A new study reveals that cultural values and human behavior shape cybersecurity regulations, with competitive nations like China enforcing stricter rules than the US or UK. The Global Cybersecurity Index assesses country commitments to regulation in five areas.
A new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that pharmacist-led interventions can significantly reduce medical risk factors for cardiovascular events. Pharmacist-led interventions included patient education, medication review, and lifestyle modification, resulting in reductions in systolic blood pressure...
Researchers have developed a method to precisely control the size and shape of nanoparticles, which could lead to more effective drug delivery systems. By modifying a base nanoparticle with a second polymer, scientists can create nanoparticles of specific dimensions.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham are exploring how mast cells play a role in DVT, a condition that affects tens of thousands of people in the UK each year. By studying mast cells in mice and humans, they hope to develop new medicines that can reduce the risk of bleeding while preventing the condition.
A 12-month trial in Guangzhou found significant reduction in weight gain among children participating in a physical activity and healthy eating intervention. The CHIRPY DRAGON programme also improved fruit and vegetable consumption, less screen time, and more physical activity.
A new study by University of Birmingham researchers found that government integrity is directly related to corporate governance choices made by business leaders. The study suggests that a culture of honesty and strong leadership can help eliminate corrupt business practices.
A recent study published in Neuroimage found that inflammation specifically affects the brain's readiness to reach and maintain an alert state, leading to mental sluggishness. The research suggests that even mild illnesses can reduce alertness, and anti-inflammatory drugs may help preserve or improve cognitive function.
Researchers have identified a cluster of over 800 genes that evolved to become 'plastic', allowing modern Daphnia to adjust its gene expression in response to phosphorus levels. This adaptability helps mitigate the effects of eutrophication, a major global threat to freshwater environments.
A new study argues that free internet access is essential for protecting fundamental human rights, particularly in developing countries. The research highlights the importance of universal access to enable billions of people to lead 'minimally decent lives'.
A team of researchers from the University of Birmingham has found a potential new target to treat inflammatory disease. They discovered that lactate build-up in inflamed tissue exacerbates the inflammatory response, and molecules involved in transporting sodium lactate could be a target for treatment.
A new study highlights the need for governments and industry to act now to develop a robust recycling infrastructure for end-of-life lithium ion batteries. The UK has an enormous opportunity to address this issue, with analysis suggesting eight gigafactories are needed by 2040 to service demand for recycled materials.
University of Birmingham scientists developed an off-grid desalination system powered by solar energy to combat water shortages in the Jordan Valley. The prototype, built from affordable parts, can recover up to 80% of salinized water for irrigation purposes.
Researchers found that athletes who focus solely on winning will engage in antisocial behavior, while prosocial behavior from teammates can boost performance and enjoyment. Coaches' coercive practices also lead to moral disengagement and negative team spirit.
A new study is using advanced brain imaging and non-invasive brain stimulation to help patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness. The RAINDROP trial aims to improve communication and recovery rates for these patients, who remain trapped in their unresponsive bodies despite retaining higher levels of awareness.
Researchers discovered an alternative pathway for testosterone production that contributes to the development of male characteristics in human girls with a genetic disorder. The study found this pathway is present and active during fetal development and plays a key role in shaping external genitalia in newborns with CAH.
Neuroscientists at University of Birmingham demonstrate directional coupling between neocortex and hippocampus during episodic memory formation and retrieval. The study reveals a bidirectional flow of information, with distinct gamma frequencies contributing to encoding and retrieval.
A study found that people eat up to 48% more food when dining with others than alone. This 'social facilitation' effect is driven by ancient hunter-gatherer instincts that still influence modern dietary behavior, leading to overeating in the presence of others.
Researchers identified four patterns of stylistic variation in Trump's tweets: conversational, campaigning, engaging, and advisory. The style shifted systematically depending on communication goals, revealing a systematic campaign ahead of the 2016 US Presidential elections.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a new 3D printing technique called Suspended Layer Additive Manufacturing (SLAM) that can create soft biomaterials for repairing body defects. The technique uses a polymer-based hydrogel with self-healing properties, allowing for precise detail and support without sagging.
Researchers found that older men who never exercised before could build muscle at a similar rate as master athletes, highlighting the benefits of starting exercise later in life. The study suggests that regular physical activity can help delay age-related decline and improve overall health.
Engineers have designed a robotic system to automate the disassembly of component parts, a key task in remanufacturing. The new process can reduce energy and raw materials usage by up to 90% and CO2 emissions by over 80%.
Researchers analyze data from Gaia satellite and spectroscopy to find that older stars move more rapidly in and out of the Galaxy's disk. The findings provide insights into the history of our Galaxy and inform theories about star formation and evolution.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that fortifying wheat flour with vitamin D alone would save the public purse £65 million by reducing healthcare demands. Combining this with targeted supplementation could prevent 33% of cases, particularly among vulnerable groups.
Researchers argue that robots must understand the reason behind their actions to work alongside people safely and effectively. This shift in thinking is necessary as automation increases and human-robot interaction grows.
A new study by the University of Birmingham found that large-scale tree deaths worldwide are responsible for more than a tenth of total tree deaths. The research used satellite observations and computational models to calculate the impact of these events on carbon storage, revealing that they account for 12% of global tree mortality.
A new study suggests that stellar collapse causes instabilities, preventing the formation of heavier black holes. The researchers propose that nuclear star clusters might act as 'black-hole nurseries', providing an ideal environment for generating generations of black holes.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have successfully extracted and modified a compound from feverfew to kill chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells in laboratory experiments. The compound, parthenolide, works by increasing reactive oxygen species levels in cancer cells, causing them to die.
A study by the University of Birmingham found that homeless individuals in the UK often experience casual neglect, discrimination, and inadequate resources when accessing NHS services. Specialist healthcare centers for homeless people show high satisfaction rates but are underfunded.
Researchers develop a new method to detect rheumatoid arthritis by analyzing hand blood content using infrared spectroscopy. The technique can provide an early diagnosis and assess treatment effectiveness, potentially leading to better long-term outcomes for patients.
University of Birmingham researchers found that the BRCA1 gene changes shape to protect vulnerable DNA until copying machinery can be restarted. This discovery could help understand how cancers develop and potentially identify new ways to suppress tumors.
A recent study by the University of Birmingham has identified a key pathway involved in protecting bacteria against antibiotics. The researchers discovered that phospholipids are transported towards the outer membrane through a series of proteins, which could lead to the development of new antibiotic treatments.
A team of researchers has found a balance between hot gas, stars, and other materials in galaxy clusters. The study validates the prevailing cold dark matter theory and provides insight into the relationship between ordinary matter and dark matter.
A University of Birmingham study found nearly one in eight homeless individuals received support for substance dependence, while nearly one in five had access to alcohol misuse treatment. The study also identified a high prevalence of infectious hepatitis C among the homeless population.
A new study reveals that globally recognized surgical guidelines led to a significant reduction in post-operative deaths at the English National Health Service (NHS) between 1998 and 2014. The greatest reductions were seen in oesophagogastric and breast surgery, with a consistent downward trend over the 16-year period.
A systematic review found that most non-cancerous adrenal tumors do not grow significantly over time, eliminating the need for repeated imaging. Patients with mild cortisol excess may still develop cardiovascular disease, but guidelines should be revised to reflect this low cancer risk and monitor metabolic health instead.
Scientists have discovered that re-purposing existing drugs or combining therapies may help treat patients with difficult-to-treat autoimmune diseases. The research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that fibroblasts play a critical role in the formation and maintenance of tertiary lymphoid structures.
Experts argue that current water cycle diagrams are misleading due to lack of human interaction representation, leading to a false sense of water security. A new set of diagrams shows human influence on nearly all parts of the cycle, highlighting the need for better understanding and global solutions to the world's water crisis.
Research found that participants who shifted their sleep/wake timings could bring forward their bedtime and wake-up time by two hours, leading to improvements in depression, stress, and daytime sleepiness. Participants also reported better mental well-being and increased cognitive performance during the morning.
Researchers have developed a new technique to analyze sperm that tracks its tail movement, providing vital information for understanding male fertility. This technology has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
Neuroscientists have discovered that controlling brain waves through rhythmic neural stimulation can improve memory performance. The study, published in Trends in Neurosciences, suggests that this technique may be a promising tool for improving memory and potentially treating conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have identified a crucial connection between specific fibroblast cells in the joint and two types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The discovery could lead to the development of targeted therapies that alter the behavior of these fibroblasts to reduce inflammation and tissue destruction.
Research in mice found that breastfeeding can transfer immunity beyond the period of breastfeeding, driven by immune cells rather than antibodies. This protection was transferred from mothers exposed to worm infections before pregnancy and provided lifelong benefits to their infants.
A comprehensive network of sites has been developed to conserve and utilize the genetic diversity of wild crop relatives, enabling plant breeders to create more resilient crops. The 150 identified 'hotspot' sites worldwide are crucial for tackling global food security challenges and preserving nature conservation.
Researchers used chemical composition of stars to determine Gaia Sausage's age, estimating it formed around 12.5 billion years ago. The study suggests a collision with the Milky Way disrupted star formation in our galaxy.
Researchers have uncovered details of microalgae's light-harvesting system, which is up to 95% efficient, using advanced mass spectrometry techniques. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient organic solar panels, increasing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
A new study led by the University of Birmingham found that athletes are more likely to dope if they can justify their actions morally. Athletes with strong moral identities were less likely to cheat, while coaches' behavior and performance climate also played a significant role. The research aims to develop anti-doping interventions fo...
A large trial has found that progesterone treatment can increase the chances of a baby being born for women who experience early pregnancy bleeding and have a history of miscarriage. The study involved over 4,000 pregnant women and showed a significant increase in live births among those receiving progesterone treatment.
Researchers found that cancer cells can capitalize on temporary gaps in endothelial cell layers caused by physical forces and mechanical stresses, allowing them to migrate through and colonize new organs. This opportunistic approach complements chemical signaling and enables cancer cells to spread more efficiently.
Researchers found that a 'superbug' clone of E. coli called ST131 has evolved to prevent itself from becoming the sole dominant clone, allowing it to colonize the human gut more competitively than other strains. The discovery provides insight into how this process happens and may help develop strategies to prevent it.
Researchers have found distinctive differences in white matter pathways among young people with conduct disorder, linked to callous behavior and reduced empathy. The study may help clinicians diagnose the condition more accurately and guide effective interventions.