Researchers have created the largest genetic atlas for zebrafish, which provides a comprehensive understanding of gene expression and developmental dynamics. The atlas, developed by the DANIO-CODE consortium, offers a broad picture of candidate DNA regions for transgenic breeding and genetic research into development and diseases.
A new study reveals that inhaled fine particles can take a direct route from lungs to brain through blood circulation, potentially contributing to brain disorders. The particles were found to stay longer in the brain than in other organs, raising concerns about the long-term effects of air pollution on cognitive function.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have identified a 'cellular brake' protein that may help prevent autoimmune responses in lung cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy treatment. This finding could enable clinicians to closely monitor high-risk patients and develop preventative strategies.
A new study published in eClinicalMedicine found that older men experiencing frequent bad dreams were twice as likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The researchers suggest that dream changes could serve as an early warning sign for the condition, which may develop years before characteristic symptoms appear.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a new beam-steering antenna that increases data transmission efficiency, particularly at higher frequencies. The technology is fully compatible with existing 5G specifications and has been demonstrated to provide unprecedented data transmission efficiency.
Scientists have discovered how microscopic crystals grow and change shape in molten metals as they cool, leading to a better understanding of the tensile strength of alloys. The research, published in Acta Materialia, used high-speed synchrotron X-ray tomography to study the changing crystal structures in molten alloys.
A new study by the University of Birmingham found that dopamine levels can affect emotion recognition in people with neurological disorders. Those with low baseline dopamine levels improved their ability to recognize emotions after receiving a dopamine boost, while those with higher baseline levels became worse at emotion recognition.
Researchers have found that gamma delta T cells can be trained to become extreme killers by recognizing abnormal target cells. This discovery has implications for developing novel cellular therapies to treat cancer and infectious diseases.
Scientists have shown that a drug called AZD1236 can significantly reduce 'secondary damage' caused by spinal cord injury by blocking the inflammatory response. The treatment promotes significant nerve regeneration and improves movement and sensation, with an 85% improvement in these areas after just three days of treatment.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered two new DNA repair genes, SETD1A and BOD1L, which can make cancer cells more sensitive to radiotherapy. These findings may lead to improved treatment efficiency and patient outcomes by allowing clinicians to identify targeted treatments for specific patients.
Researchers found no link between antibiotics given shortly before caesarean birth and early childhood conditions like asthma or eczema. The study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, used UK healthcare databases to analyze millions of children born between 2006 and 2018.
The University of Birmingham has published new ethical guidelines for the collection of patient-reported outcomes in clinical research. The guidelines aim to reduce risk and burden for participants while increasing participation in research and protecting their welfare.
A study from the University of Birmingham and National Institutes of Health found that antibiotics can lead to fungal infections by disrupting the gut's immune system. Using immune-boosting drugs alongside antibiotics may reduce health risks associated with these complex infections.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that infected fruit flies continue to engage in courtship and mating behaviors, similar to uninfected flies. The study suggests that animals may invest more in reproduction when faced with a potential life threat, potentially to pass on genes to the next generation
Researchers discovered that memory B cells produce non-specific antibodies to combat virus mutants, working alongside phagocytes to screen for variants. This mechanism may offer protection against SARS-CoV2 and HIV variants, and could influence vaccine development.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham call for more diverse patient groups in clinical trials and practice to ensure representative data collection. The team identifies barriers such as access to technology, disability, language, and cultural requirements that hinder participation.
Researchers developed a new model to understand how delusions emerge and are shaped by different contexts, revealing common themes across patient accounts. Clinicians must go beyond 'correcting' dysfunction to devise treatment that is relevant to the individual's emotions, life experiences, and socio-cultural contexts.
A new study reveals that cardiac surgery causes distinct patterns of cortisol secretion, which may reflect individual physiological differences and inflammatory responses. Researchers identified three dynamic phenotypes: single-pulse, two-pulse and multiple-pulse dynamics, suggesting improved diagnostics and personalized interventions ...
A comprehensive tool to assess Long COVID symptoms has been developed at the University of Birmingham. The Symptom Burden Questionnaire captures a wide range of symptoms affecting everyday life, providing valuable evidence for researchers and policymakers.
Scientists have developed a new approach to predict pollution from cooking emissions by analyzing the behavior of oleic acid nanostructures. By identifying the molecular properties that control their transformation in the atmosphere, researchers can better understand and model the impact of cooking aerosols on human-made climate change.
A new study by researchers at the University of Birmingham has identified two distinct brain structure patterns associated with poor outcomes in patients with recent onset psychosis and depression. The study used MRI scans to analyze grey matter volume and found that lower volumes were linked to poorer outcomes, while higher volumes we...
A new technique developed at the University of Birmingham uses electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain activity in patients before surgery, predicting their likelihood of severe pain after recovery. This allows clinicians to plan additional preventative pain medication and potentially reduce chronic symptoms.
Research identifies genetic variants associated with reduced grey matter volume in brain regions linked to schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. The study suggests a potential new target for treating severe mental illnesses by targeting the IL-6 gene.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham identified a new gene, Highlander, that regulates self-incompatibility in plants. The discovery opens up new avenues for improving crop yields and resistance to disease.
A new study found that fewer than 2% of babies born to mothers with COVID-19 test positive for the virus, but those with severe cases or diagnosed after childbirth are more likely to be infected. Vaginal births and breastfeeding do not increase the risk of transmission.
Researchers developed new antimicrobial technology for air filters that can kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses in seconds. The treatment was tested on trains and found to be effective in killing SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses, including E. coli and C. albicans.
Scientists have discovered that mRNA modifications play a crucial role in the brain's reward learning process and transporting mRNAs to synapses. The study found that removing these modifications impaired flies' ability to learn essential survival skills, highlighting the importance of these modifications in animal function.
Researchers found that common houseplants like Peace lily, Corn plant, and fern arum can remove nitrogen dioxide from the atmosphere, reducing pollution levels. In a poorly ventilated office, five plants could reduce NO2 levels by up to 20%.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham have successfully used a quantum gravity gradiometer to detect an object hidden below ground, marking a significant milestone in the development of this technology. The breakthrough could lead to faster, cheaper, and more comprehensive underground mapping, with potential applications in ind...
A noninvasive imaging method called virtual intracranial EEG (ViEEG) has been developed to replace electrodes in epilepsy surgery planning. The method uses magnetoencephalographic (MEG) imaging to create a dynamic map of the brain during seizures, enabling precise identification of brain networks involved in seizure generation.
A team of astronomers led by the University of Birmingham detected a rare circumbinary planet, Kepler-16b, using radial velocity method. The discovery provides clues on planetary accretion and demonstrates that ground-based telescopes can be used for modern exoplanet research.
A new glossary aims to reduce barriers to entry and understanding in the Open Scholarship movement by clarifying terms like 'CARKing' and 'HARKing'. Researchers also highlight positive practices such as 'slow science', which encourages more time for data collection and literature reading.
Researchers have formally recognised Mambawakale ruhuhu as a distinct species, representing an early member of the crocodile evolutionary lineage. The fossil, discovered in the 1960s, features distinctive characteristics including a large skull and narrow lower jaw.
Researchers discovered that Goffin's cockatoos can coordinate complex tools to solve problems, a cognitive ability previously thought exclusive to primates. This finding sheds light on the evolution of tool use in animals and has implications for understanding human technological skills.
A new study by the University of Birmingham finds that employment fears and precarity are driving the rise of popular extremist parties across Europe. The 'precariat' – disaffected citizens feeling insecure about their jobs – is voting for radical populist parties on both the right and left.
Scientists have discovered characteristic breakpoints that alter pollutant concentrations in rivers, impacting global water security. The research sheds light on the behavior of aquatic pollutants in large river systems, including India's River Ganga.
Analytical and intelligence professionals in police forces reported feeling anxious and exhausted while working with traumatic material during the pandemic. Additional support is needed to manage working from home or commuting into work, according to new research.
A new study found that nearly four times as many words describing rough surfaces contain the trilled /r/ sound compared to smooth ones. This pattern is prevalent across sensory words in 38 Indo-European languages and has likely existed for over six millennia.
Researchers create two new polymers from sugar-based starting materials that retain common plastic qualities but are degradable and mechanically recyclable. The polymers' unique shapes and stereochemistry-dependent degradation rates offer a promising solution for sustainable plastics, with potential applications in various industries.
A new study finds that 'hawkish' politicians who adopt tough policies to re-elect themselves often inflame global conflicts. Researchers modelled a land dispute scenario and found that voters favoring ideology over ability tend to support hawkish leaders, leading to tougher settlements and increased conflict probability.
The 2018 Anak Krakatau volcano collapse in Indonesia was triggered by long-term destabilization, not a sudden explosive eruption. The study found that the disaster was less likely to have been caused by magma forcing its way to the surface and triggering the landslide.
Researchers found that prisoners in buildings located in green areas are less likely to engage in self-harming or violent behaviours. The study, published in Wellbeing, Space and Society, suggests that surrounding greenspace has a positive effect on prisoner wellbeing alongside prison walls.
An international team of astronomers has found strong evidence for an ultra-low frequency signal, consistent with the expected characteristics of a gravitational wave background. The discovery was made using data from 65 millisecond pulsars, combining independent data sets from around the world.
A new study reveals significant bias in fossil data due to colonial influences, with high-income countries contributing 97% of research. Local researchers are often devalued, leading to unethical practices and mistrust.
A study of over 1,300 patients found that Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion (MACS) is much more prevalent than previously reported, with almost every second patient having MACS. The condition was linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, particularly in older women.
A 72-66-million-year-old dinosaur embryo discovered in a fossilized egg is found to have a bird-like posture, similar to modern bird embryos. The discovery suggests that these postures may be an evolutionary precursor to the tucking behavior seen in modern birds.
A new study found that children and adolescents with persistent high levels of anxiety are more likely to develop psychosis in their early 20s. Treating early anxiety by targeting stress hormones and non-resolving inflammation during childhood and teenage years could help prevent young adults from developing psychosis.
A recent China-wide study investigated the effect of general versus regional anesthesia on post-operative delirium in older adults undergoing hip fracture surgery. The results showed no significant difference in delirium incidence between the two groups, contradicting previous assumptions.
A University of Birmingham-led study found that patients with a recorded history of gum disease are at higher risk of developing mental ill-health (37%), autoimmune diseases (33%), cardiovascular disease (18%), and cardiometabolic disorders, particularly Type 2 diabetes (26%). The study used UK primary care data to explore the associat...
A proof-of-concept trial has identified a drug that may offer benefit to some patients hospitalised with COVID-19 pneumonia. The study found namilumab reduced inflammation and improved outcomes in patients with high CRP levels, but further research is needed for definitive results.