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.
A new study suggests that it was not dinosaurs but other mammals that competed with modern mammals before and after the mass extinction of dinosaurs. The research identifies the evolutionary limits placed on different groups of mammals, revealing a more complex story of competition between distinct mammal groups.
Research from the Com-COV study shows that mixing COVID-19 vaccine doses can lead to more frequent mild-moderate symptoms, but adverse reactions are short-lived and no safety concerns were found. The study's findings suggest that mixed schedules could result in increased work absences after vaccination.
The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine has shown high efficacy of 77% in a phase IIb trial and is now being assessed in a larger phase III trial across five sites in West and East Africa. The vaccine aims to reduce malaria deaths by at least 90% by 2030, with the potential to provide over 200 million doses annually.
A Phase IIb trial of a candidate malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, demonstrated high-level efficacy of 77% over 12 months. The vaccine has been well-tolerated and is the first to meet the World Health Organization's goal of a vaccine with at least 75% efficacy.
A new study found that the COVID-19 outbreak in China did not lead to an increase in overall deaths. In fact, deaths from non-COVID-19 related pneumonia, chronic respiratory diseases, and road traffic incidents decreased during the lockdown.
A team of researchers discovered that the early Solar System formed in two distinct steps, resulting in different planetary compositions and evolutionary paths. The study explains why the inner planets are small and dry, while the outer planets are larger and wet.
A new drug treatment, otilimab, has shown promising results in reducing both inflammation and pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis. In a multicentre trial, patients who received otilimab demonstrated significant improvements in pain scores, while also experiencing reduced tender and swollen joints.
The updated guidelines recommend a combination of non-pharmacological, pharmacological, and surgical interventions to manage knee osteoarthritis. Education, structured exercise, and weight loss are emphasized as core treatments, while topical NSAIDs are advised as first-line treatments for persistent pain.
A cross-sectional study found that 63% of comments on the FDA proposal came from parties with financial ties to industry, with only 4% citing scientific literature. The study aims to bring attention to the need for greater transparency in AI/ML development and encourage more academic input in regulatory frameworks.
The Vaccination Game, developed by University of Oxford researchers, challenges players to deploy limited doses of a virtual vaccine to control the spread of a disease modelled on influenza. By replaying the game, players can improve their strategy and save more lives.
A new study will explore the effectiveness of adalimumab as a treatment for patients with COVID-19 in community care settings, particularly in care homes. The trial aims to determine whether anti-TNF drugs can reduce disease progression and mortality in patients with severe symptoms.
Researchers have identified a specific receptor in immune cells from psoriatic arthritis patients, suggesting a single cause for the disease. This finding could lead to developing targeted treatments and offers new insights into the intricate mechanisms behind psoriatic arthritis.
Researchers at Oxford University have identified a genetic vulnerability in nearly 10% of all breast cancer tumors, which can be exploited to selectively kill cancer cells. The discovery also suggests that the same defect leaves cells entirely reliant on their centrosomes for cell division.
A study by the University of Oxford found a connection between traffic noise and obesity, with long-term exposure associated with a 2% increase in obesity prevalence. Lifestyle factors were accounted for, but air pollution was also considered.
New research reveals that ocean warming patterns will increasingly be influenced by atmospheric warming, making them easier to predict. This suggests a significant shift from past climate models, which struggled to simulate ocean warming.
Cancer cells release small vesicles called exosomes that can re-programme surrounding cells, driving tumour growth and metastasis. The newly discovered Rab11a-exosomes may help cancers evade treatments.
A new study by Dr Katerina Johnson and Dr Philip Burnet found that antibiotic treatment in early life impairs brain signalling pathways for social behaviour and pain regulation in mice. The most striking finding was the reduced expression of receptors mediating endorphin, oxytocin, and vasopressin signalling in young animals treated wi...
Researchers have developed a new design method for highly compact deployable structures inspired by the folding of earwig wings. The method has potential applications across various fields, including engineering, architecture, and daily-use products.
New research highlights potential cardiovascular risk of novel anti-osteoporotic medicine romosozumab. The study found a link between genetic markers and increased cardiovascular risk, supporting previous trial findings.
A recent study found a major gender gap in COVID-19 research authorship, with women comprising only 34% of all authors and even fewer in senior positions. The disparity may be due to various factors such as limited time commitment, lack of access, or societal norms that favor men in leadership roles.
Scientists at the University of Oxford have discovered a new way for T cells to attack cells infected by viruses or cancer. Supramolecular attack particles (SMAPs), released from cytotoxic T lymphocytes, can autonomously kill targeted cells, providing a complementary mechanism of cytotoxicity.
Researchers found that people with depression have impaired mood homeostasis, which can be improved through targeted interventions. The study suggests that training individuals to regulate their mood through daily activities could prevent or better treat depression.
A global consortium of researchers found that travel restrictions were most useful during the initial phase of the COVID-19 outbreak and again as local transmission became established. Provinces that acted early to contain imported cases fared best in preventing outbreaks.
Researchers stress that individual actions, such as self-isolation and social distancing, are key in controlling the pandemic. Governments can also take measures like banning large events and ensuring healthcare provision, but these must be balanced with economic considerations.
Researchers found that high cholesterol levels increase the risk of developing aortic stenosis, a major heart valve disease. The study used Mendelian randomization to determine the causal effect of cholesterol levels on aortic stenosis.
A recent study published in Nature has shed light on the global relationships that determine bird diversity on islands, revealing that colonisation decreases with isolation and extinction decreases with area. The research also found that most island bird species represent unique evolutionary branches with no close relatives.
The Himalayan wolf has been found to be a genetically distinct species adapted to harsh high-altitude environments, posing key threats from human activities such as livestock herding and illegal wildlife trade. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these ecosystems and the wolves' populations.
A recent study by University of Oxford researchers found that Uber's deployment was associated with a decline in slight injuries outside London, but an increase within the city. No statistically significant association was observed between Uber and traffic fatalities.
A large human study found that gut microbiome composition and diversity are related to differences in personality, including sociability and neuroticism. People with larger social networks tend to have a more diverse gut microbiome, while those with higher stress or anxiety have lower diversity.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have identified six previously unknown cell types in human Fallopian tubes using single-cell RNA sequencing, which may lead to a screening tool for ovarian cancer. The discovery sheds new light on the complexity of ovarian cancers and could lead to personalized treatments.
A new study found that early walking in a brace provides similar outcomes to plaster casting with no increase in the risk of complications. The UKSTAR trial randomized 540 participants and showed better early outcomes for patients who immediate weight bear in a walking boot, leading to potential reduced immobilization time.
Researchers at Oxford University have found a protein called Plexin D1 that detects disturbances in blood flow and triggers inflammation and plaque formation, leading to serious health problems. The discovery offers new hope for developing treatments to block plaques before they form.
Researchers at University of Oxford have identified a new target for repairing the heart after a heart attack by modulating the immune response. Macrophages play a key role in forming cardiac scars, and modifying their behavior could lead to more efficient repair and potentially avoid heart failure.
The UK saw a significant reduction in the amount of sugar sold in soft drinks between 2015-2018, with nearly three-quarters of the decrease attributed to product reformulation or introduction of lower-sugar drinks. Consumer behavior also played a key role, with more consumers opting for low- or no-sugar content drinks.
A recent study by University of Oxford researchers has found a strong link between maternal malnutrition and the severity of Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS), a devastating condition caused by Zika virus infection. The study suggests that poor diets, particularly those lacking in protein, can exacerbate the effects of CZS, highlighting t...