Astronomers have discovered three closely orbiting supermassive black holes in a galaxy over four billion light years away. The system's tight configuration suggests that these closely-packed black holes are far more common than previously thought.
Researchers developed a computer programme that recognizes facial features in photographs to diagnose rare genetic disorders. The algorithm improves accuracy by learning from a growing bank of photographs and identifying clusters of patients with the same condition.
Research by University of Oxford links recession to significant rise in suicides across EU, Canada, and USA between 2008-2010. The study suggests that job loss, home repossession, and debt are major risk factors leading to suicide during economic downturns.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a simple and quick MRI technique that can detect people with early-stage Parkinson's disease with 85% accuracy. The new approach uses resting-state fMRI to analyze brain connectivity in the basal ganglia, identifying those who are at risk before symptoms appear.
Researchers found that spider silk can be tuned to a wide range of harmonics, allowing spiders to detect vibrations from prey and mates. This unique property could inspire new technologies such as tiny sensors.
Researchers used high-powered lasers to create table-top supernovae, recreating the explosive events that occur when stars reignite or collapse. The experiments revealed irregular 'knotty' features and intense radio and X-ray emissions, confirming a theory about the interaction between magnetic fields and interstellar material.
Research by Oxford University psychiatrists found that serious mental illnesses can cut life expectancy by 10-20 years, comparable to the risks associated with heavy smoking. The study emphasizes the need for governments and healthcare systems to address mental health disparities and provide accessible services.
In a study published in Science, researchers found that fruit flies accumulate information before making decisions, suggesting a level of intelligence. The study identified a key gene, FoxP, involved in this process, which may also be linked to human cognitive development and language abilities.
A team of scientists has identified cancer stem cells in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, a malignant blood condition that frequently develops into acute myeloid leukemia. The study provides conclusive evidence for the existence of cancer stem cells and suggests that targeting these cells could lead to effective treatment.
A study found that dinosaurs showed rapid rates of body size evolution in early forms, but these slowed down over time. However, the evolutionary line leading to birds continued to change size at this rate for 170 million years, producing new ecological diversity not seen in other dinosaurs.
Researchers at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Oxford conducted a UK study on the use of ketamine intravenous infusions in people with treatment-resistant depression. The study found that 29% of patients experienced benefit that lasted at least three weeks, while 15% took over 2 months to relapse.
Researchers created 3D X-ray movies of a blowfly's flight muscles, showcasing their complex movements and control. The study provides new insights into how flies manage to perform aerobatic maneuvers with precision, opening up possibilities for innovation in micro air vehicles.
A review of 64 randomized controlled trials found no consistent evidence that home care visits improve the lives of elderly individuals. The studies, conducted over the last 20 years, involved nearly 29,000 people aged over 65 and examined various outcomes such as mortality rates, falls, hospitalization, and quality of life.
A randomized controlled trial by the University of Oxford found that higher levels of omega-3 DHA in the diet are associated with better sleep in healthy children. The study, which involved 362 children aged 7-9, showed that supplements improved sleep duration and reduced waking episodes.
Researchers at University of Oxford are using patient stories to stimulate change in healthcare. They've found that small changes, such as clocks on the wall for intensive care patients or more comfortable pillows, can greatly improve patient experience. This approach brings compassion and dignity back to the fore.
Researchers found that levels of racial prejudice among white people drop significantly when they live in ethnically mixed communities. Positive contact between people belonging to different ethnic groups leads to more tolerant societies overall.
A new study reveals that Greece's health system is deteriorating due to severe austerity measures, leading to a rise in infectious diseases and mental health issues. The country has experienced significant cuts to its healthcare budget, resulting in reduced access to medical care for many patients.
Researchers at Oxford University identified a key molecular component of the brain's sleep switch in fruit flies, which may also apply to humans. The discovery could lead to new targets for novel drugs to improve sleep disorders treatment.
A study of over 48,000 patients and 139,000 healthy controls from four ethnic groups revealed seven new genetic regions associated with type 2 diabetes. The research provides insights into the biological processes involved in the disease and may lead to novel therapies.
Researchers found that tree roots in mountainous ecosystems can regulate carbon dioxide levels by breaking down rock into component parts. This process, called weathering, draws carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and cools the planet, potentially preventing catastrophic overheating or cooling over millions of years.
Research found that organic farms supported 34% more plant, insect, and animal species than conventional farms. This effect has remained stable over time and shows no signs of decreasing.
Researchers discovered how the Phytophthora infestans pathogen adapted to spread between plant species by secreting specialized substances that shut down host defences. By understanding this process, scientists can develop proteases that detect and resist these stealthy molecular mechanisms.
A team of Oxford University researchers has identified a unique brain area in the ventrolateral frontal cortex that is involved in advanced planning and decision-making processes. This area, which does not have an equivalent in monkeys, is also linked to language processing and 'multi-tasking'.
Researchers tracked six dogs and their owner during group walks to determine social rankings and personality traits. Consistently leading the pack was linked to trainability, controllability, aggression, and dominance.
Researchers at Oxford University found that flies living with their brothers cause less harm to females during courting than those living with unrelated flies. This is because related flies are more relaxed in their mating approach and spend less time harassing females, resulting in fewer fights and reduced fecundity for females.
A new study has found that fungi regulate diversity in rainforests by making dominant species victims of their own success. Fungi spread quickly between closely-packed plants of the same species, enabling a wider range of species to flourish.
Researchers found that homing pigeons memorize flight paths better in landscapes with visual complexity like rural areas with hedges. Pigeons struggle to remember routes in very open or dense environments.
Researchers found that traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors are three times more likely to die prematurely from suicide or fatal injuries. The study also showed that TBI survivors who have a history of substance abuse or psychiatric disorders are at highest risk of premature death.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that early hominins like Paranthropus boisei ate a diet of tiger nuts, fruits, and insects, providing enough nutrients for their large brains. The research calculates that a hominin could extract sufficient calories from tiger nuts in just two to three hours per day.
A new Oxford study reveals that individuals tend to maintain a limited number of close relationships and allocate their communication efforts accordingly. Despite advances in mobile technology and social networking, people's capacity for emotionally close relationships remains finite.
A new study found that bird species living together are more similar than different, challenging a widely-held theory on species evolution. The research suggests that competition may not be the driving force behind species differences, instead promoting the evolution of similar traits.
A large-scale study found that government grants in South Africa significantly reduce the risk of sugar daddy relationships among teenage girls, which is a major cause of HIV infection. The study suggests that providing financial security to girls through child support grants can empower them to make safer choices.
Scientists at Oxford University have developed a technique using nanoparticles to investigate the mechanisms underlying 'mystery' cases of infertility. The method involves loading porous silica nanoparticle envelopes with compounds to identify or treat causes of infertility, demonstrating no detrimental effects on sperm function.
A team has achieved a world record 39 minutes for a fragile quantum state to survive at room temperature, paving the way for ultrafast quantum computers. The discovery demonstrates robust and long-lived qubits that could enable efficient quantum calculations.
Scientists have developed a system that can construct its own network of tracks, transport cargo, and dismantle the tracks using DNA and nano-scale motors. The system is powered by ATP fuel and uses motor proteins to control the movement of cargo across the network.
Research from Oxford University found that internet forums provide emotional support for socially isolated young people, while also linking to an increased risk of self-harm and suicide. The review suggests clinical assessments should include questions about online content viewed.
A study by Oxford University researchers suggests that kissing helps humans size up potential partners and keeps them in long-term relationships. The survey found that women rated kissing as more important than men, particularly in long-term relationships where it plays a role in mediating affection and attachment.
A new study led by Oxford University researchers explains the dual natures of the 'Jekyll-and-Hyde' protein E2F, which can boost tumour cell growth and suppress it. The discovery provides a potent target for developing new cancer drugs, with compounds blocking E2F's change into 'Mr Hyde' resulting in cancer cell death
In a surprising twist, males prefer novel partners, whereas females tend to mate with their 'brothers-in-law', suggesting smell plays an important role. This unique preference could have implications for our understanding of mating behaviors in other species.
A new study reveals a 'cascade of events' triggered an early sea level rise, driving animal diversity and innovation during the Cambrian period. The explosion led to the origin of modern ecosystems, skeletons, and specialized modes of life.
A study found that shy male birds are more likely to join flocks of birds with similar personalities than bold males. Shy birds also have fewer social partners and tend to form more stable relationships.
A genetic study has identified a network of genes involved in establishing left-right asymmetry in developing embryos, which may influence handedness. The researchers found correlations between handedness and variants in the PCSK6 gene, which is involved in early embryo development.
A new study by Oxford University found that while obesity increases the risk of complications in childbirth, the risks are not the same for all obese women. Healthy first-time mothers of normal weight face a higher risk of medical interventions and complications than 'very obese' but otherwise healthy women having their second or subse...
A ten-week yoga course improved prisoners' mood, reduced stress, and bettered behavior control. The study suggests yoga may aid in managing the burden of mental health problems in prisons.
A team of scientists from the University of Oxford proposes sustainable intensification as a policy to meet increasing food demands. The approach focuses on improving agricultural productivity while reducing environmental harm, but also acknowledges the need for broader policy changes, including dietary shifts and waste reduction.
Researchers found that cockatoos employ a 'cognitive ratchet' process to solve the problem, suggesting they have a representation of the goal. After mastering the sequence, birds reacted with immediate sensitivity to changes in the puzzle box.
Scientists found that Martian meteorites and surface rocks have similar origins in the planet's deep interior, but surface rocks came from a more oxygen-rich environment. The researchers believe this was caused by recycling of oxygen-rich materials into the interior through subduction.
A study by Oxford University psychologists found that stress or anxiety increases a 'belief in science' in non-religious people, which may help them cope with adversity. The researchers suggest that this belief can offer comfort and reassurance, similar to the benefits of religious faith.
Fossils from 1,900 million-year-old rocks in Lake Superior's Gunflint chert provide evidence of ancient heterotrophy. The team discovered microbes consumed other bacteria, producing a 'rotten egg' whiff similar to modern bacterial activity.
Researchers at Oxford University have developed a custom-built 3D printer that can create materials with properties similar to living tissues. The printed 'droplet networks' are entirely synthetic and could potentially deliver drugs or replace damaged human tissues in the future.