Researchers have found a new potential target for rheumatoid arthritis by developing an agent that prevents activated T cells from migrating towards the site of inflammation. The agent, PS372424, binds to a specific receptor CXCR3 on activated T cells and 'blinds' them, preventing further damage.
A new system for processing embryos during IVF treatment has been shown to significantly improve the chances of pregnancy. The innovative design of interlinked incubators provides a controlled environment for all steps of the IVF process, resulting in a 27% increase in pregnancy rate compared to conventional equipment.
Researchers at Newcastle University have engineered a microbial biofilm that significantly increases the electrical output of Microbial Fuel Cells. By selecting specific bacteria species, including Bacillus stratosphericus and Bacillus altitudinis, they doubled the electricity generation to 200 Watts per cubic meter.
A new iPad app, DASH II, is being trialled in Newcastle and North Tyneside hospitals to help doctors and patients make informed decisions about stroke treatment. The app provides visual interpretations of risks and benefits, enabling medical teams to explain predicted outcomes clearly.
Research at Newcastle University found that new TV food regulations did not reduce exposure to unhealthy foods for children and adults alike. The study showed that even after the restrictions were implemented, 14.6% of adverts seen were for food and half of those were for less healthy items.
The Panama Canal expansion allows for larger container ships, reducing fuel costs and emissions by up to 16% per tonne-mile. The study suggests that the industry can reduce its environmental impact through simple changes in hull design and optimization.
Researchers at Newcastle University discovered that manipulating serotonin's actions can tip the balance towards healthy tissue regeneration and block scarring in mouse models of chronic liver disease. This approach targets the 5-HT2B receptor, which instructs scar-forming cells to switch off regeneration.
An international team of experts investigates the changing mass of the Antarctic Ice Sheet using satellite observations, GPS data, and climate models. They aim to determine the evolution of the ice sheet's mass over the last 20 years and identify regions of change.
A UK team has developed a novel electric motor for hybrid electric and pure electric vehicles that replaces rare earth metals with steel. This innovative technology aims to reduce the environmental impact and costs associated with mining these scarce materials.
A new system tracks cattle's feeding patterns and behavior using RFID technology, enabling early detection of illnesses and improving treatment outcomes. The system has shown promising results in detecting subtle changes in animal behavior indicative of health challenges.
A clinical trial led by Newcastle University found that the drug idebenone improved vision and perception of color in patients with LHON, a condition causing inherited blindness. In nine out of 36 patients taking idebenone, vision improved to the point where they could read at least one row of letters on a chart.
A new study found significant organic material buried in deoxygenated layers of sediment, indicating a mass mortality event in the oceans during a greenhouse effect. The research suggests that subtle changes in temperature and CO2 levels can trigger catastrophic effects on ocean sustainability.
A new gene test has identified GFPT1 as a crucial cause of Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (CMS), a rare genetic condition affecting signal transmission between the brain and muscles. The test allows for earlier treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors, offering an effective therapy that can be taken through life.
At Newcastle University, a team led by Professor Selina Stead is investigating the potential of sea cucumbers as natural cleaners on fish farms, reducing waste's impact on ocean floors. The project aims to develop organic farming methods for both sea cucumber food and eco-friendly aquaculture.
Research suggests that organic milk has higher levels of nutritionally beneficial fatty acids compared to conventional milk, regardless of the time of year or weather conditions. This could help farmers adapt to changing climates by improving milk quality.
Brain cells need to create links early on in their existence to ensure successful connections across the brain. This is demonstrated through computer analysis of nerve cell connectivity patterns in roundworms, showing that most neurons develop long-distance connections by being physically close together.
Researchers at Newcastle University found that the compounds in green tea are more effective against key triggers of Alzheimer's development when digested by enzymes in the gut. The study also suggests that these compounds have anti-cancer properties, slowing down the growth of tumour cells.
Researchers at Newcastle University found that honeybees can avoid toxic nectar through taste and learning, suggesting a potential factor in colony health under stress. The study highlights the importance of understanding how bees detect and avoid toxins to breed non-toxic plants.
Researchers at Newcastle University create a wireless sensor that can withstand extreme temperatures to monitor volcanic activity and collect real-time data. The device uses Silicon Carbide electronics, which also offers radiation tolerance for potential use in the nuclear industry.
A team of marine microbiologists at Newcastle University have discovered that bacteria can detect airborne chemicals like ammonia using a molecular 'nose'. This ability leads to the production of biofilms, which are major causes of infection on medical implants and cost the marine industry millions every year.
Researchers from Newcastle University have found that pigs' moods reflect their level of contentment, influenced by their living environment. The study used a technique to 'ask' pigs about their optimism or pessimism, revealing a direct correlation between emotional state and physical space.
A study published in Science reveals that changes in subpolar climates influenced the development of the modern tropical Pacific climate. The research, led by Newcastle University's Dr Erin McClymont, used marine sediment analysis to reconstruct ocean temperatures during the Pliocene Era.
A three-year study by Newcastle University found wild garden birds prefer conventional seed to organically-grown seed due to its higher protein content. The study suggests that the nutritional benefits of organic food may not always be true, particularly for birds and mammals during winter when protein is essential.
Newcastle University researchers found that dietary fibre in seaweed reduces fat absorption by 75%. Adding this fibre to foods like bread may help people lose weight while eating normally. The study's next step is to test the effects on volunteers and determine if such foods are acceptable in a normal diet.
A recent study found that dolphin tourism in Zanzibar is causing stress and exhaustion among bottlenose dolphins. The research highlights the need for regulation of the industry to minimize long-term negative impacts on the animals and their habitats.
Scientists have recorded spontaneous epileptic activity in human brain tissue for the first time, revealing that electrical connections between nerve cells cause the disease. This discovery offers real hope for finding new treatments for epilepsy, which affects 45 million people worldwide.
Researchers at Newcastle University have scientifically proven the pain-relieving properties of Hyptis crenata, a traditional South American herb. The study showed that the herbal tea was as effective as Indometacin in relieving pain, with results comparable to synthetic aspirin-style drugs.
A new study reveals that nearly half of UK women have a genetic variation reducing their ability to produce sufficient vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a vital role in immune system strengthening and preventing infections. The study found that younger women are at particular risk, highlighting the importance of adequate diet for this nutrient.
The study highlights the need for a portfolio of measures to minimize climate change impacts while allowing city growth. It emphasizes protecting homes from flooding and reducing carbon emissions, water usage, and moving towards cleaner transport.
Analysis of ancient rock isotopes reveals a rise in atmospheric oxygen 580 million years ago triggered the evolution of large complex animals. This discovery confirms oxygenation of oceans as a driving force for animal life.
Researchers have created a game called Magic Bullet to make labelling CAPTCHA images more efficient. Players can label images at a rate of up to 1,500 per hour, significantly improving the accuracy of human labels and helping to stay ahead of spammers.
Researchers at Newcastle University have successfully created human sperm from embryonic stem cells, allowing them to study the causes of infertility and potentially develop new treatments. The technique uses germline stem cells developed from male embryos, which are then prompted to mature into fully functional sperm.
A clinical trial has shown that losartan, a blood-pressure medicine, can shrink liver scarring and allow the organ to repair itself in some patients with early-stage liver failure. The drug works by blocking a signalling pathway that causes scar tissue to accumulate, allowing the damaged area of the liver to be repaired.
A new study reveals that climate change is drastically reducing daddy long legs populations, which in turn affects the food supply of upland birds such as golden plovers. The drop in cranefly larvae can lead to starvation and death for many chicks.
A clinical trial is underway to test if genetics can improve warfarin prescription by optimizing each patient's dose. Using genetic information, doctors may be able to better determine optimal warfarin doses, minimizing the risk of excessive bleeding or clotting in patients at the extremes of the dosing range.
Researchers at Newcastle University discovered that food adverts in popular UK magazines often feature sugary and salty products, despite promoting a healthier lifestyle. The study analyzed 30 widely-read weekly magazines and found that nearly every one contained unhealthy food options.
New research by Newcastle University forecasts that UK flooding events will increase in intensity and frequency, with a predicted 30% rise in extreme rainfall by 2080. Northern and western regions are expected to be worst hit, with major implications for flood risk management.
Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a new line of bacteria responsible for the ripening process and flavor of French cheese Reblochon. The reblochoni microbes, part of the Actinomycetes group, outcompete traditional starter cultures to provide flavor.
Researchers found that men inherit a tendency to have more sons or daughters from their parents, with brothers increasing son chances and sisters increasing daughter chances. The study also suggests an unknown gene controls sperm X/Y chromosome balance, affecting child sex ratios.
Researchers at Newcastle University create a super-efficient system that burns vegetable oil to produce electricity, heating, and cooling. The innovative design optimizes energy recovery, storage, and distribution for a carbon-neutral home power solution.
Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a key brain link that causes schizophrenia, revealing NMDA receptors play a critical role in modifying brain oscillations. Optimizing receptor function could lead to new treatment approaches for the mental illness, affecting one in 100 people.
Scientists at Newcastle University have discovered a mechanism that ensures the correct metal binds to proteins, which has potential applications in synthetic biology and treating diseases such as Alzheimer's. The research found that protein folding location determines metal binding, revealing new insights into protein-metal interactions.
A team of scientists found that current protection zones are ineffective in preventing coral reef collapse due to climate change. New areas need to be established to focus on escaping or recovering regions, while managing the entire system is crucial for long-term survival.
A new study by Newcastle University found that grazing cows on organic farms in the UK produce milk with significantly higher levels of nutritionally desirable fatty acids and antioxidants. The research also identified a direct link between the dairy cows' diets and the quality of their milk.
Scientists at Newcastle University have developed a highly energy-efficient technology to convert waste carbon dioxide (CO2) into cyclic carbonates, which can be used in various industrial applications. The technology has the potential to use up to 48 million tonnes of waste CO2 per year, reducing UK emissions by about four percent.
Researchers found a significant delay in the evolution of animal life due to low levels of oxygen and molybdenum in ancient deep oceans. This discovery provides new insights into the environmental conditions that led to the emergence of animal life.
Researchers found evidence of 200,000 year period of widespread glaciation in the 'super greenhouse' climate. Ice sheets were approximately 60% the size of modern Antarctic ice cap and existed when alligators lived in the Arctic.
A recent study found that maternal grandparents were more likely to maintain daily or weekly contact with their grandchildren than paternal grandparents. The research suggests psychological mechanisms rooted in evolutionary history, where women are always related by maternity, making family ties through the mother more significant.
Scientists at Newcastle University have developed a technology using UV light to activate antibodies specifically targeting tumour cells. The cloaked antibodies can be used alone or in combination with existing antibodies, minimizing side effects and maximizing destruction of tumours.
Engineers have developed ceramic tubes that can filter oxygen out of the air, enabling almost pure carbon dioxide production for reprocessing into useful chemicals. This technology has potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power stations by up to zero.