A new study published in Nature Microbiology reveals high prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes in mothers and neonates from 7 LMICs. The researchers found that ARGs were present in neonates within hours of birth, indicating initial colonization with antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A new breath-driven hand prosthesis offers a lightweight, low-maintenance option for children and those in low-resource settings. The device is powered by the user's breathing and provides simultaneous control and actuation, with minimal maintenance required.
The new AI system uses associative learning to detect similarities in datasets, reducing processing time and computational cost. By leveraging optical parallel processing and light signals, the system can identify patterns and associations more efficiently than conventional machine learning algorithms.
A new study by researchers at the University of Oxford found that ageing female wild red deer on the Isle of Rum in Scotland tend to adopt a life of solitude as they grow older. They interact with fewer other individuals within their home ranges and shift to less populated areas of their habitat.
Researchers have discovered rare colonies of Rock Doves, the wild ancestors of common domestic and feral pigeons, on secluded Scottish and Irish islands. The findings provide valuable insights into how the domestic pigeon came to be, with varying degrees of interbreeding between the two forms of the species.
Hawks use a unique flight path to slow down to a safe speed while minimizing the distance from the perch at which they stall. This allows them to control their landings effectively, even when slowing down risks stall, leading to sudden loss of flight control.
Scientists at the University of Oxford have created a new type of computing processor that uses light to process information, achieving speeds faster than traditional electronics. By leveraging multiple polarisation channels, the researchers increased computing density by several orders of magnitude, paving the way for more efficient p...
Scientists have found that axisymmetric 'spike waves' can exceed previously thought limits on ocean wave height, leading to significant implications for maritime safety. The new research revealed the fundamental mechanisms behind highly directional and crossing waves becoming much larger than others.
A study found that Pseudomonas bacterium rapidly develops resistance to Colistin due to a gene called pmrB, which mutates at an extremely high rate. This allows the bacteria to adapt to changing immune system conditions and survive antibiotic treatment.
A new study reveals that Manx shearwaters use dynamic soaring to harvest wind energy and travel efficiently across the ocean. The birds' ability to adapt their flight patterns to optimize energy gain suggests a potentially game-changing strategy for drones and other aerial vehicles.
A population-scale study found COVID-19 vaccination is effective in most cancer patients but offers lower protection and wanes quickly. Vaccine effectiveness was lower (65.5%) in cancer patients compared to the general population (69.8%), with higher hospitalization and death risks despite vaccination.
A long-term international study found tropical tree mortality has doubled in Australia's rainforests over the past 35 years, with average tree death rates increasing by half. The research suggests the main driver is the increasing drying power of the atmosphere due to global warming.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have demonstrated the efficacy of adalimumab in treating early-stage Dupuytren's disease. The trial found that patients receiving adalimumab experienced softening and reduction in size of treated nodules, with sustained effects up to nine months after treatment.
Scientists at the University of Oxford have developed an 'optomemristor' device that facilitates three-factor learning and emulation of biological computations, making it possible to perform complex machine learning tasks. The device uses both light and electrical signals to interact and consume very little energy.
Research reveals high rates of parasitic worm infections in ancient British populations, particularly during the Roman and Medieval periods. The study sheds light on the lives and habits of past populations, providing insights into public health measures.
Researchers have developed a sensor made of sapphire fibre that can withstand temperatures over 2000°C, enabling significant improvements in efficiency and emission reduction in aerospace and power generation. The technology has potential applications in space and fusion power industries.
A new study published in Animal Behaviour found that newborn African savannah elephants can keep up with their mothers' daily movements, contrary to previous assumptions. This remarkable ability allows the calves to benefit from protection against predators and integration into the herd's social structure.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in controlling bacterial nitrogen fixation by cereals, enabling them to produce their own ammonia fertiliser. This development has the potential to reduce reliance on industrially produced ammonia-based fertilisers and mitigate environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at University of Oxford and Leeds found liposomal bupivacaine no more effective than current treatments for post-operative knee pain. The SPAARK Trial showed that the drug did not improve recovery or pain relief compared to bupivacaine hydrochloride alone.
Researchers at the University of Oxford and the University of Pennsylvania have fabricated vibrating nanostrings that resonate at predetermined frequencies. The new approach allows for rapid tuning with higher efficiency, potentially leading to longer-lasting batteries and improved data rates.
A team of researchers used the National Ignition Facility (NIF) to create a laboratory replica of galaxy-cluster plasmas, discovering strong suppression of heat conduction in these turbulent environments. The experiments provide insight into complex physics processes and raise additional questions that may be answered in future studies.
A new study finds that large wild animals like elephants and whales can help restore ecosystems and battle climate change by dispersing seeds, clearing vegetation, and increasing albedo. Protecting these animals also supports local biodiversity and ecological resilience in temperate, tropical, and subtropical grassland ecosystems.
Researchers from the University of Oxford's Big Data Institute have created a single genealogy tracing the ancestry of all humans, combining genome sequences from eight databases and 3,609 individual genomes. The study successfully recaptured key events in human evolutionary history, including migration out of Africa.
New research reveals that up to 90% of medieval English heroic or chivalric stories have been lost, with only 38% of similar works in Irish surviving today. The study found significant differences in survival rates for medieval works and manuscripts in different languages.
The study found that the distinctive pattern on the underside of the leaves is crucial for their size and strength. The unique vascular structure allows the plants to occupy a large surface area while maintaining low biomass.
Researchers have identified a new highly virulent HIV variant in the Netherlands, known as VB variant, which shows significant differences in immune system recovery and survival compared to other variants. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent damage from this more rapid decline in immune strength.
Researchers found that a large Early Holocene cemetery in Northern Russia was used for only one to two centuries and reveals human stress caused by a global cooling event. The team believes the creation of the cemetery shows a social response to climate change, with abundant grave offerings indicating complex social systems.
A study reveals a powerful subset of vascular macrophages expressing CLEC4A2 fosters 'good' macrophage behavior, limiting plaque build-up. This discovery challenges the widely held belief that macrophages only play a harmful role in cardiovascular disease.
Researchers from the University of Oxford investigated the behavior of CO2 within a depleted hydrocarbon reservoir in Louisiana, USA. They found that up to 74% of CO2 was dissolved in groundwater, while microbial methanogenesis converted 13-19% of the injected CO2 to methane.
A new method of predicting battery failure has been developed, showing accuracy 15-20% higher than current approaches. The technique uses advanced probabilistic machine learning and is applicable to any battery with a simple electrical circuit model.
Scientists have discovered a new potential treatment to reverse antibiotic resistance in bacteria causing sepsis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. The indole carboxylates class of enzyme blockers can stop MBL resistance enzymes from working, allowing antibiotics like carbapenems to effectively target bacteria.
Researchers found that iron played a crucial role in the development of complex life forms on Earth due to its essential nutrient properties. The study suggests that the amount of iron in a planet's mantle may indicate its potential for supporting life.
Researchers used machine learning to identify patterns in knot theory and representation theory, suggesting new connections that mathematicians were able to prove. This collaboration demonstrates the potential of AI as a tool for guiding intuition in mathematical research.
Researchers found that illegal human settlements have surged to over 50,000 in the Babile Elephant Sanctuary, posing a significant threat to the remaining 250 elephants. The team believes that addressing environmental, poverty, and security challenges jointly is crucial to restoring the sanctuary's integrity.
A new study by University of Oxford and Edinburgh suggests that imposing a carbon takeback obligation on the fossil fuel industry could provide an affordable route to net zero emissions. The policy requires extractors and importers to dispose safely and permanently of CO2, with the fraction rising to 100% by 2050.
A new study by Oxford academics found that approximately 20% of flies and cockroaches carry carbapenem resistance, while 70-80% carry extended spectrum cephalosporin resistance. Climate change could lead to a doubling of insect populations and an increase in the global spread of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers found that great tits nesting near healthy oak trees advance their egg-laying timing more than those near unhealthy oaks. The variation in timing is linked to the health of nearby oak trees and reveals patterns masked by population-wide studies.
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered unprecedented life expectancy losses across 29 countries, with a decline of over half a year observed in most nations. The largest declines were seen among males, particularly in the US, where a 2.2-year loss was reported.
A new guideline, AGReMA Statement, provides recommendations for researchers to describe mediation analysis in their papers. The checklist aims to improve the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of reporting mediation analyses.
Researchers from the University of Oxford have identified vaccinated groups at greatest risk of severe COVID-19 leading to hospitalisation or death. The study used national linked datasets to analyze over 6.9 million vaccinated adults, finding elevated risks to specific age, sex, and ethnic group groups.
Researchers designed novel molecules that bound tightly to SARS-CoV-2's molecular scissors, inhibiting the virus's replication. The breakthrough could lead to new treatments for COVID-19.
The University of Oxford has founded the Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, which aims to optimize the impact of interventions using data science. The institute will bring together academics from various disciplines to develop new methods and tools for improving outcomes in healthcare and policy.
A new study highlights the need to balance wildlife conservation with local community needs in Peru and Chile. Small-scale fisheries are struggling due to protected sea lion and seal populations, which compete for resources and damage fishing gear.
The Alpha variant of COVID-19 spread rapidly across the UK due to biological changes and large-scale human mobility. The study found that the variant emerged from Kent and Greater London, spreading to all but five counties in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and England by mid-January.
Researchers found adenovirus vectors generate strong and sustained populations of killer T-cells by targeting long-lived stromal cells in tissues, effectively creating 'training grounds' for these immune cells. This understanding helps explain the prolonged effects of adenovirus vaccines on human immunity.
A recent study published in Nature Human Behaviour has identified hundreds of genetic variants that influence the timing of first sex and birth. The research, led by Professor Melinda Mills, found that these genetic markers interact with environmental factors to shape reproductive behavior and later life disease risk.
A new study by the University of Oxford and Environmental Change Institute found that evidence submitted in 73 climate lawsuits is behind state-of-the-art climate science. The study highlights the need for litigators to use more effective scientific evidence to overcome obstacles to causality.
A new study suggests that not having any math education after age 16 can disadvantage adolescents. Adolescents who stopped studying math showed reduced critical brain chemical, which predicted lower cognitive performance 19 months later.
Researchers at the University of Oxford discovered that infants aged 12-16 months exhibit a tendency to attribute social dominance to individuals with supernatural powers. In experiments, infants expected characters using counterintuitive methods to win rewards, suggesting they perceive these abilities as superior.
Researchers at the University of Oxford and their international team have discovered how SARS-CoV-2 RNA interacts with host cells, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies. The study found that SARS-CoV-2 hijacks more than 100 cellular proteins to replicate, providing a potential target for antiviral treatments.