A new study found that specific infant sleep problems can signal mental disorders in adolescents, including psychotic experiences and borderline personality disorder. The research analyzed data from over 7,000 participants and found associations between irregular sleep routines and shorter nighttime sleep.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have created a new thermoplastic biomaterial with shape memory properties, enabling it to be stretched and molded but reforming into its original shape when heated. The material offers a stable, long-lasting option for medical devices such as bone replacements.
A new UK study found that faecal microbial transplantation (FMT) is more effective than antibiotics in treating Clostridium difficile infection, with higher cure rates and lower recurrence rates. FMT was also shown to be significantly more cost-effective, reducing hospitalization days and offering better quality of life for patients.
A new study reveals strong links between exposure to air pollution and COVID-19 transmission. Analysis of air pollution, COVID-19 cases, and fatality rates in London demonstrates a connection between increased levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5) and higher risk of viral transmission.
A new £20M research program will enhance UK's space weather monitoring capability, enabling faster and more accurate predictions of solar superstorms and severe space weather events. The University of Birmingham leads the effort, developing data modeling technology to underpin the work.
Families facing COVID-19 disruptions struggle with precarious lives, anxieties, and accelerated routines. To cope, they employ 'grounding' and 'aerial' activities, balancing daily needs with creative expressions of love and support.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a 'smart' system that controls energy storage and release in wind turbines to regulate the national grid. The system uses variable speed rotors to keep pace with electricity demand, reducing the risk of power cuts and supporting widespread wind energy use.
A major study published in Nature Communications reveals that normothermic machine perfusion assessment can recover enough livers from discarded donors to allow successful transplantation. This breakthrough technique has significant implications for the liver transplant waiting list and demand for transplants far outstrips supply.
A University of Birmingham team has created a hands-on educational tool using Jenga to explain lithium-ion battery operation and characteristics. The game helps students visualize electrochemistry and redox reactions, demonstrating the importance of rate of charge and performance over time.
Researchers reprogrammed T-cells to recognize proteins as part of the body, preventing autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. The study's findings have important implications for treating autoimmune conditions and may lead to advances in overcoming autoimmunity.
A global study found that COVID-19 patients undergoing surgery experience substantially worse postoperative outcomes than similar patients without SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study reported a 30-day mortality rate of 23.8%, with higher rates in men, older patients, and those with severe pre-existing medical problems.
A new test developed by researchers at the University of Birmingham uses complex sugars to detect prostate cancer earlier and with greater accuracy. The test identifies glycans in blood that are associated with different cancers, allowing for more precise diagnoses.
A new study reveals that global environmental changes are leading to a decrease in the age and stature of forests worldwide. Rising temperatures and carbon dioxide have been altering forest dynamics, causing increased stress and mortality among trees.
Researchers have developed a new model that enables direct measurement of vibrations inside neutron stars from gravitational-wave signals. This will provide fresh insights into the fundamental nature and composition of these mysterious objects, unlocking new avenues for studying extremely dense nuclear matter.
Researchers have created a chemical recycling process that breaks down real consumer plastics into a new product, a biodegradable solvent called methyl lactate. The method has been tested on various types of bioplastics and shown to produce high quantities of the green solvent, regardless of sample characteristics.
A new study projects that over 28 million elective surgeries will be cancelled globally, with orthopaedic procedures and cancer surgeries being the most affected. The backlog of cancelled surgeries may take 11 months to clear if hospitals increase their weekly capacity by 20%.
A new study by an international team of astrophysicists has discovered a subset of delta Scuti stars with simpler and more understandable pulsation spectra. This breakthrough could provide valuable insights into the internal structures of these stars, which have long been challenging to study due to their random spectra.
Researchers have developed an MRI scanning technique that enables the detection of sodium metal ions in batteries, providing unprecedented insights into their behavior during operation. This allows for the identification of failure mechanisms and the development of longer life and higher performing batteries.
A new study reveals that marine animal diversity has remained fairly constant over the past 540 million years, with regional-scale patterns dominating geological time. The research challenges previous estimates of increasing biodiversity over the last 200 million years.
Three major African cities show significant reductions in visibility since the 1970s, with Nairobi experiencing the greatest loss, due to increased particulate matter emissions from vehicles and energy generation. PM pollution levels have also increased by 182% in Nairobi, 162% in Kenya, and 62% in Uganda.
A new study confirms that ethambutol, a key TB drug, targets specific proteins in the bacteria. Researchers used cryogenic electron microscopy and x-ray imaging to show how the drug binds to and inactivates these proteins, producing crucial components of the TB cell wall.
Astronomers have identified a supernova at least twice as bright and energetic as any recorded, with calculations suggesting it may be an extremely rare 'pulsational pair-instability' supernova. The explosion was powered by a collision between the supernova and a massive shell of gas.
Researchers at University of Birmingham develop technique to control light passing through disordered surfaces, producing vivid colors. The method harnesses random clusters of gold nanoparticles to create a 'transparent cavity' that traps and releases photons with different frequencies, resulting in precise color reproduction.
A new global guideline aims to reduce post-surgical deaths by improving practice in surgery, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The guideline recommends nine essential steps to prevent Surgical Site Infections (SSIs), which can significantly improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have identified a key mechanism to clear damaged mitochondria, which contributes to age-related decline in muscle function. The study suggests that activating AMPK with drugs or exercise may stimulate mitochondrial clearance, keeping muscles healthy and prolonging physical capabilities.
Fecal Microbiota Transplants (FMT) have shown high success rates in treating C.diff infection, with 78% of patients experiencing no recurrence of diarrhoea within 90 days. This treatment is particularly effective compared to antibiotics, which have lower success rates for relapsing infections.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham found a clear relationship between infant sleep problems and emotional and behavioral problems in toddlers. Infants who experienced frequent night wakings, short sleep duration, or difficulty falling asleep were more likely to show emotional and behavioral problems by 24 months.
Researchers discovered a rare eclipsing binary brown dwarf system using the SPECULOOS project, confirming theoretical models of brown dwarfs' cooling processes and providing valuable insights. The system consists of two brown dwarfs orbiting each other, offering opportunities to study their atmospheres and climates.
A systematic review suggests that dental teams can play a vital role in identifying individuals at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. By using risk assessment tools and point-of-care blood testing, dental professionals can help detect early signs of the condition, potentially leading to better management and outcomes for patients.
Researchers investigated how white blood cells respond to co-infection with fungal and viral infections. The study found that viruses can trigger a rapid expulsion of fungal cells from white blood cells, potentially weakening their ability to fight off both pathogens.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham suggest integrating various theories to inform clinical practice. They propose a new approach that acknowledges patients' sense of self is disrupted in schizophrenia. By focusing on how patients can lead fulfilling lives with their symptoms, clinicians can improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers discovered that hyper-activation of Notch and Wnt signalling is connected to dysregulation of PRH protein, which controls genes and signaling pathways. By tailoring medication according to individual PRH expression levels, clinical efficacy may be improved for patients with bile duct cancer.
A new study found that thousands of UK children undergo unnecessary appendix surgery each year, with a high rate of misdiagnosis. Researchers propose routine risk scoring and improved ultrasound services to reduce unnecessary surgery and save the NHS £4.4 million per year.
A study by University of Birmingham experts reveals that smartphone skin cancer detection apps are unreliable and poorly regulated, with only a small number of studies showing variable and unreliable test accuracy. The researchers call for stricter regulations and better evaluation processes to protect public safety.
Researchers found that giving progesterone to women with early pregnancy bleeding and a history of miscarriage can increase their chances of having a baby. The treatment is estimated to cost £204 per pregnancy and could lead to an additional 8,450 live births per year.
Radioactive iodine is now the recommended frontline treatment for patients with thyroid gland overactivity, including Graves' disease. The new guidelines, developed by University of Birmingham researchers, show that radioactive iodine improves cardiovascular outcomes and cures 90% of cases.
A study found The Daily Mile intervention has a smaller effect on body mass index of children than expected, with greater impact on girls. However, it's still a highly cost-effective option for them compared to boys.
Scientists have obtained a high-resolution view of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors (GLP1R), which play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. The study provides new insights into GLP1R function and its potential as a target for treating conditions like type 2 diabetes.
Research suggests that women are taking matters into their own hands by confronting men who engage in unwanted sexual behavior, a phenomenon dubbed 'feisty femininity'. However, this approach can result in backlash, highlighting the need for businesses to take action.
Researchers propose using prolonged breath-holding to target radiotherapy in patients with cardiac arrhythmias. The technique involves mechanical hyperventilation and is well-tolerated by patients with angina.
Wildfires in south eastern Brazil produce airborne pollution that worsens air quality in major cities such as Sao Paulo, cancelling efforts to improve the urban environment. The study found long-range transport of smoke contributes to poor air quality and smog in cities up to 2,000 km away.
A new probiotic drink has shown promise in combating antibiotic resistant bacteria by targeting the genetic basis of resistance. The drink, engineered with a key genetic element, works by preventing plasmids from replicating and displacing resistance genes.
An international team of researchers has developed an online system to create accessible math textbooks in Braille, overcoming challenges such as representing maths formulas and graphs. The project aims to provide equal access to knowledge for blind students, enabling them to touch and compare mathematical concepts.
New study reveals that simultaneous X-ray and gravitational wave observations of supermassive black hole collisions will provide unprecedented insights into cosmic events. The European Space Agency's Athena and LISA missions, set to launch in the 2030s, will enable astronomers to study these phenomena in detail.
A team of scientists has used data from the TESS satellite and ground-based telescopes to determine an ancient collision between our galaxy and Gaia-Enceladus occurred early in its history. The study reveals new insights into the history of the Milky Way, providing a timeline for the collision.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham propose a groundbreaking design approach for additive manufacturing inspired by human growth and development. By leveraging insights into developmental biology, they unlock new potential for the creation of innovative materials and products.
A new study analyzes UK cities' air pollution concentrations, revealing some perform better than expected due to dispersal. Cities like Milton Keynes and Stoke-on-Trent benefit from spacious layouts, while densely populated areas like Luton struggle with pollution concentration.
Scientists discovered that greenhouse gas emissions from volcanic rocks can create massive global warming effects, with calculations suggesting the largest temporary global warming of the past 65 million years. Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs) are linked to spikes in climate change and the carbon cycle.
Female survivors of domestic abuse are nearly twice as likely to develop fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome compared to non-abused women. The study examined GP records of 18,547 abused women and found a significant association between abuse and these long-term illnesses.
Researchers found a dramatic increase in resolved cases of atrial fibrillation after the introduction of GP performance targets, with significant implications for patient care and stroke prevention. The study highlights the need to review clinical coding practices and ensure that patients receive appropriate treatment.