A new research study by Trinity College Dublin and University of Bern found that colonial exploitation of biodiversity in rich countries created poverty legacies that persist today. The study assessed datasets from 168 countries and found that regions targeted by colonial powers were generally the richest in biodiversity. This has cont...
Researchers found that dexamethasone reduces infection-driven macrophage metabolic activity and lowers inflammatory signals, preserving the immune system's ability to control the infection. This study suggests a new approach for managing nontuberculous mycobacterial disease.
Researchers found that magma plumbing systems beneath volcanoes can fluctuate between solid- and liquid-dominated states, providing new insights into volcano evolution. Ancient Carlingford Mountain fossilized remnants reveal a pulsatory fashion of development, offering a unique window into modern-day volcanic processes.
Researchers recovered and analyzed ancient viral DNA from a local community in northern Chile, revealing the strongest direct evidence linking European colonization to the introduction of smallpox to the Americas. The study shows that smallpox evolved in a way that allowed it to spread successfully with minimal adaptation.
Researchers discovered the brain's brief 'dual tracking' ability to process two conversations simultaneously, potentially explaining why some individuals excel in busy social situations. This finding may help improve hearing technologies and provide insight into why certain people struggle with multitasking.
Researchers discovered that reducing microglial activity worsened abnormal electrical activity and increased seizure-like events in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Microglia are not just drivers of inflammation but also perform important housekeeping functions to maintain healthy brain activity.
Researchers found that yeast-based supplements can reprogram early-stage immune cells to produce enhanced anti-tumor responses. The study suggests a potential solution for obesity-related immune dysfunction and cancer, using a food-grade supplement with an excellent safety record.
A new study has found that cancers with shrunken genomes are more widespread than previously thought, often associated with highly unstable tumours. Researchers developed a method to distinguish between two leukaemias based on recurring chromosome patterns, offering important clinical insights for patient treatment decisions.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin found that cells with latent TB remain metabolically flexible, allowing strong antibacterial responses. In contrast, cells from people with active TB disease show impaired metabolism and weaker responses to infection.
A recent study analyzing 18,000 articles on Grokipedia found that the AI-written encyclopedia systematically favors left-leaning news sources, while diverging in style and structure. The researchers argue that AI-generated systems like Grokipedia change how bias enters the system, often making it less visible.
A new study estimates the value-based prices of lecanemab and donanemab across 174 countries, finding that current market prices exceed cost-effective prices by significant margins. The research highlights a global equity issue, where patients in low- and middle-income countries may face delayed or no access to these treatments.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have published a comprehensive review of pancreatic cancer, explaining why it's resistant to treatment and where new hope may emerge. The study identifies multiple biological systems interacting to drive the disease's growth and suggests combination-based treatments targeting multiple hallmarks of ...
A new €2.5 million project aims to better understand why people with inherited mitochondrial disorders are more vulnerable to severe infections, which can cause profound neurological impairment and a range of other complications. The project will investigate how harmful mutations in mitochondrial DNA alter the behavior of immune cells.
Scientists created hybrid macrophages that can simultaneously promote blood vessel and bone growth, potentially improving outcomes for patients with bone fractures. The discovery could lead to new cell-derived therapies that speed up recovery and improve healing.
New research from Trinity College Dublin found playing an instrument, taking a foreign trip, and socializing boost cognition in midlife. Lifestyle interventions can strengthen cognitive reserve decades before disease onset.
Research reveals warm-bodied fish like sharks and tunas burn nearly four times more energy than cold-blooded counterparts, exacerbating the impact of warming oceans. As a result, these species are facing an increasing risk of overheating and habitat loss.
Researchers have created a detailed molecular map of the thromboxane A2 receptor, which could lead to the development of safer and more effective therapies targeting this clinically important signalling system. The study reveals an unusual activation switch and provides insights into how signalling molecules interact with the receptor.
An international study reveals that environmental risk factors, social inequalities, and protective factors interact to accelerate or delay brain aging. The study identifies distinct brain markers associated with structural and functional changes in brain areas critical for memory, emotions, and social behavior.
Researchers developed a new way to generate stable signals of light using microscopic ring-shaped devices, enabling the production of optical frequency combs. This technology has the potential to simplify system design and improve efficiency in high-speed optical communications for data centres.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered that crushed oyster shells can capture and remove rare earth elements from polluted water. The shells trigger a chemical reaction that converts dissolved metals into solid mineral crystals, making them an effective tool for environmental cleanup.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin and their colleagues are developing a simple, high-accuracy blood test to detect bowel cancer. The CASPDx CRC test aims to transform cancer outcomes by moving screening away from invasive methods.
A new study reveals that animal species with fast-paced ecologies have faster visual perception, tracking prey in mid-air versus grazing slowly across the seabed. This finding supports Autrum's hypothesis and highlights how ecology shapes the tempo of perception across life on Earth.
Researchers found that radiation-resistant cancer cells are vulnerable to NK cell-mediated killing due to increased expression of specific cellular membrane proteins, creating an 'evolutionary double-bind'. The combination of radiation therapy and NK cell-based immunotherapy was more effective in suppressing both sensitive and resistan...
Researchers developed blood-based biomarkers that can support accurate dementia diagnosis in diverse populations when integrated with cognitive and neuroimaging measures. The study demonstrated that key plasma biomarkers can reliably distinguish major dementia syndromes even in complex settings.
A new study from Trinity College Dublin shows that one in eight older people in Ireland require medical attention for falls annually, with significant gaps in prevention and access to specialist services. The study highlights the need for a coordinated national approach to address this growing issue.
Researchers used AI to analyze brain activity of 130 two-month-old infants, discovering that they can categorize objects in their brains at just two months old. This challenges earlier thought and highlights the richness of brain function in the first year of life.
Scientists found that blocking microglia prevents infant forgetting and improves memory in mice, suggesting a role for microglia in memory formation. Microglia inhibition also enhances engram cell activation, providing a functional explanation for enhanced memory recall.
A 12-year longitudinal study found that nearly three-quarters of older adults in Ireland have high blood pressure not optimally managed. The study highlights the urgent need to improve recognition and treatment of hypertension, which can cause serious health risks like heart disease and dementia.
Physicists at Trinity College Dublin propose a new means of capturing useful energy from light sources like sunlight, lamps, and LEDs. Theoretical analysis may lead to the development of optical devices that can channel light energy into a concentrated beam.
Scientists have developed a predictive framework for 2D semiconductor industry, enabling the creation of high-performance printed transistors and circuits. This technology has the potential to manufacture low-cost, flexible, and high-performance 2D electronics for various applications.
A study led by Trinity College Dublin finds that higher plant diversity in grasslands increases yields with lower nitrogen fertilizer inputs. Multispecies mixtures outperform conventional practices and offer a climate adaptation solution.
Researchers have discovered that a mitochondrial mutation can remodel immune cell function and inflammatory signalling, leading to whole-body issues in animal models. This finding offers a plausible hypothesis for why individuals with these disorders often experience problems with multiple organs and repeated infections.
A new study from Trinity College Dublin found that people exploit female-labelled AI and distrust male-labelled AI equally, as they do human partners of the same gender. The study's findings have significant implications for AI design, deployment, and regulation to prevent harmful gender discrimination.
A recent study found that multilingual individuals experience slower biobehavioral aging compared to monolinguals. The study analyzed data from 86,149 participants across Europe and showed that multilingualism is associated with a lower risk of accelerated aging.
A new nasally-delivered vaccine has been shown to prevent severe disease and curb bacterial transmission, addressing a global need for next-generation immunisation technologies. The vaccine targets the respiratory mucosa, providing stronger protection against respiratory infections.
Two landmark international studies published in The Lancet and Nature Medicine expose the need for faster recognition, better diagnostics, and personalized treatment pathways to combat pneumonia and sepsis. Irish ICUs face a shortage of beds, with implications for delayed care and increased mortality.
A randomized clinical trial found that repeated ketamine infusions provided no additional benefit to standard care for inpatients with serious depression. The study, led by Declan McLoughlin and Ana Jelovac, highlights the need for recalibrated expectations in clinical practice and underscores the importance of blinding in trials.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have found a universal thermal performance curve that unifies seemingly different temperature curves for various species. This discovery suggests that species are more constrained than expected in adapting to global climate change, as temperatures rise.
A new study from Trinity College Dublin finds that dexamethasone can reduce inflammation in TB patients while enhancing the function of their macrophages to kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The research suggests using steroids as an adjunct therapy in conjunction with existing treatments, particularly in cases with excessive inflammation.
A large-scale international study found that creative experiences slow brain aging and promote healthier brain function. Creative activities such as music, dance, and video games were linked to 'younger' brain profiles, particularly in regions vulnerable to neurodegeneration.
Astronomers from Trinity College Dublin used the James Webb Space Telescope to study the weather of a nearby rogue planet, SIMP-0136. They found strong auroral activity similar to Earth's Northern Lights and detected minute changes in temperature, cloud cover, and chemistry.
Research found that cumulative exposure to factors like low education, childhood trauma, and financial stress negatively impacts brain structure and function. This has long-lasting effects on mental and brain health, even in healthy aging and dementia prevention.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin discovered that nanoplastics can interfere with brain energy production by disrupting the electron transport chain in mitochondria. This finding may have implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases and learning/memory issues.
Children with variable levels of walking impairment experience significant physical activity, social engagement, and family life improvements. Parents also report increased confidence, self-belief, and reduced anxiety in their children.
A clinical trial found that patients with mesothelioma who received combination immunotherapy drugs before surgery had successful surgeries and improved early outcomes. The study showed that tracking tumor DNA in the blood could help predict treatment benefit.
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin discovered that electrically stimulating macrophages can shift them into an anti-inflammatory state, promoting faster tissue repair. This breakthrough offers a potentially powerful new therapeutic option for treating inflammation-driven diseases and injuries.
Researchers used a Taylor Swift concert as a unique opportunity to study seismic activity and engage the public in science. The 'SwiftQuake' was detected more than 100km away from the stadium, showcasing how cultural events can enhance scientific understanding.
Researchers uncover how EZH2 gene mutations sabotage healthy copy, leading to intellectual disability and overgrowth, with implications for related diseases and cancer. The study provides new insights into chromatinopathies and potential targeted therapies.
Scientists have created a detailed map of cell behavior in the small intestine of people with coeliac disease using single-cell RNA sequencing. The study found that immune signals from immune system proteins encourage fibroblasts to support changes in the gut lining, suggesting communication between cells plays a key role in the disease.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin develop a method to harness structural colour using microfabrication technique, enabling ultra-sensitive materials for environmental sensing and biomedical diagnostics. The breakthrough also paves the way for next-generation medical sensors that can track biochemical changes in real-time.