A new study reveals that a sea-ice-free Arctic will accelerate the melting of permafrost, leading to significant releases of carbon dioxide. The research, based on ancient cave stalagmites, suggests that past periods without summer sea ice were associated with warmer air and increased snowfall in Siberia, destabilizing the permafrost.
Researchers have found that deleting the BMAL1 clock gene makes immune cells more effective at fighting off pneumonia-causing bacteria. The study reveals that strengthening the actin skeleton of these cells is key to their increased effectiveness.
Researchers discovered that brittle stars use whole-body colour change to enable vision and navigate complex coral reefs. They found that the colour change restricts light reaching sensitive cells during the day, allowing for coarse vision.
Researchers found a 20-fold increase in simultaneous heatwaves in major crop-producing regions, posing risks to global food production and leading to potential harvest failures. This phenomenon can cause significant economic and societal impacts, particularly in interconnected world regions.
A new field study in Nepal shows the typhoid vaccine is safe, immunogenic and effective against the disease, with results showing 7 cases out of 20,000 children vaccinated. The study's findings are significant, especially with the recent spread of drug-resistant typhoid, which threatens child health in affected regions.
A new modelling strategy is required to address challenges in understanding global warming, with a focus on reducing biases through physically based models. International initiatives are needed to co-develop modelling systems that exploit emerging technologies and exascale computing.
The C4 Rice Project aims to create a more efficient photosynthetic pathway, allowing rice to thrive in harsher environments. By the end of the next phase in 2024, scientists hope to have experimental field plots up and running in Taiwan.
Researchers created a compact device to interface with electronic architecture of traditional computers using light-encoded information. The device uses surface plasmon polariton to confine light into nanoscopic dimensions, overcoming the incompatibility between electrical and optical computing.
Longer periods spent in less affluent neighborhoods increase women's risk of experiencing intimate partner violence between ages 18 and 21. Women living in more deprived areas are 36% more likely to experience this type of violence.
A comprehensive study of morning glories reveals that storage roots evolved independently in multiple species, including sweet potato. The research contributes to a better understanding of the genus Ipomoea, one of the largest groups of flowering plants.
Researchers develop a method to create bio-inspired horns from horse tail hairs and silk, mimicking the structure and properties of real rhino horn. The goal is to undermine demand for endangered rhino horns and provide a cheaper alternative.
A team of researchers from the University of Oxford has discovered that silk's cryogenic toughness is due to its nano-scale fibrill structure. This finding has significant implications for the development of new materials and composites for extreme cold conditions such as space.
New research from the University of Oxford suggests that poorly reported placebos can influence treatment outcomes, leading to incorrect inferences about a new treatment's effects or harms. The study highlights the need for more transparent reporting of placebo components in clinical trials.
The study reveals that ectosomes, tiny vesicles containing key immune messages, can be intercepted and deciphered using super resolution microscopy. This breakthrough understanding of cellular communication has significant implications for developing therapies that shape the immune response to specific diseases.
Researchers have mapped out broad regions in the centre of the galaxy, tracing energetic regions in space with radio emission. The discovery suggests a violent eruption formed twin bubbles that are now visible for the first time, offering insights into the Galactic Centre and supermassive black hole.
A new study confirms that SGLT2 inhibitors can prevent loss of kidney function and kidney failure in people with type 2 diabetes, reducing the risk by about 30%. The findings provide further strong support for the key role of SGLT2 inhibition in kidney protection.
A new AI software developed by University of Oxford scientists can recognize individual chimpanzee faces in the wild, allowing researchers to track behavior over long periods. This technology has potential for conservation efforts and animal behavior research, offering a sustainable solution to monitor species.
A new study suggests that heart failure care must address patients' broader health to improve survival rates. The research found that while the risk of death from cardiovascular causes declined, non-cardiovascular deaths increased, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach.
A new study from the University of Oxford suggests that blockbuster movies like Finding Nemo and Zootopia do not drive demand for live animals, but instead increase information-seeking behavior. The research found that exposure to these films can bring attention to lesser-known species and environmental threats.
A recent study found that ancient pigs in Europe lost their Near Eastern genetic signature due to hybridization with European wild boar. This suggests that pig management in Europe was extensive and that artificial selection had a limited impact on the development of modern European commercial pigs.
A study by University of Oxford researchers found that the Best Practice Tariff scheme saved up to 7,600 lives in England between 2010 and 2016. The scheme led to improved standards of care for hip fracture patients, including increased surgeries within 36 hours and reduced hospital readmissions.
A global study of 12 million people found diabetes increases the risk of heart failure, with a significant increase for women. Women with type 1 diabetes have a 47% greater excess risk of heart failure compared to men, highlighting the need for sex-specific research.
A new study suggests that partial knee replacements (PKR) are as effective as total knee replacements (TKR), with a lower cost. Over five years, PKR has similar or slightly better clinical outcomes than TKR, while offering substantial economic benefits.
Researchers discovered 43 specific genetic mutations required for leukemia development in children with Down syndrome. The study identified additional genetic changes transforming preleukaemic cells into leukaemic ones.
Researchers from Oxford University and the International Fund for Animal Welfare document a wild group of endangered Barbary macaques adopting an injured juvenile from a neighboring group. The unusual display of concern provides valuable information for rehabilitation and release strategies.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the behavior of strongly interacting electrons using machine learning techniques, discovering a new state called Vestigial Nematic State. The technique uses artificial neural networks to recognize different forms of electronic matter and reveals symmetries of complex image-arrays fro...
Research shows that ant farming has remodelled plant physiology, leading to the evolution of ultra-absorptive plant structures. These structures actively target ant-derived nutrients, providing a key asset for epiphytes living in soilless canopies.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have identified protective antibodies against malaria, which may lead to a highly effective vaccine. The study found that specific antibodies can block the malaria parasite's ability to bind to red blood cells.
Researchers studied hawks' flight trajectories against an erratically-manoeuvring target, discovering a mixed guidance law that reduces the risk of overshoot. This finding has implications for designing drones capable of safely pursuing and capturing rogue drones in urban airspace.
Researchers at the University of Oxford confirm that human-induced factors such as greenhouse gas emissions and particulate pollution are responsible for long-term changes in global temperature. The study finds no evidence to support the idea that slow-acting ocean cycles drive climate fluctuations.
A UK study of 93,000 adults with heart failure reveals diagnostic tests, drug prescriptions, and follow-up patterns are suboptimal, particularly for women and those over 75 years old. The research highlights the need for improved care systems to address these gaps in chronic disease management.
Scientists create precise nitrogen-vacancy colour centres in diamonds using a new method, enabling the production of arrays of single NV centres with exactly one colour centre at each site. This facilitates the engineering of integrated devices and paves the way for the delivery of compact and robust quantum technologies.
A new study predicts that Ash dieback will have a devastating impact on the UK's economy, with estimated costs of £15 billion over the next decade. The disease is expected to kill 95-99% of ash trees in Britain, leading to significant losses in ecosystem services such as water and air purification and carbon sequestration.
A large-scale Oxford Internet Institute study of UK teenagers found that social media use had limited effects on life satisfaction, with some bidirectional effects observed. The researchers used improved data and statistical approaches to test the relationship between social media use and life satisfaction, finding modest trends.
The study predicts that by 2070, the dead could outnumber the living on Facebook if current growth rates continue. The analysis raises important questions about who controls access to deceased user profiles and how they should be managed for the benefit of families, friends, and future historians.
Scientists have traced a prehistoric eruption to the lesser-known volcano Campi Flegrei in Naples, which dated back 29,000 years. The research, published in Geology, used computer models and sediment cores to identify the ash layer's origin.
A groundbreaking study reveals that microbes in subduction zones consume and trap carbon, reducing its availability on Earth's surface. This process has significant implications for understanding Earth's fundamental processes and the potential to mitigate climate change.
A study of 1.4 million adults in England found that socioeconomically deprived individuals are 68% more likely to develop advanced chronic kidney disease than the least deprived, experiencing poorer health outcomes and quality of life. The research recommends targeted interventions to engage disadvantaged groups through improved screen...
A breakthrough treatment has been found to protect against kidney failure and cardiovascular complications in people with diabetes. The study showed a significant reduction in kidney failure and cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, by up to 30%.
A global review of water reallocation from rural to urban regions found that 69 cities receive significant amounts of reallocated water, mainly driven by North America and Asia's growing populations. The practice is expected to rise further, with 2.5 billion more urban dwellers projected by 2050.
A new species of extinct sea cucumber named Sollasina cthulhu has been discovered, revealing a monstrous relative of modern sea cucumbers with long tentacles and an inner ring-like form. The fossil, 430 million years old, provides crucial information on the evolution of soft-bodied creatures.
A new study suggests that reflective roofs can reduce peak daytime temperatures in cities by up to 3oC during a heatwave. This could offset around 25% of heat-related mortality associated with the urban heat island effect.
A study by Oxford University researchers found no clear association between digital screen engagement and adolescent well-being, contradicting the widely held notion that excessive screen time damages young people's mental health.
A new model predicts substantial reduction of malaria transmitting mosquitoes in West Africa by introducing genetically modified male mosquitoes with a driving-Y chromosome. The approach, which targets the most important species of malaria mosquitoes, has the potential to reduce populations and ultimately eliminate disease transmission.
Researchers at Oxford University have developed a method to produce eggs from ovarian tissue in labs, providing new hope for the critically endangered Northern White Rhino. The technique could enable conservationists to pull species back from extinction by utilizing ovarian tissue from old or injured animals.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have found that oxidative stress leads to both sleep disturbances and aging. The study, published in Nature, suggests that targeting the mechanism behind sleep-regulating neurons could lead to a powerful new type of sleeping pill with fewer side effects.
A study by Oxford University and UN agencies finds that key services can contribute to multiple sustainable development goals, even among high-risk children and adolescents. Simple combinations of programs such as parenting support, cash transfers, and safe schools provide greater impacts.
Researchers used Wikipedia pageview records to investigate seasonal patterns in online interest for plants and animals. They found that seasonal trends are widespread, with over a quarter of species showing seasonality in their pageviews.
Researchers have created high-resolution maps to predict the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, pinpointing areas of concern like large urban areas in southern US and China. The tool will help public health officials target interventions efficiently to reduce disease burden.
Scientists at University of Oxford have identified a novel biochemical pathway, CHLORAD, that enables plants to tolerate environmental stresses. This breakthrough could lead to more resilient crop varieties essential for global food security.