news 2023

Hundreds of proteins and mRNA molecules are found in the wrong place in nerve cells affected by Motor Neuron Disease (MND), finds a new study by researchers at UCL and the Francis Crick Institute. The condition, also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is a rapidly progressing and devastating condition that causes paralysis by affecting motor neurons, with limited treatment options.

Urgent action is needed to address the significant risk posed by fur farms for the emergence of future viral pandemics, Imperial scientists warn. Mink fur farms could provide the optimum conditions for H5N1 influenza to mutate and make the jump to humans, potentially leading to the next global pandemic, warn scientists from Imperial College London.

Today, 13 July 2023, Understanding Animal Research (UAR) has published a list of the ten organisations that carry out the highest number of animal procedures - those used in medical, veterinary, and scientific research - in Great Britain. These statistics are freely available on the organisations' websites as part of their ongoing commitment to transparency and openness around the use of animals in research.

The ten organisations in Great Britain that carry out the highest number of animal procedures - those used in medical, veterinary and scientific research - have released their annual statistics today. The statistics for the University of Cambridge are as part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and openness around the use of animals in research.

The family, wing length and wing colour of tropical butterflies all influence their ability to withstand rising temperatures, say a team led by ecologists at the University of Cambridge. The researchers believe this could help identify species whose survival is under threat from climate change. Ultimately all insects, including butterflies, the world over are likely to be affected by climate change.

A new study has revealed that two-fifths of species likely threatened by the international wildlife trade are not covered by the global agreement that regulates it. This includes 370 species that are Critically Endangered or Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Overexploitation is a major threat to vulnerable animal and plant species, and one of the key drivers of biodiversity loss.

A study in mice has found that fetuses use a copy of a gene inherited from their dad to force their mum to release as much nutrition as possible during pregnancy. It's the first direct evidence that a gene inherited from the father is signalling to the mother to divert nutrients to the fetus Amanda Sferruzzi-Perri The unborn baby -remote controls- its mother's metabolism so the two are in a nutritional tug of war.

Observations of a wild colony of macaques over three years show same-sex sexual behaviour among males is widespread and may be beneficial. The results, published today in Nature Ecology and Evolution , suggest same-sex sexual behaviour (SSB) has evolved and may be a common feature of primate reproduction.

Why do some people take part in genetic studies while others do not? The answer may lie within our genetic makeup. According to a ground-breaking study by Oxford's  Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science  and  Big Data Institute , people who participate in genetic studies are genetically more likely to do so, leaving detectable 'footprints' in genetics data.

Manchester researchers have developed a way to improve the accuracy of breast cancer genetic testing for women from Ashkenazi Jewish backgrounds. New forms of genetic tests can tell women their personal risk of developing breast cancer. However, previous research has shown they are not accurate for many Black, Asian or Ashkenazi Jewish women, or women with a mixed ethnic background.

Helping to promote the natural relationship between plants and bacteria could reduce reliance on environmentally damaging fertilisers, a study has found. As the population grows and crop yields are threatened by climate change, scientists are keen to help promote plant growth in a natural and sustainable way.

New research by Cardiff University has found that smartwatches could help predict who is likely to develop Parkinson's disease, up to seven years before clinical diagnosis. Published in the journal Nature Medicine , the team from the University's Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute (NMHII) and the UK Dementia Research Institute, found that wearable tech that tracks accelerometery - the acceleration of motion - could be vital in identifying individuals in the general population who are most likely to develop Parkinson's disease.

Scientists have discovered a new class of compound that is potentially active against trypanosome parasites that cause human African trypanosomiasis (or sleeping sickness) and Chagas disease. Scientists have discovered a new class of compound that is potentially active against trypanosome parasites that cause human African trypanosomiasis (or sleeping sickness) and Chagas disease.

A study of more than 22,000 people with multiple sclerosis has discovered the first genetic variant associated with faster disease progression, which can rob patients of their mobility and independence over time.

Professor Francois Balloux, PhD candidate Cedric Tan and Dr Lucy van Dorp (all UCL Biosciences) share their new research in The Conversation on RNA viruses, generally considered the most worrying infectious threats, circulating in UK bats and their zoonotic potential. Most emerging infectious diseases are caused by zoonotic pathogens - viruses and bacteria which circulate in wild and domestic animals but are also capable of infecting humans.

According to new research shared in The Conversation, Dr Marjan Biria (UCL Psychiatry) and researchers from Cambridge University have discovered an imbalance in brain chemicals in OCD that could lead to radically different and improved treatments. People often jokingly say they've "got a bit of OCD" (obsessive-compulsive disorder) if they are overly organised or tidy.

Understanding the genetic make-up of currently circulating avian flu strains may offer one of the best lines of defence against widespread human transmission. This is, according to new research which has found a key human gene responsible for blocking most avian flu viruses from spilling over into people Understanding the genetic make-up of currently circulating avian flu strains may offer one of the best lines of defence against widespread human transmission.

Researchers who found novel coronaviruses in UK bats say genetic surveys of the viruses should be regularly conducted. Working with a network of bat conservationists, a research team led by Imperial College London and University College London researchers screened faecal samples from UK bats for coronaviruses.

Neuroscientists say that the findings are a -major piece of the puzzle- in understanding OCD, and could open up new lines of treatment. The results suggest new strategies for medication in OCD based on available drugs that regulate glutamate Trevor Robbins Scientists at the University of Cambridge have used powerful new brain imaging techniques to reveal a neurochemical imbalance within regions of the frontal lobes in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Cambridge scientists have created a stem cell-derived model of the human embryo in the lab by reprogramming human stem cells. The breakthrough could help research into genetic disorders and in understanding why and how pregnancies fail.