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.
Researchers have mapped the 8-mile thick molten rock layers beneath the Atlantic Ocean's edges, providing insight into the break-up of continents and massive greenhouse gas releases. The study also developed a new method to see through lava flows, enabling oil exploration in previously restricted areas.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge highlight a strong correlation between persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and insulin resistance, leading to adult-onset diabetes. Research suggests that individuals with high POPs levels in their blood are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, even if they are thin.
A new study by Cambridge University found that doctors treating life-threatening emergencies like allergy attacks often give the wrong dosage of adrenaline because of confusing labelling. The researchers discovered that this can lead to dosing errors and delays in administering the drug.
Scientists at University of Cambridge identified a signalling molecule governing plant circadian clock response to environmental changes. This discovery alters the current understanding of the circadian clock and may have significant implications for agriculture.
Cambridge researchers identified distinct brain patterns in individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and their close family members. This discovery could lead to more accurate diagnosis and prediction of OCD risk, as well as a better understanding of the underlying causes of the condition.
Researchers have discovered that the FTO gene influences weight gain by modifying DNA, suggesting a role in controlling hunger and satiety. The study found that the FTO variant is common and associated with increased risk of obesity and diabetes, paving the way for potential therapeutic manipulation.
Researchers at University of Cambridge and Institute of Physics of Cantabria propose existence of cosmic defects called textures, predicted by particle physics theories. Textures are defects in vacuum left over from hot early universe, observed as hot and cold spots in cosmic microwave background radiation.
Researchers discovered that specialized sugars are predominantly responsible for bone's characteristic toughness and stiffness, challenging previous beliefs about collagen's role. This finding could lead to new treatments for osteoporosis and other bone disorders by targeting sugar molecules.
Researchers find that bdelloid rotifers, an asexual organism, have evolved different gene functions to protect themselves during dehydration. This discovery provides insight into the benefits of asexuality and challenges the assumption that sexual reproduction is always necessary for survival.
In a study on the superb fairy-wren, researchers found that mothers who receive child-care assistance from helpers produce smaller eggs with less nutritious yolks, allowing them to live longer and breed more often. This unique adaptation suggests that helper birds may play a crucial role in the survival of some bird species.
Scientists have discovered that leptin controls our fondness for food by activating brain regions responsible for rewarding emotions and desires. The study found that individuals deficient in leptin show strong responses to food pictures, even after eating, whereas treatment with leptin normalizes these responses.
A gene variant in the complement C3 gene has been found to more than double the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of visual loss and blindness. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggests that inflammation plays a key role in the disease process.
Researchers found that daily treatments of Alprazolam and chloral hydrate improved learning, arousal, and regular sleep patterns in HD mice. The study suggests that restoring normal sleep-wake activity could slow cognitive decline, improving quality of life for patients.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have made a breakthrough in understanding why some individuals may be predisposed to drug addiction. They found that certain changes in brain chemistry pre-date drug use and are linked to impulsivity. This discovery could lead to more targeted treatments for addiction with fewer side effects.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that western scrub-jays store food items they believe will be scarce in the future, planning accordingly. This complex behavior suggests advanced thought processes, including a sophisticated concept of past, present, and future.
Female Antarctic fur seals travel long distances to mate with genetically diverse males, rather than local dominant males. This behavior enables species to maintain genetic diversity, crucial for resisting disease and parasites.
Cambridge scientists have discovered that differences between embryonic cells appear earlier than previously thought, before the fourth cleavage of the embryo. The study suggests that manipulating epigenetic information in histone H3 can influence cell fate determination.
A team of Cambridge-led researchers has identified a genetic mutation that renders carriers pain-insensitive. The study reveals the role of the SCN9A gene in pain sensation and may lead to new, safer pain medications.
Two studies by researchers at the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford found that volcanic gases released during eruptions accelerate reactions leading to ozone destruction. The eruptions can destroy ozone and create localised 'holes' in the stratosphere, with even small eruptions having a significant impact.
Researchers at Cambridge University have developed an effective new method to test cognitive decline in mice with Huntington's disease using an automated touch screen. The tool allows for minimal movement by the mouse and is less stressful, making it a valuable asset in studying neurological disorders.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that African pied babbler adults continue to care for their young after they stop feeding directly. The parents call the inexperienced fledglings to areas with readily available food, improving their foraging success rate.
Researchers urge governments to implement stricter controls on the live reef fish trade, a growing threat to coral reefs. The trade has devastating effects on the ecosystem, including the depletion of coral reef stocks and the spread of destructive harvesting methods.
Researchers discovered older meerkats introduce dead and injured prey before live food as pups learn to hunt, using calls to gauge age and ability. The helpers monitor pup behavior and adjust prey presentation accordingly.
A recent University of Cambridge study found that managerial ability and effort play little part in securing and maintaining high-level jobs. Instead, reputation is largely determined by the team's performance and luck, which can impact job security.
Gallium nitride is used to produce very bright light emitting diodes and lasers, and very high power transistors that can operate at high temperatures. The technology has potential applications in mobile phone base stations, surgery, and dentistry, promising huge energy savings and CO2 reductions.
Researchers study energy consumption in insect brains to better understand human brain function and develop more effective treatments for stroke patients. The team's findings could also improve our understanding of state-of-the-art scanning techniques like MRI and PET.