Researchers have identified a secreted form of a protein called Clever-1 that systemically suppresses T cells essential for fighting cancer. The investigational anti-Clever-1 antibody, bexmarilimab, directly inhibits the release of sClever-1, potentially predicting treatment resistance and paving the way for new combination treatments.
The LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration has detected GW250114, a clear gravitational wave signal confirming two long-standing theories. The study validates Professor Stephen Hawking's prediction that the total event horizon area of black holes cannot shrink and confirms the Kerr nature of black holes.
Researchers have developed a new technique to measure boron in individual cancer cells, enabling the study of how drugs interact with tumour cells. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for head and neck cancers.
A new study from the University of Birmingham has found that immune ageing may be a driver of rheumatoid arthritis rather than a consequence of the disease. The research detected features of immune system ageing in the earliest stages of RA, even before clinical diagnosis, suggesting that early intervention is possible.
Methane emissions from global trade have risen by 30% since 1990, driven by rapid industrialization and population growth in Asia and the developing Pacific region. The study calls for targeted sectoral strategies to reduce emissions, including advanced leak detection and improved livestock feed formulations.
Researchers discovered a 310-million-year-old fossilized ray-finned fish, Platysomus parvulus, which had a unique 'tongue bite' mechanism to devour prey. This ancient fish's internal anatomy revealed a sophisticated arrangement of tooth plates and gill skeleton, providing insights into the evolution of fish feeding strategies.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham identified bioactive peptide sequences in PEPITEM that counteract key changes caused by osteoporosis. The study shows the full PEPITEM molecule reduces bone resorption, increases bone formation, and promotes angiogenesis in bone.
Researchers analyzed 5 years of Yellow Card data on 13 drugs containing fluorine and found no significant correlation between fluorine content and adverse drug reactions. The study suggests that the way a drug acts is more likely to result in an adverse reaction, rather than the presence of fluorine.
Researchers have identified a new class of compounds derived from psychedelics that could open the door to safe, targeted therapies for widespread use in clinical settings. These PIPI drugs may modulate the immune system to control inflammation, potentially treating conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
A study by University of Birmingham researchers found that corporate net-zero pledges often lack the substance needed to drive real change. Many companies use vague language and focus on direct emissions, omitting substantial indirect emissions generated by their products.
The discovery of Spicomellus afer reveals an armoured dinosaur with metre-long spikes on its neck and tail weapon, showcasing the diversity of ankylosaurs' armour. This find pushes back the evolution of ankylosaur tail weapons by over 30 million years.
Researchers discovered a new enzyme, PNGaseL, with broader specificity than existing alternatives. It can target glycans from mammalian, insect, and plant-derived proteins, expanding its utility in glycobiological settings. The study was published in The Royal Society Open Science journal.
A new study found that a cell-based vaccine using dendritic cells can improve progression-free survival time for patients with intermediate-stage primary liver cancer. The ImmunoTACE trial showed an average of 18 months of tumor progression compared to 10 months in the control group.
A new study reveals that body cells change their shape to close gaps such as wounds, using a combination of crawling movements and 'purse-string' contractions. The researchers discovered that the endoplasmic reticulum's ability to reorganize in response to edge curvature plays a crucial role in epithelial cell movement.
A new study found that probiotics significantly reduced the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and multidrug-resistant bacteria in the infant gut, while also promoting a more typical gut microbiome. This breakthrough has major implications for the global AMR crisis, particularly for preterm infants.
A new study suggests that using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) before surgery can help control blood sugar and support weight loss, potentially improving surgical outcomes. The medication was not associated with increased risk in 12 studies reporting postoperative outcomes.
The University of Birmingham is rolling out the REACT programme, a group-based exercise programme proven to support people with mobility limitations, to regions around England. The three-year programme aims to improve and maintain physical function and reduce health care costs in older adults.
A recent review of 104 studies found that few researches have investigated athlete access to mental health support or semi-formal sources like coaches, highlighting unique sport-specific barriers athletes face when seeking help and guidance.
Fat cells use a previously unknown receptor to control fat storage and release, triggering a local feedback loop to regulate fat breakdown. This 'intracrine' signalling mechanism could lead to more precise therapies for obesity and diabetes.
PeroCycle has appointed Grant Budge as its new CEO and opened a £4M seed round to fund pilot deployment and accelerate commercial growth. The technology converts CO2 into carbon monoxide using a perovskite-based catalyst, offering a closed-carbon-loop approach to deep decarbonisation within the steelmaking process.
Research from the University of Birmingham finds that party tourism creates an environment for sexual assault by normalizing extreme behavior and prioritizing economic revenue over women's safety. The study highlights how destinations silence victims to protect their reputation, reinforcing a culture of silencing survivors.
A new study uses molecular imaging to uncover structural defects in conjugated polymers formed through aldol condensation, a versatile and environmentally friendly synthesis method. By understanding these defects, researchers can develop more sustainable materials for electronics, computing, and other applications.
A new study by the University of Birmingham found that Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has a significant impact on the UK economy, with average annual costs exceeding £14,781 per person. The total economic burden is estimated to be around £40 billion, which is expected to rise further due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers developed a powerful new method to detect harmful blue-green algae in freshwater lakes using advanced mass spectrometry technology. The technique can identify toxin-producing algae before they become damaging, posing a threat to public health.
The University of Birmingham and CBMM have partnered to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of Niobium compounds for use in closed-carbon-loop technology. This technology can radically reduce emissions from energy- and carbon-intensive foundation industries such as steel-making.
A new study reveals that at least 160 million patients annually are unable to receive surgery, with LMICs bearing the brunt of the crisis. The report emphasizes the need for urgent investment and highlights key recommendations to strengthen essential services for tomorrow's needs.
Researchers discovered that oak trees adjust their root systems to access more soil nutrients under elevated CO2, employing both 'do it yourself' and 'outsourcing' strategies. This adaptation enables the trees to optimize growth and maintain nutrient supplies.
Scientists reconstructed ocean pH levels 201 million years ago and found a massive drop in acidity, leading to mass extinction. The research links this event to volcanic activity and a significant increase in atmospheric CO2.
The LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration detected the merger of two massive black holes, producing a final black hole over 225 times the mass of our Sun. The signal challenges current astrophysical models and requires the use of theoretical models to interpret its complex dynamics.
A new genomic study reveals that population structure in the Himalayas began over 10,000 years ago, shaping human survival in one of Earth's most challenging environments. The research identifies novel genetic variants linked to adaptation in hypoxia, metabolism, immunity, and physical activity.
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have developed a method to coat Hepatic Progenitor Cells (HPCs) with natural sugars, making them stickier and increasing their ability to repair liver tissues. The coating does not harm the cells or stop them from working properly.
Researchers successfully demonstrate Fermi acceleration mechanism with ultracold atoms, unlocking new understanding of cosmic rays behavior. The technology has the potential for high-precision control over particle acceleration and opens new possibilities for investigating phenomena relevant to high-energy astrophysics.
Scientists identified a unique protein in bacteria that can trap parts of the membrane, causing damage to other bacteria. This discovery reveals a new 'superfamily' of lipid-trapping proteins, which could have implications for antibacterial development and synthetic biology.
A new study identifies a type of protein in bacteria that can trap parts of the membrane, causing damage to other bacteria. The discovery challenges existing knowledge of bacterial proteins and may lead to new ways to target harmful bacteria.
Researchers created a powerful cell culture model using induced pluripotent stem cells from a patient with MDS, confirming that the CEBPA mutation drives disease progression. The model could lead to new ways to treat and diagnose MDS and avoid more serious conditions.
A groundbreaking study has uncovered the unique architecture of cells and signals inside the joint as inflammation takes hold in children with arthritis. The research provides a new way forward for understanding this condition, which affects over 10,000 children in the UK.
Researchers discovered that young secondary forests, aged between 20 and 40 years, exhibit the highest rates of carbon removal – locking away up to eight times more carbon per hectare than newly regenerating forests. Protecting existing young secondary forests offers immediate substantial carbon removal benefits.
A new study by the University of Birmingham highlights critical gaps in safeguarding and support for children placed under Special Guardianship Orders or adoption, particularly those with traumatic early life experiences. The report outlines 15 key recommendations to improve long-term outcomes for these families.
A new study reveals that lagerpetids, relatives of pterosaurs, were able to tolerate a wide range of climate conditions and distributed widely across the globe. In contrast, pterosaurs initially required more humid tropical conditions to fly.
PerDeCT is a device designed to monitor cardiac patients after surgery and provide early diagnosis of cardiac tamponade. The device aims to balance the benefit and risk of using devices to monitor cardiac output and detect tamponade easily, before damage is done.
A new rapid test for sexually transmitted infections is being developed with £1m funding, aiming to diagnose infections in under 5 minutes. The test, developed by Linear Diagnostics, uses an exponential amplification technology that detects bacterial DNA quickly and accurately.
Aged desert dust particles have been found to facilitate the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOA), a major component of airborne particles, in dusty areas. This finding challenges conventional wisdom and could account for up to two thirds of SOA in such regions.
Researchers analyzing the atmosphere of WASP-121b using the James Webb Space Telescope detected water, carbon monoxide and silicon monoxide in both the dayside and nightside hemispheres. This is the first conclusive identification of SiO in any planetary atmosphere.
A recent study published in Lancet Rheumatology found a significant increase in autoimmune conditions among pregnant women in the UK since the millennium. The research analyzed electronic healthcare records from 2000-2021 and discovered a 4.7% rise in expectant mothers beginning pregnancy with autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis, ...
Researchers discovered biomarkers in gut bacteria and metabolites that can help diagnose and treat gastrointestinal diseases. The study found that certain biomarkers could predict multiple diseases, including gastric cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
A new study found that adopting low-carbon lifestyles can reduce global carbon footprints by 10.4 gigatons of CO2 equivalent, equivalent to 40.1% of household consumption-based emissions in 116 countries analysed. Researchers identified 21 low-carbon actions that could achieve this reduction if adopted by the top 23.7% of global emitters.
A new study reveals that combining AI technology with international partnerships is key to addressing growing food contamination challenges. The researchers identify six key drivers of current and future food safety risks, including demographic changes, economic factors, and environmental conditions.
Researchers used CT scanning to study decomposing zebrafish without altering the natural decay process, providing unprecedented insights into fossil formation. The non-invasive technique allows scientists to monitor decay in real-time, including the buildup of decomposition gases within internal cavities.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have identified a genetic code that enables the displacement of antibiotic resistance genes from bacteria. This discovery could lead to the development of new probiotics to combat antibiotic resistance in both animals and humans, making them reservoirs of this issue.
A new study found that damage to the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) makes people more likely to be influenced by other people's impulsive decisions. The researchers also discovered that this type of brain damage is linked to increased impulsivity, even before being influenced by someone else.