A clinical trial of the experimental Ebola drug TKM-130803 has shown that it does not improve survival in adults with severe Ebola infection. Despite this, the study suggests that the drug may have a benefit for patients with less severe disease.
A new study by researchers at the University of Oxford and the University of Toronto has found that upgrading roads and joining them to the city grid can dramatically increase land and property prices, leading to improved financial security for poor households. This infrastructure project in the Mexican city of Acayucan resulted in a 7...
The £43m study will create the biggest collection of scans of internal organs, transforming the way scientists study diseases like dementia, arthritis, cancer, heart attacks, and strokes. This will give new perspectives on preventing and treating multi-faceted conditions.
Scientists at Oxford University have identified biomarkers that could indicate TB risk and provide clues to assess the effectiveness of potential new vaccines. The discovery was made using immune correlates, also known as biomarkers, which can be measured in the blood.
New research from Oxford and Cornell Universities reveals that people's moral judgments are based on absolute rules, even when given more time. Those who adhere to these moral absolutes are seen as more trustworthy and valued in social situations, suggesting an evolutionary basis for this preference.
A 7-year study of half a million Chinese adults found that eating fresh fruit daily was associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality, with strong associations seen in both men and women. The findings suggest that widespread consumption of fresh fruit could prevent hundreds of thousands of cardiovascular deaths annually.
Researchers analyzed the genetic makeup of Zika viruses in Brazil, finding a single introduction date of May-December 2013. The study suggests a correlation between Zika virus and microcephaly cases, but more research is needed to establish causation.
Researchers propose using 'sticky molecules' like IgA to target good bacteria in the gut, preventing pathogenic species from taking hold. This approach has the potential to reduce inflammation and prevent diseases such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.
Researchers aim to collect and analyze 100,000 TB samples to create a database of MDR-TB genes, enabling faster diagnosis using whole genome sequencing. The project, CRyPTIC, will take around five years to complete and could potentially save lives by providing the right treatment.
A new prediction model uses three separate readings and basic patient characteristics to provide an adjusted blood pressure reading with high accuracy. The model correctly classified 93% of cases, outperforming existing guidelines in identifying hypertension.
Researchers at Oxford University found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) significantly improved motor skills in stroke patients. The study showed that tDCS reinforced training, leading to greater recovery and increased brain activity in relevant areas.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that quitting smoking abruptly is more likely to lead to long-term success than gradual reduction. After assessing 697 smokers for four weeks and six months, the research revealed a 25% higher quit rate for those who stopped all at once.
Researchers are testing SPI-1005, an oral drug containing ebselen, as a potential treatment for bipolar disorder. The treatment has shown promise in addressing the lack of effective options for patients with this condition.
New research reveals that ichthyosaurs, highly diverse during their reign, were negatively affected by global changes leading to their extinction. A two-phase event suppressed ecological diversity and wiped out the group at the beginning of the Late Cretaceous period.
A new clinical trial has begun at Oxford and Sheffield to test a potential vaccine for prostate cancer. The vaccine aims to stimulate the immune system's attack on cancer cells by recognizing a specific protein found on their surface. If successful, future studies will assess its effectiveness in preventing disease progression.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that birds migrating greater distances have more new neurons in brain regions responsible for navigation and spatial orientation. The research team discovered a trend of increasing new neurons in line with migration distance, with different brain regions affected in two species.
Researchers found that navigating transport networks in major cities can come perilously close to exceeding humans' cognitive powers, especially with multiple modes of transport and too many interconnections.
Researchers at Oxford University published new charts to assess head circumference at birth, providing a valuable tool in the Zika crisis. These charts enable healthcare professionals to screen all babies worldwide using the same criteria, reducing anxiety among mothers and improving diagnosis accuracy.
Experts argue that drug discovery should focus on 'validity', predicting results in sick people, rather than industrialization or fashion. Mathematical tools show that small changes in validity can have a bigger effect than running more experiments.
Oxford University researchers have identified the origins of severe disease-causing mutations within the testicles of healthy men. These mutations are linked to an increased risk of rare diseases in children born to older fathers, highlighting a potential 'timebomb' for families.
Scientists discovered that PAD4 works with BRD4 to switch E2F-1 from promoting cell growth to inducing inflammation in cancers. Inhibiting both proteins reduced arthritis symptoms and decreased inflammatory products in mice.
Scientists have found that rapid bubble formation in magma chambers may trigger sudden volcanic eruptions. This discovery could change the way volcanoes are monitored, focusing on changes in gas composition at the surface rather than seismic activity or ground deformation.
A study by Oxford University scientists found that human-induced climate change increased the risk of severe storms in the south of England, leading to devastating flooding. The analysis attributed the increase in extreme rainfall to thermodynamic changes in the atmosphere and westerly air flow.
Researchers show that large groups of people sharing in a conspiracy will very quickly give themselves away, using equation to estimate time before exposure. For instance, moon landing hoax would be revealed in just 3 years and 8 months.
Researchers at Oxford University conducted a series of experiments that challenged traditional economic game assumptions. The results showed that people are more generous towards computers, which cannot benefit from cooperation, and that misunderstanding the game can lead to altruism in some cases.
A University of Oxford study published in Royal Society Open Science found that online social media groups are constrained to around 150-200 people, similar to offline networks. Regular Facebook users averaged 155 and 183 friends, respectively, with women having more connections than men.
Scientists at the University of Oxford have created a new technique to speed up vaccine development, utilizing isopeptide bonds to assemble vaccine candidates. This approach enables rapid production of stable vaccines with robust antibody responses.
A study found that text message reminders can significantly improve treatment adherence and reduce blood pressure in adults with high blood pressure. The intervention was particularly effective among patients who received interactive text messaging, which allowed them to change appointment times or languages.
Researchers found that higher Omega-3 fatty acid levels enhance the effectiveness of B vitamins in preventing cognitive decline. The study, which included over 250 participants with mild cognitive impairment, suggests that combining B vitamins and fish oil supplements may improve thinking and memory in older adults.
A kink in the regional fault line creates a ramp that raises the height of the mountains. The rupture on the fault stopped 11km below Kathmandu, indicating another major earthquake could occur within a shorter timeframe.
A new computer program, Mykrobe Predictor, quickly analyzes bacterial DNA to predict antibiotic effectiveness and detect drug-resistant infections. The software streamlines genome analysis, detecting resistance in over 99% of Staphylococcus aureus cases, with faster results for tuberculosis.
A team of researchers found that current harvest levels for gray wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains have led to decreased survival and reproduction rates. The study suggests that policies regulating wolf hunting are not sustainable and should be revised to prioritize population growth.
Researchers at Oxford's NQIT Hub develop a hybrid logic gate using calcium-40 and -43 ions, demonstrating precision beyond the fault-tolerant threshold. This achievement advances the development of trapped-ion quantum computing and its potential to solve complex problems in chemistry and biology.
Researchers at Oxford University are exploring the link between metabolism and inflammation in metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The projects aim to deliver effective treatments and prevention strategies, addressing a global health problem affecting over 400 million people worldwide.
Scientists have discovered a blood test that can predict rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in some individuals even 16 years before the condition takes effect. The test detects antibodies targeting citrullinated tenascin-C, which were found in high levels in joints of people with RA.
Researchers at University of Oxford have developed a new technique that uses T1 mapping to create pixel-by-pixel maps of the heart without injections, improving detail and reducing subjectivity. This technology has the potential to help diagnose heart conditions in patients with severe kidney failure.
Researchers at Oxford University have successfully conducted human trials on the 'rescued' drug ebselen, which may offer a safer alternative to lithium for treating bipolar disorder. The initial trial found that ebselen had similar effects on the brain as lithium and showed promise in reducing side effects.
Researchers at Oxford University found that faster pigeons tend to become flock leaders, learning navigation skills more effectively. In a study of 40 homing pigeons tagged with GPS devices, the team discovered that leadership experience improved efficiency in faster birds.
Researchers find migration between bacteria communities key to horizontal gene transfer and spread of traits like antibiotic resistance. Mathematical modeling reveals the secret behind bacterial sex lies in movement between communities, increasing DNA swap chances.
A new study reveals that up to half of the world's natural history specimens may have incorrect names, which can hinder biologists' work in fields like evolution and conservation. The researchers suggest that digitalised specimens and DNA sequencing can improve naming accuracy when integrated with taxonomic projects.
Researchers have demonstrated the generation of ultra-short x-ray pulses using existing technology, opening up a range of scientific applications. The breakthrough could reveal intricate details in processes like electrons moving in atoms and compressing X-ray flashes to attosecond duration.
Researchers from the University of Oxford discovered a 170-million-year-old fossil on the Isle of Skye that challenges the existence of three previously recognized species. The find reveals that the three species are actually one, with differences in tooth shape being present in the single lower jaw found on the Isle of Skye.
A computer simulation study suggests that treating malaria with a combination of more effective and less effective drugs can slow the spread of drug-resistant parasites. The non-artemisinin therapy, even when only 85% effective, works best in this approach.
Researchers at Oxford University found that apathetic individuals showed more activity in the pre-motor cortex when making decisions, despite being less likely to accept effortful choices. This suggests that biology, not attitude, may be the root cause of apathy in some people.
In a study by Oxford University researchers, wild birds chose to stay close to their partners over accessing food, even when it meant spending less time foraging. This demonstrates the importance of social relationships for wild birds and shows how individual behavior can be shaped around maintaining key relationships.
Researchers have identified genetic markers associated with individual risk of type 2 diabetes, providing new insights into the biological processes underlying the disease. The study's findings suggest that specific DNA variants can influence gene expression in key organs, offering a promising avenue for translation into clinical utility.
A mathematical model reveals that competition between beneficial bacteria helps maintain the stability necessary for a healthy gut. By suppressing overabundant bacteria and keeping different species apart, hosts can intervene to maintain this natural balance.
Researchers at University of Oxford have discovered a new treatment targeting cancer cells with specific SETD2 mutations. The innovative approach uses a drug inhibiting WEE1 protein, exploiting synthetic lethality to selectively kill cancer cells.
Researchers found strong associations between bacterial lineages and age groups, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve vaccine effectiveness. Genome analysis revealed 20 families of Neisseria meningitidis, with three dominant lineages causing 59% of cases over a 20-year period.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that varying pause times before the starting gun can result in significant differences in finishing times among athletes. The researchers propose introducing a warning step to ensure all athletes are ready before the start, and even suggest computerized procedures to minimize human error.