A University of Birmingham-led study found that many COVID-19 patients produce immune responses against their own tissues or organs, including skin, skeletal muscle, and cardiac antibodies. The study suggests that these autoantibodies may contribute to the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
A new study found that autistic individuals have difficulty recognizing angry facial expressions produced at a normal 'real-world' speed, while those with alexithymia perceive all expressions as more intensely emotional. The researchers suggest that recognizing anger is a specific challenge for autism.
A study of over 1,500 UK dental professionals found 16.3% had SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, highlighting the occupational risk of infection. The study also showed ethnicity was a significant risk factor and that COVID-19 vaccination provided rapid and high antibody responses.
Researchers found that memories become less vivid with age, but retain meaningful semantic elements. Frequent recalling boosts 'gistification' of memories, making them more concept-based. The study has implications for understanding post-traumatic stress disorder and eyewitness testimony.
Scientists have discovered that slow oscillations and sleep spindles play a crucial role in memory formation and consolidation, with the precise combination of these patterns creating windows for reactivation of previously learned information. This process helps solidify memories in long-term stores and improves recall.
Researchers have dated the oldest stars in our galaxy with unprecedented precision by combining data from their oscillations with information about their chemical composition. The team found that these ancient stars were originally part of a satellite galaxy called Gaia-Enceladus, which collided with the Milky Way early in its history.
Researchers discovered a new efficient pathway for creating natural aerosols and clouds that contribute significantly to temperature increases in the Antarctic region. The study shows that increased concentrations of sulphuric acid and alkylamines are essential for particle formation around the northern Antarctic Peninsula.
Researchers found that people from diverse linguistic backgrounds could understand novel vocalizations for 30 different meanings, including animate and inanimate entities, actions, properties, and quantifiers. The study suggests iconic vocalisations may have played a crucial role in the creation of original spoken words.
The Locomotion Vault project provides a central, freely-available resource to analyze various virtual reality locomotion techniques. Researchers and developers can use the interactive database to inform decisions about the best approach for their application, while also identifying gaps where future investigation might be necessary.
A new study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that a combined drug treatment for missed miscarriage is more effective and cheaper than current standard medication. The treatment, combining mifepristone and misoprostol, was on average £182 cheaper per successfully managed miscarriage.
Researchers propose targeting viral RNA with cylindrically-shaped molecules to block replication, effective against SARS-CoV-2 and HIV viruses. The approach could lead to broad-spectrum anti-viral drugs and provide a first line of defence against future pandemics.
A new report by the University of Birmingham reveals that only 41.4% of respondents in a UK-wide survey expressed interest in participating in COVID-19 vaccine trials. The study found that male graduates, those aged 40-49 and 50-59, and individuals with no health issues were more likely to be interested, while Black Asian Minority Ethn...
A recent study reveals increased levels of air pollutants in cities like Kanpur and Delhi in India, while showing decreasing trends in the UK. The researchers used satellite observations to monitor these changes, highlighting the need for continued enforcement of clean air policies.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that weight loss surgery is more effective than dieting in reducing brain pressure in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Bariatric surgery resulted in a significant reduction of brain pressure and weight loss, with the surgery group losing an average of 23Kg after 12 months.
A new process has led to the development of high-performance energy absorbing systems that can be used in various applications, including vehicle crash safety, military armoured vehicles, and human body protection. The material's unique nanoscale mechanism enables it to absorb more mechanical energy per gram with good reusability.
Researchers used asteroseismology to measure the spin of older stars, finding they rotate faster than predicted by magnetic braking theories. The study provides new insights into the weakening effects of magnetic braking on older stars.
A team of researchers calls on governments worldwide to support the adoption of biotechnologies to improve crop production and combat climate change. They argue that societal acceptance of technologies like gene editing is a major obstacle, highlighting the need for effective communication and advocacy to gain public confidence.
A systematic review found that traumatic brain injuries (TBI) significantly increase the risk of stroke, with a 86% increased risk compared to non-TBI patients. Stroke risk remains high for up to five years after injury.
New research from the University of Birmingham found that older adults are more likely to work harder for others, even without financial reward. This 'prosocial behaviour' is crucial for social cohesion and contradicts the stereotype that older adults become less altruistic as they age.
A new study reveals that intestinal worm infections can change vaginal immunity and increase the likelihood of Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection. The research found that targeting eosinophils can prevent this pathology, suggesting a potential solution to reduce STI severity.
A new Jurassic pterosaur species, 'Monkeydactyl', has the oldest true opposed thumb, a novel structure previously not known in pterosaurs. This discovery represents the earliest record of an opposed thumb in Earth's history and adds to the list that darwinopteran pterosaurs evolved such a feature.
A new study has found that childhood cognitive problems can lead to mental health issues in teenagers and young adults. The research highlights the potential impact of early cognitive deficits on young people's mental health, suggesting specific associations with certain conditions.
Research found that drinking flavanol-rich cocoa can improve blood vessel function during mental stress and reduce temporary impairments in endothelial function. Flavanols, commonly found in fruit and vegetables, have been shown to have a positive effect on cardiovascular health during periods of acute vascular vulnerability.
Experts at the University of Birmingham argue that patients with type one diabetes need clear professional guidance to use 'Do-It-Yourself' artificial pancreas systems. The lack of legal, regulatory, or ethical guidance for clinicians has led to doctors being cautious about discussing DIY APS with patients.
A new study found that patients with lupus are more likely to have metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance if they have lower vitamin D levels. Researchers believe that increasing vitamin D levels may help reduce these risks and improve long-term outcomes for patients.
A study by the University of Birmingham suggests that prioritizing COVID-19 vaccination for surgical patients can prevent thousands of post-operative deaths. Vaccination is estimated to reduce COVID-19-related deaths among high-risk patients, such as those undergoing cancer surgery.
A University of Birmingham-led study has identified a method to accurately diagnose concussion using saliva, providing a new laboratory-based non-invasive salivary biological concussion test. The test uses biomarkers that can indicate if a player has been concussed and provide insights into the body's response to injury.
A global study found that pregnant women with COVID-19 are at increased risk of severe illness, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds or with pre-existing conditions. The review also found low rates of stillbirth and neonatal death among infected women.
The PrecisionTox project aims to develop a new approach to chemical safety management using genetics, genomics, and non-sentient organisms. By avoiding animal testing, the consortium hopes to accelerate discoveries and improve the regulation of harmful chemicals.
A recent study found that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a significantly increased risk of contracting COVID-19. The research, conducted by the University of Birmingham, revealed a 51% increased risk of infection in PCOS patients compared to their non-PCOS counterparts.
A new study has uncovered a pivotal moment in the evolution of seed-bearing plants, revealing they outcompeted other fern groups 300 million years ago. The fossils found in China have provided crucial evidence that Noeggerathiales, an ancient plant lineage, were more closely related to seed plants than previously thought.
Researchers call for more inclusive analysis of public health interventions, considering broader impacts on education, criminal justice, housing, consumption, and the environment. Existing evidence shows poorer socio-economic individuals and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19.
A new research project, funded by £1 million from the Medical Research Council, is investigating whether selective P2X7 receptor blocker drugs can treat patients with secondary brain damage. The study's goal is to reduce the impact of traumatic brain injury on patients and improve their clinical outcomes.
A recent study published in Emotion found that people tend to produce happy and angry expressions more rapidly, while sad expressions are produced more slowly. The ability to form judgements about people's facial expressions has close links with the speeds at which those expressions are produced.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a method to measure intraocular pressure using soundwaves, which could help detect glaucoma earlier. This non-invasive technique uses a smartphone to scan people's eyes, prompting early diagnosis and treatment to prevent blindness.
New research at the University of Birmingham and Utrecht University found that prisons with more green space have lower levels of violence and self-harm. The study's findings demonstrate that incorporating nature contact into prison environments can improve wellbeing and reduce costs.
A recent study reveals that international travellers are highly susceptible to virulent strains of drug-resistant bacteria, often acquiring multiple types during a single trip. Researchers found that 70% of European volunteers colonised with MDR-GN bacteria, highlighting the need for improved infection control measures.
Researchers find that individuals without a sense of touch can use visual cues to navigate and orient themselves, while those who lose the sense as adults may develop compensatory skills using conscious thought. The study suggests that the brain can adapt to sensory information loss and find alternative ways to process visual data.
Children with epilepsy experience poorer sleep quality, disruptions, and parasomnias compared to healthy peers. Integrating sleep assessments into diagnosis and management could reduce seizures' impact on sleep and overall quality of life.
Researchers developed a machine learning method to accurately diagnose patients with mixed symptoms, revealing that depression plays a greater role in psychosis than thought. The study highlights the need for better treatments and more accurate diagnostic methods.
A new study found that very severely frail individuals with COVID-19 are three times more likely to die than those who were not frail. The research also showed that survivors with severe frailty were seven times more likely to need increased care at home or in care homes.
A team of researchers found that immature beta-cells can contribute to proper insulin release when paired with more mature counterparts. By balancing the proportion of 'weak' and 'strong' beta-cells, islet function can be restored under conditions of metabolic stress.
A team of scientists used virtual anatomy techniques to examine a 400-million-year-old fossil, discovering an unexpectedly modern inner ear structure that challenges previous assumptions about placoderm evolution. The findings suggest a possible link between ancient platypus fish and modern jawed vertebrates.
A new study published in Clinical Trials proposes staging cluster randomized trials to clarify uncertainties around school reopening policies. The trial design would create a rigorous evidence base for policymakers to make informed decisions, considering factors such as community transmission and health system capacity.
Researchers have developed a thermoplastic biomaterial that can be controlled to degrade at varying rates and maintain mechanical properties. The material is suitable for soft tissue repair or flexible bioelectronics and has been shown to promote healthy tissue growth.
A study by University of Birmingham scientists has shown that the balance of cells in blood is affected earlier than thought, particularly for families carrying mutant RUNX1 proteins. The research found that these mutations can change how genes respond and lead to different diseases.
Researchers have discovered that breastfed babies have nearly twice as many regulatory T cells, which control the immune response and reduce inflammation. The study found that specific bacteria support these cells' function, emphasizing the importance of breastfeeding.
A new study has found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to smaller-than-expected reductions in NO2 emissions and increased ozone levels in cities worldwide. Concentrations of fine particles (PM2.5) decreased in most cities except London and Paris.
A new study reveals that traditional performing arts can drastically reduce the fatal threat of diarrhoea and pneumonia in young children. The intervention, led by the University of Birmingham, improved mothers' food safety and hygiene behaviours, resulting in a 60% reduction in hospital admissions for diarrhoea and a 30% reduction in ...
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have identified a potential new treatment for open angle glaucoma, a neurodegenerative disease affecting over 70 million people worldwide. ILB has been shown to normalise matrix deposition and lower intraocular pressure in a pre-clinical model, paving the way for anti-fibrotic therapies.