A new study reveals that ancient chimaeras were suction feeders, contrary to their modern shell-crushing behavior. The research, led by the University of Birmingham, analyzed a rare three-dimensional fossil and found evidence supporting this alternative feeding method.
A new study reveals that 'poetic meditation' can improve qualitative data analysis by offering researchers a unique sensory experience and approach to data collection. Researchers at the University of Birmingham and Kedge Business School found that this technique allows them to capture unexpected insights and deal with uncertainty.
New research finds Filamin A positions GABA-B receptors to control brain activity and slow down electric impulses. This discovery could lead to new therapies for neurological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis and epilepsy.
New research shows climate change played a key role in dinosaurs' rise to success during the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic periods. The planet's warming after the Triassic-Jurassic mass extinction event allowed sauropod-like dinosaurs to thrive and expand across new territories, becoming the dominant species.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham identified a novel mechanism for platelet activation in pathogenic blood clotting. The mechanism, involving platelet receptor glycoprotein I alpha (GPIbα) and anti-microbial protein S100A8/A9, is not blocked by classical anti-platelet drugs and accelerates fibrin activation and thrombosis.
Research reveals significant disparities in perinatal outcomes between babies born to Black and white mothers in high-income countries, with Black women experiencing twice the neonatal mortality rate. The study analyzed 2.2 million pregnancies across 20 countries, highlighting systemic issues that need international attention.
The University of Birmingham has developed a validated symptom burden questionnaire for Long COVID, which can now be translated into hundreds of languages. The questionnaire, called SBQ-Long COVID, aims to capture the complexities of Long COVID and develop or test new treatments.
A recent gamma-ray burst has been identified as a kilonova, shedding light on the merging of neutron stars and black holes. The event produced an excess of infrared light and lasted about a minute, contradicting the typical short duration of such explosions.
A study published in Science Advances shows that tPBM can improve working memory in people with conditions like ADHD. The therapy, applied to the right prefrontal cortex, showed significant improvements in memory performance and brain activity.
A new paper by researchers at the University of Birmingham argues that a 'one size fits all' approach to treating early psychosis may not be effective. Instead, they propose using machine learning techniques to deliver tailored treatment plans that address individual needs and improve outcomes.
Research found that while broad T-cell response against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is currently protective, recognition of seven out of ten T-cell targets mutated in COVID-19 variants is impaired. The study suggests ongoing mutation could lead to decreased overall immune system protection.
Researchers believe a black hole suddenly began devouring a nearby star, releasing energy and creating the brightest ever recorded TDE. The jet's direction may be pointing towards Earth, causing Doppler boosting, and could reveal insights into how supermassive black holes grow.
A new study suggests that ray-finned fish diversified earlier than previously thought, accumulating small changes before the Carboniferous period. The fossil specimen Palaeoneiros clackorum shows features typical of younger species, indicating a more complex picture of species diversification.
Scientists have developed a new technology that captures the key features of human bone marrow, allowing for the screening of multiple anti-cancer drugs and testing personalized treatments. The 'bone marrows in a dish' can support the survival of cells from patients with blood malignancies
A new study reveals huge gaps in data on how communities use mountain water sources, complicating efforts to model future scenarios. The researchers emphasize the need for improved data and process understanding to guide effective climate change adaptation.
Researchers found that changing gloves and instruments just before closing wounds can prevent as many as 1 in 8 cases of Surgical Site Infection. A new toolkit also helps hospitals prepare for pandemics, heatwaves, and natural disasters.
Researchers have developed a method that uses urea from urine to trigger the production of proteins in bacteria, replacing costly 'inducer' molecules. The new system produces similar quantities of protein as standard methods while being cheaper and easier to use, opening up new avenues for biotech industries.
The C-STICH clinical trial found that single-stranded suture threads may improve outcomes for mothers at risk of preterm birth by reducing the risk of infection. Researchers tested whether using single stranded sutures could decrease miscarriage or stillbirth rates due to an increased risk of infection.
A new study found that increasingly complex mathematical models can produce more uncertain estimates, limiting their usefulness for informing real-world policy decisions. Researchers recommend reassessing the drive to create detailed models and suggest calculating the model's effective dimensions before adding complexity.
A new AI app improved the accuracy of COVID-19 lateral flow test results, increasing sensitivity from 92% to 97.6%. The app was tested at UK Health Security Agency assisted test centers and found promising results in reducing false negatives.
A new approach combining online therapeutic games with non-invasive brain stimulation techniques has shown significant benefits in improving working memory capacity in older adults. The technology, COGNISANT, was found to be particularly effective in those with lower initial working memory capacity.
Researchers developed a generatively designed patient-specific bone fixation device using Generative Design technology. The implants are tailored to each patient's anatomy and biomechanical needs, resulting in lighter, less prominent, and minimally invasive designs that promote faster healing and reduced revision surgery.
A new study reveals that coaches displaying authentic leadership qualities can decrease athlete aggression and increase trust, enjoyment and commitment. Researchers found athletes training with authentic coaches are less likely to act aggressively towards competitors.
A new study identifies Scleromochlus taylori as an early relative of pterosaurs, shedding light on the evolution of flying reptiles. The discovery uses CT scans to provide detailed reconstructions of the fossil, confirming its link to lagerpetids and supporting the hypothesis that flying reptiles evolved from small, bipedal ancestors.
Researchers have developed a new framework using high-throughput 'omics' technologies to detect the effects of ambient chemical mixtures on living organisms, including water fleas. The approach enables water fleas to detect bioactive components and predict toxicity in other species.
A public consultation is launched to develop best-practice standards for diverse and inclusive healthcare datasets used in Artificial Intelligence. The project aims to reduce biases that affect patients from minoritised racial/ethnic groups, ensuring they receive accurate predictions and treatments.
New research reveals that human gut bacteria use plant N-glycans as nutrients, enabling better management of good gut health. The discovery has biotechnological applications, such as reducing allergenic responses to food and medicine.
Researchers found that elevated CO2 levels stimulate tree growth, resulting in longer and more extensive root systems. This adaptation helps trees absorb nutrients from the soil, providing limited protection against climate change. The study provides insights into how forests respond to increased carbon dioxide levels.
Research at the University of Birmingham suggests that people who experience frequent bad dreams in middle age are more likely to be diagnosed with dementia later in life. The study found that middle-aged individuals with weekly nightmares were four times more likely to experience cognitive decline over a decade.
Researchers found that fatty acids in cooking emissions form a stable film on surfaces, protecting trapped pollutants from breakdown. This film can become rougher and attract water, trapping toxins underneath.
Researchers have created the first charts of Antarctic ocean temperatures over the past 45 million years using molecular fossils and machine learning. The study suggests that the planet is nearing a 'tipping point' where ocean warming caused by CO2 will lead to catastrophic sea level rises.
Researchers found nearly 400 food samples tested positive for organophosphate esters (OPEs) from common flame retardants. Levels were below health risk thresholds but raised concerns about long-term exposure and contamination sources.
A new study identified distinct metabolic profiles in women with Idiopathic Intercranial Hypertension (IIH), a condition characterized by raised brain pressure. Weight loss programs showed positive effects on results, suggesting that metabolism plays a role in disease development.
Astronomers at the University of Birmingham have discovered two super-Earth planets, LP 890-9b and LP 890-9c, orbiting the cool star LP 890-9. The second planet, SPECULOOS-2c, is about 40% larger than Earth and has a longer orbital period, placing it in the habitable zone around its star.
The proposed CODE-EHR best practice framework aims to standardize the use of structured electronic healthcare records in clinical research. The framework focuses on identifying and addressing data quality issues, ensuring interoperability between systems, and promoting transparency and trust.
Researchers pinpointed the anterior cingulate cortex gyrus (ACCg) as the brain area involved in effortful altruistic behaviour. Individuals with high empathy levels showed stronger effort patterns in ACCg, suggesting a link between emotional connection and helping behaviour.
Thirty-eight Chinese cities have reduced their CO2 emissions for at least five years, while 21 cities have cut emissions due to economic decline or population loss. The study recommends individualized emission targets considering cities' resources and development goals.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham propose new techniques to test for rhythmic oscillations in visual attention, suggesting that attention may not switch between threats and opportunities in a predictable rhythm. These new statistical tools aim to shed light on brain conditions like attention deficit disorder.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a new model to better understand the impact of oscillations in binary neutron stars on gravitational wave detection. This could significantly improve our understanding of neutron stars and their properties.
Researchers have found that the arrangement of spinning electrons, not a weak external magnetic field, causes the Hall effect in Weyl antiferromagnets. This discovery has implications for next-generation memory storage devices using ferromagnets and antiferromagnets.
Researchers have uncovered new evidence of a liquid-liquid phase transition in water, where molecules form 'entangled' arrangements at low temperatures. This finding has significant implications for understanding the physics of water and could pave the way for new experiments to validate the theory.
Large carnivorous dinosaurs, such as Tyrannosaurus rex, developed elliptical or oval eye sockets to absorb impact during high-speed bites. Researchers analyzed 500 dinosaur species and found these unique shapes only in large predators with skull lengths over 1m.
A new study suggests that tocolytics can safely delay preterm births and reduce neonatal deaths worldwide. The analysis of 122 clinical trials found benefits for all preterm delay treatments, with some side effects noted.
A new study published in Cochrane Reviews found that tocolytics, or preterm delay treatments, are beneficial for women worldwide. The researchers reviewed 122 clinical trials and concluded that the benefits of these drugs outweigh any risks associated with side effects.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a new method to boost biocatalytic activity using synthetic polymers that stimulate biofilm formation. The study found that hydrophobic polymers outperform mildly cationic polymers, increasing biomass and biocatalytic activity in E. coli.
Researchers identified three categories of distinct symptoms: respiratory, mental health and cognitive problems, and broader range of symptoms. Key demographic groups at increased risk include females, younger people, and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a transportable optical clock system that addresses key barriers to deploying quantum clocks in real-world settings. The new design can capture nearly 160,000 ultra-cold atoms within an ultra-high vacuum chamber and survive long-distance transportation, paving the way for wides...
Researchers at the University of Birmingham developed a new technique using mass spectrometry to analyze drug-protein interactions in real tissue samples. This allows scientists to predict the therapeutic effect of drugs earlier, enabling more effective treatment options.
A new study identifies pox virus proteins that directly interfere with the body's innate immune system, allowing it to evade the host's defense mechanisms. The research team has discovered five 'redox' proteins that interact with Reactive Oxygen Species, which play a key role in destroying pathogens identified by the immune system.
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have shown that a brain-penetrating candidate drug can promote regeneration of damaged nerves after spinal trauma. The research demonstrated that the drug, AZD1390, blocks the response to DNA damage in nerve cells and restores sensory and motor function after spinal injury.