Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered that male fruit flies ignore physical threats as they pursue a female fly, driven by the neurotransmitter dopamine. As courtship advances, dopamine levels increase, blocking sensory pathways and reducing the ability to respond to threats.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that children with persistently raised inflammation are at a higher risk of experiencing serious mental health disorders, including psychosis and depression, in early adulthood. The research also discovered that those who experienced inflammation at a young age were more likely to devel...
A new study by The Pennsylvania State University and the University of Birmingham found that organizational support policies do not reduce retaliation intentions among 'stuck' employees. Stuck employees, who want to leave their jobs but cannot due to barriers, are more likely to retaliate against perceived organizational injustice.
Researchers found that adopting plant-based diets could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food supply chains by 17%, saving 32.4% of global dietary emissions. This would balance the increase in emissions from under-consumed populations moving towards healthier diets.
Researchers found that symptom-triggered testing can pick up early-stage aggressive ovarian cancer in 1 in 4 of those affected. The UK's protocol for picking up early-stage disease is an effective way to diagnose even early-stage ovarian cancer, with complete surgical removal possible in more than three quarters of women.
Researchers found that mature trees increased wood production by an average of 9.8% under elevated CO2 levels, supporting their role as medium-term carbon stores and natural climate solutions. This increase was not accompanied by a corresponding rise in leaf or fine-root production.
A study published in Cardiovascular Research Journal found that a gene deficiency in patients with atrial fibrillation leads to reduced energy production in heart cells. PITX2-deficient cardiac cells have smaller and less efficient mitochondria, pushing the heart into an oxygen-deficient stress state.
A new study reveals that eco-friendly activewear companies' post-consumer circular economy policies are hindered by geography, making them ineffective for global customers. The research found that many companies have take-back schemes but restrict them to domestic customers or specific locations, limiting their environmental impact.
ProDOL, a novel microscopy technique, enables precise quantification of labelled proteins in living cells, overcoming existing limitations. The method's accuracy and versatility make it a valuable tool for biomedical research, particularly in understanding cellular signalling processes.
Researchers have identified a metal deficiency in SOD1 protein associated with motor neurone disease using native ambient mass spectrometry imaging. This breakthrough could lead to new insights and treatments for the disease, which affects around 5,000 people in the UK.
A clinical study in Birmingham has found that nipocalimab can improve the survival rate of unborn babies with rare fetal anaemia. The majority of pregnant patients who received nipocalimab gave birth at or after 32 weeks without needing an intrauterine transfusion, resulting in a perinatal survival rate of 92%.
Research from the University of Birmingham found that British society has shifted towards 'situational heroism', where heroic actions and situational awareness are valued over traditional heroic figures. Ordinary people like Darryn Frost and Steve Gallant, who confronted a terrorist attacker, exemplify this new mode of heroism.
A new study found that tree bark surfaces absorb methane gas from the atmosphere, making trees 10% more beneficial for climate than previously thought. This discovery adds a new layer of importance to tree planting and reducing deforestation as part of efforts to cut methane emissions.
A new method called FAIRY uses a dye to rapidly determine whether a virus is infectious or non-infectious. The assay has been evaluated against various viruses and confirmed its potential for screening disinfectants and antivirals.
A new study reveals that trees in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest are migrating uphill to escape rising temperatures, while some species are moving downhill. The research found that younger trees in high-altitude forests are growing more rapidly and moving uphill.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham identified specific groups of neurons in the female fly's brain responding to the sex-peptide, which influences post-mating behaviors. The study found that the peptide targets higher-order 'command neurons' essential for behavioral decision-making.
A study published in BMC Medical Research Methodology reveals an increase in ectopic pregnancy prevalence and incidence during the period of electronic health record maturation. The research highlights the importance of using open cohort data to understand trends and reduce inequalities in health.
Researchers found that administering PEPITEM to older mice reduced exaggerated immune responses, indicating a potential geroprotective agent. The study also revealed an age-related decline in the PEPITEM pathway, which could be rescued by the peptide.
Children with conduct disorder show significant reductions in brain surface area and volume of subcortical regions compared to typically developing children. These findings suggest that the development of the brain is different in individuals with CD, highlighting the need for further research into this under-recognized condition.
A new study highlights the importance of friendships in supporting young people who self-harm, while also considering the potential negative impact on friends' own mental wellbeing. The review recommends that adults should extend support to young people who disclose a friend's self-harming behavior.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that off-the-shelf wearable trackers can monitor the response to two treatments for atrial fibrillation and heart failure. The devices provided clinically useful information similar to in-person hospital assessments, with a neural network helping to analyze missing data.
A new study from the University of Birmingham and Keele University found that people with Long COVID symptoms lasting over 28 weeks are three times more likely to leave employment. The research highlights the significant impact of Long COVID on individuals' employment outcomes, particularly for those who leave work.
A study published in PNAS found that infants less than a year old can combine novel words describing quantities with familiar words to understand phrases. This ability helps them interpret language input and learn about the world, laying the foundation for human creativity.
Researchers have found that climate change is driving tree species towards colder and wetter regions across Europe and North America. The study analyzed data from over two million trees and found that no single trait of the tree species could explain these changes.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that people are aware when their brain is filling in gaps with generic information, enabling them to factor in this knowledge when assessing memory accuracy. The study suggests individuals can recognize prototypical memories and distinguish them from accurate ones.
Researchers found that 240 Chinese cities benefit from carbon mitigation efforts of other cities, with weak beneficiaries having stronger connections to upstream heavy industry cities. Effective emission reduction requires policies addressing distinct city challenges and opportunities.
A study published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that high-quality friendships among adolescents are strongly associated with resilient functioning in early adulthood. The researchers used brain imaging scans to examine neural responses to social exclusion, revealing a link between better friendship quality and po...
A new study published in Environment International reveals that 15 out of 17 commonly used synthetic 'forever chemicals' can be absorbed through human skin. The researchers used 3D human skin equivalent models to investigate dermal bioavailability and found significant absorption rates for most substances.
Recent research reveals that targeting senescent cells as the cause of aging is not accurate. Instead, these cells have positive health impacts and may pose risks if targeted therapeutically.
A new study reveals extraordinary acts of kindness from strangers who risked their lives to protect and help forced migrant survivors. Everyday kindness, such as offers of shelter and food, also played a crucial role in their journeys.
A new study reveals that micro- and nanoplastics may boost the risk of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The tiny particles are absorbed into the human body through food, air, and other sources, potentially leading to increased inflammation and severity of these conditions.
Scientists have identified a mechanism that enables enzymes to communicate and produce organic molecules with disease-fighting properties. This breakthrough could aid in the discovery of new drugs by allowing researchers to design or modify enzymes to create novel natural products.
Researchers found that adding nitrogen to concrete could significantly reduce global levels of potentially harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) created by the construction industry. This process could contribute to a reduction in NOx emissions by 3.4-6.9 megatonnes, representing 6-13% of industry-related emissions in 2021.
A global meta-analysis of 1.8m women found COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk of infection during pregnancy by 61% and hospitalization by 94%. Vaccination also lowers caesarean section risk by 9%, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy by 12%, and intensive care unit admission for newborns by 8%.
A new study from the University of Birmingham and the University of Nottingham found that the UK public is more accepting of adoption and surrogacy methods when one or both parents are infertile. The research showed significant increases in support for these methods, including planned private adoption and double donor surrogacy.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham discovered a link between dopamine and mentalising abilities in healthy individuals. They found that altering dopamine levels affected participants' ability to accurately attribute mental states, with implications for treating conditions like Parkinson's disease.
Researchers have developed a route to modify peptides to target disease diagnostics and drug discovery, focusing on protein-protein interactions (PPIs). By modifying a small peptide sequence, the team showed it binds more quickly and strongly to specific PPI targets.
A lifesaving package of interventions to objectively identify and treat post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) has been found to be highly cost-effective, incurring minimal additional cost. The intervention resulted in over 1000 fewer PPH cases compared to usual care, with an estimated average additional cost of $0.30 per patient.
Researchers investigate Epstein-Barr Virus and Multiple Sclerosis connection, discovering cross-reactivity between viral proteins and brain proteins. The study suggests that differences in immune cell function may explain why some people develop MS after EBV infection.
The 'Air of the Anthropocene' project uses digital light painting and low-cost sensors to create impactful images of air pollution levels in cities across Ethiopia, India, and the UK. The team aims to make invisible air pollution visible and demonstrate its health risks through accessible visuals.
A study of over 24,000 people found that mixed social networks with diverse friends improve social cohesion and personal well-being. People with heterogeneous friend groups reported higher levels of social cohesion within their neighborhoods, closely associated with increased life satisfaction.
The Royal Statistical Society has published new recommendations to improve the evaluation of diagnostic tests, including guidelines on study design, regulation, and transparency. The report aims to prevent future issues with diagnostic test evaluations, particularly those related to infectious diseases.
A study published in Nature Human Behaviour reveals that the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is critical for prosocial behaviors, including helping others. Participants with vmPFC damage exhibited reduced motivation to help, exert less effort, and earned less money compared to control groups.
A new study reveals that poor access to simple elective surgery in developing countries is storing up future health problems for patients. Inguinal hernia repair was used as a tracer condition, showing that untreated hernias can lead to delayed recovery and higher healthcare costs due to the need for more complex emergency surgery.
Researchers discovered that the Dendra armour was flexible enough to permit full movement and resilient enough to protect the wearer from most blows. The findings shed new light on ancient warfare and its impact on the Eastern Mediterranean region.
A study found that moderate-to-vigorous exercise bouts increased natural killer cells' ability to kill cancer cells and made them more susceptible to antibody therapy. This could hold promise for improving treatment outcomes for some forms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have identified PEPITEM, a naturally occurring peptide, as a promising new therapy for osteoporosis and other bone disorders. The study found that PEPITEM enhances bone mineralisation, formation, and strength, and reverses bone loss in animal models.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham have designed a new type of recyclable resin made from biosourced materials for use in 3D printing applications. The feedstock is made from lipoic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid molecule, and can be recycled back into its constituent parts.
The discovery of SPECULOOS-3 b is the second of its kind around an ultra-cool dwarf star and offers opportunities for life on orbiting planets to develop due to the star's long lifespan. The planet takes 17 hours to complete an orbit, making days and nights endless.
Experts at the University of Birmingham have proposed a new approach to transport ticketing using blockchain technology and ontology. The system, called STUB, aims to provide a universal and accessible ticketing framework that can be used by multiple providers.