A new study argues that the microbiome-gut-brain axis has been predominantly studied in wealthy, industrialised nations, limiting scientific discovery. The authors call for greater international collaboration and investment in research infrastructure to uncover universal biological principles that can improve mental health worldwide.
Physicists at UCC develop new technique to measure quantum spin liquids, revealing key properties and emerging particles called 'spinons'. This breakthrough could lead to practical quantum computers by harnessing natural growth of quantum matter.
A new study reveals that women excel in aligning confidence with correctness, particularly in fluid intelligence tests. The research challenges long-held assumptions about gender differences, suggesting that efforts should focus on encouraging greater self-awareness and calibrated confidence among men.
A new study reveals that a high-fat, high-sugar diet during early life can lead to long-lasting changes in feeding behavior and disrupt brain pathways involved in appetite control. However, targeting the gut microbiota with specific strains of beneficial bacteria or prebiotic fibers may help mitigate these effects.
A new online educational tool, Deepfakes/Real Harms, aims to curb the watching, sharing, and creation of AI-generated explicit imagery. The free 10-minute intervention has been shown to reduce users' willingness to engage with harmful uses of deepfake technology, including non-consensual explicit content.
A new study has found that frogs have preserved their skin and eye structure over millions of years, with melanosomes showing similar shapes in fossil and modern specimens. This suggests that some species are maintaining ancestral traits instead of evolving new ones.
Researchers at UCC have developed a technique to determine whether a material can be used in quantum computing microchips. Using a scanning tunneling microscope, they found that Uranium ditelluride (UTe2) is an intrinsic topological superconductor.
A 30,000-year-old vulture fossil from Central Italy has preserved microscopic feather pigment structures in a mineral phase called zeolite. This new mode of preservation extends the understanding of soft tissue preservation in volcanic rocks.
Ancient plants recovered from mass extinction by evolving tough shrubs before flourishing into forests again. Large plant species dominated Earth's landscapes after the end-Permian collapse.
A new study found that critical thinking training can effectively reduce people's tendency to believe in conspiracy theories. Researchers identified a new approach that improves participants' ability to distinguish between plausible and implausible conspiracy theories.
A new study reveals that a non-industrialized diet can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The diet, called NiMe TM, improved gut microbiome features damaged by industrialization, leading to beneficial changes in cardiometabolic markers.
A pioneering study has uncovered the vital role that gut microbiota plays in regulating stress responses by interacting with the body's circadian rhythms. The findings open the door for developing new microbial-based therapies to help individuals better manage stress-related mental health conditions.
Researchers at University College Cork found that wild birds' gut microbiome impacts their growth, weight, and survival. The study manipulated the birds' microbiome by feeding them beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus kimchicus.
A University College Cork study reveals that over 80% of pregnant women in Ireland are iron deficient by their third trimester, linked to increased risks of complications. The findings emphasize the need for routine screening and education on iron intake during pregnancy.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that combining different chemotherapy drugs improves testicular cancer's treatability and often curability, even after first-line treatment fails. The study showed a nearly 80% response rate and no significant drop-off in survival over 10 years.
A new study finds that playing Dungeons and Dragons can positively impact players' mental health by providing a space for creative expression, social support, and escapism. The game's immersive nature allows players to feel a sense of control and autonomy, leading to increased personal growth and skills development.
Researchers at University College Cork have discovered three new species of Theobroma sect. Herrania in the rainforests of South America, which are closely related to the cocoa tree. These findings could lead to the development of climate-resilient cacao trees, helping sustain chocolate production.
A new study finds that listening to mental health podcasts reduces stigma, supports the development of mental health literacy, and increases help-seeking. The research highlights the importance of accessible platforms for education and encourages listeners to develop self-compassion and positive attitudes towards help-seeking behavior.
Researchers at University College Cork discovered fossil frogs with preserved skin remnants, shedding light on their adaptation to life on land. The study found that the excellent preservation of the fossils is due to the replication of ancient skin structures in calcium phosphate.
A 280-million-year-old fossil, thought to show soft tissue preservation, is found to be a forgery after new examination. The body outline was artificially created, likely to enhance the appearance of the fossil, while the bones of the hindlimbs and tiny bony scales are genuine.
A first-ever study of wartime deepfakes examines the effects of artificially manipulated audio-visual content on news media and user trust during the Russian-Ukrainian war. The research found that fears of deepfakes often undermine users' trust in authentic footage, and efforts to raise awareness may even cause more harm.
Researchers have found that Alzheimer's symptoms can be transferred to healthy young organisms via the gut microbiota, confirming its role in the disease. The study supports the emergence of the gut microbiome as a key target for investigation in Alzheimer's disease.
The article highlights that mental health problems and disorders are common in the working population, affecting 15% of adults of working age. Interventions focus on individual-level support, but proactive measures are needed to protect and promote workers' mental health and wellbeing.
Researchers found preserved molecular fragments of the pigment phaeomelanin in 10-million-year-old frog fossils, which could help reconstruct ancient animal colors. This discovery may be a first step towards understanding the evolution of toxic phaeomelanin.
New research reveals similarities between dinosaurs and birds in terms of protein composition in their feathers. Analysis of fossil feathers from Sinornithosaurus and Confuciusornis showed beta-proteins, similar to those found in modern bird feathers.
A new study has found that children raised in rural areas with plenty of outdoor time and animal exposure develop better-regulated immune systems than urban counterparts. Early life immune development is highly dependent on living environment and lifestyle factors, and researchers say this can have long-term consequences for disease risk.
New research by University College Cork scientists finds that pterosaurs had nurturing parental style but only in larger species. The study suggests that smaller pterosaurs did not practice parental care due to the limitations of egg size.
A new study suggests renaming 'obesity' to 'adiposity-based chronic disease' to clarify the nature of the complex condition. This could help address inequities in treatment and reduce stigma associated with body size.
Scientists at University College Cork have discovered a spatially modulating superconducting state in UTe2, a new and unusual superconductor that may provide a solution to one of quantum computing's greatest challenges. This discovery has significant consequences for the future of computing.
A comprehensive review of conspiracy interventions found that only half of the studies reported significant changes in participants' beliefs, with most existing methods being ineffective. Fostering critical thinking and analytical mindsets were found to be more promising approaches.
Researchers at UCC and Columbia University have developed a new machine learning approach called TrebuNet to accurately estimate future transport demands, which collectively account for 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The new method achieves superior performance compared to traditional regression methods and neural networks, pr...
A study found that youth binge drinkers show alterations in the gut microbiome, associated with poor ability to recognize emotions and increased craving. The research suggests that the gut microbiome regulates social and emotional cognition, supporting the development of novel dietary or pre/probiotic interventions.
A team of leading experts in reproductive biology, microbiome science, and immunology found that the concept of a foetal microbiome is inaccurate. The detection of microbiomes in foetal tissues was attributed to contamination during vaginal delivery, clinical procedures, or laboratory analysis.
A new study found that using two insecticides on bed nets can prevent malaria by killing off resistant mosquito variants. The trial showed a significant reduction in malaria cases among people sleeping under dual-ingredient net treated with one pyrethroid and another active ingredient.
Researchers tracked puffins with tracking devices, revealing they lose flying ability during 1-2 month molting period, making them vulnerable to severe weather conditions. The study suggests this timing is significant as climate change increases winter cyclones in the North Atlantic.
Researchers have identified two time periods of increased strike risk for hares at Dublin Airport: sunrise and midnight hours. By focusing prevention efforts on the hare population, the study aims to reduce costly 'runway roadkill' incidents worldwide.
Researchers found that cloudier waters caused by climate change hinder seabirds' ability to catch fish. The study, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, used tiny trackers to track Manx shearwaters on Little Saltee Island.
Fossil frogs died during mating due to drowning as they were submerged by one or more males. The study suggests that the mating behaviours of modern frogs are ancient and have been in place for at least 45 million years.
Researchers found a sharp spike in wildfire activity during the end-Permian mass extinction, which led to the collapse of entire ecosystems. The study highlights the potential for wildfires as a direct driver of extinction, rather than just a symptom of climate change.
A new study has found that pterosaurs could change the color of their feathers using melanin pigments. The research is based on a 115-million-year-old fossilized headcrest of the Tupandactylus imperator pterosaur from north-eastern Brazil.
A study equipped seabirds with tracking technology to track their movements and feeding grounds. The research found that fishing vessels can help identify areas where seabirds go to feed, which is vital for protecting endangered species like the northern fulmar.
The study maps 130 million km² of global land surface area to identify 0.2 million km² of rooftop area, analyzing its electricity generation potential at a cost of $40-280 per megawatt-hour. The greatest potential is in Asia, North America, and Europe.
A University College Cork study analyzed over 50,000 COVID-19 cases in Ireland and found that rural residents were more likely to be hospitalized, while urban dwellers faced a greater risk of ICU admission. Men also had higher mortality rates than women.
Research from APC Microbiome Ireland discovers microbes can rejuvenate aspects of brain and immune function, potentially slowing down age-related cognitive decline. The study introduces a novel approach to reverse brain aging via microbial-based interventions.
A new fossil analysis published in Biology Letters reveals that woodlice cousins, Oxyuropoda, existed on Irish land 360 million years ago. The study uses modern imaging technology to recreate the image of this ancient creature, providing insight into the evolution of crustaceans and their colonization of land.
A global study led by UCC researcher Samantha Ball found 'runway roadkill' increasing by up to 68% annually, costing aviation authorities millions per annum. The study identified 47 countries with reported mammal strikes, including bats, rabbits, and coyotes, highlighting the need for effective Wildlife Hazard Management Plans.