A new study finds that elite coaches are migrating to Western countries due to dual imbalances between sending and receiving nations. Researchers interviewed Korean coaches who sought better coaching environments with more modernisation and athlete welfare.
A new study reveals that Global North countries' outsourcing of energy-intensive industrial processes to the Global South leads to greater carbon emissions and environmental damage. The researchers urge both regions to work together to address this issue, promoting energy equity and sustainability.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that marine cloud brightening can account for 60-90% of the cooling effect, increasing cloud cover by up to 50%. The study suggests MCB could be a more effective 'painkiller' than previously thought.
Researchers have reconstructed the mouth of an ancient jawless fish using CT scanning techniques, suggesting it was a filter-feeder rather than a scavenger or hunter. The study reveals that early vertebrates had a diverse range of feeding behaviors before jawed animals evolved.
Researchers identified how AML cells develop resistance to first-line treatments by up-regulating multiple signalling pathways. Targeting RAS family proteins shuts off this route, preventing cancer cell death.
Researchers found a link between Fontan circulation and accelerated epigenetic aging, which can cause complications like osteoporosis and renal impairment. The study suggests this acceleration starts in childhood and continues into adulthood, with potential new treatment opportunities to delay progression.
Healthcare professionals express frustration with limited time and training to support families in addressing childhood obesity. They highlight the need for dedicated services and practical advice to help parents make healthy lifestyle changes.
A team of scientists detected the tiniest 'starquakes' ever recorded in the smallest and coolest dwarf star, Epsilon Indi. The detection was made possible by the ESPRESSO spectrograph at the European Southern Observatory's VLT, allowing for unprecedented precision levels.
Researchers found that patients with lung disease have a higher risk of developing heart disease, regardless of age or smoking status. The study, published in Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, suggests that Proteinase 3 enzyme may play a key role in this increased risk.
Academics from the University of Birmingham suggest a new approach to identifying consciousness in babies, building on adult markers. They propose clustering markers across early and late development stages to pinpoint emergence.
A new study has challenged existing theories on the behavior of particles in the Van Allen belt, a hazardous region near Earth. The research has implications for predicting and analyzing particle movement, which is crucial for understanding space environments.
A survey of autistic individuals from eight countries reveals low levels of acceptance, linked to depression and camouflaging, with regions like South Africa needing greater mental health support. Non-binary individuals experience the lowest level of acceptance, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.
A new trial demonstrates that non-allergy specialist healthcare professionals can safely assess and remove penicillin allergy labels in low-risk patients, with no serious hypersensitivity reactions reported. This approach has the potential to improve quality of clinical care and reduce antimicrobial resistance.
A new study reveals that adults living in extreme poverty in LMICs have high rates of hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and dyslipidemia, yet are often untreated for these conditions. The findings challenge the common assumption that poverty protection against cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Experts from the University of Birmingham have devised a blueprint for efficient evacuation of elderly people in flood-threatened cities. The study highlights significant differences in evacuation patterns between Shanghai and New York City, emphasizing the need for risk-informed planning to protect vulnerable populations.
A new biomarker developed by researchers at Monash University and the University of Birmingham can accurately detect when someone has not slept for 24 hours. The test has a 99.2% probability of being correct and could inform future tests to identify sleep-deprived drivers, reducing the risk of accidents and fatalities.
A new study reveals that coaches who display 'authentic leadership' qualities, such as empathy and understanding, can strengthen athletes' mental health. This is particularly important for high-level athletes competing at national, international, or university leagues.
A new study suggests that personal recovery, defined as living a full meaningful life despite illness limitations, can prevent serious mental health problems. Key elements of recovery include understanding mental health challenges, finding purpose and meaning, and receiving support.
DNA analysis of ancient Bahraini remains shows the presence of a malaria-protective G6PD Mediterranean mutation in three samples, suggesting many people in ancient populations enjoyed protection from malaria. The discovery provides insights into human history and disease progression in the region.
A new metabolomics method has been proven to be a reliable approach for grouping chemicals, potentially reducing the use of lab rats. The study's results show that the method can accurately group chemicals into categories, making it a viable alternative to traditional methods.
Researchers discovered genes encoding growth regulators normally not present in myeloid cells are expressed by leukaemic stem cells, allowing them to grow. Repurposed drugs targeting these receptors show promise in blocking stem cell growth and preventing disease relapse in specific types of AML.
A recent study published in Nature identifies potential thresholds for stressors that could cause the Amazon forest to collapse. The research highlights the importance of understanding the most significant factors affecting the rainforest environment to develop strategies for keeping it resilient.
A new study has found that routinely changing surgical gloves and instruments is cost-effective and safer, reducing surgical site infections (SSIs) by 13% in seven low- and middle-income countries. The economic evaluation, funded by the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Research, compared the costs and SSIs associated with ro...
A new study has found that anabolic steroid use can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation in individuals with existing genetic predisposition to heart diseases. Researchers discovered that testosterone and other male sex hormones used for muscle building can lead to electrical problems in the heart, particularly in young men.
A new UK study provides insight into the diversity of neurodivergent experiences among adults. The research found significant overlap in characteristics between different neurodevelopmental conditions, as well as distinctive traits associated with each condition. This study offers a framework for examining neurodiversity across the who...
Researchers discovered that immune cells called natural killer cells rapidly lose their functionality when entering solid tumours, adopting a dormant state. However, targeting the IL-15 pathway can restore NK cell activity and improve tumor control. This breakthrough could pave the way for new cancer treatments.
A highly infectious and antibiotic-resistant E. coli strain, known as B5/H24RxC, has been identified in a Chinese children's hospital, leading to two outbreaks. The strain is resistant to powerful antibiotics like carbapenems, making it a significant public health concern.
A new study found that the spatial arrangement of plants in drylands can be a sign of environmental degradation. Healthy ecosystems adjust their structure to cope with stressors, but degraded ones lose this adaptability and become more prone to further decline.
Researchers have created a prototype model that detects 'forever chemicals' in water using a luminescent metal complex attached to a sensor surface. The approach can detect 220 micrograms of PFAS per liter of water, but needs to be more sensitive to detect nanogram levels for drinking water.
The new Repoint technology features a lift and move mechanism with passive locks, ensuring fault-tolerant operation even when two actuators fail. It has been successfully tested at a test track, demonstrating compatibility and functionality with conventional switch rail arrangements.
A new trial found that combining anti-angiogenic drugs with chemotherapy led to more young people seeing their tumors shrink, from 18% in the control group to 26%. Patients who received Bevacizumab additionally had better one year progression-free survival rates.
A new study from the University of Birmingham suggests that epidemic modeling can significantly overestimate infection numbers due to ignoring network structures. The researchers found that heterogeneous networks can lead to smaller epidemic waves and fewer infections, contradicting standard 'random mixing' models.
Researchers have discovered that natural antimicrobial predatory bacteria, Bdellovibrio bacterivorous, produce fibre-like proteins on their surface to ensnare prey. This breakthrough enables scientists to use these predators to target and kill problematic bacteria in healthcare, food spoilage, and the environment.
Researchers have devised a new method to identify habitable planets and potentially inhabited planets by comparing atmospheric CO2 levels, which suggests the presence of liquid water. This signature can be detected with current telescopes, providing a path to identify life on exoplanets.
A new study found that removing the RUNX1 transcription factor and its target gene can lead to a network collapse, causing cancer cell death in a type of aggressive leukemia. This breakthrough identifies specific protein targets for potential treatments.
Research found elevated risks between intimate partner violence and childhood sexual abuse and various health conditions. Intimate partner violence was associated with increased risk of major depressive disorders, maternal abortion, and alcohol misuse, while childhood sexual abuse linked to increased risk of self-harm and alcohol use.
The project aims to develop an AI-powered decision engine that delivers increased battery longevity and accelerates time-to-market for electric vehicles. The technology combines high-fidelity electrochemical models with edge and AI-powered cloud platforms to predict state-of-charge, health, and remaining useful life.
Eating fatty foods during stressful periods can reduce brain oxygenation and cause poorer vascular function in adults. Consuming low-fat food and drinks may help mitigate this effect.
The EAGLE study found a 50% reduction in anastomotic leaks following colon surgery at over 300 global sites after surgeons received online education. This significant decrease was attributed to harmonised surgical techniques and team building.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have created a novel diagnostic device using eye-safe laser technology to detect traumatic brain injury. The device uses Raman spectroscopy to analyze biochemical and structural properties of molecules in the eye, providing information on the severity of trauma.
A study of 152 male gym enthusiasts found a significant lack of awareness about the risks of gym lifestyle on fertility. High levels of estrogen from protein supplements were linked to fertility issues, prompting a call for men to educate themselves about supplementation.
Researchers found that cancer cells are more vulnerable to radiotherapy when using the less common 'YC' first-base-cytosine site instead of the usual 'YR' adenine or guanine start sites. This discovery enables further understanding of gene regulation in cancers and potential targets for treatment.
A new study found that male-named awards are highly skewed towards male winners, with men winning 88% of these prizes. In contrast, female-named awards see 47% of prizes going to women and 53% to men. The researchers propose a list of actions to address this issue.
Researchers found that babies as young as four months old display enhanced somatosensory brain activity when a touch is preceded by an object moving towards them. This suggests that even in the first few months of life, babies can sense their surroundings and understand how their bodies interact with space.
A nationwide UK diabetes prevention program has been shown to improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes in adults. The program, which refers high-risk individuals to lifestyle counseling, has strong evidence supporting its effectiveness.
A new report highlights Africa's deteriorating air quality, with particulate matter concentration levels five to ten times the World Health Organisation's recommended level. The researchers call for collective efforts, regionally tailored solutions, and global collaboration to tackle this issue.
Researchers used sediment DNA to reconstruct a 100-year history of biodiversity, chemical pollution, and climate change levels in a Danish lake. The study found that pollutants like insecticides and increased temperatures had devastating effects on biodiversity, while suggesting some recovery over the last 20 years.
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have identified a mechanism that led to some patients experiencing deadly clotting following Covid-19 vaccination. The team found that Platelet factor 4 (PF4) activates the c-Mpl-Jak2 pathway in platelets, triggering clot formation.
The study demonstrates experimentally that the electronic and mechanical properties of a metal are connected. Researchers measured lattice distortion as a function of applied stress in the superconducting metal strontium ruthenate, finding changes in mechanical stiffness corresponding to new electronic states becoming occupied.
A new study reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted end-of-life care, with a growing burden on first-time carers and reduced formal care support services. Researchers advocate for improved resources for wider end-of-life care education, health and social care staff, and identification and assessment of carers.