Researchers from the University of Cambridge used AI to identify compounds that block alpha-synuclein aggregation, a key step in treating Parkinson's disease. This breakthrough could lead to faster development of new treatments for the condition, which affects over six million people worldwide.
A new study reveals that competition between species played a major role in the rise and fall of hominins. The research found that the Homo lineage experienced an unprecedented number of new species emerging, contradicting traditional views on evolutionary patterns. Technology, such as stone tools and fire, may have driven this process.
A study led by the University of Cambridge found that AI models like GPT-4 outperformed doctors in diagnosing and treating eye problems. The researchers suggest using AI for triaging patients and providing advice in well-controlled contexts, where access to specialist healthcare professionals is limited.
Researchers evaluated different pig farming systems, finding that none performed well across all four areas: land use, greenhouse gas emissions, antibiotics use, and animal welfare. However, some individual farms did excel in all domains, highlighting the potential for trade-offs to be minimized.
A new study found that childhood maltreatment can continue to impact mental and physical health into adulthood due to its effects on risk factors such as obesity, inflammation, and traumatic experiences. Researchers used MRI brain scans to confirm that widespread changes in brain structure were associated with childhood maltreatment.
A team of researchers analyzed 49 silver coins from the Fitzwilliam Museum and found a chemical and isotopic signature matching third- to seventh-century silver from the Byzantine Empire. The study reveals a surge in trade involving these silver coins between 660 and 750 AD, which had a significant impact on people's lives. Later analy...
A study published in Nature Genetics reveals early cell changes in healthy carriers of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, suggesting a potential target for breast cancer prevention. The researchers created the world's largest catalogue of human breast cells, which may lead to the use of existing immunotherapy drugs as an early intervention.
A new water quality analysis technique can detect organic chemicals in rivers and lakes, identifying their source and predicting their impact. This method uses high-resolution mass spectrometry to analyze water samples within an hour, providing a comprehensive overview of all organic molecules present.
A new study finds that BCG vaccination reduces TB transmission in cattle by almost 90%. Vaccinated cows also develop significantly fewer visible signs of TB than unvaccinated ones. The vaccine has the potential to control bovine tuberculosis and put herds on a pathway towards elimination.
A recent study by the University of Cambridge found that farmed salmon production leads to a loss of essential nutrients. Consuming one-third of current food-grade wild feed fish directly could maximize nutrients from the sea. This approach could help address global nutrient deficiencies and improve both diets and ocean sustainability.
Researchers discover 'blueprint' for prehistoric Fenfolk's home interiors and daily routines in Must Farm site. The settlement revealed surprisingly comfortable lifestyles with modern-style homes, honey-glazed venison meals, and fine linen clothes.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge discovered that making solar cells super-efficient is harder than thought, but found alternative ways to improve energy capture. They proposed flexible, semi-transparent panels that can fold up and be integrated into various settings.
A study using AI to analyze almost 180,000 food outlets found that restaurants tend to have the healthiest menus, followed by cafes and snack bars. The research reveals a 'double burden' on people living in deprived areas due to high concentrations of unhealthy fast-food outlets.
Scientists have discovered the oldest fossilized forest on Earth, dating back 390 million years, in the Devon and Somerset coast of South West England. The fossils, known as Calamophyton, are a 'prototype' of modern trees, with characteristics such as hollow trunks and twig-like structures.
Astronomers have spotted a galaxy that stopped forming new stars over 13 billion years ago, when the universe was just 700 million years old. The 'dead' galaxy experienced a short and intense period of star formation, followed by rapid quenching.
A genetic mutation in a quarter of all Labradors hard-wires them for obesity, making them hungrier between meals and burning fewer calories. Owners must be strict with feeding and exercising their dogs to keep them slim.
Studies found that people with SARS-CoV-2 infection often experience persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and memory problems due to inflammation and low iron levels. Early iron dysregulation was detectable in those reporting long COVID months later.
A rare 11th-century Islamic astrolabe with Arabic and Hebrew inscriptions has been discovered in Italy, providing a powerful record of scientific exchange between Arabs, Jews, and Christians. The astrolabe features modifications and additions made by multiple users, including translations and corrections in Hebrew.
High levels of air pollution have a significant negative impact on teams' ability to solve complex problems, such as developing clean energy technologies and vaccines. The study used escape-room games data to estimate that high-pollution days can lead to up to 5% longer completion times for teams.
A new study challenges traditional Western music theory by showing that participants prefer chords with slight deviations from mathematical ratios, and that unfamiliar instruments like the 'bonang' offer new patterns of consonance. The research encourages musicians to experiment with different instruments and explore new harmonies.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge found that patients who see their regular doctor wait longer between visits, but this is offset by improved productivity. The study suggests a 5% reduction in consultations if all practices provide continuity of care, which could benefit both patients and the NHS.
A large-scale clinical trial has shown that offering early advanced therapy to newly-diagnosed Crohn's patients can drastically improve outcomes, including reducing the need for urgent abdominal surgery. The 'top-down' treatment strategy, which involves providing infliximab as soon as possible after diagnosis, resulted in significantly...
Research identifies interferon gamma (IFN-γ) as a potential biomarker for Long COVID fatigue and highlights an immunological mechanism underlying the disease. High levels of IFN-γ persisted in some patients for up to 31 months, coinciding with symptom resolution after vaccination.
A University of Cambridge study found that school uniforms are associated with lower physical activity levels in young people, particularly primary school-aged girls. In countries where most schools require uniforms, fewer students meet the recommended 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day.
Researchers developed sensors using aerogels to detect formaldehyde, a common indoor air pollutant, with real-time detection capabilities. The sensors require minimal power and can distinguish between different gases.
Researchers found that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet thinned by 450 meters in just under 200 years at the end of the Last Ice Age. The study sheds light on how quickly Antarctic ice could melt if temperatures continue to soar.
Researchers found that older adults' brains recruit the cuneus region and frontal cortex to improve performance on fluid intelligence tasks, compensating for age-related cognitive decline. This new finding suggests alternative compensation mechanisms beyond previously assumed networks.
Researchers developed a mathematical model showing how cicadas come to a consensus about local average temperature, leading to large-scale swarms. The model is related to those describing 'avalanches' in decision-making among stock market traders, highlighting the importance of communication in collective behavior.
Researchers have identified two genetic factors, LSH1/LSH2, that promote the production of specialized root cells required for nitrogen-fixing bacteria to thrive in legumes. This discovery brings us closer to engineering non-legume crops to develop root nodule organs and reduce our reliance on industrial nitrogen fertilizers.
A University of Cambridge study found that people of religious faith experienced lower levels of unhappiness and stress during the UK's Covid-19 lockdowns. The research suggests that religion may act as a bulwark against increased distress and reduced wellbeing during times of crisis.
Researchers discovered that fasting raises arachidonic acid levels, which inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome and reduce chronic inflammation. This finding may explain how calorie restriction protects against diseases linked to Western diets.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed a robotic sensor that reads Braille at twice the speed of humans, achieving 87% accuracy. The breakthrough uses machine learning algorithms to 'deblur' images and recognize letters, paving the way for potential applications in robotics and prosthetics.
Researchers have discovered a simple rule to design single-atom alloy catalysts for chemical reactions, allowing scientists to identify promising catalysts rapidly and efficiently. The 'ten electron rule' enables the prediction of catalytic activity by analyzing the periodic table.
A study led by the University of Cambridge found that removing the largest wine glass serving size (250ml) from English pubs and bars resulted in an average reduction of 7.6% in wine sales. This modest decrease suggests that customers may shift towards smaller options without increasing overall alcohol consumption.
Researchers used 'mini-placentas' to understand how the placenta interacts with the uterus, which is critical for fetal growth and development. The study identified key proteins involved in successful implantation and found clues on how pre-eclampsia occurs.
A study of nearly 1,000 English schools found that only six have whole-school language policies addressing support for EAL students and expectations concerning English. Most schools lack clear policies, particularly in supporting EAL learners, which could hinder learning and create disjointed experiences for these students.
Researchers discovered a massive black hole at the center of galaxy GN-z11, which dates back 13 billion years and challenges traditional theories on black hole formation. The ancient black hole is 'eating' its host galaxy, suggesting alternative formation mechanisms.
Researchers developed a platform combining automated experiments with AI to predict chemical reactivity, greatly accelerating the design process for new drugs. A machine learning model predicts where molecules will react and how reaction sites vary under different conditions, enabling precise tweaks to complex molecules.
A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge and Max Planck Institute found that water molecules at the surface of saltwater are organized differently than previously thought. The study's findings suggest a depletion of positively charged ions and negatively charged ions, leading to a reversal of textbook models.
A large-scale ancient human gene bank analysis revealed that genetic variants increasing MS risk were introduced by sheep and cattle herders 5,000 years ago. This finding explains the North-South Gradient of MS prevalence in Europe.
Research from the University of Cambridge found that people with overweight or obesity experience a short-term increase in bodyweight when their depressive symptoms rise. The study suggests that monitoring and addressing depressive symptoms could help prevent further weight gain and improve overall health.
A study found that Spanish butterflies are better at regulating their body temperature by basking in the sunshine compared to British counterparts. However, rising global temperatures due to climate change may put Spanish butterflies at greater risk of extinction if they cannot adapt quickly enough.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge identified iron-bearing sulfate minerals as the cause of the mysterious UV absorption feature on Venus' clouds. The discovery was made possible by synthesizing and analyzing minerals under extreme chemical conditions.
Tackling inequality is vital to mitigate climate change effectively, as wealthy individuals often have greater ability to reduce their carbon footprint. Deep-rooted inequalities restrict people's capacity to switch to lower-carbon behaviours, making it essential for policymakers to provide equal opportunities across all income brackets.
A new study found that fossil fuel companies rarely respond to online discussions about extreme weather, but instead engage with sustainability initiatives and corporate efforts. Climate misinformation can fuel denialism and delay action, emphasizing the need for understanding how it's designed and spread.
Researchers developed a 360-degree head-up display system that can project holographic representations of road obstacles, improving road safety. The system uses LiDAR data to create accurate and dynamic information about potential hazards.
A global study of 240,000 students challenges the widespread policy conviction that bridging the academic gap hinges on improving socio-emotional skills. Despite high levels of socio-emotional skills among disadvantaged children, their relative underperformance at school remains largely unchanged.
A study of over 1,000 patients and clinicians found that patient self-assessments were undervalued, with clinicians ranking them lowest in diagnostic decisions. Experts call for a more collaborative approach valuing patients' 'lived experiences', citing potential benefits including improved diagnostic accuracy and patient satisfaction.
A Cambridge-led study discovered the cause of pregnancy sickness, attributing it to a hormone produced by the fetus called GDF15. The severity of nausea and vomiting depends on the amount of GDF15 produced and the mother's sensitivity to it. Building up tolerance to GDF15 before pregnancy may prevent sickness.
A cross-disciplinary study from the University of Cambridge reveals that a drought in southern California in the mid-1970s led to the explosive rise of professional skateboarding culture. The authors argue that small environmental changes can have profound effects on human behavior, stimulating cultural and technical innovation.