Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have identified a Martian valley with evidence of recent flooding, indicating water may have been present near Mars' equator in the not-too-distant past. This finding makes this location a potential geological target for detecting past life forms on the Red Planet.
Researchers identified key genes in copy number variants (CNVs) associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, ADHD, and intellectual disability. These genes have a 'Goldilocks' effect, requiring precise duplication levels to function properly.
Researchers develop a scavenger scale to categorize animal traits, highlighting surprising adaptations in species like vultures, albatrosses, and cheetahs. The scale helps understand why some animals excel as scavengers while others struggle.
A new study suggests that Baltic hunter-gatherers acquired knowledge of farming and ceramics by sharing cultures and ideas with outside communities, rather than genes. The research analyzed ancient DNA from archaeological remains in Latvia and Ukraine, revealing genetic continuity throughout the Neolithic period.
Limpets' shells can be repaired to match their original strength after damage, but they still face weaknesses from multiple impacts called spalling. This biomimetic discovery could inspire solutions for engineering problems like concrete failure.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered a link between the loss of miR-17 and oesophageal tumour resistance to radiotherapy. Higher numbers of cancer stem cells formed larger, more aggressive tumours and were more resistant to radiation-induced cell death. Synthetic miR-17 may enhance radiotherapy effectiveness in patients.
Scientists have discovered a new class of compounds that can be used to target cancer cells with greater specificity. The technology uses naturally occurring enzymes to trigger the release of therapeutic payloads only at cancer sites.
Biochemists from Trinity College Dublin have discovered indolepyruvate, a metabolic by-product of trypanosome activity, which may offer possibilities for developing anti-trypanosome drugs. Inhibiting its production could be key in fighting the parasite, which causes sleeping sickness and kills millions in sub-Saharan Africa.
A study published in Journal of Anatomy found a connection between certain bat species and humans with cleft lip and palate. Researchers used anatomical dissection, micro CT scans, and genomic analysis to identify the genetic causes of clefts.
A multidisciplinary team has developed a new method to automate the screening of breast cancer histopathology images, improving detection rates. The technique uses image-processing methods to identify cancerous cells, overcoming challenges posed by clustered and vague boundaries.
A major new study aims to uncover the secrets of ALS through research in Latin America, examining if mixed ancestry has a protective effect on developing the disease. The project will establish registers of incidence, prevalence, and risk factors for ALS in Cuba, Chile, and Uruguay.
A new scanning technique produces extremely high-res 3D images of bones without exposing patients to X-ray radiation. The technique uses biologically safe nanoagents that target calcium-rich surfaces in damaged bones, providing detailed blueprints of weakness or injury.
Scientists have found fossil evidence of cannibalism among 300-million-year-old Orthacanthus sharks. The ancient predators used coastal swamps as nurseries for their babies before turning on them when resources became scarce.
A study by Trinity College Dublin found that home births are associated with higher breastfeeding rates due to midwife-led care, skin-to-skin contact, and reduced stress. In contrast, hospital births have been linked to lower breastfeeding rates due to interventions, pain-relieving medications, and formula supplementation.
Scientists have identified a clear distinction between two strains of mice susceptible to Ascaris infection, with the resistant strain showing an earlier immune response and more rapid tissue repair. The study suggests manipulating hepatic ROS levels may confer resistance to Ascaris in susceptible mice.
A new study finds that policy makers have little idea what ecological terms mean, leading to confusion and ineffective policies. The researchers propose a framework to clarify these terms and promote better communication between scientists and policymakers.
Scientists have isolated two small peptides from crop species that show effective antimicrobial effects on bacteria implicated in food spoilage and poisoning. These peptides, similar to a human peptide used to guard against beer-spoiling bacteria, offer a promising new approach to combatting antibiotic resistance.
Researchers propose that large meteorite and comet impacts into the sea created structures with favourable conditions for life. Water interacting with impact-heated rock enabled synthesis of complex organic molecules, and the enclosed crater provided a microhabitat for life to flourish.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin found that the oldest zircon crystals likely formed in massive asteroid impact craters rather than through plate tectonics. The discovery sheds new light on Earth's early history and suggests a more violent bombardment by asteroids in its nascent years.
A biomechanics team at Trinity College Dublin discovered how insects construct internal bandages to mend damaged limbs, restoring approximately two-thirds of their original strength. This innovative repair mechanism allows insects to function almost normally after a cut, promoting survival in the wild.
Researchers found a promising adjuvant, chitosan, induces immune response through a DNA-sensing pathway in cells. This discovery provides a roadmap for developing vaccines that trigger 'cell-mediated immunity',
A new study from Trinity College Dublin reveals that modifying ECT can minimize cognitive side effects while maintaining its effectiveness in treating severe depression. The 'unilateral' approach, involving unilateral electrode placement, shows promising results.
Researchers have provided a molecular blueprint of Globomycin, an antibacterial candidate with promise in stemming the post-antibiotic tide. The blueprint may aid the design of better globomycin analogues and explore thousands of new antibiotic solutions to common infections.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have made a significant discovery in how our immune system responds to TB, enabling the development of more effective vaccines and personalized therapies. The study highlights the importance of the protein Mal in cell signaling and its impact on responses to Interferon Gamma.
Negative attitudes towards aging have been shown to negatively affect both physical and cognitive health in older adults. Participants with positive attitudes exhibited improved cognitive ability. Researchers highlight the importance of societal-wide interventions targeting attitudes towards aging.
The study sequenced ancient Irish human genomes, providing evidence for massive migration from the Middle East and Pontic Steppe. These genetic influxes are believed to have introduced cultural changes, such as agriculture and bronze metalworking, which may have originated the western Celtic language.
Scientists used a database of 418 plant species to analyze patterns in growth, reproduction, and survival. They found that two characteristics - growth rate and reproduction strategy - can predict population growth and response to disturbances.
A recent study found that midwife-led maternity care is as safe as consultant-led care and results in less intervention, with women expressing higher satisfaction rates. The average cost of caring for a woman in midwife-led units was €182 less than in consultant-led units.
Researchers sequenced ancient genomes from Late Upper Palaeolithic period, revealing a new strand of European hunter-gatherer ancestry. The discovery provides insights into the genetic history of modern populations in Europe and beyond.
Researchers have identified specific immune cells that could be targeted by a new MRSA vaccine. These 'T-helper type 1' cells play a critical role in the immune response and are elevated in patients following MRSA infection. A model vaccine targeting these cells has shown improved infection outcomes.
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have discovered a fundamental mechanism underlying Alzheimer's disease, which could lead to new forms of therapy. The research, published in Science Advances, highlights the importance of understanding diseases at the molecular level and finding ways to remove toxic amyloid-beta from the brain.
A single gene mutation in a bacterial species triggered dramatic changes across its microbial community, altering biofilm production and affecting other species. This study suggests that fine-scale genetic differences within populations can have significant impacts on ecosystems.
Researchers analyzed data from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing and found a significant link between serious falls causing injury in older men taking certain medicines with potent anti-cholinergic effects. The risk was more than twice as likely in men compared to women.
A new study by Trinity College Dublin found that post-separation contact between fathers and their children can lead to the continued abuse of women and children. The research highlights the need for support services to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of children in these situations.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered a way to extract information from magma crystals, allowing them to reconstruct the history of global geography and predict future eruptions. This new method has the potential to improve our understanding of volcanic activity and provide more accurate predictions for eruptions.
A new research published in Journal of Clinical Oncology shows that early palliative care intervention results in significant cost reductions for patients with advanced cancer. The study found that an intervention within six days reduced costs by 14% and an intervention within two days led to a 24% reduction in hospital stay costs.
A new systematic review highlights the increased health risks of maternal obesity during pregnancy, including gestational diabetes, high blood-pressure, and pre-eclampsia. The study recommends pre-conceptual weight loss for women with obesity to avoid complications, and calls for improved support and education.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have identified a breakthrough molecule, MCC950, that suppresses the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key process in inflammatory diseases. The discovery has significant implications for treating various conditions, including arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Muckle-Wells syndrome.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered that naturally occurring plant-friendly fungi can prevent crop-ravishing diseases from spreading and aid plant survival in testing environmental conditions. These 'symbiotic' relationships between barley and the fungi increase plant survival by up to six times.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin and the University of York used genetic sequencing techniques to analyze DNA from parchment samples, revealing insights into livestock breeding history. The study sheds light on how agricultural development shaped animal genetics across centuries.
Smoking increases susceptibility to TB infection, with white blood cells in smokers' lungs showing a weakened response to the disease. The discovery provides new insights into treating and preventing TB, which kills 1.5 million people annually.
Researchers found that Parkin triggers 'cellular suicide' in damaged nerve cells, depending on the degree of damage, and may help weed out faulty neurons. This discovery could lead to a new understanding of how Parkinson's disease arises.
Botanists at Trinity College Dublin have developed a massive database of plant life histories, gathering data on nearly 600 species over 48 years. The COMPADRE Plant Matrix database will help researchers answer questions about plant conservation and adaptation to climate change.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin discovered a mechanism called 'mutational robustness' that explains how gene duplication leads to novel functions and survival across long evolutionary timescales. This breakthrough has implications for understanding genome evolution and the importance of redundancy in organisms.
The report shows an almost doubling of dementia in people with Down syndrome and significantly reduced rates of heart attack and hypertension. People with ID experience unique health challenges, including poor bone health and low physical activity levels.
Researchers found evidence of chemical weathering and soil formation at least 60 million years earlier than previously thought. This discovery suggests that oxygen-producing species existed on Earth 3 billion years ago, paving the way for complex life to evolve.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin found that women taking regular aspirin before diagnosis had lower rates of breast cancer spreading and death. The study suggests a possible link between aspirin use and reduced mortality from breast cancer, with further research needed to understand the mechanism and optimal dosage.
A neuroscientist proposes a novel explanation for habituation, which allows the brain to filter out insignificant environmental stimuli. The 'negative-image model' explains how repeated activation of neurons leads to increased inhibition, altering responses in individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers found that chimpanzee crop raids are forcing African farmers to grow alternative crops and spend more time guarding their goods, increasing exposure to disease-carrying insects. The study suggests a positive shift towards community-led conservation, but warns of the negative impact on local communities.
Scientists have identified a new biomarker called Neuromedin U (NmU) that may help predict and overcome resistance to newer anti-cancer drugs for HER2 positive cancers. The discovery could lead to more effective treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes.