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University of Bristol


Novel hormone replacement therapy trial demonstrates improved memory function in adrenal patients

A new study published in PNAS demonstrates that a novel hormone replacement therapy can improve cognitive function and working memory capacity in patients with adrenal insufficiency. The therapy involves replicating the natural secretion patterns of cortisol, resulting in better outcomes compared to traditional constant infusion methods.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2018

What is the best way to treat infected hip replacements?

A recent study has found that treating an infected hip replacement in a single stage procedure may be as effective or better than the widely used two-stage procedure. The one-stage revision strategy is shown to have advantages for patients, including shorter hospital stays and reduced functional impairment. However, further research is...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEuropean Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 5, 2018

Understanding the strange behavior of water

Researchers uncovered the anomaly in water's properties by using supercomputers to 'untune' its interactions, revealing a specific molecular arrangement that contributes to its unusual behavior. This discovery provides a simple explanation for phenomena such as water expanding on cooling and insects walking on its surface.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2018

Animals shield their families from a harsh world

Researchers found that helping behavior can be more advantageous in unpredictable environments, where staying home to raise relatives can provide a survival advantage. This challenges the long-held theory of Haldane's rule, which explains why some animals prioritize their own reproduction over helping others.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateMar 7, 2018

The 'ship of the desert'

The project investigates the camel's ability to conserve water in a desert environment, using a molecular dialogue between the brain and kidney. By analyzing the camel's genome and gene expression, researchers aim to understand how animals adapt to deserts and climate change.

Bristol scientists turn beer into fuel

Scientists from the University of Bristol have developed technology to convert widely-available ethanol into butanol, a more efficient fuel alternative. The breakthrough uses catalysts to convert beer's ethanol content into butanol, paving the way for sustainable petrol production.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCatalysis Science & Technology·DateDec 6, 2017

Harmful effects of being overweight underestimated

A new study analyzed data from 60,000 parents and children to establish the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and mortality risk. The research found that previous studies had underestimated the harmful effects of being overweight, with high BMI linked to increased mortality risk.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateDec 1, 2017

Time between world-changing volcanic super-eruptions less than previously thought

A team from the University of Bristol analyzed geological records to find that volcanic super-eruptions occur much more frequently than previously estimated, with a new average time between events of around 17 thousand years. This re-evaluation raises concerns about the potential impact on global weather patterns and human civilization.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateNov 29, 2017

Biology and chemistry combine to generate new antibiotics

Researchers at the University of Bristol created a new platform for producing desperately needed antibiotics by combining synthetic biology with biology and chemistry. The team successfully generated a semi-synthetic pleuromutilin derivative with enhanced antibiotic activity, addressing the growing resistance to existing antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017

Atopic eczema: One size does not fit all

The study identified five subgroups of eczema in children, with one-third resolving by age five and others persisting into adulthood. Genetic risk factors contribute to long-lasting eczema, highlighting the need for tailored treatments and clinical trial approaches.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateNov 21, 2017

Time to rewrite the dinosaur textbooks? Not quite yet!

A team of international experts has re-evaluated a radical proposal to split dinosaurs into two new groups, finding that the evidence is not strong enough to overthrow traditional classification models. The study suggests that the most likely site of origin for dinosaurs is still in the southern hemisphere, particularly South America.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateNov 1, 2017

The advent of 'green' cattle

A new method of carbon footprinting for pasture-based cattle production systems can identify 'green' cattle within a herd, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that existing methods underestimates the impacts of poorly performing animals, which produce disproportionately large amounts of methane.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateOct 30, 2017

Little growth observed in India's methane emissions

A recent study by the University of Bristol found that India's methane emissions have shown little growth over the last few years, with accurate reporting by the country's authorities. The research used a combination of observations from the surface, an aircraft, and a satellite to quantify India's methane emissions.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 2017

Cooling treatment reduces epilepsy in children

A new study published in Epilepsia found that cooling treatment for newborns who suffer from perinatal asphyxia significantly reduces the number of children developing epilepsy later in childhood. The research also showed improved cognitive performance, life quality, and life expectancy for these patients.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEpilepsia·DateOct 3, 2017