Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have developed a novel anti-inflammatory nanoparticle that shows promise in treating sepsis and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), two leading causes of death in hospitalised patients. The treatment, known as SAN101, has the potential to reduce inflammation and prevent organ failure.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed a new technology to remove carbon dioxide from natural gas, making it safer and more efficient. The process uses a mixture of water and ionic liquids, offering commercial opportunities for reduced environmental impact.
Researchers have discovered a method to lower worrying levels of arsenic in rice, a major crop grown under flooded conditions. By using a shop-bought coffee percolator, up to 85% of the carcinogen inorganic arsenic can be removed from all types of rice.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed a new treatment that prevents Klebsiella pneumonia from blocking the body's natural defences. The therapy uses an inhibitor to stop the superbug from taking over a protein in white blood cells, making it capable of killing the infection.
Queen's University Belfast is at the forefront of a major European push to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks. The SAFEcrypto project, led by Professor Máire O'Neill, will focus on three main areas: protecting information passed via satellites, public-safety communications systems, and safeguarding data privacy.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have launched a revolutionary personalized treatment program to improve bowel cancer survival rates. The S-CORT Consortium will employ state-of-the-art techniques to define the genetic make-up of bowel cancer cells, collected from over 2,000 patients, and develop personalized care plans.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast created a unique perfume system that releases more of its aroma when it comes into contact with moisture, resulting in a better smell. The innovative system also removes the bad odors associated with sweat by attracting and neutralizing thiol compounds.
A Europe-wide survey predicts a sharp rise in UK adults living with cystic fibrosis, expected to increase by up to 79.3% by 2025. This surge poses a significant challenge for the NHS to develop adult specialist services quickly and effectively.
Scientists have identified the fastest-moving unbound star in our galaxy, breaking the galactic speed record with a speed of 1,200 kilometers per second. The star, US708, was once part of a double-star solar system and is now expected to leave the Milky Way.
The $344 million Daniel K Inouye Solar Telescope will utilize cameras designed by a UK university consortium led by Queen's University Belfast to observe the Sun's surface in unprecedented detail. The telescope aims to address fundamental questions in contemporary solar physics.
The Leverhulme Interdisciplinary Network on Cybersecurity and Society (LINCS) brings together researchers from two world-class centres to explore the growing area of cyber security. Researchers will examine the knock-on effects on society, including legal, ethical and cultural implications.
Queen's researchers have discovered a volcanic ash cloud that traveled from Alaska to Northern Ireland and beyond, overturning previous assumptions about ash deposits. The discovery has significant implications for the aviation industry and environmental science, highlighting Queen's impact on a global scale.
Scientists from Queen's University Belfast have made a groundbreaking discovery in attosecond science, tracking ultra-fast electron movement within a nanometer-sized molecule. This research has implications for understanding how radiotherapy kills cancer cells and improving solar cells.
A new study suggests that human activity, such as erecting fences and over-hunting, may be the major cause of declining cheetah populations. Cheetahs were found to incur more energy loss while searching for prey than during high-speed chases.
A leading expert on respiratory medicine warns of the growing concern of antibacterial resistance in treating cystic fibrosis patients. The expert recommends further research and investigation into developing new compounds that can work against bacteria to make current antibiotics more effective.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed the first innovative antibacterial gel that acts to kill Pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococci, and E. coli using natural proteins. The gels target and break down biofilms, a thick jelly-like coating that makes bacteria resistant to current therapies.
A new £6 million initiative is being launched to support cutting-edge research on cancer prevention. The project aims to build capacity in prevention science, combining lifestyle changes and interdisciplinary collaboration to reduce cancer cases.
A two-year project will investigate vulnerabilities in food supply chains and evaluate effective ways to improve consumer trust in food. The team will analyze various food supply chains and test the effectiveness of fraud prevention strategies.
Researchers at Queen's University have made a significant breakthrough that may benefit patients with bowel cancer. The team discovered how two genes cause bowel cancer cells to become resistant to treatments, leading to the development of a new approach to target these genes in aggressive forms of the disease.
The new Centre for Doctoral Training in Photonic Integration for Advanced Data Storage will address the shortage of skilled professionals in this field by educating 50 future scientists and engineers. Students will collaborate with industry partners, including Seagate Technology, to generate new ideas and research opportunities.
A European-wide strategy is needed to manage invasive species, threatening native biodiversity, and costing an estimated €12 billion each year. The EU must commit long-term investment to address the issue, including raising awareness of biosecurity and implementing European-wide legislation.
A panel of international experts will discuss the pros and cons of genetically modified (GM) crops in improving European food security. Recent research shows that consumers are increasingly concerned about GM foods, with 11% checking labels for information on GM content.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have discovered a link between high levels of oestrogen and DNA damage in breasts and ovaries, driving cancer in women with the BRCA1 mutation. This breakthrough could lead to alternative treatments to surgery, such as drugs that chemically reduce oestrogen production.
Research by Queen's University Belfast predicts that invasive waterweeds will become more widespread over the next 70 years due to climate change. Four species are expected to establish in areas 38% larger than previously thought, posing a threat to global biodiversity and economy.
A recent study by Queen's University Belfast highlights the disparities in cancer care for older patients, citing 'undertreatment' and a 'survival gap'. The editorial argues that clinical trials should be without an upper age limit to redress these disparities and improve outcomes.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed a method to predict the impacts of invasive species based on their behavior. By analyzing the rate at which an organism consumes resources, they found that 'damaging invaders' consistently have higher curves than native species, leading to population decline and extinction.
A study has found that invading grey squirrels may pass a deadly virus to native red squirrels through their urine, parasites and faeces. The research also suggests the disease persists best in warm dry conditions and could be slowed by limiting contact between species.
Professor Patrick Johnston, alongside leading experts and patient groups, aims to address disparities in cancer care across Europe. The European Cancer Patient's Bill of Rights, launched on World Cancer Day, sets a standard for optimal cancer care for all European citizens.
New research reveals that humans have actively managed Southeast Asian rainforests for over 11,000 years by clearing vegetation to plant food-bearing plants. Pollen samples and archaeological findings indicate repeated disturbances to vegetation since the end of the last ice age.
The Queen's team received the award for their paper on polymeric microneedle arrays prepared by a novel laser-based micromoulding technique. Their breakthrough research has developed tiny projections that can painlessly penetrate the skin and deliver medication or monitor drug levels without drawing blood.
Scientists at Queen's University Belfast and the Irish Equine Centre are developing a new animal doping test that detects known biological effects of banned substances. The test has the potential to revolutionize animal drug testing by enabling quick and efficient screening of large numbers of animals.
A €6 million European study led by Queen's University aims to develop new diagnostics and therapies for bowel cancer. The research will investigate two major genetic factors contributing to the aggressive spread of colorectal cancer, with the goal of improving patient survival rates.
The number of diving ducks migrating to Lough Neagh for winter has dropped from 100,000 to less than 21,000 over a decade. The lake's ecosystem has changed dramatically since 2000/01, leading to a decline in insects and snails, which are essential food sources for water birds.
A new €2.49m research study, led by Queen's University Belfast, aims to uncover Malta's prehistoric past and develop strategies for conserving vulnerable heritage sites. The project will analyze ancient pollens, snails, insects, and other environmental materials to reconstruct the changing ecology of Malta during prehistory.
A new €6 million global research program, CF Matters, aims to develop personalized antibiotic treatments for Cystic Fibrosis patients. The study will use molecular next-generation DNA sequencing methods to detect bacteria present in patients' sputum and determine the most effective antibiotic treatment.
Astronomers at Queen's University Belfast have found that small and dense neutron stars with gigantic magnetic fields power the most luminous supernovae. Contrary to existing theories, these stars' findings suggest a new explanation for the brightest exploding stars in the universe.
A £139,000 grant will investigate how cystic fibrosis patients' immune cells are infected with the B.cepacia superbug, which causes serious lung damage. The research aims to develop molecules that can help immune cells clear invading bacteria and potentially treat the condition.
A comprehensive study reveals that the longevity of placement is key to achieving positive outcomes for children in care, regardless of the type of placement. The research also highlights challenges faced by adoptive parents and birth families in discussing past history and family relationships.
A new study reveals that cheetahs do not just rely on speed when hunting, but also anticipate and mirror the escape tactics of their prey. The research found that cheetahs use two primary phases in their chases: a rapid acceleration to catch up with prey, followed by a slowing period to match prey-specific escape maneuvers.
A two-year trial has shown that Avastin is equally effective to Lucentis in treating wet AMD, with better visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in the regular treatment group. The study, led by Queen's University Belfast, could lead to changes in treatment protocols and save the NHS £84.5m annually.
Scientists at Queen's University will develop new methods of disease detection and treatment using MicroRNAs, a potential breakthrough in diagnosis. The Institute for Global Food Security is also exploring food crops containing drugs to treat tropical diseases.
A study by Queen's University Belfast found that psychotropic drug dispensing increases dramatically on entry to care homes, with antipsychotic use more than doubling from 8.2% to 18.6%. The high rate of psychotropic medication in care homes cannot be explained by continued community use, highlighting the need for routine medicines rev...
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast are developing a novel approach to repair damaged blood vessels in the retina using adult stem cells. This innovative therapy has the potential to prevent and/or reverse diabetic retinopathy, reducing the risk of vision loss.
A study found that common shore crabs are willing to trade a valued shelter to avoid future electric shock, suggesting they experience pain. The research highlights the need for better treatment of crustaceans in food industries like aquaculture.
A new study from Queen's University Belfast reveals that 80% of couples diagnosed with 'unexplained infertility' have a detectable cause, high sperm DNA damage. This breakthrough will lead to better treatment options, saving time, money, and heartache for affected couples.
Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have developed a new technique using a cold plasma jet to kill bacteria in biofilms, making it effective against complex organised communities of bacteria. The approach has the potential to control hospital superbugs, including multidrug-resistant bacteria like MRSA.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have discovered a new protein that plays a crucial role in regulating the spread of cancer cells. By targeting this protein, new therapies may be developed to prevent cancer from spreading.
Research at Queen's University Belfast found that children who grew up during the worst years of violence have the highest suicide rates and most rapidly increasing rates. The study attributes this to a range of factors including social isolation, poor mental health, and increased political stability.
Geetha Srinivasan wins prestigious L'Oréal-UNESCO UK and Ireland Fellowship to continue research on enabling biomedical applications of ionic liquids. The £15,000 award supports flexible financial help for her work, promoting women's participation in science.
A £425,000 study at Queen's University Belfast aims to discover how the immune system supports tissue repair in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The research seeks to understand how ageing affects this process and potentially lead to new treatments for MS.