A new study by University of Oxford researchers found that singing groups bonded more quickly than creative writing or craft classes. Singing broke the ice better, getting classmates closer right at the start of the course, but in the longer term, all group activities brought people together similarly.
A follow-up study found that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET) improved fatigue and physical functioning in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, maintaining these improvements over time. The treatments also reduced the likelihood of seeking additional therapy.
A new study of chickens overturns the popular assumption that evolution is only visible over long time scales. The researchers found two mutations in the mitochondrial genomes of the birds in just 50 years, revealing a rate of evolution that is 15 times faster than previously believed.
A new study reveals that the loss of large land animals, whales, and seabirds has disrupted the global nutrient cycle, with a significant reduction in phosphorus transport. The researchers calculate that the ability of these animals to transport nutrients around the globe has been reduced to just 6% of its former capacity.
A team of researchers from Oxford and Stony Brook universities has developed a way to precisely control electrical waves in heart cells using light. This allows for fine control over wave speed, direction, and orientation, enabling unprecedented direct control of organ-level function without manipulating individual cells.
A team of researchers from Oxford University has identified a protein called PAT4 that tumours use to detect food supplies. Targeting this protein may restrict cancerous cells' ability to grow and improve survival rates.
A new study by Oxford University researchers found a strong correspondence between positive lifestyle and behavior traits and specific variations in brain connectivity. Those with classically positive lifestyles had different brain connections to those with classically negative ones.
A University of Oxford study reveals people can't accurately identify their toes even when prodded, with errors in toe identification associated with brain damage and conditions like anorexia nervosa.
A study by Oxford University researchers found that pedaling at high speeds, like professional cyclists, is less efficient for recreational cyclists. The team developed a new equation using cadence to estimate energy consumption on stationary cycle ergometers, providing more accurate results.
Research by University of Oxford scientists found that trauma can change the brain even in those without PTSD, with potential implications for early diagnosis and treatment. The study identified specific brain network imbalances and suggests a spectrum of traumatic effect on the brain.
Wild chimpanzees in Uganda's Budongo Forest are increasingly eating clay to supplement the minerals in their diet, which also helps them 'detox' and digest their food. The researchers observed that accessing clay with leaf sponges provided higher mineral concentrations than taking clay-water or clay directly from the ground.
Mammals underwent rapid 'burst' of evolutionary change in the mid-Jurassic, producing characteristic body shapes that remained recognisable for tens of millions of years. This period of radical change produced up to 8 significant changes per million years, compared to 1-2 at the end of the Jurassic.
Researchers at Oxford University have developed a scalable technique to produce millimetre-sized graphene crystals in minutes, compared to hours using current methods. The new approach creates a liquid layer that smooths out nanoscale valleys, allowing for larger flakes of high-quality graphene.
A new study demonstrates that gene therapy can give life-long protection to photoreceptor cells in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. The preserved cells were able to drive visually-guided behaviour even in later stages of the condition and despite becoming less sensitive to light.
The Oxford Vaccine Group is conducting a Phase II study of an Ebola vaccine regimen, recruiting over 600 healthy adult volunteers in the UK and France. The study aims to assess the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine, as well as determine the best timing for each dose.
A clinical trial testing an Ebola vaccine developed on a new cell line is underway in Senegal, aiming to provide a rapid response to outbreaks. The trial uses two vaccines, ChAd3-EBO Z and MVA-EBO Z, which have shown excellent safety profiles and promise for low-cost mass production.
A study suggests that sleep deprivation can prevent the consolidation of traumatic memories, reducing flashbacks. Participants who slept normally experienced more intrusive memories than those who were sleep-deprived.
Researchers found that hierarchical social structures, where individuals follow a single leader with rapid information passing down the 'chain of command', enable pigeon flocks to navigate accurately. This allows for better decision-making even when individual birds make navigation errors.
Researchers analyzed thousands of women's genomes to determine how genes affect the age of first-time mothers and family size. They found that genes account for about 15% of the differences in these outcomes, suggesting an inherited reproductive advantage.
A pioneering Oxford University study using MRI scans found that babies experience pain much like adults, with 18 of 20 brain regions active in adults also active in babies. The study suggests that infants may be more sensitive to pain than adults and highlights the need for improved pain relief guidelines.
A new study by University of Oxford researchers found that excessive video game time is associated with problem behavior in children, while the type of games played has no significant impact. The study suggests that parents should monitor their child's gaming time to minimize potential risks.
Researchers analyzed DNA samples from 64 populations in Europe, Africa, and the Americas to uncover the genetic fingerprints of the slave trade and colonization. The study found that Americans have a complex genetic profile, with varying proportions of African and European ancestry.
A new study reveals that early modern humans relied heavily on the rainforest for their diet, contradicting the long-held assumption that they avoided tropical forests until around 12,000 years ago. The research analyzed teeth dating back 20,000 years and found that nearly all individuals had a diet sourced from the rainforest.
A new brain imaging study has identified a specific brain area, the dorsal posterior insula, directly related to pain intensity. This discovery could help detect pain in people with limited communication abilities.
Researchers measured growth and photosynthesis rates in Amazonian trees during severe droughts, finding a 10% decrease in photosynthesis rates. This decrease did not affect growth rates but led to increased tree deaths and potential climate change acceleration.
A study by University of Oxford researchers exposes shortcomings in the 'index-calibration' method used in tiger and rare wildlife surveys. The team found that this approach can produce inaccurate results, especially with high uncertainty in detection rates. They suggest alternative methods to improve conservation efforts.
A new study by Oxford University scientists reveals that migrating birds 'share the pain' of leading a v-formation, allowing them to take turns saving energy. The research found that individual birds spend an average of 32% of their time benefiting from flying in the updraft produced by another bird's flapping wings.
A new study found that humans carry fewer endogenous retroviruses in their genomes compared to other mammals. This decrease may be attributed to a less bloody evolutionary history, with reduced exposure to blood-borne viruses as humans transitioned from biting during conflicts and hunting.
The GSK/NIH Ebola vaccine candidate has shown a well-tolerated safety profile and generated an immune response in healthy volunteers. Larger trials are necessary to assess whether the immune responses offer protection against Ebola infection and disease.
Researchers studied the 'garden centre spider' to understand how it spins ultra-fine filaments. The spider uses electrically charged threads to create 'catching wool', which is made of thousands of nano-scale filaments that are combed out and charged.
A 415 million-year-old fish fossil suggests that humans and sharks share more primitive features than previously thought. The ancient creature, named Janusiscus, has a mix of cartilaginous and bony fish-like characteristics, which challenges the current classification of sharks as 'primitive'.
Researchers developed a blood test that detects changes in zinc isotopic composition to identify biomarkers of early breast cancer. A pilot study showed promising results, with the ability to detect key differences in zinc caused by cancer.
Researchers found that great tits learn new foraging techniques by observing others in their social network, adopting the dominant behavior and creating a stable tradition. Even when birds discover multiple methods, they tend to conform to the majority behavior, passing it down to the next generation.
Birds use collapsible wing tucks to respond to turbulent air masses, reducing lift and minimizing jolting. Researchers found that this technique could potentially be used in micro air vehicles to maintain stability in windy conditions.
A new study reconstructs the genetic history of HIV-1 group M and concludes that it originated in Kinshasa around 1920. The team's analysis suggests a 'perfect storm' of factors, including urban growth, transport links, and social changes, contributed to the emergence of HIV from Kinshasa and its spread across Africa and the world.
Researchers at Oxford University found that dry roasting peanuts causes chemical modifications that activate the immune system, leading to an allergic response. This discovery may explain the higher prevalence of peanut allergies in Western countries compared to East Asia.
The international standards provide a common set of criteria for healthy growth, allowing for early detection of underweight and overweight babies. This enables targeted nutritional support and treatment to prevent infant mortality and long-term health problems.
A new Oxford University study reveals differences between individual primate brains linked to their social status, with larger brain regions associated with dominance and subordination. The research also found that brain activity patterns vary with position in the social hierarchy.
A study found that the EU's policy on tobacco control shifted in favor of the industry following massive lobbying. The research used automated content analysis to track changes in language used by health groups and industry stakeholders, revealing a significant shift towards industry interests.
A new study by Oxford University found that young people who played video games for less than an hour a day were associated with being better adjusted than those who played more or never. They reported higher sociability and fewer friendship problems compared to heavier gamers.
A new kidney transplant drug has been shown to halve the early risk of rejection, allowing a less toxic regimen of anti-rejection drugs to be used. The study, published in The Lancet, found that alemtuzumab-based induction therapy reduced acute rejection by 69% compared to basiliximab-based induction therapy.
Researchers found that only 8.2% of human DNA has a clear function, with most being 'junk' DNA. This figure challenges the previous claim of 80% functional DNA, highlighting the need for a more precise definition of 'function'.
Physicist Dr David Robert Grimes has derived equations to explain how guitar techniques manipulate pitch, shedding light on string bending, vibrato, and whammy bars. His research provides insights into the physics behind iconic guitarists' sounds.
A study has identified over 27,000 endogenous retroviruses preserved in the genomes of 38 mammal species, including humans. Larger animals have fewer ERVs, suggesting they may have evolved mechanisms to combat cancer-causing mutations.
Researchers found that taking B vitamins had no effect on cognitive decline or reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease in a meta-analysis of 11 clinical trials involving 22,000 participants. The study suggests that folic acid and vitamin B-12 can lower homocysteine levels, but not prevent the disease.
Researchers captured a genetic snapshot of maize 10 million years ago and traced how it used copied genes to cope with domestication pressures. These gene copies played a vital role in optimizing photosynthesis in maize leaves.
Researchers at Oxford University have developed a new discovery of nano-pixels that can be electrically switched on and off to create high-resolution images. The tiny 'nano-pixels' are just 300 nanometres in size and can be used for applications such as smart glasses, synthetic retinas, and foldable screens.
A new study reveals that users tend to be swayed by recent activity of their friends on Facebook, rather than relying on best-seller lists. The researchers developed a mathematical model to capture the dynamics at play, finding that the 'copycat' tendency plays a strong role in online behavior.
A new study published in The Lancet found that partial knee replacement surgery is safer than total knee replacement, with fewer life-threatening complications and deaths. Patients who undergo partial knee replacement are less likely to experience major complications such as heart attacks, strokes, or deep infections.
A landmark study by Oxford University researchers found that babies' bone growth in the womb and their length and head circumference at birth are strikingly similar globally when born to educated, healthy, and well-nourished mothers. The study involved almost 60,000 pregnancies across eight urban areas worldwide.