Scientists at Newcastle University have identified a gene editing method to stop kidney damage in patients with Joubert syndrome, a genetic condition causing brain and kidney issues. The 'exon-skipping' technique may lead to personalized therapies for inherited kidney diseases.
The new guidelines provide an update to the previously published consensus on definition and diagnosis of sarcopenia. They include an easier way to screen for sarcopenia risk using a simple questionnaire, a systematic way to make the sarcopenia diagnosis, and suggestions for practical tools and tests at each step.
Scientists at Newcastle University have made a significant discovery in treating childhood brain cancer, identifying a chromosome signature that can predict patient outcomes and tailor treatment to individual needs. This breakthrough aims to reduce toxicity and side effects while maintaining cure rates.
Research reveals that babies establish a healthy gut microbiome until around 2.5 years old, with breastfeeding playing a crucial role in early life. After weaning, the microbiome rapidly changes and becomes more stable, but the loss of beneficial bacteria can occur if breast milk is not available.
Scientists at Newcastle University have found that metformin can reduce the presence of microRNAs that contribute to heart disease in patients with Type 1 diabetes. By decreasing these microRNAs, metformin improves glucose levels and promotes blood vessel repair, opening up new treatment options for this vulnerable patient group.
Scientists discovered that mistakes in proofreading the genetic code of retinal cells lead to a form of inherited blindness, retinitis pigmentosa. The study, published in Nature Communications, offers hope for a new gene therapy treatment.
A recent study found that palbociclib, a breast cancer drug, can effectively treat acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with reduced toxicity compared to current chemotherapy. This breakthrough could lead to improved survival rates for patients with the serious condition.
Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a naturally occurring antibiotic called kanglemycin A that is effective against rifampicin-resistant Tuberculosis. The compound was found to bind to the same groove as rifampicin but with extended structures, allowing it to maintain its affinity and inhibit the bacteria.
Researchers have identified four children with inherited mutations in NDUFA6, a building block of complex I, leading to mitochondrial diseases. The discovery paves the way for earlier diagnosis and potential prevention of this devastating condition.
A team of scientists from Newcastle University has discovered three new species of snailfish in the Atacama Trench, a record-breaking 8000-metre-deep location. The fish, which are part of the Liparidae family, are highly adapted to living in extreme pressure and cold conditions.
A systematic review of 33 studies found that more processed starches increase the risk of cavities due to their breakdown into sugars in the mouth. Whole grain carbohydrates, on the other hand, may offer protection against gum disease and a lower risk of oral cancer.
A landmark study by Newcastle University researchers finds that heavy, short rain storms are intensifying rapidly in Australia, leading to increased flash flood and urban flooding risks. The study, published in Nature Climate Change, shows that these extreme events are substantially larger than expected under climate change.
AEP enhances checkpoint inhibitor drug effects on cancer cells and autoimmune diseases; measuring AEP levels may help identify patients responding to treatment with PD-1 inhibitors.
Patients with persistent facial pain incur significant costs, including £650 per year out-of-pocket expenses. An electronic referral system using a Graded Chronic Pain Scale could improve quality of life and reduce costs to employers by providing a structured care pathway.
Researchers identified small coral 'oases' thriving against the odds, with some areas rebounding from devastation. These 'escape', 'resist', and 'rebound' oases offer insights into why some ecosystems are more resilient to climate change and local impacts.
Researchers from Newcastle University discovered that human embryonic stem cells travel back and forth in a line, revealing subtle patterns to their movement. This finding has important implications for the development of computer models to predict and control stem cell evolution.
Scientists at Newcastle University successfully printed the first human corneas using a unique gel-like substance and 3D printing technology. The breakthrough could provide an unlimited supply of corneas for transplantation, addressing a significant shortage that affects millions worldwide.
Chinese consumers mistrust domestic food supply chains, seeking safer imported EU products with clear country of origin labels. To capitalize on this demand, European producers can enhance product safety and authenticity through third-party certifications and tamperproof seals.
Researchers at Newcastle University discovered that bees' taste neurons fire intense signals for up to 10 seconds when they encounter a sweet substance. This prolonged activation allows the bee to remain feeding at the same sugar source, making it more efficient for the colony.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that focusing solely on a species' rarity or economic impact can lead to an underestimation of its true value. Considering multiple values, such as cultural significance and economic importance, reveals that every species plays a crucial role in society.
A study by Newcastle University found that vaping has the same beneficial gut bacteria as non-smokers, whereas smoking is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer and colitis. The research also discovered a decrease in beneficial Bacteroides bacteria in smokers.
A team of international scientists has created a new form of highly-efficient, low-cost insulation based on the wings of a dragonfly. The material is ultralight and porous, with a piece weighing less than a kilogram, and can be replicated at an affordable cost.
A new Quick Response (QR) code-based system allows patients with Addison's disease to receive urgent clinical management information, improving emergency care. Healthcare professionals expressed a preference for QR code-linked information, and the system has shown promise in preventing unnecessary deaths linked to adrenal crisis.
A new study published in BMJ Open reveals that people over 85 are more likely to consult their GP for medical needs, highlighting the need for specialist geriatric colleagues to support primary care services. The study's findings suggest a growing concern over the impact of an ageing population on the NHS.
A new study reveals that European cities will experience more frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, and flooding due to climate change. Southern Europe will see the biggest increases in heatwave days and temperatures, while central Europe will face the greatest temperature increases during heatwaves.
Researchers at Newcastle University have identified how lysozyme and penicillin work together to cause recurrent infections, shedding light on why some patients become resistant to antibiotics. The study also reveals the formation of L-forms, bacteria that can grow in human tissue without cell walls, leading to recurring infections.
Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered a new form of 3D vision in praying mantises that works differently from previously known forms. This unique vision system allows mantises to detect movement and distance without detailed image matching, making it robust and efficient for processing.
Researchers at Newcastle University found that only two out of six essential medicines were easily available in private pharmacies, with many more listed in Indian databases but unaffordable. The study calls for a review of available brands and the setting up of a centralized database to address inadequate access to essential medicines.
A study published in Age and Ageing predicts a massive expansion in the number of people suffering from multiple diseases, known as multi-morbidity, among older adults. As a result, two-thirds of life expectancy gains will be spent with four or more diseases.
Researchers at Newcastle University found that a small adaptation in the protein p62 helps cells respond to stress and activate autophagy, a process that removes damaged components from cells. This discovery could help explain why humans have increased natural defenses and longer lifespans compared to other organisms.
Researchers have found that patients with Parkinson's disease have more errors in mitochondrial DNA within the brainstem, leading to increased cell death. Surviving cells have higher copies of mitochondrial DNA, suggesting a new target for therapies.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that medications like opioids and antidepressants for chronic pain management increase the risk of obesity and poor sleep. The research found that these medications double the risk of obesity and are associated with poor sleep, highlighting the need to reduce their use.
Researchers have found microorganisms in Atacama Desert soils that can potentially be used to create new treatments for HIV and combat antibiotic resistance. The discovery highlights the vast untapped resource of 'dark matter' microbes in extreme environments.
A €34 million European research project aims to develop new diagnostic tests for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and identify those at risk of severe inflammation and liver scarring. The project, LITMUS, brings together clinicians, scientists, and pharmaceutical companies to develop and validate biomarkers for testing NAFLD.
Scientists at Newcastle University have developed a coating that allows individual stromal cells to detach from the surface, enabling continuous cell growth. This innovation can produce up to a billion cells per week, making it ideal for cell-based therapies requiring large numbers of cells.
New research reveals that 85% of forest vertebrates are impacted by fragmentation, with some species flourishing at the edge and others disappearing due to habitat loss. The study highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect species dependent on intact forest core areas.
Researchers developed a new technique to grow artificial corneas with improved transparency and strength by controlling the alignment of cells in a dish. This breakthrough could provide a solution for the shortage of donated corneal tissues and offer a practical alternative to plastic corneas.
A team of researchers from Newcastle University discovered the MlaA protein, which removes lipids from the outer membrane to increase permeability for toxic compounds. This process could be exploited by drugs to decrease bacterial virulence and enhance antibiotic effectiveness.
A low-calorie diet has been shown to reverse Type 2 diabetes by reducing liver and pancreatic fat content, allowing insulin production to resume. The reversal of diabetes remains possible for up to 10 years after onset with sustained weight loss.
Scientists are searching for Edwards' pheasant, a critically endangered bird species endemic to central Vietnam. Researchers have identified two potential locations where the bird may still exist, using data compiled from known sightings and recordings dating back to the late 1800s.
Researchers found that piling sounds stress sea bass, causing them to fail to react to predators while drilling sounds cause them to actively avoid areas with these noises. This exposure can also impair their ability to detect food and has potential effects on reproduction.
A summer 'vortex' of cold air over the Karakoram mountain range is inducing an anomalous cooling that causes glaciers to grow in spite of global warming. This unique temperature control system has significant implications for ice melt rates and river flows in the region.
A study by Newcastle University found that social prescribing of non-medical activities such as gardening, cooking clubs, and volunteering improves physical health and reduces anxiety and isolation. Link Workers played a crucial role in supporting participants throughout the program.
Newcastle University experts warn of the dangers of rugby tackling in school sport, highlighting a 67% reduction in concussion risk from removing body checks in youth ice-hockey. The study calls for governments to protect children under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child by removing avoidable harm.
Researchers used satellite data to track and map the movement of earth before a landslide, detecting the devastating event in China's Sichuan Province. The team believes their technology can provide early warnings for landslides, potentially saving thousands of lives.
Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a mechanism that causes fatty liver disease and successfully reversed it using a pharmacological approach. By eliminating senescent cells, the build-up of unwanted fat in the liver was reduced, restoring liver function to normal.
A new study from Newcastle University shows that the exact time of neuron development and its position in the brain are key to forming neural connections. This understanding can lead to better diagnosis and treatment of developmental diseases like schizophrenia, autism, and ADHD.
New international guidelines aim to accurately diagnose dementia with Lewy bodies, a disorder that shares symptoms with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The guidelines focus on clinical features and diagnostic biomarkers to establish an accurate diagnosis and improve management of the complex disorder.
Researchers from Newcastle University have found an inexpensive and easy way to validate the authenticity of ANY paper document by taking a picture with a standard camera. The unique 'texture' fingerprint for every sheet of paper can be identified and verified with 100% accuracy, making it highly reliable even under rough handling.
Childhood medulloblastoma can be separated into seven distinct subgroups with unique biological and clinical characteristics. This new understanding may lead to increased survival rates as each subgroup responds differently to treatment, allowing for tailored treatment options. The study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes...