A pioneering study found specific genetic changes affect gut bacteria populations, paving the way for understanding disease causes. Researchers identified 13 DNA changes related to changes in gut bacteria presence or quantity.
A team of researchers from the University of Bristol developed an ant-inspired method for mathematical sampling, which outperforms traditional methods. The study found that ants' collective behavior can be used to create a more efficient way of exploring complex probability distributions.
A new study found that early signs of type 2 diabetes can be detected in children as young as 8 years old through metabolic changes measured by blood samples. The research identified subtle differences in metabolism among participants who were more genetically prone to developing the disease later in life.
Scientists have identified a substance called Neuropeptide Y (Npy) in the kidney's filtering unit, which sends harmful signals causing proteinuria. Blocking this pathway with medical intervention may lead to new treatments for chronic kidney disease.
Researchers found a causal link between prolonged loneliness and increased likelihood of smoking behavior, including starting to smoke, smoking more cigarettes, and decreasing chances of quitting. The study used Mendelian randomization, a novel research method, to explore the relationship between loneliness and substance abuse.
A new study on extinct camelids provides the first quantitative characterization of their ecomorphology in ancient North American savannas. The analysis reveals that these ecosystems were drier than modern African savannas, leading to a decrease in ungulate diversity.
Research by the University of Bristol found that certain fish perform better in disordered groups due to their increased alertness and ability to detect food sources. This challenges the traditional view of orderly group behavior as always beneficial for foraging, highlighting individual diversity as a key factor.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have solved a 100-year-old physics problem, enabling accurate predictions of infectious disease transmission. The discovery uses special mathematical functions and a technique called method of images to calculate encounter and transmission probabilities.
A new study from the University of Bristol found that users of high-potency cannabis are four times more likely to report associated problems than users of lower-potency strains. The research used data from a long-term health study and controlled for other factors, such as frequency of use and early mental health symptoms.
Researchers reveal that glass frog translucency acts as a unique form of camouflage, but with a mechanism different from true transparency. The 'edge diffusion' strategy involves a diffuse gradient between the frog's color and its surroundings, making it harder to spot.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a novel technique to generate high-quality single photons, paving the way for large-scale quantum photonics. The breakthrough enables the creation of scalable quantum photonics devices, which can solve complex problems beyond current supercomputers.
A University of Bristol study found reductions in antibiotic dispensing in primary care from 2013 to 2016, leading to decreases in resistance to certain antibiotics. The researchers saw quick and persistent reductions in ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim, and amoxicillin resistance, but no association with nitrofurantoin resistance.
Scientists have discovered that ancient giant armored fish Titanichthys likely fed on plankton using a continuous ram-feeding technique. This finding contradicts previous assumptions about the species' feeding strategies, and sheds new light on the evolution of suspension-feeding vertebrates.
A new observational study is exploring blood-based biomarkers and demographic factors to predict COVID-19 disease course. The DISCOVER study aims to identify markers that can help doctors make informed decisions about patient triage and hospital management.
New research analyzing over 10,000 bird species reveals that wing shape adapted for long-distance flight is primarily driven by temperature variability, territory defense, and migration. This geographic pattern has significant implications for understanding biodiversity and may explain smaller geographical ranges in tropical species.
Researchers discovered sword-tailed crickets stop mid-air when hearing loud bat calls, ensuring they fall away from predators. These crickets use high-amplitude threshold to distinguish between bat and harmless katydid calls in noisy rainforests.
A new clinical trial will assess the effectiveness of adalimumab in preventing recurrence of uveitis and improving quality of life. The study aims to identify which patients with uveitis benefit most from this medication, both in terms of vision and treatment side effects.
Scientists found dairy residues in ancient pots from hunter-gatherer sites in Lesotho, dating to the 1st millennium AD, confirming contact with farming communities. The discovery suggests that hunter-gatherers adopted animal husbandry techniques from their lowland counterparts.
A new study by the University of Bristol found that children born with a cleft lip, either with or without a cleft palate, are not genetically inclined to do poorly at school. The research suggests that social stigmatization and impaired speech and language development may be contributing factors
A new study found that childhood obesity increases the risk of coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes in adulthood, due to persistent effects of obesity over many years. Lowering weight in adulthood may reduce these long-term adverse effects.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new drug formulation that significantly improves the activity of fluconazole against Candida biofilms. The study uses bacterial signals to improve fluconazole's effectiveness, offering a potential alternative to current antifungal treatments.
Prolonged treatment with synthetic corticosteroids disrupts adrenal steroidogenic pathways, leading to pro-inflammatory effects and potential long-term damage. The study's findings have high clinical relevance for developing better treatments and preventing adrenal insufficiency.
A new study shows a common eye condition, glaucoma, can be successfully treated with gene therapy using a single injection, providing additional treatment options and benefits. Glaucoma affects over 64 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
Researchers analyzed ancient potsherds to find clues about the diet and subsistence practices of ancient East African pastoralists. They discovered that ruminant meat, bones, and marrow were a staple, while milk residues were present at low frequencies.
Researchers at the University of Bristol discovered that liquid gallium maintains local order and forms regions of low entropy with five-fold symmetry even at extremely high pressures. This finding opens up new avenues for studying rapid temperature quenched melts leading to the production of metallic glass materials.
Researchers from the University of Bristol used social media data to accurately estimate downtime and recovery of small businesses after natural disasters. The method analyzes aggregated posting activity to infer business status, allowing for 'real-time' forecasting of economic impact.
A new method of dating pottery allows archaeologists to date prehistoric finds with remarkable accuracy. The method, developed by the University of Bristol team, dates pots directly using fatty acids left behind from food preparation.
Motorboat noise affects clownfish behavior, leading to increased aggression, hiding, and reduced foraging. The study found that noise-exposed fish had elevated cortisol levels and reproductive hormones, which corresponded with observed behavioral changes.
Researchers have uncovered surprising complexity behind ancient ostrich egg production, tracing origins to specific climatic zones and routes. The study also suggests eggs were taken from wild birds' nests despite evidence of captivity, adding luxury value due to risk and storage requirements.
A study of 13,000 urgent GP referrals found that higher early warning scores are associated with quicker ambulance transfers and faster hospital reviews. Patients with the highest scores were nearly five times more likely to have sepsis and eight times more likely to die within two days of admission.
Researchers at the University of Bristol identified new mechanisms by which nanopillar structures kill bacteria, including cell impedance and oxidative stress. This breakthrough aims to develop antimicrobial surfaces for biomedical applications, such as medical implants and devices.
Researchers found that plant root hairs significantly reduce soil erosion by binding soil particles and increasing soil cohesion. The study suggests that root hairs may release materials that reinforce soil or enhance its properties, providing new insights into soil conservation.
Researchers found that dynamic illumination, like water caustics in coral reefs, can increase attack latency for fish. This delay can be maximized in shallow water with fine scale and sharp water caustics.
Researchers found that allied male bottlenose dolphins synchronize their vocal behavior when cooperating together, promoting cooperative behavior and regulating stress. This behavior helps reduce tension between males in a context that requires them to work together successfully.
A global analysis of over 300 marine species spanning more than 100 years shows that mammals, plankton, fish, plants, and seabirds are changing in abundance as oceans warm. Some marine species are benefiting from climate change, while others are declining due to warming temperatures.
A Bristol team has developed a new photosynthetic protein system that enables an enhanced and more sustainable approach to solar-powered technological devices. The system uses both chlorophyll and bacteriochlorophyll, demonstrating poly-chromatic solar energy harvesting for the first time.
A new study has found that current flood risk estimates rely on inadequate methods for calculating damage, which match poorly with observations. A beta distribution characterizes building damage at a given flood depth, revealing a high-variability relationship between depth and damage.
Researchers at the University of Bristol used virtual reality to predict how common medications work on a molecular level. They successfully 'docked' drug molecules into proteins and were able to accurately predict their binding behavior, including for flu and HIV treatments.
A recent study found an exponential increase in bowel cancer among adults under 50, driven by tumors of the lowermost portion of the bowel. The incidence has risen quickly in southern regions, particularly in the South West.
Young people who have tried e-cigarettes but never smoked before are four-and-a-half times more likely to go on to try smoking. However, the association between e-cigarette use among non-smokers and subsequent smoking remains unclear due to methodological limitations.
Researchers have developed a new type of nanoelectromechanical relay enabling reliable high-temperature, non-volatile memory. The invention is crucial for all-electric vehicles and more-electric aircraft requiring electronics that can operate in extreme temperatures with high energy efficiency.
Scientists at the University of Bristol discovered that carbon chains can form helical shapes dependent on their length, with even-numbered chains adopting fusilli-like structures and odd-numbered chains forming floppy spaghetti-like shapes. The researchers controlled the shape by inserting methyl substituents along the chain.
Scientists have found that gene loss played a crucial role in the evolution of animals, particularly in deuterostomes and ecdysozoans. The study revealed unprecedented levels of gene loss in these lineages, contradicting the assumption that evolution leads to increased complexity.
A UK clinical trial has found an effective intervention to increase hepatitis C testing and treatment in primary care. The HepCATT study increased HCV testing by 59% and treatment assessments by five times in intervention practices compared to control.
Researchers discovered that moth thorax scales can absorb and reduce sound energy, evading bats' echolocation. This innovative defense strategy increases moth survival chances.
A new simple blood test developed by the University of Bristol could help doctors diagnose brain tumors earlier, using fluorescent carbon dots and nanophotonics. The test aims to detect biomarkers such as Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in blood samples.
New research reveals how glacier algae thrive in extreme icy environments and cause widespread darkening of the Greenland Ice Sheet. The algae produce a phenolic pigment that captures sunlight energy for melt generation, driving surface melt increases by up to 10%.
A study estimates that Pakistan needs a significant investment of $3.9 billion to achieve the World Health Organization's target for eliminating Hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030. This would involve screening or re-screening 36 million people annually and treating 660,000 each year, with regular follow-ups to identify new infections.
Ichthyosaurs experienced a rapid evolution burst around 250 million years ago but quickly lost their diversity due to overcrowded seas. The group's evolution slowed down significantly over the next 100 million years, leading to less variation between species.
The University of Bristol is working with the Children of the 90s health study to examine the effect of environmental exposures on health. The project aims to develop tools to predict disease risk based on environmental factors and will combine data from multiple studies across Europe.