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Machine learning used to successfully measure attachment in children
For the first time, researchers have used machine learning to successfully measure attachment in children - the vital human bond that humans first develop as infants to their caregivers. In new multi-disciplinary research, led by the University of Glasgow and published in PLOS ONE, the study team present a quick and easy way to measure attachment through a computer game, that has the potential to be used in largescale public health monitoring.
For the first time, researchers have used machine learning to successfully measure attachment in children - the vital human bond that humans first develop as infants to their caregivers. In new multi-disciplinary research, led by the University of Glasgow and published in PLOS ONE, the study team present a quick and easy way to measure attachment through a computer game, that has the potential to be used in largescale public health monitoring.
Scientists can detect brain tumours using a simple urine or blood plasma test
Researchers from the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute have developed two tests that can detect the presence of glioma, a type of brain tumour, in patient urine or blood plasma. The team say that a test for detecting glioma using urine is the first of its kind in the world. Although the research , published in EMBO Molecular Medicine , is in its early stages and only a small number of patients were analysed, the team say their results are promising.
Researchers from the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute have developed two tests that can detect the presence of glioma, a type of brain tumour, in patient urine or blood plasma. The team say that a test for detecting glioma using urine is the first of its kind in the world. Although the research , published in EMBO Molecular Medicine , is in its early stages and only a small number of patients were analysed, the team say their results are promising.
Longer interval between the first and second Pfizer vaccine boosts antibody levels and ’helper’ T cells
A new study carried out in collaboration with the University of Birmingham shows both short and long dosing schedules of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine generate strong antibody and T cell immune responses. The study, led by the University of Oxford, in collaboration with the Universities of Birmingham, Newcastle, Liverpool, Sheffield, and supported by the UK Coronavirus Immunology Consortium, is one of the most comprehensive studies into the immune response generated by the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to date.
A new study carried out in collaboration with the University of Birmingham shows both short and long dosing schedules of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine generate strong antibody and T cell immune responses. The study, led by the University of Oxford, in collaboration with the Universities of Birmingham, Newcastle, Liverpool, Sheffield, and supported by the UK Coronavirus Immunology Consortium, is one of the most comprehensive studies into the immune response generated by the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to date.
The first clinical trial of a new dietary treatment for children and adults with severe forms of epilepsy, co-developed by UCL researchers and based on the ketogenic diet, has been successfully completed.
Study highlights ’vital 30-day window’ for hospital inpatients to get COVID-19 jab
A new study published today has highlighted a "30-day window" for hospital inpatients to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to help reduce their risk of dying. A Cardiff University-led team analysed 2,508 hospital patients across 18 sites during the first wave of the pandemic to assess the impact of being infected with COVID-19 in hospital on risk of death.
A new study published today has highlighted a "30-day window" for hospital inpatients to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to help reduce their risk of dying. A Cardiff University-led team analysed 2,508 hospital patients across 18 sites during the first wave of the pandemic to assess the impact of being infected with COVID-19 in hospital on risk of death.
Scientists have created plants whose cells and tissues 'blush' with beetroot pigments when they are colonised by fungi that help them take up nutrients from the soil. We can now follow how the relationship between the fungi and plant root develops, in real-time, from the moment they come into contact.
Smartphone screens effective sensors for soil or water contamination
The touchscreen technology used in billions of smartphones and tablets could also be used as a powerful sensor, without the need for any modifications. Instead of interpreting a signal from your finger, what if we could get a touchscreen to read electrolytes, since these ions also interact with the electric fields? Ronan Daly Researchers from the University of Cambridge have demonstrated how a typical touchscreen could be used to identify common ionic contaminants in soil or drinking water by dropping liquid samples on the screen, the first time this has been achieved.
The touchscreen technology used in billions of smartphones and tablets could also be used as a powerful sensor, without the need for any modifications. Instead of interpreting a signal from your finger, what if we could get a touchscreen to read electrolytes, since these ions also interact with the electric fields? Ronan Daly Researchers from the University of Cambridge have demonstrated how a typical touchscreen could be used to identify common ionic contaminants in soil or drinking water by dropping liquid samples on the screen, the first time this has been achieved.
Scientists at Cambridge and Leeds have successfully reversed age-related memory loss in mice and say their discovery could lead to the development of treatments to prevent memory loss in people as they age. Although our study was only in mice, the same mechanism should operate in humans - the molecules and structures in the human brain are the same as those in rodents.
Older people are worse at learning to help themselves, but just as good at learning to help others
Older adults may be slower to learn actions and behaviours that benefit themselves, but new research shows they are just as capable as younger people of learning behaviours that benefit others. Researchers at the Universities of Birmingham and Oxford found that youngsters, in contrast, tend to learn much faster when they are making choices that benefit themselves.
Older adults may be slower to learn actions and behaviours that benefit themselves, but new research shows they are just as capable as younger people of learning behaviours that benefit others. Researchers at the Universities of Birmingham and Oxford found that youngsters, in contrast, tend to learn much faster when they are making choices that benefit themselves.
Scientists have developed a 'nanobody' - a small fragment of a llama antibody - that is capable of chasing out human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) as it hides away from the immune system. This then enables immune cells to seek out and destroy this potentially deadly virus. Our team has shown that nanobodies derived from llamas have the potential to outwit human cytomegalovirus Ian Groves Around four out of five people in the UK are thought to be infected with HCMV, and in developing countries this can be as high as 95%.
Clinical trial of Alzheimer’s drug developed at UCL begins
A clinical trial of a new drug candidate for Alzheimer's disease which has been developed at UCL in partnership with the pharmaceutical company Eisai has begun at UCLH with participants now being screened. Participants in the trial, conducted at the UCLH Leonard Wolfson Experimental Neurology Centre (NIHR UCLH Clinical Research Facility), will have the rare inherited form of Alzheimer's disease.
A clinical trial of a new drug candidate for Alzheimer's disease which has been developed at UCL in partnership with the pharmaceutical company Eisai has begun at UCLH with participants now being screened. Participants in the trial, conducted at the UCLH Leonard Wolfson Experimental Neurology Centre (NIHR UCLH Clinical Research Facility), will have the rare inherited form of Alzheimer's disease.
Major study of racial inequality in UK film industry
UCL is launching a major £1m research project into the links between racism, racial inequality, diversity and policy in the UK film industry, working closely with the British Film Institute (BFI), the UK's lead organisation for film and the moving image. The Colour of Diversity: A Longitudinal Analysis of BFI Diversity Standards Data and Racial Inequality in the UK Film Industry i s'a three-year research study that will explore the true nature of the presence, representation and experiences of Black and minority ethnic identities within the UK film industry.
UCL is launching a major £1m research project into the links between racism, racial inequality, diversity and policy in the UK film industry, working closely with the British Film Institute (BFI), the UK's lead organisation for film and the moving image. The Colour of Diversity: A Longitudinal Analysis of BFI Diversity Standards Data and Racial Inequality in the UK Film Industry i s'a three-year research study that will explore the true nature of the presence, representation and experiences of Black and minority ethnic identities within the UK film industry.
The risks and trade-offs of renting from a private landlord
People living in the private rented sector are forced to make hard choices in order to meet their basic needs, a new study from the University of Glasgow led UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence [CACHE] reveals. Poor-quality, overcrowded, and unaffordable accommodation are substantial drivers of poor health and wellbeing.
People living in the private rented sector are forced to make hard choices in order to meet their basic needs, a new study from the University of Glasgow led UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence [CACHE] reveals. Poor-quality, overcrowded, and unaffordable accommodation are substantial drivers of poor health and wellbeing.
Knowledge Exchange Insights: Creative problem analysis
Highlights from the first session of the Knowledge Exchange training series , facilitated by Yvonne McLean, as part of the ESRC Collaboration Labs Programme, The University of Manchester. Our focus in this short series is to share the latest tools and best practice for academic research consultancy and effective knowledge exchange, delivered in our ongoing Collaboration Labs training series.
Highlights from the first session of the Knowledge Exchange training series , facilitated by Yvonne McLean, as part of the ESRC Collaboration Labs Programme, The University of Manchester. Our focus in this short series is to share the latest tools and best practice for academic research consultancy and effective knowledge exchange, delivered in our ongoing Collaboration Labs training series.
New study raises prospect of ’fine-tuning’ immune response through individual T-cells
Scientists at Cardiff University have uncovered a way of "fine-tuning" the body's immune response to viral infections at the level of individual T-cells. T-cells play a crucial role in how the body responds to infection - and have become a key focus for scientists during the COVID-19 pandemic as they hunt for ways to kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Scientists at Cardiff University have uncovered a way of "fine-tuning" the body's immune response to viral infections at the level of individual T-cells. T-cells play a crucial role in how the body responds to infection - and have become a key focus for scientists during the COVID-19 pandemic as they hunt for ways to kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Markers in our blood - 'fingerprints' of infection - could help identify individuals who have been infected by SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, several months after infection even if the individual had only mild symptoms or showed no symptoms at all, say Cambridge researchers. Because we currently have no reliable way of diagnosing long COVID, the uncertainty can cause added stress to people who are experiencing potential symptoms.
Living near woodlands is good for children and young people’s mental health
Children and young people's proximity to woodlands has been linked with better cognitive development and a lower risk of emotional and behavioural problems, in a study led by UCL and Imperial College London scientists that could influence planning decisions in urban areas. In what is believed to be one of the largest studies of its kind, researchers used longitudinal data relating to 3,568 children and teenagers, aged nine to 15 years, from 31 schools across London.
Children and young people's proximity to woodlands has been linked with better cognitive development and a lower risk of emotional and behavioural problems, in a study led by UCL and Imperial College London scientists that could influence planning decisions in urban areas. In what is believed to be one of the largest studies of its kind, researchers used longitudinal data relating to 3,568 children and teenagers, aged nine to 15 years, from 31 schools across London.
Study highlights more effective and safe way to deliver chemotherapy
A new study, led by the University of Glasgow and published in The Lancet, has compared the three main ways anticancer treatment is given to patients when administered via a central vein. Hickman-type tunnelled catheters (Hickman), peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), and totally implanted ports (PORTs) are used to deliver systemic anticancer treatment (SACT) via a central vein.
A new study, led by the University of Glasgow and published in The Lancet, has compared the three main ways anticancer treatment is given to patients when administered via a central vein. Hickman-type tunnelled catheters (Hickman), peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), and totally implanted ports (PORTs) are used to deliver systemic anticancer treatment (SACT) via a central vein.
Arrival of land plants changed Earth’s climate control system
The arrival of plants on land about 400 million years ago may have changed the way the Earth naturally regulates its own climate, according to a new study led by researchers at UCL and Yale. The carbon cycle, the process through which carbon moves between rocks, oceans, living organisms and the atmosphere, acts as Earth's natural thermostat, regulating its temperature over long time periods.
The arrival of plants on land about 400 million years ago may have changed the way the Earth naturally regulates its own climate, according to a new study led by researchers at UCL and Yale. The carbon cycle, the process through which carbon moves between rocks, oceans, living organisms and the atmosphere, acts as Earth's natural thermostat, regulating its temperature over long time periods.
People with five or more symptoms in first week of infection more likely to develop long COVID
The presence of more than five symptoms of COVID-19 in the first week of infection is significantly associated with the development of long COVID, irrespective of age or gender, according to a new University of Birmingham-led review. The review by the University of Birmingham-led the Therapies for Long COVID (TLC) Study Group , published today in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine , summarises current research on symptom prevalence, complications and management of long COVID.
The presence of more than five symptoms of COVID-19 in the first week of infection is significantly associated with the development of long COVID, irrespective of age or gender, according to a new University of Birmingham-led review. The review by the University of Birmingham-led the Therapies for Long COVID (TLC) Study Group , published today in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine , summarises current research on symptom prevalence, complications and management of long COVID.
News from the Lab is a selection of science news that are significant or interesting for a broad readership.
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