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.
Limpets exhibit surprising sensory and self-healing abilities, detecting minor damage to their shells and remodelling them for strength. They actively repair structural weaknesses, restoring mechanical strength within a month.
Research reveals a significant rise in falls among middle-aged women, with prevalence increasing from 9% to 30% between ages 40-64. The study emphasizes the importance of early prevention strategies to reduce falls and their consequences.
A new study of over 5,000 older Irish adults found a strong association between belly fat and reduced cognitive function. The study suggests that reducing obesity could offer a cost-effective public health strategy for preventing cognitive decline.
A systematic review of 9,008 clinicians reveals that fear of litigation is a key factor influencing the decision to perform C-sections. Clinicians' personal preferences and perceived safety concerns also play a significant role.
Scientists have discovered a class of 'danger signals' that trigger an efficient immune response in newborns, potentially reducing vaccine administration age and booster injections. This breakthrough aims to improve pediatric vaccine efficacy and protect more infants and young children from infections.
The study found that goat domestication was a complex process with genetic exchange between wild and domesticated goats, selection by early farmers, and a mix of different ancestral strands. The analysis revealed distinct patterns of genetic differentiation across the Fertile Crescent and surrounding regions.
A new study published in Brain Stimulation reveals that people undergoing voluntary and involuntary electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) have similar outcomes, providing reassurance for those who received involuntary treatment. The study found that both groups showed significant improvement, but individuals receiving involuntary ECT were mo...
A new study by researchers from Trinity College Dublin has found that a substantial number of adults over 50 are deficient in vitamin B12 and folate. The prevalence of low or deficient folate status increases with age, and is more common among smokers, the obese, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Researchers found that glutamine is not a primary fuel for NK cells, but rather glucose. This discovery has significant implications for cancer therapies under development by pharmaceutical companies.
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have discovered how vitamin A supports the lung immune system in controlling tuberculosis (TB) by promoting autophagy and waste disposal. This finding has potential for developing more effective lung-targeted treatments using vitamin A to boost patient immunity.
Researchers have identified a safer way to make rugby tackles by reducing the impact on the head. The recommended techniques include tackling at the lower trunk and avoiding high-impact tackles to the upper trunk. These strategies aim to minimize the risk of concussions and other head injuries.
Scientists found that a specific region of the Ataxin-2 protein helps form long-term memories but drives neurodegeneration in ALS. Flies with altered Ataxin-2 protein showed resistance to neurodegeneration and normal short-term memory, highlighting the importance of this protein region.
A new study from Trinity College Dublin explains the link between breath-focused meditation and attention, revealing that regulated breathing can enhance cognitive function. The research shows that synchronising breathing patterns with attention levels can lead to improved focus and reduced mind wandering.
A new study from Trinity College Dublin found that palliative care significantly improves patient experience by reducing hospital stays and costs. For patients with complex health needs, which often come with high costs, palliative care can expedite discharge and improve outcomes.
Researchers find gamma delta T cells in fat play a crucial role in regulating body temperature and protecting against cold shock. These immune cells, known as gd T cells, help turn white fat into brown fat to generate heat, leading to potential weight loss therapies for obesity patients.
Researchers found that HIV disables a pathway involving biological molecules that block viral activity and clear infection, allowing the virus to avoid elimination. The discovery opens a new era of HIV research focused on curing people living with the virus.
A team from Trinity College Dublin discovered two new families of proteins, PALI1 and PALI2, that are vital for embryonic development and controlling cellular identity in complex animals. These proteins help understand why cells look and act differently despite having identical genes.
Research shows that nanoparticles can cause DNA damage to developing brain cells when exposed to cellular barriers. This damage is dependent on astrocytes and has implications for the development of potential drug targets in treating neurodegenerative conditions.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered a potential 'off-switch' for inflammation by identifying the molecule itaconate, which can block production of inflammatory factors and protect against lethal inflammation. This breakthrough could lead to new anti-inflammatory medicines for diseases such as arthritis and heart disease.
Scientists developed a method to predict how global warming affects disease severity, using the metabolic theory of ecology. The study showed that different processes have unique relationships with temperature, and that linking these theories can describe how disease interactions change with global warming.
Babies' movement in the womb is crucial for developing strong bones and joints. Research has identified that cells receive incorrect molecular signals when movement is absent, leading to brittle bones or abnormal joints. Understanding this mechanism can lead to improved treatments for joint injuries and diseases.
Researchers identified a specific brain signal associated with speech understanding, which disappears when listeners don't understand or aren't paying attention. This discovery has potential applications in tracking language development, assessing brain function, and detecting early onset of dementia.
Researchers discovered a new badger behaviour where some males range widely across multiple territories, gaining access to more female badgers and potentially increasing disease transmission. This finding could help pinpoint areas of high risk for TB transmission, informing effective vaccination strategies.
Scientists have reconfigured porphyrins to exploit their special properties by 'turning them inside out'. This discovery opens new horizons for these natural pigments as efficient metal-free catalysts. The findings could lead to applications in chemistry, biochemistry, physics and beyond.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have developed new tools to circumvent the reactivity of cubane, a widely used pharma industry molecule. This breakthrough enables the creation of tailored compounds with improved drug efficacy and reduced side effects.
Researchers have found that small crystals in volcanic rocks contain growth layers similar to tree rings, which can record the processes leading up to an eruption. This discovery may lead to more effective volcanic hazard monitoring, including for dormant volcanoes.
Research in Nature Communications shows that immune responses and regulation of autoimmunity are affected by the time of day when activated, with master circadian gene BMAL1 playing a key role in sensing and acting on time-of-the-day cues to suppress inflammation.
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have identified Fusobacteria and Campylobacter species in oral leukoplakia, a pre-cancerous growth that can precede oral cancer. The study suggests these bacteria may also contribute to colon cancer progression.
ALS research reveals over-connected brain regions, reduced activity in specific areas as networks disintegrate. This breakthrough technology links dynamic EEG changes with anatomical changes captured by MRI scans.
Researchers found that CO2 sublimation can create unique features on Mars, such as Sand Furrows and linear gullies. These processes are unlike anything seen on Earth and provide new insights into Martian geomorphology.
Researchers found that abnormalities in the brain's blood-brain barrier may play a critical role in schizophrenia development. This discovery could lead to novel treatment strategies targeting abnormal brain blood vessels, complementing existing treatments.
A laboratory-based study discovered that an alcohol aversion drug can reverse chemotherapy resistance in non-small cell lung cancer. The researchers found that the drug, Disulfiram, inhibited ALDH activity, reducing tumour cell growth and killing lung cancer stem cells.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin found that rogue messengers released by cancer cells can suppress the body's immune system, making it harder to fight cancer. The discovery may lead to a blood test to identify patients most susceptible to treatment resistance, allowing for personalized treatment options.
Scientists discovered how cancer-fighting Natural Killer cells power up and how cholesterol-like molecules cut them off. Activated NK cells use a unique energy production system that can be disrupted by oxysterols, which may explain poor performance in patients with high cholesterol levels.
One in eight older adults in Ireland are vitamin D deficient, increasing with age and socio-economic status. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to debilitating chronic conditions, emphasizing the need for public health policy interventions.
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have discovered how tuberculosis hijacks the immune system in human lungs, enabling it to establish an infection. The research found that TB bacteria produce a protein attracting white blood cells, which become infected and fuel uncontrolled bacterial growth and inflammation.
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have identified a 'checkpoint' manned by immune cells that can halt allergic disease development. This discovery provides a potential new target for drug developers to regulate overly aggressive allergic responses.
Research provides molecular blueprints for bacterial enzymes, enabling targeted drug development. Key differences between bacterial and human enzymes offer a potential solution to antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin advise caution against aggressively lowering blood pressure in older people due to increased risk of falls and blackouts. A recent US trial's results suggest benefits of aggressive treatment may be offset by potential harms, highlighting the need for individualized assessment.
Researchers have isolated new treatment options for Hidradenitis suppurativa by identifying key inflammatory cells in the skin. Targeting the Th17 pathway with existing medications may provide effective treatments, building on success in treating psoriasis.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have developed 'molecular cages' that can boost reactivity and storage capacity, offering promise for energy conversion and bio-sensing applications. The new material's enormous internal surface area makes it ideal for encapsulating molecules with specific functions.
A recent study reveals that many plant species are resorting to 'last-stand' strategies, such as shrinking in size and suspending growth effort, to survive in deteriorating environmental conditions. The research found that these species are more vulnerable to further changes and disturbances due to climate change.
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin discovered that dendritic cells become better at stimulating T lymphocytes when starved of glucose. This finding opens the door to developing new therapies for debilitating immune-related diseases.
Research finds that tulip bulbs from the Netherlands are carrying a fungal pathogen resistant to key antifungal therapy, Voriconazole. The discovery raises concerns for immunocompromised patients and highlights the need for vigilance in preventing the spread of resistance.
Increased yogurt intake was associated with higher hip bone density and reduced osteoporosis risk in older women and men. Vitamin D supplements also showed a significant association with reduced risks in both sexes.