A 3,000 year-old skeleton has revealed evidence of metastatic carcinoma, making it the oldest convincing complete example of cancer in the archaeological record. Analysis suggests that environmental carcinogens or infectious diseases may have caused the cancer.
A global decline in killer whale numbers occurred approximately 40,000 years ago during the last Ice Age, with a bottleneck and loss of genetic diversity. The South African population remained genetically diverse, suggesting it escaped the bottleneck due to a stable Bengeula upwelling system.
Researchers at Durham University have discovered a natural mechanism in plants that can stimulate growth even under stress, leading to potential improvements in crop yields. The team found that plants produce a modifier protein called SUMO that interacts with growth-repressing proteins, allowing for the removal of brakes on plant growth.
A study using phylogenetic analysis maps out the evolution of folk tales, revealing that Little Red Riding Hood shares a common root with The Wolf and the Kids, which originated in the 1st century AD. The research sheds light on the migration patterns of humans in ancient times by determining the origins and evolution of folk stories.
Fetuses show increased sensitivity to mouth movements as pregnancy progresses, suggesting anticipation rather than reaction. This could be an indicator of healthy development and preparedness for feeding, social interaction, and self-soothing.
New research from Durham University reveals that the East Antarctic Ice Sheet may be more susceptible to changes in air temperatures and sea-ice than previously believed. The study found rapid and synchronised periods of advance and retreat among 175 glaciers along the coastline, coinciding with cooling and warming patterns.
New research shows that European hunter-gatherers acquired domesticated pigs from nearby farmers around 4600 BC. The interaction between the two groups led to the incorporation of farming and breeding of livestock into their culture.
Archaeological evidence suggests human colonization of the Faroe Islands took place between the 4th to 6th centuries AD, contradicting the traditional Viking narrative. This finding has implications for understanding the colonization of similar island groups worldwide.
Astronomers at Durham University developed a new way to measure supermassive black holes' spin, which is linked to their role in driving galaxy growth. The technique uses the distance between a black hole and its feeding disc to estimate spin.
A collaborative study led by Durham University found that children from the poorest families are at double the risk of contracting malaria compared to those from less impoverished backgrounds. The research highlights the need for development programs as an essential component of malaria control to ensure transmission continues to decline.
Research from Durham University suggests that brain frontal lobes are not disproportionately enlarged relative to other areas in humans and other species. The study found that supposedly 'primitive' areas like the cerebellum played an equally important role in expanding the human brain.
A Canadian lynx, a carnivorous predator twice the size of a domestic cat, was found to have prowled the British countryside at the turn of the last century. The discovery provides evidence against a popular hypothesis that wild cats entered the country following the 1976 Wild Animals Act.
Researchers have gained a clearer insight into how protein components work together to transport antibiotics from cells, which could aid the development of 'pump blockers' to combat antibiotic resistance.
A new study predicts that climate change will lead to significant declines in suitable climates for many bird species, requiring enhanced protection and management of key sites. Conservation efforts will need to adapt to assist birds in moving to climatically suitable areas, with some species facing relocation in extreme cases.
A new study tracks vulture movements, revealing they often avoid national parks to scavenge on private farmland, risking exposure to poisonous veterinary drugs. This behavior poses a significant threat to the endangered white-backed vulture species in Africa and India.
A study of white-backed vulture movements across southern Africa reveals they prefer to forage on private farmland, risking exposure to poisonous veterinary drugs. The birds travel long distances to find food, with some individuals crossing multiple country borders in search of sustenance.
Researchers found that Italian wolves primarily consume wild boar, accounting for two-thirds of their diet, with roe deer making up around a third. The study suggests that wolves prefer wild boar even when roe deer densities are high, indicating a strong preference for this prey.
Researchers used Earth-orbiting X-ray telescopes to observe a bingeing black hole that expels powerful beams of material, solving the debate over whether ULXs are black holes gorging themselves or more massive ones eating sedately. The discovery provides key insights into how jets are produced by a binging black hole.
In early 19th-century Ireland, women who drank tea were seen as reckless and uncontrollable, wasting their time and money on a supposedly luxury they couldn't afford. This perception was fueled by concerns about tea's supposed addictive qualities and its associations with slavery and revolutionary feminism.
A three-year project at Durham University has found that collaborative learning increases both fluency and flexibility in mathematics, while using interactive smart desks can have benefits over traditional paper-based activities. The new 'Star Trek classroom' also encourages active student engagement and equal access.
New research from Durham University found that over half of mouth openings in fetuses were classified as yawns, suggesting a developmental process linked to fetal health. Yawning declined in frequency after 28 weeks gestation, potentially providing another indicator of the unborn baby's health.
Researchers from Durham University and industry partners are developing a new method to monitor carbon storage using muons from cosmic rays. The technology has the potential to reduce costs by hundreds of millions of pounds per annum.
Researchers at Durham University found that some grey seal mothers adopt a flexible parenting style, adjusting their behavior to local conditions. This approach allows them to give their pups a better chance of survival, but also carries risks if they misjudge the environment.
A 450 million-year-old study reveals that an ancient hurricane belt existed in North America, affecting areas now known as New York State and the eastern seaboard. The research team mapped the position of the Ordovician Equator and adjacent tropical zones using fossil distribution and sediments.
Researchers at Durham University found that channel width plays a crucial role in controlling ice stability and rate of mass loss from ice sheets and glaciers. The study's simulation of past ice-sheet retreat and collapse over a ten thousand year period in Antarctica provides new light on what makes ice stable or unstable.
A new research study by Durham University found that the Little Ice Age enabled arctic foxes to colonize Iceland from different Arctic regions. The genetic diversity of the Icelandic population increased due to this migration, which is attributed to the formation of sea ice during the Little Ice Age.
A new database reveals that landslides kill ten times more people than previously thought, with 32,300 fatalities documented between 2004 and 2010. The Durham Fatal Landslide Database identifies areas most at risk, enabling policymakers to prioritize action to manage hazards and lessen human population risks.
A new study reveals that an ice cap and valley glaciers were present in the centre of Dartmoor during the last Ice Age, sculpting its rocky landscape. The research found distinctive outer tors survived while inner tors were destroyed or prevented from forming due to the glacier's presence.
A new study by Durham University found that modern dog breeds have little in common with their ancient ancestors due to thousands of years of cross-breeding. The research analyzed genetic data from 1,375 dogs and showed that even breeds labeled as 'ancient' are not closer to the first domestic dogs.
Researchers at Durham University have identified a key gene involved in sperm-to-egg binding, enabling fertilization in mammals. The discovery highlights the importance of cumulus cells surrounding eggs and suggests potential avenues for improving IVF treatment effectiveness and developing new contraceptives.
Researchers from Durham University found that the probability of fractures extending beyond 0.6 kilometers is exceptionally low, with only one per cent risk beyond 350 meters. This analysis has implications for setting minimum distance requirements for fracking operations to prevent contamination of groundwater.
A study led by Durham University found that children with autism have intact inner speech mechanisms but often don't use them like typically developing children do. Teaching strategies to encourage inner speech may improve communication impairments and daily life skills.
A new study reveals that male chamois in different populations employ distinct breeding strategies, including 'terminal investment', where they focus on reproduction later in life. This variation could have implications for wildlife management, particularly when it comes to hunting practices.
Researchers found that seal mothers adopt a wide range of mothering styles, with some being very attentive while others are not. The study also revealed large differences in response to potential dangers among both female and male seals, with no correlation to age or size.
A study led by Durham University has identified a potential drug therapy for premature ageing diseases, including Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome. The treatment, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), controlled oxidative stress and DNA damage in cells, suggesting a possible model for understanding processes that cause us to age.
Reinnervate has won the prestigious R&D 100 Award for its groundbreaking 3D cell culture technology alvetex. The company's technology enables genuine 3D cell growth, providing valuable insights into cellular function in real tissues.
A Durham University-led project has won a £760,000 grant from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) to support teachers in using peer tutoring to boost Maths attainment among younger pupils. The project will train teachers and produce materials for 80 schools.
A trial of peer tutoring in Scotland's primary schools found that children as young as seven to eight years old can benefit from a twenty-minute weekly session. The boost to school pupils' attainment provided by peer tutoring was equivalent to about three months progress in both maths and reading.
A simple finger prick test during routine eye exams at high street opticians can identify millions of people with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. This could lead to better disease management and cost savings for the NHS.
A new study reveals that prolonged heavy snowfall in the Arctic can trigger rapid growth of killer fungi, devastating plant life and disrupting local food chains. This unexpected finding highlights unforeseen climate change effects on vegetation and ecosystems.
A Durham University-led study reveals that some less deprived coalfield areas are faring relatively well in terms of health, suggesting that regeneration efforts and resilience of local communities may be helpful. The research emphasizes the need for increased government assistance, particularly in poorer, predominantly rural coalfield...
A new study disputes the use of a single minimum viable population number as a yardstick for conservation policies. Populations show rapid declines due to human activities, but removing negative effects, even small populations could be viable in the long term.
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that brain growth in babies is linked to maternal investment, including duration of pregnancy and breastfeeding period. The research suggests that longer pregnancies and breastfeeding periods result in bigger brains for babies.
A new study by Durham University shows that patients with severe depression can be treated successfully with behavioural activation, a psychotherapy for depression, by non-specialist mental health staff. The research suggests that this approach could lead to cost-savings for the NHS and alleviate the shortage of specialist therapists.
A new conservation index helps policy-makers deal with the effects of climate change on birds in Africa, suggesting that international cooperation is essential to protect species. The study predicts that one-third of protected areas will undergo significant changes due to climate change.
A new study by Durham University found that early years' initiatives in England, such as Sure Start, are not delivering improvements in language and numeracy development. The researchers highlight the need for a review of these initiatives and targeting assistance more effectively to reach disadvantaged children.
Large predator species like tigers and polar bears are more vulnerable to environmental changes than smaller species due to their high energetic costs. They require more energy to find food, making them more susceptible to population declines.
The study found that faster growth rates in some mammals are due to the more intimate connection between mother and baby, resulting in shorter pregnancies. Humans have relatively lengthy pregnancies due to their simple placenta structure with limited connections between mother's tissues and foetus.
A new study by Durham University suggests that enhanced oil recovery using carbon dioxide could unlock a North Sea oil bonanza worth £150 billion. This technology could secure UK energy supplies for the next 20 years, while being just about carbon neutral.
A study by Durham University anthropologist Dr Iain Edgar found that night dreams are being used to make choices on issues like marriage, business, and career development among modern Muslims. The practice of Istikhara, or Islamic 'dream incubation', involves using symbolism to interpret dreams and make decisions.