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University of Oxford


Aliens may be more like us than we think

A new study published in the International Journal of Astrobiology suggests that aliens could have evolved in a similar way to humans, with natural selection playing a key role. The research uses evolutionary theory to predict the biological make-up and behavior of complex alien life forms.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalInternational Journal of Astrobiology·DateOct 31, 2017

High blood pressure linked to common heart valve disorder

A new study from The George Institute for Global Health at the University of Oxford found a strong link between high blood pressure and mitral regurgitation, a condition that makes the heart less efficient at pumping blood. Lowering blood pressure through exercise, diet or medication may reduce the risk of developing this condition.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 17, 2017

Trench Foot discovery paves way for new treatment

Researchers have discovered that patients with non-freezing cold injury, also known as 'trench foot,' have a significant reduction in nerve fibers within the skin. This damage causes chronic pain experienced by these patients. Understanding the root cause of the condition may lead to new treatments and improved prevention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalBrain·DateOct 9, 2017

Gene therapy shows promise for reversing blindness

Researchers have shown that gene therapy can reprogram cells at the back of the eye to become light sensitive, potentially reversing blindness. In a study, mice blind from retinitis pigmentosa regained vision and recognized objects in their environment after receiving melanopsin gene therapy.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2017

New hope for limiting warming to 1.5°C

Researchers from the University of Oxford and international partners found that achieving the Paris Agreement's goal of 1.5°C global warming requires more ambitious emission cuts than initially estimated. The study suggests that limiting total CO2 emissions to below 240 billion tonnes could achieve this goal.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 18, 2017

New light on the secret life of badgers

Researchers used RFID technology to track badger movements, finding that individuals often visit multiple locations outside their social groups. This challenges the long-held assumption of territoriality and anti-social behavior in badgers.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateJul 17, 2017

The last survivors on Earth

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that tardigrades can withstand all astrophysical catastrophes and will continue to thrive for at least 10 billion years. The research suggests that life on Earth will extend as long as the Sun shines, opening the possibility of life on other planets.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 14, 2017

The wiser brain: Insights from healthy elders

Researchers analyzed brain activity of 100 healthy Portuguese adults and found that those with better cognitive abilities had more stable and structured brain network states. This study provides new evidence linking brain network dynamics to cognitive performance in later life.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 12, 2017

Genome sequence of a diabetes-prone rodent

The sand rat genome shows a highly divergent GC-rich genomic domain with several essential genes, including the insulin-regulating homeobox gene Pdx1. This region is subject to elevated mutation rates, which could influence evolution and the course of diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 2017

Cancer hijacks natural cell process to survive

Researchers at the University of Oxford have discovered that cancer cells manipulate a natural cell process called nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) to promote their survival. By understanding how NMD affects different types of cancer, scientists may be able to develop new treatments and therapies to control tumour growth.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2017

New approach predicts threats to rainforests

A new study by scientists from the Universities of Oxford, Montana, and the US Forest Service highlights novel approaches to tackling deforestation. The team built a multi-scale model of deforestation on Borneo's island using machine learning algorithms, predicting future deforestation risk faced by remaining forests.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalLandscape Ecology·DateMay 25, 2017