Large reservoirs of magma stored deep in the Earth's crust trigger 'super-eruptions' by slowly feeding magma into smaller reservoirs. This process can take millions of years, making these events rare.
A new study reveals that groundwater springs in Africa played a crucial role in the survival and migration of our ancient ancestors. By mapping persistent springs, researchers found that these water sources acted as service stations, allowing people to access vital water supplies during times of drought.
A new study by Cardiff University and King's College London found that newly prescribed sleeping pills like benzodiazepines and 'Z-drugs' significantly increase the risk of hip fracture in people over 65. The study also identified a 53% increase in fracture risk for medium-term users and a 20% increased risk for long-term users.
A study by Cardiff University researchers found that both the UK and US prioritize renewable energy sources over fossil fuels in their energy systems. The public in both countries express concerns about water contamination and long-term impacts of horizontal drilling for shale energy.
Researchers found that a large number of CMV's genes help it evade the immune system by destroying proteins produced during infection. This discovery could lead to novel treatments or a cure for this virus.
A UK expert argues that by working together, police and health agencies can identify and address violence hotspots, reducing the number of injuries on America's streets. The 'Cardiff Model' has already shown promising results in reducing violence in the UK.
Researchers at Cardiff University have devised a new way of creating the leading anti-malarial drug artemisinin, which could reduce market fluctuations in the supply chain and help study resistance to the drug. The new method bypasses several key steps in the production process, achieving the desired outcome in just four steps.
A recent study published in Annals of Family Medicine found that antibiotics are not effective in treating eczema flares in children. The CREAM study analyzed data from 113 children with non-severely infected eczema and showed no significant difference between groups in the resolution of eczema symptoms.
Researchers at Cardiff University discovered a genetic link between Ifitm3 and the immune system's inflammatory response. The study found that individuals with a specific gene variant may experience an overactive immune response to viral infections, making anti-inflammatory drugs a potential treatment option.
A new study reveals a massive decline in genetic diversity among living and extinct black rhinoceros populations. The research found that hunting and habitat loss have reduced the species' evolutionary potential dramatically over the last 200 years.
Researchers propose firing deep-ocean sound waves at oncoming tsunamis to dissipate energy and reduce amplitude. This process could minimize damage and save lives, but poses technical challenges including devising accurate frequency transmitters.
Scientists discovered that large bumps and mounds on the sea floor can cause sudden slip of tectonic plates, triggering giant earthquakes. The research, published in Nature Geoscience, could lead to more accurate models for forecasting where megathrust earthquakes are likely to occur.
A Cardiff University study found that home-based rehabilitation significantly improves visual function and daily life for people with low vision. Home visits by visual rehabilitation officers led to a greater improvement in visual function compared to standard hospital appointments.
Researchers reconstructed ocean chemistry records from quahog clam shells to analyze past 1000 years of North Atlantic Ocean changes. They found that prior to industrial period, solar variability and volcanic eruptions drove climate and weather patterns.
A Cardiff University study found that regular aspirin use does not significantly increase the risk of fatal stomach bleeds. The research suggests that the benefits of aspirin in reducing heart disease and cancer deaths outweigh the risks.
A Cardiff University study found that bedtime screen use increases poor sleep duration by over double, impacting quality as well. Sleep disturbance in childhood is linked to various health issues, including obesity, mental health concerns, and stunted growth.
Researchers developed a three-dimensional mammary gland model that mimics healthy breast tissue structure and function. The model enables the study of disease mechanisms and drug screening, providing a significant breakthrough in understanding breast cancer.
A systematic review of 14 studies found that mobile app users with type 2 diabetes experienced a reduction in average blood glucose levels, with an approximate 0.5% decrease in HbA1c. Younger patients reported more benefits from using apps.
Experts from Cardiff University propose that deep ocean storage of carbon dioxide may be responsible for the planet's 100,000-year ice age cycle. By analyzing tiny fossil remains, researchers found more CO2 stored in the oceans during ice ages at regular intervals every 100,000 years.
A new study from Cardiff University found that climate change is unlikely to increase landslide frequency in storm-affected areas, despite projected increases in rainstorms. The research challenges current theories and highlights the importance of soil accumulation on steep hillslopes in triggering landslides.
Researchers at Cardiff University developed a method to predict non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) through blood analysis, offering an early warning for potentially life-saving medical intervention. NASH is the most extreme form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with inflammation causing scarring and cirrhosis.
Researchers at Cardiff University have discovered a new drug treatment that inhibits memories responsible for cocaine cravings, significantly accelerating the end of drug-seeking behavior. The therapy, currently used in cancer trials, targets the brain's limbic system and could potentially speed up clinical development.
A study suggests that humans' disproportionately large brain size resulted from sizing each other up in large social groups. The research proposes that helping others who are at least as successful as themselves favored by evolution. This idea has implications for engineering intelligent machines to decide cooperation and generosity.
The UK Lung Cancer Screening randomized controlled trial found that CT screening did not cause unnecessary anxiety, despite fear and stigma being barriers to participation. The trial recruited over 4,000 participants aged 50-75 at high risk of lung cancer, with a significant reduction in deaths for those who received screening.
A £1.3m grant will enable Cardiff University and partners to further develop the LIPID MAPS resource, advancing global lipidomics research. The project aims to discover new lipids involved in disease processes and preserve a widely-used classification system.
A small rise in alcohol prices could significantly reduce violence-related injuries in England and Wales, with an estimated 6,000 fewer emergency care visits per year. The study suggests that reforming the current alcohol taxation system would be more effective at reducing violence than minimum unit pricing.
Astronomers have observed the early formation of galaxies and found that stars were forming inside them much faster in the past. The rapid star birth is using up more cosmic dust, which is becoming cleaner as the universe evolves.
Researchers at Cardiff University are exploring a potential new treatment for human temporal lobe epilepsy by transplanting immature neuron cells into the brain. The project, funded by Epilepsy Research UK, aims to develop this cell transplantation treatment and potentially lead to clinical trials in the next 3-5 years.
For the first time, astronomers have detected billowy clouds of cold, clumpy gas streaming towards a supermassive black hole at speeds of up to 800,000 miles per hour. The observation provides direct evidence to support the theory that black holes feed on clouds of cold gas.
A recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that certain bacteria can activate killer T-cells, which destroy insulin-producing cells and lead to type 1 diabetes. This discovery sheds light on the potential external factors contributing to the disease's development.
Babies born with low birthweight are at a higher risk of death from infancy through to adolescence compared to those born at normal weight. The research found that death rates were 130 times more frequent in very low birthweight infants, highlighting the importance of targeting factors contributing to low birthweights.
A survey of 2,501 Britons found that just 1 in 5 people know about ocean acidification, a critical environmental issue. The study highlights the need to raise public awareness and understanding of this topic, which is often overlooked despite its importance for marine ecosystems.
A new study by Cardiff University found that combining insulin with metformin reduces mortality and heart attacks in people with type 2 diabetes. The researchers tracked 12,020 patients for three and a half years on average, finding no difference in cancer risk between single-insulin therapy and combination treatment.
A study of 18,000 UK residents found that individuals who have just moved house are significantly less likely to travel to work by car. Environmental attitudes also played a role in this change in behavior, with people adopting greener modes of transport after moving.
A combined dietary supplement of marine fish oil, cocoa extract, and phytosterols could potentially prevent atherosclerosis by inhibiting key processes associated with its progression. The study found that combining these ingredients helped halt the progression of atherosclerosis in cell-based models.
Researchers at Cardiff University discovered a signaling molecule that can alleviate asthma symptoms such as mucus production and airway constriction. The study found that blocking this molecule can help regulate the allergic immune response, potentially leading to improved treatment options for asthma sufferers worldwide.
A systematic review of scientific literature found that taking low-dose aspirin alongside cancer treatment can reduce mortality and cancer spread by up to 20%. Researchers from Cardiff University suggest this may be due to a mutation in PIK3CA, which appears to explain the reduction in colon cancer mortality.
A team of researchers from Cardiff University has provided new evidence on how deep sea creatures survived the asteroid strike that wiped out the dinosaurs. The study found that some forms of algae and bacteria were living in the aftermath of the disaster, providing a slow trickle of food for creatures near the seafloor.
A study found that half of patients visiting their GP with dental problems were prescribed unnecessary antibiotics, despite these not providing a definitive treatment. This has raised concerns about the impact on long-term dental health and potential contributions to antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at Cardiff University have successfully transplanted human stem cells into rabbits with corneal blindness, repairing the front of the eye and restoring vision. The study demonstrates the generation of multiple eye tissues, including the lens, cornea, and conjunctiva, from human induced pluripotent stem cells.
Researchers from Cardiff University have demonstrated the first practical laser grown directly on a silicon substrate, paving the way for ultra-fast communication between computer chips. The breakthrough has the potential to transform various sectors, including communications, healthcare and energy generation.
Researchers at Cardiff University have developed a new group of catalysts that can produce hydrogen peroxide on-demand in a simple one-step process, opening up possibilities for manufacturing the chemical in remote areas. The production of hydrogen peroxide is essential for water purification and could significantly reduce costs.
Cardiff University scientists have engineered a new dual 'homing' agent that inactivates the complement system in the brain, reducing inflammation and aiding recovery. The treatment has shown promise in mice with traumatic brain injuries, potentially leading to life-changing benefits for humans.
Researchers from Cardiff University and Charles Owen Inc. have developed a novel 3D-printed material called C3, which can improve the safety of athletes and others by better absorbing and dissipating impact. The material has been awarded $250,000 to further develop its potential.
Researchers have discovered ancient fossil forests in Svalbard, Norway, dating back 380 million years, which may hold the secrets to a 15-fold reduction in atmospheric CO2 levels. The dense, equatorial forests were likely formed by lycopod trees and could provide valuable information on the evolution of tree-sized vegetation.
A new study found significant positive associations between breakfast consumption and educational attainment. Children who ate a better quality breakfast achieved higher academic outcomes, with the odds of achieving an above average performance up to twice as high for those who ate breakfast compared to those who did not.
Researchers found that areas with previous strong earthquakes were more likely to produce landslides after a second earthquake hit. The study's findings could lead to improved predictive models considering historical occurrences of past earthquakes.
New research shows that deciduous trees can increase resilience of river ecosystems by providing food for insects, which in turn support fish, birds, and bats. Trees also offer a cooling influence and an annual energy input through falling leaves.
Scientists at Cardiff University have discovered a key protein that regulates inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, enabling the development of tailored treatment plans. This breakthrough has the potential to improve disease outcomes and quality of life for patients with this debilitating condition.
Researchers at Cardiff University have devised a way of increasing the yield of biodiesel by using the waste left over from its production process. By recycling crude glycerol, they can convert it into methanol, which is then used as a starting reactant to create more biodiesel.