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Newcastle University


Adolescence is ruff for dogs too

Research by Newcastle University and the University of Nottingham found that dogs exhibit typical teenage behavior, such as ignoring commands and training difficulties, at around 8 months old. This behavior is more pronounced in dogs with insecure attachments to their owners.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalBiology Letters·DateMay 12, 2020

Chemistry breakthrough could speed up drug development

Scientists at Newcastle University have developed a new method to grow crystals of organic soluble molecules from nanoscale droplets, allowing for rapid screening of hundreds of experiments in minutes. This breakthrough could transform the analysis of small molecules and accelerate the discovery of new pharmaceutical agents.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalChem·DateMay 8, 2020

Patterns in the brain shed new light on how we function

Scientists have identified recurring patterns in brain neurons that can be used to explain their behavior and function, paving the way for creating artificial intelligence that mimics the human brain. By understanding these patterns, researchers aim to develop new treatments for neurological disorders and improve current technology.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 30, 2020

Healing power of honey

Researchers at Newcastle University have found that layering Manuka honey between layers of surgical mesh acts as a natural antibiotic, inhibiting bacteria growth and preventing infection. The study showcases the potential benefits of infusing medical implants with honey, offering an alternative to antibiotics.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateDec 3, 2019

Cause of antibiotic resistance identified

Researchers at Newcastle University have confirmed that bacteria can lose their cell wall to avoid detection by antibiotics, leading to recurring urinary tract infections. The study found that L-form switching allows bacteria to survive and re-form their cell wall, making it harder for the immune system to target them.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 26, 2019

Ditch the delicate wash cycle to save our seas

Researchers at Newcastle University found that higher water volumes in delicate wash cycles release more plastic microfibres than standard cycles. The team discovered that the volume of water used during the wash cycle is the key factor, not spinning action, and that this can lead to a significant increase in released fibres.

Methane not released by wind on Mars, experts find

Researchers at Newcastle University have found that wind erosion is unlikely to be the primary cause of methane gas release on Mars. The team used high-resolution imagery and data to rule out wind erosion as a viable mechanism for producing detectable levels of methane in the Martian atmosphere.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 12, 2019

Going the distance: Brain cells for 3D vision discovered

Researchers at Newcastle University have identified neurons in praying mantises that enable complex 3D perception, enabling more efficient algorithms for machine vision. The discovery provides new insights into the neural basis of depth perception in insects, shedding light on how these tiny brains process spatial information.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2019

Telomere length unaffected by smoking

A new meta-analysis of 18 studies found that smoking does not accelerate telomere shortening, challenging the long-held assumption that smoking affects telomere length. Adult telomere length is now considered a static biomarker rather than a dynamic indicator of ageing.

Secrets of the 'blue supergiant' revealed

Astronomers observed blue supergiants for the first time using data from NASA space telescopes, discovering wave patterns on their surface that reveal properties of these stars. The discoveries confirm two types of waves, providing new prospects for studying massive stars.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMay 6, 2019

A soft spot for stem cells helps cornea healing

Researchers at Newcastle University develop a potential revolutionary way to treat eye injuries and prevent blindness by using an enzyme to soften the tissue hosting stem cells. This approach has important implications for developing new ways to heal corneal damage, which affects almost 500,000 people worldwide.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2019

Cities under pressure

Researchers at Newcastle University found that balancing sustainability objectives is a complex challenge. The 'best case' scenario for London involves concentrating development in central areas to reduce flood risk, transport emissions, and urban sprawl, but this comes at the cost of exposing more people to extreme temperatures.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalCities·DateMar 27, 2019

More than enough on our plates

A smaller portion of fish and chips has been developed by Newcastle University researchers, with the introduction of the Lite-BITE box. This smaller meal option, weighing around 600 calories, has been well-received by both customers and takeaway owners in the North of England and Scotland.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalBMJ Open·DateFeb 6, 2019