Research from the University of Birmingham found that children who experienced chronic lack of sleep from infancy were more than twice as likely to develop a psychotic disorder in early adulthood. Persistent sleep problems also increased the risk by nearly four times. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, suggests that addressing sl...
A third Covid vaccine dose has been shown to improve defensive antibody responses in some clinically extremely vulnerable patients. The trial found that 90% of patients who received a booster dose developed significant antibodies, but more than half of those with low initial responses saw no improvement.
Researchers have pinpointed the location of an internal neural compass in the human brain, which helps orientate itself in space and navigate through the environment. This discovery has implications for understanding diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, where navigation and orientation are often impaired.
Researchers have determined an optimal 'dose' for red light therapy, which can deliver significant therapeutic improvements, including the regeneration of damaged nerve cells. The treatment involves delivering light directly to the site of injury, resulting in increased cell viability and reduced tissue scarring.
University of Birmingham researchers are developing a screening tool to identify patients most susceptible to persistent opioid usage after major surgery. The project aims to combine metabolic, neurobiological and cognitive profiles to predict patient responses to pain management, enabling clinicians to build targeted treatment plans.
Research found that babies born to mothers infected with dengue fever during pregnancy had lower birth weights and a higher risk of extremely low birth weight. Additionally, children whose mothers were infected had a increased risk of hospitalization from birth to age three, particularly in their second year of life.
A new study found that people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are twice as likely to develop chronic musculoskeletal pain following an injury. The researchers identified several factors, including smoking, fear of movement, and poorer support networks, that contribute to the development of chronic pain.
Research found that chemicals present in microplastics can leach into human sweat and be absorbed through the skin, entering the bloodstream. The study used innovative 3D human skin models to demonstrate this process, revealing that up to 8% of the chemical exposed could be taken up by the skin.
The University of Birmingham's Drug Discovery Hub has developed a novel approach to drug discovery, enabling projects to overcome the funding gap between original research and commercial investment. The hub has attracted over £4m in industry funding, grants, and awards, with a successful portfolio of projects.
Researchers created a new approach to understanding peri-urban regions, where urban and rural characteristics blend, to improve urban planning and people's lives across the Global South. The 'peri-urban turn' uses Causal Loop Diagrams to map connections between health, place, demographics, governance, and economy.
A new testing protocol combining clinical history with multiple home stool tests could significantly speed up diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by reducing the need for unnecessary colonoscopies. Serial faecal calprotectin tests were found to strongly predict possible IBD, Crohn's Disease, and Ulcerative Colitis.
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.