A new study warns that Omicron could lead to 100,273 fewer elective operations performed over the three winter months due to increased hospital admissions and COVID-19 patients. The model used NHS England data from September 2020 to July 2021 to project elective surgery activity based on the number of COVID-19 patients in hospital.
Researchers found that theropods strengthened their jaws through time, with expanding rear jaw portions and evolving different jaw shapes depending on diet. This allowed them to exploit a wider range of food items and minimized bone fracture risk.
Researchers propose a method using optical cavities to enhance atom interferometers, enabling extreme momentum transfer for detecting dark matter and gravitational waves. This could facilitate breakthroughs in fundamental physics and future applications.
Researchers discovered that appealing to athletes' sense of 'future guilt' through psychological intervention was a more powerful initial reaction than education programmes highlighting the risks of doping. The study also found that receiving useful information about doping strengthened athletes' confidence to resist temptation.
A study predicts that 6,150 km of new Pacific salmon habitat will emerge in the Pacific mountains by 2100, with most occurring in Alaska and the transboundary region. This newly formed habitat can support rapid colonization by salmon populations, offering local opportunities for some species but posing challenges under climate change.
Research reveals that tree root systems are a significant source of methane emissions in wetland areas, including the Amazon basin. The study suggests that existing models may be underestimating methane emissions by neglecting the role of trees.
In a study published in Scientific Reports, researchers found that Japanese macaques in the Kamikochi area of Chubu Sangaku National Park eat live brown trout and other freshwater animals to stay alive during harsh winters. The discovery reveals a new adaptation mechanism for these monkeys to cope with extreme conditions.
A groundbreaking analysis of the fossilized remains of Effigia, a 205-million-year-old herbivore, has cast doubt on the prevailing notion that it fed by pecking at plant material. Instead, researchers suggest that its unique beak and jaw structure would have allowed it to nibble at soft, vulnerable tissues like young shoots or ferns.
Researchers used GLS tracking data to study sooty terns' migration patterns, showing they range up to 2,900 km from breeding colonies and cover 47,000 km during an eight-month migratory period. The largest breeding population of terns is on Ascension Island, which was designated a Marine Protection Area in 2019.
Researchers highlight the need for disease transmission assessments and mitigation measures to prevent pathogen spread from humans to wild animal populations. The study's recommendations include disease risk analysis to identify gaps in data and minimize the risk of disease transmission.
Researchers have successfully created an experimental model of a skyrmion particle in a beam of light, providing a real system to demonstrate the behavior of this elusive type of fundamental particle. The study reveals the intricate structure and topological properties of skyrmions, which can be distorted but not broken.
A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology has identified specific facial features that can be used to distinguish children's faces from adult faces. These features include the shape of the nose and eyebrows for adult faces and the eye, jawline, and nasal bone for child faces.
Researchers discovered that the majority of people worldwide exhibit the 'bouba/kiki effect', matching sounds with shapes, regardless of language or writing system. This finding suggests that iconic vocalisations may form a global basis for creating new words.
Researchers have developed a 'time machine' framework that uses artificial intelligence to learn from past environmental changes and predict future biodiversity loss. This framework can help decision-makers prioritize conservation approaches and mitigation interventions, leading to more effective management of ecosystem services.
A team of researchers has successfully designed and manufactured customised respiratory protection for healthcare workers using digital facial capture. The technology, developed by the University of Birmingham and King's College London, provides a comfortable close-fitting seal suitable for nearly 90% of face shapes and sizes.
Researchers used ancient climate reconstructions to improve understanding of climate system thresholds and predict abrupt changes. By applying paleoclimate information to Earth System models, they demonstrated improved accuracy in simulating past abrupt climate events.
A new study revealed that global guidance for preventing Surgical Site Infections (SSI) is not effective and needs revision. The FALCON trial found no superiority of interventions like alcoholic chlorhexidine skin preparation and triclosan coated sutures over lower-cost alternatives.
Researchers have identified a gene called Nup54 that plays a crucial role in regulating female reproductive behaviors in fruit flies. This discovery provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sexual conflict and its impact on evolution.
Researchers developed a new mass spectrometry technique to identify key protein features in cyanobacteria, enabling rapid detection of harmful species. This approach can be used to prevent blue-green algae blooms and detect toxic species, such as spirulina extracts.
A new study aims to identify effective remote support services for domestic violence and abuse survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research will assess existing interventions and rank them to find the most cost-effective solutions, benefiting over one million women in the UK.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham explore new approaches to detecting low-frequency gravitational waves using pulsars and other measurements. They suggest combining these methods with observations from projects like Gaia, which could help disentangle and interpret signals from the earliest periods of the universe.
A large population-based cohort study found that combined oral contraceptives reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes in women with PCOS by 26%. Women with PCOS have twice the risk of developing type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes, highlighting the need for treatments to reduce this risk.
A global study of 46,500 people aged 18-99 found that older adults are more willing to donate to charities within their own country, but less likely to do so internationally. This preference for 'in-group' behavior remains consistent even after accounting for wealth, pandemic severity, and perceived risk.
Researchers discovered a simple questionnaire and airflow measurement test can identify adults with undiagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in China. The Chinese symptom-based questionnaire combined with microspirometry could provide the most efficient way to identify patients needing treatment for COPD.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 lockdowns led to significant delays in cancer surgery, resulting in potentially more cancer deaths. Patients in lower income countries and those with advanced disease were most affected, with one in seven missing their scheduled operation.
Researchers found that old oak trees consistently increased their rate of photosynthesis when exposed to elevated CO2 levels. The increase was greatest in strong sunlight and suggests the trees have adapted to capture more carbon from the air.
A recent study published in Psychological Medicine found that individuals with a recorded history of cannabis use are three times more likely to develop common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. They were also almost seven times more likely to develop severe mental illnesses like psychosis or schizophrenia.
A new study found that four distinct episodes of volcanic activity coincided with significant environmental changes, including the Late Triassic Carnian Pluvial Episode, which drove animal and plant diversification. The research suggests that large volcanic eruptions had a profound impact on global temperature and humidity.
Women with recorded exposure to domestic abuse were found to be at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 during the first two waves of the pandemic. The researchers recommend increasing vaccination rates in vulnerable groups and reconsidering COVID-19 vaccine prioritization.
A new global study found that setting targets for treating diabetes patients with cholesterol or blood pressure medication can significantly improve cardiovascular outcomes. Achieving these targets could save up to 6% of healthy lifetime lost to diabetes over 10 years, mainly due to reduced cardiovascular conditions.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham discovered that humans process written words rapidly, using pre-processing judgments within 100ms, and that this activity is linked to the complexity of the word. This study has significant implications for diagnosing and training individuals with dyslexia where pre-processing is impaired.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham discovered that T cells send messages from five specific genes in their immune response to drugs given to treat skin cancer. This finding suggests that an optimal level of stimulation is required for a strong immune response, and blocking certain immune brakes may re-awaken dormant T cells.
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have discovered a new pathway involving tetraspanin protein TSPAN6 that makes anti-EGFR drugs less effective in bowel cancer patients. The research findings could lead to better identification of patients who can benefit from these treatments.
A study of 541 survivors in Kenya found children were 1.6 times more likely to be attacked during the day and 1.7 times more likely to be attacked in private, compared to adults. The research highlights the need for policy-makers to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) risks in national crisis policies.
Researchers found a 12,000-year record of marine sediment cores in Antarctica showing fluctuations in sea ice levels affecting algae growth. Algal bloom events occurred nearly every year before 4,500 years ago, but became less frequent after 4.5 thousand years ago, responding to climate cycles like ENSO.
A new study explores how young people who have attempted suicide use alcohol and other substances as a coping mechanism for emotional distress. The research highlights the 'double-edged sword' effect of these substances, contributing to both negative mental health outcomes and suicidal thoughts.
A new AI approach has been developed to identify patients with heart failure who will benefit from beta-blocker treatment. The study found that the AI method could accurately predict response to beta-blockers in both normal heart rhythm and atrial fibrillation patients, leading to improved treatment outcomes.
Scientists have discovered that ferns can actively close their stomata in response to low humidity or the hormone ABA, similar to flowering plants. This finding confirms that the earliest land plants were able to control water loss through stomata, providing valuable insights into plant evolution and climate change adaptation.
A systematic review of online interventions found that exergames and smartphone apps increased physical activity levels and improved emotional states among young people. The study suggests a positive impact on mental health and social development through digital mediums.
Researchers identify novel mechanism of formation of procoagulant platelets activated by S100 A8/A9 binding to the GPIbα receptor, a previously unknown target for anti-coagulant therapies. This discovery may lead to new treatments and prevention strategies for inflammatory and thrombotic diseases.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham have confirmed a novel COVID-19 testing method called RTF-EXPAR that is highly sensitive and fast, giving results in under 10 minutes even at low viral levels. The test was shown to be equivalent to PCR and LAMP tests but faster.
A new study highlights the need for novel clinical risk stratification tools to address health disparities among ethnic minority groups. The research found that existing tools underperform in predicting severity and mortality of Black, Asian, and minority ethnic COVID-19 patients.
A licensed drug normally used to treat abnormal levels of fatty substances in the blood, fenofibrate, has been shown to significantly reduce SARS-COV-2 infection in human cells in laboratory settings. The reduction of infection was obtained using safe and achievable concentrations of the drug.
A new study by University of Birmingham researchers reveals that fruit flies' brains trigger specific neuronal impulses when faced with the choice between feeding and mating. The team found that, when starved, mating is consistently overridden by hunger, but once fed, males turn their attention to courtship.
The study found that people's willingness to exert effort fluctuates moment by moment but gradually declines over time due to fatigue. Two types of fatigue were detected in distinct parts of the brain, with one short-term and another long-term effect, affecting motivation to work.
Recent theoretical findings and astrophysical modeling suggest that scientists can accurately interpret gravitational wave signals from these events, hinting at the existence of so-called 'hierarchical' black holes. The detection of GW190521 in 2019 is thought to be the most promising candidate for such an event.
Experts from European and US universities warn that new EU battery regulations could hinder the global transition to electric vehicles if not implemented globally. The researchers argue that a coordinated, global approach is needed to make the supply chain predictable and powerful.
A new study reveals that older people are slower to learn actions and behaviors that benefit themselves, but are just as capable as younger people of learning behaviors that benefit others. When making choices that give positive feedback to another person, older adults' learning ability is preserved.
A new study in mSystems finds human waste contaminating urban lakes, rivers, and surface water in Bangladesh is driving the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The research highlights the importance of improving access to clean water, sanitation, and sewerage infrastructure to reduce antimicrobial resistance.
A waterflea population has undergone rapid evolution in response to predator pressure over nearly two decades, with changes linked to specific environmental conditions. The study highlights the crucial role of standing genetic diversity in supporting adaptive evolution and its implications for conservation biology.