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.
Researchers detected tellurium and other essential elements needed for life in the aftermath of a gamma-ray burst, revealing insights into heavy element formation. The study provides valuable information about kilonovae and neutron star mergers, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the universe.
Reduced water flows and rising atmospheric temperatures will warm rivers during droughts, posing challenges for aquatic life and ecosystems. Intense solar radiation and lower water flows accelerate warming, but certain management interventions can help offset high thermal extremes.
A new study reveals a multi-drug resistant strain of E.coli, MDR ST131, can outcompete and displace other strains in the human gut. The research provides evidence that certain types of E.coli are more prone to developing antibiotic resistance, posing significant health risks.
A recent study discovered two subgroups of people with idiopathic generalized epilepsy, one experiencing highest incidence during sleep and the other during daytime. The researchers found that either dynamics of cortisol or sleep stage transition explained most of the observed distributions of epileptiform discharges.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have created binding molecules to make platelets clump together, enabling validated clinical assays and research tools for studying platelet activation. The 'nanobody' technology shows promise for developing therapeutics for blood and thrombotic disorders.
A new study analyzing over 3,000 women found that more than half of rape survivors had no detectable anogenital injuries, despite being examined by experts. The research challenges the myth that physical violence is always present in rape cases, highlighting the need to support survivors and challenge cultural attitudes towards reporti...
Researchers identified a 'guard mechanism' controlling protein GPB1 to attack microbes and cancer cells. The study found that disrupting this mechanism can kill pathogens like Toxoplasma and potentially treat cancer.
Research reveals UK immigration system's reliance on anger, disgust, suspicion, and fear to cast migrants as 'threatening, polluting and irrelevant', leading to deportability and disposability. The system employs emotional governance to disenfranchise migrants, fostering racial categorization and domination.
Researchers found that interactive digital face lineups improved identification accuracy, allowing witnesses to actively explore faces and match them to their recollection. The study revealed a significant reduction in misidentifications, with improvements of 27-35% over traditional photo arrays and 35-75% over video lineups.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that individuals with fatty liver disease are three times more likely to have a personality disorder than those without. Lifestyle modifications, such as changes in diet and exercise, can prevent disease progression but often fail to be implemented due to mental health factors.
A study published by the University of Birmingham found that people living in Gaza with intermittent electricity supplies experienced higher levels of anxiety and depression, while those with reliable access had improved wellbeing. The researchers emphasized the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions to address this crisis.
Tiny waterfleas have been discovered to hold the key to removing persistent chemical pollutants from wastewater, improving environmental health and human well-being. The sustainable management of water resources is crucial for societal and economic benefits.
A new study reveals that most healthcare facilities in low- and middle-income countries are unprepared to deliver services for treating cardiovascular disease risk factors, including diabetes and hypertension. However, investing in HIV care may provide a solution by improving readiness.
A 455-million-year-old fossil fish provides a new perspective on how vertebrates evolved to protect their brains. The ancient jawless fish has a unique skull with separate cartilages encasing the brain, filling a gap in the evolutionary history of the vertebrate skull.
Researchers found that surfactants in aerosols form complex structures that shield hazardous materials, extending their lifetime and reach. This increases the risk of breathing toxic substances from cooking and cleaning activities for longer.
A new study found that ozone substantially changes floral odour plumes, reducing honeybees' ability to recognise odours by up to 90%. This degradation affects pollinators' crucial role in the natural environment, with implications for food security and biodiversity.
Scientists developed a new method for detecting mid-infrared (MIR) light at room temperature using quantum systems. The MIR Vibrationally-Assisted Luminescence (MIRVAL) approach converts low-energy MIR photons into high-energy visible photons, enabling single-molecule spectroscopy and detection.
Researchers have discovered clues about Antarctica's ice sheet formation in Mississippi mud, suggesting a 300,000-year brake on climate cooling. The study provides new insights into the Eocene-Oligocene transition, a significant climate event that had a major impact on Earth's history.
A new study reveals that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a leading cause of death in African countries, resulting in estimated 44,320 excess deaths per year. The practice remains legal in five countries and requires cultural change to be effective.
A new study found that the apex predator Saurosuchus had a weaker bite force than previously thought, equivalent to modern gharials. This suggests that it may have fed only on soft flesh and not been able to crush bones, unlike later dinosaurs.
Scientists created a unique data process that provides valuable insights into how drugs are processed in the body and their impact on biochemical responses. The approach reveals detailed maps of drug transformation and allows for simultaneous discovery of fate and effects.
Concentrations of potentially harmful chemical compounds in ISS dust exceed median values in US and Western European home floor dust. The study guides design and construction of future spacecraft by highlighting the importance of material choices.
Researchers have discovered an unusual Jupiter-sized exoplanet, TOI-4860 b, orbiting a low-mass star in the Corvus constellation. The planet is enriched with heavy elements and takes about 1.52 days to complete its orbit, making it a 'Warm Jupiter'.
Researchers found that people consider response times when evaluating moral character and transactional situations, revealing insights into online buyers and sellers. By understanding response time patterns, savvy buyers and sellers can manipulate them to negotiate more effectively.
A study reveals that spirit mediums can teach tourism researchers to challenge traditional Western approaches to creating knowledge. By adopting a selfless epistemology, researchers can foster a more inclusive approach to knowledge production and promote the inclusion of marginalized knowledge systems.
A significant fall in Covid-related hospitalisations and mortality among UK cancer patients was found following the vaccine rollout. The study, published in Scientific Reports, revealed that age was a greater predictor of mortality rates than the type of cancer.
Researchers are working on a rapid non-invasive diagnostic test using saliva to quickly identify stroke patients who need time-critical treatment. The study aims to develop biomarkers that can accurately distinguish between different types of stroke, enabling suitable patients to receive appropriate treatment speedily.
Researchers developed a new tool to guide PPIE in health research, covering best practices and checklists for successful engagement. Patient partners played a key role in the study, contributing to the development of the tool and ensuring its relevance.
A study published in Environmental Chemistry found that over a third of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer use is breaking UK government emissions thresholds. Uninhibited urea fertilizers are the worst offenders, emitting up to 77% of applied nitrogen into the air.
Researchers discovered 'oxygen hole' formation in LiNiO2 cathodes accelerates degradation and release of oxygen. Computational studies revealed nickel charge remains stable while oxygen undergoes changes during charging.
Researchers found that people with strong mind reading abilities are more successful in cooperating to complete tasks, especially when paired with others having similar abilities. This quality, called theory of mind, can be improved through training programs.
A Birmingham start-up has secured funding to develop a novel technology that can generate water out of air, addressing the global water shortage. The 'atmospheric water harvester' uses proprietary material to capture and release water from air at a faster rate with less energy required.
Researchers have discovered a novel copper protein binding site that shows promise for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, potentially leading to clearer images and improved diagnoses. The new structure displayed highly effective levels of relaxivity, equal and superior to existing Gd(III) agents used in clinical MRI.
A meta-analysis of almost 35,000 participants found that one-to-one sessions with dietitians were the most beneficial for controlling gestational weight gain. The team identified practical elements such as managing nausea and cravings to be key components of successful interventions.
A UK-wide study found that non-functioning pituitary microadenomas (NFPA) are more likely to shrink or disappear than grow within three years of monitoring. The study suggests that clinical guidelines should be changed, and a single scan three years after initial detection would be a safe and cost-effective way to manage NFPAs.
Patients with GATA2 deficiency have impaired ability to produce immune cells, leading to increased risk of recurrent infections and blood cancers. The study's findings suggest that a zebrafish model may help develop new treatments to slow or reverse the disease.
A new wearable device can track adrenal steroid levels in real-time, providing insights into hormonal rhythms and revolutionizing endocrine disease diagnosis. The U-RHYTHM technology offers a more accurate picture of hormone balance than traditional tests taken at one point, enabling earlier treatment interventions.
Bioactive glasses with ionic silver show improved antimicrobial activity and can retain effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study demonstrates the potential for this combination to deliver more effective wound protection than conventional alternatives.
A new study found that the global food system is responsible for a third of man-made greenhouse gas emissions, with beef and dairy consumption being the largest contributors. The study suggests that adopting a more plant-based diet could help reduce emissions and mitigate climate change.