Researchers found that VR pornography can create a sense of 'perfection' leading to addictive and extreme content. The team calls for greater responsibility in developing this technology, including alternative scenarios where participants assume different roles.
Researchers at Newcastle University have identified the key role of filaggrin in triggering eczema by creating a human model system that mimics the skin condition. This discovery provides new understanding of the mechanisms involved and suggests targets for future drug development.
A new generation of prosthetic limbs with built-in cameras can now automatically pick up objects, eliminating the need for manual control. Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a 'hand that sees' using computer vision and neural networks, which can assess object shape and size in real-time to trigger precise movements.
A study published in the Journal of American College of Cardiology shows that left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) can fully restore heart function in some patients. Researchers found that 38% of individuals who recover enough to allow device removal demonstrated equivalent heart function to healthy individuals.
Researchers at Newcastle University found that malicious websites and installed apps can crack four-digit PINs with a 70% accuracy using smartphone sensor data. The study revealed that people are unaware of the risks, and despite industry awareness, no solution has been found yet.
The National Institute for Health Research Innovation Observatory will apply Big Data analytics tools to explore trends in health innovation. The £10 million centre, based at Newcastle University, aims to provide better and more efficient healthcare for patients.
Mathematicians from Newcastle University discovered a new 'storm' layer in superfluid Helium that 'sticks' to surfaces like ordinary fluid. The layer is created by mini tornadoes tangling together, slowing the flow. This finding changes past assumptions about superfluids and their use as coolants and precision measurement devices.
A team of scientists has identified a new way that gut bacteria can break down complex sugars, revealing novel enzymes with potential applications in developing pre- and probiotic products to improve human health.
An international team of scientists has discovered the critical role of FtsZ filament motion in bacterial cell division, revealing a novel mechanism for building the cell wall. The study provides insights into the process and potential targets for new antibiotics.
A new study found that pregnant women who were supported to quit smoking through the 'BabyClear' programme had heavier, healthier babies. The programme, which screens all pregnant women for smoking using carbon monoxide monitoring, led to a doubling of the number of women who quit smoking during pregnancy.
Scientists discover high levels of banned pollutants in deep-sea amphipods, revealing human impact on remote ocean habitats. The findings suggest a legacy of pollution from industrial accidents and waste, emphasizing the need to understand the consequences of contamination.
Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered abnormal changes in the brain's frontal lobe and emotional control mechanism in individuals with misophonia. The study found that trigger sounds evoked increased heart rate and sweating, and that patients had strikingly similar clinical features despite being undiagnosed by current me...
Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered a 'pedal bin machine' of gut bacteria that acquires nutrients in the human large bowel. The study provides fundamental insights into the functioning of the microbiota and its role in human health and nutrition.
A study published in Appetite found that children with more eating disorder symptoms at age nine also had a higher number of symptoms at age 12. The research identified three key areas to monitor for early intervention: body dissatisfaction, depressive symptoms, and earlier onset of symptoms.
A new test has identified a gene signature related to the immune response in liver tissue of patients with high-risk Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), a rare autoimmune condition. The test allows for early intervention with alternative treatments, increasing chances of success and potentially staving off the need for a liver transplant.
Researchers at Newcastle University found that hackers can hack a credit card account in as little as 6 seconds by guessing the card number, expiry date, and CVV. The 'Distributed Guessing Attack' method allows hackers to circumvent security features and validate card details across multiple websites.
A new initiative called Street Triage has been shown to reduce police detentions under the Mental Health Act by 56% in the first year. The service combines mental health professionals with dedicated police officers to provide quick and effective care for individuals in crisis.
Wildfires in Indonesia and Borneo exposed 69 million people to unhealthy air pollution, resulting in thousands of premature deaths. The study estimates that between 6,150 and 17,270 premature deaths occurred due to breathing in the polluted air.
Research from Newcastle University found that aging brains lose their youthful folding pattern due to decreasing cortical tension. The study provides a new method for measuring brain folding and could help diagnose Alzheimer's disease.
A clinical trial has shown that metformin can promote a patient's ability to repair their own damaged blood vessels by increasing vascular stem cells. This could lead to improved treatment options for Type 1 diabetes patients at risk of developing heart disease.
Patients with persistent face pain may experience significant disability and inconvenience due to inadequate treatment. Experts propose a 'hub and spoke' model for efficient diagnosis and management, which could save the NHS money while improving patient outcomes.
A pan-European study found that personalized nutrition advice led to significant improvements in diet quality, including reduced red meat consumption and increased folate intake. Participants who received personalized guidance had better health outcomes compared to those receiving generic dietary advice.
A study of 100 species found that over 90% were affected by the forest edge effect, with the majority declining in abundance. The negative impact extended far into the forest interior, making conservation efforts crucial to protect biodiversity.
Scientists at Newcastle University have identified a group of molecules that can be targeted to slow tumor growth in prostate cancer patients. The research found that testosterone changes these molecules, making cancer cells more likely to survive and spread.
Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a genetic test to diagnose mitochondrial disorders, identifying six patients from four families affected by the disease. The test, which takes 2-3 days to produce results, has the potential to revolutionize diagnosis and treatment of this debilitating condition.
Scientists at Newcastle University have made a groundbreaking discovery that brain tumour cells use fats to make energy, not sugars as previously believed. This new understanding has significant implications for developing treatments for glioma, the most common form of primary malignant brain tumour.
Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a new essential sequence within bacterial genomes required for DNA replication, dubbed the DnaA-trio. This discovery sheds light on a fundamental biological process shared among all living organisms and opens doors to studying enigmatic replication origin elements in higher organisms.
Research reveals that street lights change moth behavior, causing them to shift from vegetation level to lamp-post height, disrupting night-time pollination. Moth populations play a crucial role in plant pollination, and their decline could have significant effects on ecosystems.
A recent study by Newcastle University has found that finfish populations have declined drastically over the last 65 years due to uncontrolled fishing, with five species now fighting for survival. The research highlights the urgent need for action to protect coral reefs and the ecosystem as a whole.
Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a DNA-based blood test that can detect liver scarring, also known as fibrosis, in patients with NAFLD. This breakthrough test measures epigenetic markers to stratify patients into mild or severe liver scarring, offering an early diagnosis and potentially improving patient outcomes.
A study found that autism diagnoses are still being made at an average age of 4.5 years, with some children not diagnosed until 30 months old. Early intervention can improve social and communication skills in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers have identified a key gene associated with cleft lip and palate, providing a step closer to understanding the condition's causes and developing effective prevention approaches. The discovery highlights the complex interplay between genes and environmental factors in shaping fetal development.
A new study from Newcastle University found that people who reverse their Type 2 diabetes and keep their weight down remain free of the condition. The research shows that even patients with diabetes for up to 10 years can reverse their condition by removing fat from their pancreas.
New research highlights uncertainty in global biodiversity data due to species sighting recording methods. Recording absences is crucial for effective conservation prioritization, as lack of data doesn't necessarily mean a species is absent.
Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a significant decrease in mitochondrial complex II activity with age in human skin cells, offering a new pathway for anti-aging treatments. The discovery may also lead to a greater understanding of other organs' aging processes and potential drug developments for age-related diseases.
A new study from Newcastle University suggests that television exposure directly influences female body ideals, leading to body dissatisfaction and potential risks of eating disorders. In rural Nicaragua, participants with higher TV access preferred thinner female bodies, mirroring Western trends.
New research reveals a clear parallel between antibiotic resistance in medicine and similar genes detected in agricultural soils treated with animal manure. The study found that repeated use of antibiotics in agriculture can increase soil bacteria's capacity to acquire new resistance genes.
Organic milk and meat contain more beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, lower saturated fats, and higher concentrations of iron, Vitamin E, and carotenoids compared to conventional products. This switch can improve intakes of nutritionally important fatty acids, potentially reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
Wild tomato varieties exhibit dual resistance against whiteflies, which damages plants by extracting sap, creating honeydew, and transmitting viruses. Breeding these traits into commercial tomatoes could offer a sustainable solution for controlling the pest.
Researchers discovered that biological molecules can change the shape of minerals by controlling how they link together, a process that could lead to the development of new drugs and synthetic materials. The study's findings shed light on the importance of chirality in drug development, as seen in the devastating Thalidomide tragedy.
Researchers found that metformin enhances new blood vessel formation and reverses oxygen delay during a heart attack. The study suggests that the medication can aid in heart attack recovery by promoting the growth of new blood vessels.
Researchers at Newcastle University have found that eliminating mitochondria from aging cells can rejuvenate them, highlighting the critical role of mitochondria in cellular aging. The study's findings shed light on how mitochondrial biogenesis drives cellular aging and pave the way for targeted therapies to counteract this process.
A new seaweed-based solution has been developed to transport stem cells and treat wounds, offering a low-cost and effective alternative to current methods. The alginate gel protects the stem cells from environmental damage, preserving their viability for up to three days at room temperature.
Research at Newcastle University has questioned the effectiveness of metyrapone, a drug suggested to treat depression, finding it inadequate for treatment-resistant patients. The study suggests that depression may be more complex than simply being a consequence of high stress hormone levels.
Researchers at Newcastle University have confirmed that praying mantises use 3D vision to hunt, with a new model to improve visual perception in robots. The team used custom-made glasses with one blue and one green lens to show insects any desired images.
New research shows women now spend more years with moderate or severe disability and 2.5 years more with mild disability compared to 20 years ago. Despite this, women's life expectancy at age 65 increased by 3.6 years, while men's life expectancy increased by 4.5 years.
A study by researchers at Newcastle University found that images of watching eyes on litter reduced the odds of littering by around two thirds. The study showed that people are less likely to behave in an anti-social manner when they feel being watched, and this effect is only present when there are no other people nearby.
Researchers at Newcastle University found that Type 2 diabetes is caused by excess fat in the pancreas, which can be removed through weight loss. Losing just one gram of pancreatic fat can reverse the condition and restore normal insulin function, regardless of body weight or method of weight loss.
The study reveals that both humans and monkeys have a common brain area that recognizes the orderliness of sound sequences, suggesting evolutionary origins of cognitive functions underlying language. This knowledge may help understanding how we learn and lose language, such as in aphasia after a stroke or dementia.
A study published in Environmental Health found that short-lived environmental factors, such as common infections and atmospheric pollution, may be involved in the development of neuroblastic tumours in children. The research identified temporal clustering of cases in northern England over a 43-year period.