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University of East Anglia


How the body fights back against cancer

Researchers at the University of East Anglia discovered a way to activate the immune system to fight cancer cells using a protein called STING. This finding could lead to improved treatments for people with acute myeloid leukemia, which is difficult to treat and often relapses after chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 28, 2022

Study explores how to reduce bad behaviour at work

A new study explores how to reduce bad behavior at work by focusing on moral self-efficacy, a set of beliefs that individuals have about their capabilities to self-reflect and regulate moral behavior. The results show that highly morally efficacious individuals are more likely to bounce back after a failure and learn from their mistakes.

Decolonize research to save heritage threatened by climate change

New research from the University of East Anglia and partner institutions highlights the need for locally led research and equitable funding to address the loss and damage of heritage from climate change. The study suggests that decolonial approaches can strengthen adaptation action globally and recognize the breadth of heritage.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022

Closing in on the carbon costs of wildfires

A new study suggests that wildfires can lead to increased soil carbon stocks in savannahs and grasslands, potentially offsetting short-term emissions. The research found that fires could store up to 90 million tonnes of carbon per year, but the breakdown rate of charcoal in soils remains uncertain.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 10, 2022

How fuel poverty ‘gets under the skin’

Researchers found that fuel poverty leads to higher levels of inflammation, affecting physical health, and lower life satisfaction, impacting wellbeing outcomes. The study's findings highlight the need for policies to support low-income households struggling with fuel poverty.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEnergy Economics·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 1, 2022

Challenging Einstein’s greatest theory with extreme stars

A team of international researchers challenged Einstein's theory of general relativity using pulsars as a cosmic laboratory. They detected new relativistic effects, including light deflection and time dilation, with unprecedented precision. The study provides significant insights into gravity theories and the fundamental forces of nature.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2021

How the body uses fat to fight infection

Researchers discovered that blood stem cells use high-energy fatty acids from the body's fat stores to power up their response to infection. This finding could lead to new approaches in treating bacterial infections, particularly in vulnerable and older individuals.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

The diabetes medication that could revolutionise heart failure treatment

A new meta-analysis published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggests that Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors can improve outcomes for heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction. The medication has been shown to reduce the risk of death from heart-related causes and hospitalization by 22%.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 30, 2021

De-cluttering may not help people with dementia

Researchers found that participants with moderate dementia performed better in cluttered environments, while those with mild and severe dementia showed no significant difference. The study suggests that adapting physical environments to suit individual needs may be more effective than de-cluttering in supporting people with dementia.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAlzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders·TypeObservational study·DateNov 29, 2021

How eating less in early life could help with reproduction later on

Researchers found that females who consumed less food for their entire lives lived longer but didn't reproduce as well as better-fed counterparts. However, those who switched to unlimited food after early life restriction started mating and reproducing more, producing three times more offspring than restricted diet flies.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

Flavoured vapes less harmful to young people than smoking, and could help teen smokers quit

A systematic review of over 500,000 under 18s found that flavoured vapes are an important aspect of vaping enjoyed by young people, potentially encouraging them to switch from tobacco smoking to less harm vaping. However, the study warns that more needs to be done to prevent young non-smokers from being attracted to vaping.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAddiction·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 16, 2021

Not silent yet; the shifting sounds of spring

A new study reveals that spring soundscape acoustic diversity and intensity are declining due to changes in bird communities. The research suggests that reductions in natural soundscapes may be the primary mechanism through which population declines impact humans.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2021

Amazonian protected areas benefit both people and biodiversity

Research from the University of East Anglia found that communities living within Amazonian Sustainable-Use Protected Areas enjoy better access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and electricity. These areas also lead to improved livelihoods, with household wealth and life satisfaction increasing significantly.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2021

Indigenous and local communities key to successful nature conservation

A systematic review of 169 conservation projects worldwide reveals that Indigenous and local communities are crucial for successful nature conservation. The study found that equitable conservation approaches, empowering local communities, yield positive outcomes for both humans and the environment. However, complex factors such as comm...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEcology and Society·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 1, 2021

Novel coronavirus discovered in British bats

A novel coronavirus related to Covid-19 has been found in UK horseshoe bats, with the team suggesting that these bats have likely harbored the virus for thousands of years. The discovery highlights the need for robust genotype testing in bat populations and raises concerns about the potential for viral mutation.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 19, 2021

Atmospheric acidity impacts oceanic ecology

New research reveals that increased atmospheric acidity is disrupting the ecological balance of oceans by altering nutrient transport and productivity. The study found that atmospheric acidity affects the quantity and distribution of nutrients delivered to the ocean, leading to a direct fertilizing effect on marine phytoplankton.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 7, 2021

New technology 'listens' for endangered right whales

Researchers developed a machine learning technique to detect North Atlantic right whales by listening for their sounds underwater. The technology can remove unwanted noises, increasing the reliability of detecting right whales in adverse conditions, and offers hope for the species' survival and population increase.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateJun 3, 2021

How we created the 'perfect storm' for pandemics

The world's vast population of people, pets, and livestock has created an ideal environment for the evolution and transmission of zoonotic infectious diseases. To mitigate this threat, experts recommend using vaccination passports, maximizing genetic variation in livestock, and reducing animal protein consumption.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalVirulence·DateMay 6, 2021

Personalised medications possible with 3D printing

University of East Anglia researchers develop a new method for 3D printing medicine in highly porous structures, allowing for tailored drug release rates and improved patient outcomes. The technology has the potential to produce customized pills with accurate doses and reduced side effects.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateMay 3, 2021

How COVID-19 impacted UK healthcare

A new study by University of East Anglia researchers found that despite high levels of unmet healthcare need, the NHS upheld its principle of equal treatment for equal need, with no difference in access to hospital care between income groups. However, those on higher incomes had better access to GP consultations and medical helplines.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalHealth Economics·DateApr 26, 2021