A new global initiative led by the University of Birmingham aims to better understand how plastics are transported and transformed in rivers, accumulating in river sediments. The project's first results show a complex picture with a huge diversity in types and sources of plastic in selected river estuaries.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a way to combine multiple skyrmions into 'skyrmion bags' that can store and transfer data more efficiently. This breakthrough technology has the potential to increase data storage capacity, reduce power consumption, and pave the way for next-generation computing devices.
A large study led by the University of Birmingham found that treating women with normal thyroid function and thyroid peroxidase antibodies with Levothyroxine did not increase live-birth rates. The researchers suggested that previous recommendations to use Levothyroxine in these women may have been based on limited evidence.
A new study by the University of Birmingham has found that high levels of testosterone and other androgens may cause a brain condition leading to blindness in women. The research, published in JCI Insight, suggests that female androgen excess may be a driver of abnormal brain pressure in people with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
A large-scale international trial led by the University of Birmingham examined if antibiotics can prevent surgical complications after miscarriage surgery. The trial showed that giving a preventative single dose of antibiotics prior to surgery did not result in a significant reduction in pelvic infection within 14 days post-surgery, bu...
A University of Birmingham study found that children who received cultural information about magpies valued the birds' cultural significance and believed it should be protected. In contrast, those given only scientific information showed less regard for cultural heritage and its connection to conservation.
Research at the University of Birmingham reveals that young forests are a substantial contributor to the world's carbon sink, accounting for around 25% of total carbon dioxide absorption. These forests, typically in temperate zones, have been re-growing on land with previously experienced human activities.
A new study led by the University of Birmingham found that biodiversity on land has been stable for at least 60 million years, contrary to previous assumptions. The research analyzed fossil data from thousands of sites and found that interactions between species limit the number of species that can co-exist.
A study by University of Birmingham researchers found lower brain connectivity in 'night owls' compared to morning larks, leading to poorer attention, slower reactions and increased sleepiness. This can be particularly problematic for those forced to fit into a societal 9-5 working day that doesn't align with their natural rhythms.
Researchers have developed an innovative new software that measures electrical activity in the heart, which may help identify potentially lethal arrhythmia. The open-source ElectroMap software can detect, map, and analyze arrhythmic phenomena for various data types, leading to a deeper understanding of heart diseases.
A study led by the University of Birmingham found that poor diet is partly responsible for the decline of a major Atlantic seabird nesting colony. The researchers analyzed feathers from over 180 specimens and found that changes in the birds' diets coincided with their population decline.
A new study estimates that around 4.2 million people die within 30 days of surgery globally, with half of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. The researchers project that expanding surgical services to address unmet need would add another 1.9 million post-operative deaths annually.
A new study at the University of Birmingham reveals that when retrieving memories, the human brain focuses on the core meaning first and then recalls specific details. This reversed reconstruction process challenges our understanding of how memories are formed and retrieved.
Scientists have found two biomarkers that can be used to identify patients at risk of atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disturbance affecting 1.6 million people in the UK. The biomarkers include brain natriuretic peptide and fibroblast growth factor-23.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism that enables flowering plants to 'remember' changes in their environment, triggering flowering in response to stress or seasonal changes. The PRC2 complex, containing the VRN2 protein, detects environmental signals and becomes stable under challenging conditions.
The University of Birmingham has developed an innovative eye drop treatment that rapidly reduces sight-threatening scarring to the surface of the eye. This novel treatment, which consists of a fluid gel loaded with a natural wound-healing protein called Decorin, shows promise in promoting scarless healing and improving corneal transpar...
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered a protein fragment called ?N-JARID2 that regulates skin cell differentiation. The finding holds promise for developing new gene therapies for psoriasis and other skin conditions caused by hyper-proliferation of skin cells.
A study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that people access memories 'forward' by recalling older information first and skipping episodic blocks. The researchers also discovered that memory replay does not occur at a constant speed but changes flexibly during recall.
A study by the University of Birmingham found that regular weighing at home and simple tips to curb excess eating and drinking can prevent people from gaining weight over Christmas. Participants who weighed themselves daily and followed weight management tips lost an average of 0.49kg compared to those in the comparison group.
A systematic review of research has concluded that visual inspection alone is not sufficient to diagnose skin cancer accurately. Key findings include the limited effectiveness of smartphone applications in detecting melanomas and the potential benefits of dermoscopy and teledermatology.
A recent study has discovered over 6,000 antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria that inhabit the human gut, revealing a vast and previously unknown diversity of resistant genes. The researchers used a novel method to identify these genes by comparing their three-dimensional structures to proteins produced by gut bacteria.
The UK has seen a significant drop in twin stillbirth rates from 11 to six per thousand total births between 2013 and 2016. This decline is attributed to increased recognition of fetal risks in identical twins and improvements in clinical guidelines and in-utero treatments.
A new study published in The Lancet found that standard chemotherapy with cisplatin is more effective than cetuximab in treating HPV-positive throat cancer. Patients who received cisplatin had a significantly higher two-year overall survival rate and lower cancer recurrence rates compared to those on cetuximab.
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have identified critical mutations that feed through to genes controlling cell identity and behavior in acute myeloid leukaemia, paving the way for personalized treatment. The research could lead to a different drug being given to treat each form of AML, increasing survival rates for blood can...
A new study found that 11.7% of children with tonsils removed had sufficient sore throats to justify surgery, while many others who needed the procedure were not having it done. The study suggests that tonsillectomies are often unnecessary and cost the NHS £36.9m annually.
New research reveals that shallow near-shore environments were crucial for the evolution of early fish species around 480 million years ago. The study, published in Science, identifies these fragile seashores as the 'cradle of evolution' where primitive fish first appeared and diversified.
A new study reveals that urban farmers in African cities are unknowingly spreading disease by irrigating vegetables with wastewater rich in virulent human pathogens. The risk of spreading bacteria and antimicrobial resistance among humans and animals is high, posing a significant health threat to millions of people.
New research reveals identical brain mechanisms trigger memories during both sleep and wakefulness, suggesting a crucial role for sleep in stabilizing memories. The study provides further evidence of the beneficial effects of sleep on memory formation and offers insights into how memories are formed.
A team of researchers, led by Professor Davide Calebiro, will investigate the function of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) to develop new therapies for diseases like heart failure and diabetes. They will use innovative microscopy methods to directly visualize individual receptors in living cells.
Researchers analyzed 8.9 billion tweets to track the origin and spread of new words in American English, revealing 5 key regions: West Coast, Northeast, Mid Atlantic, Deep South, and Gulf Coast. African American English was a major source of lexical innovation.
The University of Birmingham will conduct world-class research into a common heart condition in disadvantaged populations worldwide. The goal is to prevent and treat atrial fibrillation, which increases stroke risk five times.
A new study reveals that getting smaller was crucial for mammalian evolution, reducing jaw stresses while maintaining feeding power. The research used CT scans and computer simulations to analyze fossil skulls and lower jaws, providing a new explanation for the mammalian jaw's unique structure.
Researchers at University of Birmingham have discovered a new high-capacity sodium-ion battery that can rival lithium-based rechargeable batteries. The breakthrough, published in Journal of the American Chemical Society, could lead to more sustainable and affordable electric vehicles.
A new study suggests that Functional Family Therapy (FFT), a widely used treatment for troubled young people, may not be as effective as claimed. The review of existing research found mixed quality evidence and high rates of reoffending with FFT.
A new study suggests that Democrats' greater inclusiveness and willingness to integrate members of other groups into their party may have weakened party cohesion, ultimately leading to Hillary Clinton's election defeat. Republicans, on the other hand, displayed solidarity only with their own group, enabling them to act as a single entity.
A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that severe trauma from war, torture, and natural disasters may not necessarily lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in refugees. However, those who struggle to control their memories are more likely to exhibit symptoms of PTSD.
Researchers have made significant progress in developing eye drops to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness. The eye drops use cell-penetrating peptides to deliver therapeutic drugs to the retina, offering a convenient and potentially cost-effective alternative to injections.
A new study reveals that warming streams and rivers can significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in agricultural lowland areas. The research highlights the need for land management strategies to reduce sediment rich in organic matter content and decrease groundwater abstraction.
A University of Birmingham study found that GPs have improved diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation, preventing 7,000 strokes annually. The proportion of patients prescribed anticoagulants increased from 35% to 75% between 2000 and 2016.
The University of Birmingham report forecasts a five-fold increase in global cooling appliance demand to 14 billion by 2050, driven by growing population and urbanization. To meet this demand sustainably, the report emphasizes the need for a system-led approach, harnessing waste resources and adopting novel technologies.
Skin cancer app studies reveal flaws in technology, including failure to recognize rare cancers and scaly areas. Researchers urge caution when using these apps until adequate validation is achieved.
Researchers highlight tragic case of baby Noah's death due to vitamin D deficiency and advocate for simplified guidance, mandatory monitoring, and food fortification. Current UK recommendations are deemed outdated and overly complex, putting dark-skinned individuals at risk.
Researchers found that people with resolved atrial fibrillation are nearly as likely to experience a stroke as those with ongoing atrial fibrillation. The study suggests that patients with atrial fibrillation should continue treatment even after their heart rhythm appears to have returned to normal.
A six-year study by the University of Birmingham has found that analyzing spinal fluid from patients with MS at diagnosis can predict future disease progression. The research identified a distinct immune response, characterized by an unusual antibody ratio, which may indicate early trigger and risk of disability.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have identified a unique type of immune cell that can combat viral infections. These unconventional V-delta-2 lymphocytes are present at birth and increase in numbers during viral infections, becoming licensed to kill and accessing tissues to detect and destroy virally infected target cells.
Research found that higher aerobic fitness levels are directly related to lower incidence of 'tip-of-the-tongue' states, a common language failure in older adults. Regular exercise was shown to improve language skills and reduce negative consequences for older adults.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered a unique mechanism driving the spread of Cryptococcosis, a rare and deadly fungal infection. The 'division of labour' process relies on extracellular vesicles to coordinate behavior between individual fungal cells.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered a way for plants to 'hedge their bets' by germinating seeds at different times, reducing variability in agriculture. By understanding this process, farmers may be able to increase potential yields and address agronomic challenges.
Research finds drained fertile peatlands and irrigated organic soils boost nitrous oxide emission significantly. Conservation of fens and swamps is crucial to reduce climate change impact.
Research found that women with PCOS are two to three times more likely to develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, regardless of their weight. High testosterone levels also increase the risk, even in normal-weight women.