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.
A £1.2M grant will upgrade the CLIMB COVID-19 project's computational equipment to process genomic data globally. Researchers can analyze genomes from local populations in relation to global datasets, facilitating equitable data sharing and fighting pandemic diseases.
Researchers investigate how COVID-19 has changed sex offender behavior, providing insights for protecting vulnerable individuals. The study aims to understand how social and economic changes have impacted offender patterns and victim vulnerability.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered a biological imbalance between free radicals and antioxidant cells that links gum disease to chronic kidney disease. A 10% increase in gum inflammation reduces kidney function by 3%, highlighting the importance of periodontal care for patients with chronic kidney disease.
A new study suggests that a bedside EEG test can aid in prognosis for unresponsive brain injury patients by measuring their response to speech. The strength of these responses is correlated with the patient's outcome and can help clinicians make effective treatment decisions.
A third of all newborns and half of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) babies are vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D levels vary by ethnicity, season, and deprivation indices.
A University of Birmingham team used Daphnia to test the effects of Roundup on keystone species. They found significant harm to animals' metabolism and gut function, even at approved regulatory levels. The results offer a starting point for tracking herbicide impacts across different species.
A UK national study found that children with cancer who test positive for COVID-19 have mild infections or are asymptomatic, with no deaths reported and only 5% requiring intensive care support. The study's real-time data helped inform shielding advice for this group of patients.
Research finds that particulate emissions from cooking can survive in the atmosphere for several days, contributing to poor air quality and human health. The study's findings have significant implications for climate change and city planning.
Researchers developed two intervention programmes targeting moral factors and educating young elite athletes about the risks of performance-enhancing drugs. Both approaches were equally effective at deterring doping over a six-month period. The 'moral' programme focused on honesty, fair play, and the consequences of doping, while the '...
Human fingerprints have a self-regulating moisture mechanism that helps avoid dropping objects, enabling the development of better prosthetic limbs and virtual reality environments. By regulating skin moisture, fingerprints maximize friction on various surfaces, giving primates an evolutionary advantage in dry and wet conditions.
Researchers found that flavanol-enriched cocoa drink improved blood oxygenation levels in the brain, leading to enhanced cognitive performance. Participants completed complex tasks faster and with higher accuracy after consuming the flavanol-rich drink.
A new UK study sheds light on the effects of benzopyrene exposure on human cells, revealing new insights into DNA repair mechanisms and their connection to cancer development. The research suggests that understanding these mechanisms could help predict individuals more susceptible to cancer-causing agents.
A new research project explores how counter-terrorism affects public perceptions and urban atmospheres in Europe's cities. It assesses the impact of terror threats on everyday life through a large-scale international survey and in-depth studies of five European cities.
A new study reveals that routine pre-operative COVID-19 testing can significantly reduce the risk of respiratory complications and save lives. Researchers found that using nasal swab tests to confirm asymptomatic patients were not infected with SARS-CoV-2 led to a lower rate of post-operative complications.
A new study reveals that Amazon trees dying at a faster rate are those with higher growth speeds, which are more vulnerable to climate change. The research found that drought is also driving tree death, particularly in the southern Amazon.
A new study reveals India's slow transition to clean cooking fuels due to women's perceptions of firewood as a better option for family wellbeing. The research found that both firewood and LPG users believe their chosen fuel supports at least some key dimensions of wellbeing.
Researchers are developing an oral spray to treat severely painful blisters and scarring in EB patients. The spray contains anti-fibrotic molecules to prevent scarring and promote healing, aiming to improve symptoms such as eating difficulties and poor dental health.
A new study suggests that smartphone acceleration sensors can provide a low-cost measure of road roughness, allowing engineers to prioritize maintenance and reduce costs. This approach could also be used to assess the condition of rural roads in developing countries.
A new project aims to create household sprays and coatings that capture COVID-19 aerosol droplets, inactivating the virus. Researchers will use additives to provide long-lasting protection against the virus, with a focus on surface characteristics.
A clinical trial called REPAIR-MDS will test repurposed drugs to improve hematological responses in MDS, reducing or reversing life-limiting deficiencies in red blood cells. The trial aims to improve the outlook for people with this rare condition, which has limited treatment options.
Researchers call for increased palliative care in China to address non-malignant disease management and family involvement. A systematic review highlights the need for better pain control, truth-telling, and emotional support.
A new study found that our brains use different approaches to avoid harm to ourselves versus others. When learning to avoid harm to others, decisions are automatic and efficient, but when avoiding harm to oneself, choices become more deliberative and future-focused.
A new €639,000 EU-funded project will develop cost-effective space cooling technologies powered by green technologies. The CO-COOL RISE consortium aims to accelerate the adoption of these innovations in the marketplace.
Astronomers observe a direct connection between stellar material and bright flare emitted as star is consumed, revealing the origin of obscuring dust and debris. The study provides insights into supermassive black holes and matter behavior under extreme gravity conditions.
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have discovered a universal scaling law for touch sensitivity using seismic waves. The law enables better understanding of touch experiences across species, predicting similar sensations despite differences in force and receptor depth.
A new study reveals that athletes using legal sport supplements are more likely to dope than those using food and superfoods. Researchers surveyed 573 athletes and found a significant correlation between the use of ergogenic and medical supplements and doping attitudes.
Researchers found that patients treated in 'COVID-19 free' areas had better outcomes and lower rates of death from lung infections. This study, covering 9171 patients across 55 countries, shows setting up COVID-19 free hospital areas can minimize risk during the pandemic.
Researchers found a significant correlation between matched DBS and serum samples, with minimal differences in results. DBS achieved 98% sensitivity and 100% specificity for detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein antibodies.
A study by the University of Birmingham found that police officers experience stress and anxiety when they perceive a violation of their psychological contract, leading to feelings of anger and frustration. The researchers also discovered that fairness and self-efficacy play a crucial role in mediating this relationship.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of water security, with nearly a quarter of households in low-income countries struggling to access clean water. Experts are urging policymakers to prioritize behavioral change, knowledge promotion, and investment in water infrastructure to address this pressing issue.
Researchers used routing apps to model real-time road traffic emissions, providing valuable insights into traffic flows and emissions hotspots. The study found that crowd-sourced data from routing apps could be used to calculate speed-related emissions and provide more accurate emissions models.
Researchers found that depression is an intrinsic part of early phase psychotic disorders and suggest targeting depression as a key factor in treatment. The study suggests antidepressants alongside anti-psychotic drugs could be an effective additional first-line treatment for psychosis.
Researchers found that setting vehicle ventilation correctly can reduce exposure to pollutants like PM2.5 and NO2 by up to 49% and 34%, respectively. By closing windows and taking a 'cleaner' route, passengers can significantly lower their inhalation dose of air pollution.
Researchers identified an enzyme that breaks down mucus in the gut, providing a potential biomarker for intestinal diseases. The discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer.
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have developed a reliable method to predict an individual's susceptibility to pain using alpha wave frequency. This breakthrough could help clinicians understand how patients will react to surgery and develop more effective pain management strategies.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham and international partners have developed a technique to miniaturize sensing devices using cold atoms and optical metasurfaces. The resulting devices are significantly smaller, with potential applications in various industries.
A new study suggests that a simple urine test could significantly improve the detection of adrenal cancer by detecting excess adrenal steroid hormones. The test was found to be more accurate than imaging tests in diagnosing cancerous adrenal masses, potentially reducing unnecessary surgeries and healthcare costs.
The National Lung Matrix Trial, the world's largest precision medicine clinical trial for NSCLC, matches treatments to genetic changes in cancer. It found that targeted therapy is challenging due to genomic complexity and the need for more sophisticated models.
A new sequencing technology will help scientists better understand the mechanisms of rare nucleotides thought to play an important role in the progression of some diseases. These modified nucleotides are crucial additions to the genetic code, but their detection is difficult and comes with high error rates.