A team of bioengineers from Trinity College Dublin has developed a prototype patch that mimics the electrical signalling properties and mechanical demands of heart tissue. The patch, manufactured via melt electrowriting, withstood repeated stretching and showed good elasticity, addressing key requirements for cardiac biomaterials.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered that the overactive LRRK2 enzyme wreaks havoc on motor and cognitive abilities in Parkinson's disease. The team has simulated the activity of the enzyme in the laboratory, visualizing its effects on protein complexes and paving the way for new treatments.
Scientists found that periodic changes in Earth's orbit and volcanic activity controlled the global carbon cycle during ancient mass extinctions. The study suggests that solar system processes had a significant impact on climate and environmental change over 200 million years ago.
A new study predicts that end-of-life care needs in Ireland will nearly double over the next 30 years, driven by population aging. The estimated 84% increase will put a strain on palliative care capacity, emphasizing the need for increased funding and workforce development.
Scientists have made an important discovery that could lead to more effective treatments for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found that drugs targeting the IL-17 molecule may not need to get across the blood-brain-barrier to be effective in treating MS.
A study by Trinity College Dublin reveals that zoos with diverse animal collections, especially mammals, and large animals like elephants and tigers, attract more visitors. Higher attendance leads to increased conservation contributions in the wild.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin used supercomputers to simulate quantum systems and found a deep link between entanglement and thermalisation. The study provides new insights into the fundamental process of thermalisation and its relationship with quantum mechanics.
Researchers have identified two distinct types of antibiotics produced by bacteria that target the same cell wall component, offering a promising approach to combatting antimicrobial resistance. The discovery provides chemical blueprints for pharmaceutical chemists to design new, effective drugs.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have identified a key mechanism by which TB infects and manipulates macrophage cells, shutting down the host's natural response. By targeting microRNA-21, scientists may develop improved immunotherapies or vaccine strategies to combat TB infection.
Researchers have discovered that evergreen tree species, such as holly and ivy, are more water-efficient under rising CO2 concentrations, potentially giving them a competitive edge over deciduous trees. This advantage is expected to be particularly pronounced in cooler climates like Ireland.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin developed a new spatial index to measure the connections between poverty and poor accessibility in Brazil. The mapping tool identifies areas where people face extreme difficulties in accessing healthcare, with 1 in 5 people traveling over 10km by non-motorized transport to reach a facility.
A new clinical trial at Trinity College Dublin seeks to compare the effectiveness of two fetal wellbeing tests, FSS and FBS, in reducing unnecessary interventions during labour. The study has the potential to improve global maternity care by making childbirth safer while minimizing medical interventions.
A research team at Trinity College Dublin has discovered that PKM2 is a central 'on' switch for immune cells involved in psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. Interfering with PKM2 blocks these cells and limits inflammation, offering new potential treatments for these diseases.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin engineer molecular sensors based on porphyrin pigments, which can detect and capture pollutants. The novel sensors exploit the shape of porphyrins to mimic a Venus flytrap's opening leaves, enabling selective binding of target molecules.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered that only 17% of badgers disperse from their home territories, with females traveling long distances in search of new habitats. Understanding this behavior is crucial for implementing effective vaccination programs to limit TB transmission.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have made a breakthrough in finding catalysts for renewable energy production. They discovered new molecules that can increase the efficiency of water splitting, reducing the
Research from Trinity College Dublin shows that vitamin D deficiency is associated with poor skeletal muscle function in adults aged 60 years and over. Regular physical activity was found to be protective against impaired muscle strength and performance.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have successfully created a self-assembling material that forms predictable and reproducible 2D networks. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for various fields, including targeted drug delivery, printing, and electronic applications.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry highlights the need for individualised approaches to defining mental illness. The researchers found that compulsive behaviour maps onto cognitive flexibility better than expert-assigned diagnoses.
Research by Trinity College Dublin's TILDA study found that Irish adults aged 50 and older are more likely to experience poor health if they get less than 7 hours of sleep per night. The study also discovered a link between moderate physical activity and normal sleep patterns.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered new biological targets that may help combat cancers resistant to existing drugs. The study, published in Molecular Cell, reveals the importance of 'accessory components' in targeting Polycomb genes and their role in regulating cellular identity.
A study using sensor-enabled mouthguard technology and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI found that repetitive impacts cause damage to small blood vessels in the brain, leading to 'leaky' blood vessels visible on MRI scans. The research aims to improve player safety in sports with robust return-to-play guidelines.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin isolated a family of proteins linked to better control of blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients. These IL-36 cytokines alter the intestinal microbiome, potentially mitigating insulin resistance and glucose build-up.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin found that lower levels of specific vitamins and antioxidants are consistently associated with frailty in older adults. The study also suggests that micronutrient insufficiencies may act as an easily modified marker for frailty, offering new potential treatments.
Researchers have built the world's smallest engine, a single calcium ion, which uses random fluctuations to generate vibrations and store energy in discrete units. This tiny motor has potential applications in recycling waste heat and improving energy efficiency in future technologies.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin discovered that claudin-5 plays a crucial role in the development of dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration. The study suggests that regulating blood vessel integrity may prevent the disease.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have identified characteristic changes in MND's effect on brain activity and neural communication. The study uses electroencephalography to capture second-to-second changes in electrical signalling, revealing specific groups of nerves that behave abnormally.
A new study led by Trinity College Dublin researchers has found that genetics account for about 52% of the risk of developing motor neuron disease. The study involved 1117 people diagnosed with MND and found that those who carried an abnormal copy of the C9orf72 gene were more likely to have inherited it from their mothers.
An international team sequenced 67 ancient genomes to observe genomic changes in cattle over eight millennia. They found a widespread influx of zebu genetics around 4,000 years ago, likely linked to a multi-century drought and changing climate.
A new potential therapeutic target has been identified for oesophageal cancer treatment. MAIT cells, a lesser-known type of immune cell, have been found to have potent cancer-killing ability.
Researchers identified two key elements of animal life cycles: pace (reproduction rate and lifespan) and shape (mortality rate across lifespan). This study provides insights into conservation strategies and predicts winners and losers from the global environment crisis.
Researchers have discovered that pea gin can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and fossil energy consumption. By using peas instead of wheat grain, distilleries can produce carbon-neutral gins with minimal environmental impact.
A study published in Nutrients found that over half of adults aged 50+ have inadequate serum vitamin D levels, with 26% classified as deficient. Factors contributing to deficiency include female gender, advanced age, smoking, non-white ethnicity, obesity, and poor self-reported health.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) suppresses the immune response by triggering SOCS regulators, dulling the normal immune response to viral infection. This allows HCV to survive, replicate and infect other cells, making it undiagnosed for months after initial infection.
A study of 41,399 children found socio-economic inequalities in BMI emerge by pre-school age and continue to widen as children age. Children from primary educated maternal backgrounds are more likely to be overweight or obese at any age compared to those from tertiary educated mothers.
Researchers from Ireland and France used large radio telescopes and ultraviolet cameras to study the Sun's plasma, revealing its unstable nature and potential for harnessing clean energy. The discovery could pave the way for developing safe and efficient nuclear fusion reactors.
A team of researchers from Trinity College Dublin has discovered that SARM plays an important role in the immune response and regulates inflammation. The study suggests that targeting SARM could provide a new option for treating diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer
Two new bird species, Wakatobi white-eye and Wangi-wangi white-eye, discovered in Indonesia's Sulawesi archipelago. The discoveries shed light on the complexities of species separation and highlight the need for conservation efforts to safeguard these unique habitats.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin and St James's Hospital successfully measured vitamin D in human hair, a major step forward in assessing vitamin D status. This could provide a longer-term record of an individual's vitamin D levels, potentially allowing for better strategies to maintain stable concentrations.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have created a novel brain slice model that captures features observed in patients with mitochondrial epilepsy. The model reveals the critical role of astrocytes in driving seizure generation and demonstrates the involvement of the GABA-glutamate-glutamine cycle.
Researchers found that leaves in grassland communities change their nutrient content in response to fertilisation, climate and soil conditions. This discovery provides a new tool for understanding the impact of environmental changes on ecosystems.
A study comparing 100 venomous snake species found that venoms evolved to be more potent against closely related prey animals. The amount of venom also depends on size and environment, with terrestrial species having the most venom.
A new study from Trinity College Dublin found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a substantial increase in depression risk among older Irish adults. The study followed participants over four years and found a 75% higher risk of developing depression, even after controlling for other factors.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin developed a new data mapping method to link matched datasets from two studies, improving the quality of dietary data collected using short frequency questionnaires. The method was applied to fill gaps in food groups and revealed high sugar food items not covered by limited SFQs.
Researchers identified the protein BRD9 as essential for the survival of synovial sarcoma tumours. They developed a new drug that degrades this protein, which is also responsible for driving cancer development, and found it to be effective in blocking tumour progression.
Scientists have discovered that excess fat in obese individuals clogs up the molecular machinery of Natural Killer cells, preventing them from killing tumour cells. This research outlines possible paths to re-programming and restoring the cancer-fighting abilities of these cells.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered the specific non-coding section of the 'speed gene' that limits myostatin protein production, affecting skeletal muscle development and race distance aptitude. The findings provide valuable insights for thoroughbred breeders and trainers, a multi-billion dollar industry.
A large-scale international study published in PLOS Medicine found that a new medication called Nilvadipine showed promise in slowing the progression of mild and moderate Alzheimer's disease. However, the overall group of patients did not benefit from the treatment. Further research is needed to explore its potential.
A new study reveals that basking sharks can accelerate to over 90 degrees in just nine seconds, clearing the water at nearly 5.1m/s and reaching a height of 1.2m above the surface. The finding showcases the surprising speed of these gentle giants, dispelling their reputation as slow swimmers.
A comprehensive review of surgical mesh treatments reveals unacceptably high failure rates, with mesh erosion occurring in over 10% of cases for pelvic organ prolapse products and around 2-3% for urinary incontinence products. Patients are often left with lifelong pain and discomfort due to the damage caused by the mesh.