worldwide.
Researchers have identified a mechanism to regenerate insulating layers in the brain that protect nerve fibers in multiple sclerosis. The study shows activating stem cells can repair injury in the central nervous system, reversing damage caused by MS.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that brain disruptions cause confusion between memories, leading to false remembering. This insight could lead to new treatments reducing memory confusion and improving daily functioning for patients.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have made breakthroughs in the Haber-Bosch process, aiming to produce fertilizers more efficiently while reducing energy consumption. Their innovative approach uses single-crystal iron samples and ultra-high vacuum conditions to achieve significant improvements.
Researchers have identified the origin of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), which promote nerve repair in the central nervous system. OECs are derived from neural crest cells, which can be grown in large quantities from adult stem cells.
Researchers found Tuberous Bushcricket produces large testes but less sperm per ejaculate, defying traditional thinking. The study suggests males use larger testes to mate repeatedly without exhausting their sperm reserves.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that a type of stromal cell found in many cancers expresses fibroblast activation protein alpha, which suppresses the immune response. Destroying these cells allows the immune system to control tumours, paving the way for improved immunological therapies.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers has revealed that an anti-obesity drug changes the way the brain responds to high-calorie foods in obese individuals. The drug sibutramine reduced activity in two regions of the brain involved in appetite control and eating behaviour, leading to greater weight loss.
Scientists at University of Cambridge discover how sloths evolved their unique neck skeleton, finding early bone formation in distal neck vertebrae. The study reveals that sloth's bottom neck vertebrae are developmentally similar to ribcage vertebrae of other mammals.
Scientists have discovered a mechanism that raises blood pressure in pre-eclampsia, a potentially deadly condition during pregnancy. Researchers found that the protein angiotensinogen is oxidised and changes shape to release the hormone angiotensin, which then raises blood pressure.
Conservationists argue that managing biodiversity as a global public good is key to its preservation. The paper emphasizes the need for policymakers, businesses, and civil society to incorporate biodiversity into their decisions.
A new study by University of Cambridge researchers found that mindfulness training increased well-being in 155 adolescent boys. The four-week program improved feelings of happiness and contentment while also enhancing resilience and stress management skills. The benefits were particularly noticeable in students who struggled with anxiety.
Scientists have created diseased liver cells from human skin samples to model a range of inherited disorders. The breakthrough could lead to personalized treatments and cell-based therapy for those suffering from liver diseases.
The new podcast series aims to raise awareness about the importance of ocean environments and the threats they face. The shows will explore various topics, including climate change, tracking sharks, whaling, and overfishing.
A study of 872 individuals found that more education reduces dementia risk by improving brain coping mechanisms. Individuals with higher education levels exhibited similar brain pathology but better compensation for dementia effects.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have successfully mimicked the colorful wing scales of tropical butterflies using nanofabrication techniques. This innovation has promising applications in security printing, enabling more secure authentication and anti-forgery measures on banknotes and other valuable items.
Researchers found a massive carbon dioxide 'burp' occurred 18,000 years ago, locking away CO2 in the deep ocean during the last ice age. This discovery supports the theory that ocean circulation played a significant role in triggering global warming during ice ages.
Desert locusts that swarm together have larger brains with altered proportions compared to solitary locusts. Their bigger brains are thought to help them cope with the challenges of living in large groups and finding varied food sources.
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.