Replacing beef with insect-based foods could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and free up vast areas of land, according to a new study. The researchers found that eating more insects or imitation meat could halve global consumption of animal products, freeing up 1680 million hectares of land.
Scientists at University of Edinburgh have found that landslides in southern Himalayan regions can increase flood risk by altering river paths with gravel and pebbles, while softer rocks in northern regions produce dispersed sand downstream. The study helps improve flood risk maps for the Ganga Plain, affecting millions.
Researchers found that strokes damage immune cells, making patients more susceptible to life-threatening infections like pneumonia. Therapies targeting damaged immune cells or bypassing their dysfunction could help recover from stroke, the study suggests.
A new imaging tool can rapidly diagnose bacterial lung infections, helping prevent unnecessary antibiotic use and reducing the emergence of resistant bacteria. The bedside technology has received £2million in funding and aims to revolutionize the assessment and treatment of critically ill patients and those with long-term lung conditions.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh discovered molecular details of Rett syndrome and related intellectual disabilities by studying protein interactions. The study sheds light on how flaws in key proteins can prevent brain function, paving the way for new treatments.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh found that disease spread varies depending on age at exposure and maternal age. Younger offspring were more susceptible to infection when mothers were younger, contradicting expectations that disease spreads in dense populations.
A new study published in the British Journal of Surgery found that day of the week did not affect survival chances of people undergoing emergency surgery. Researchers analyzed over 50,000 emergency surgery cases in Scotland and found no evidence to link day of the week to an increased risk of death.
A review of 270 studies found that supported self-management helps people with asthma take control of their own illness, reducing symptoms and hospital admissions. Tailored support can improve quality of life and prevent deaths, experts say.
Scientists have produced gene-edited pigs with a modified CD163 gene, showing complete resistance to infection with both major subtypes of the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus. The change is introduced using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and should not affect their ability to fight off other infections.
A recent study suggests that almost 20% of food produced is lost due to over-consumption and waste. This represents a significant amount of resources wasted globally, which could be redirected to improve global food security and prevent environmental harm.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute have successfully developed egg-free surrogate chickens using gene-editing techniques. These genetically modified hens can carry and deliver eggs from other breeds, aiming to boost breeding of endangered birds and improve commercial chicken production.
Researchers found that bacterial infections have vastly different outcomes depending on oxygen levels in the body. Exposure to low oxygen before infection may protect against illness without compromising immunity.
A study of 22 plant species found that warmer temperatures cause them to bloom earlier, with some struggling to adapt. The research suggests that plants like silver birch and beech will thrive in a changing climate, while others, such as bluebell and garlic mustard, may struggle.
A new study suggests that determining the speed of gravity in the cosmos from gravitational waves could resolve the puzzle. If gravitational waves are found to travel at the speed of light, it would rule out alternative gravity theories and support Einstein's Cosmological Constant.
Research reveals that bacteria eliminating competitors creates conditions for thriving populations, leading to cooperative family structures. The study suggests that similar patterns can be seen in natural objects, providing insights into bacterial behavior.
Researchers discovered that paracetamol damages liver cells by disrupting tight junctions, leading to cell death and organ dysfunction. The study aims to develop alternative methods for testing paracetamol toxicity and identify potential targets for new drugs.
Researchers solved a long-standing puzzle about the source of key stardust grains, which formed before our Solar System and can be recovered from meteorites. The study identifies Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars as the producers of these grains, shedding light on nuclear processes inside stars that led to their formation.
Mass drug administration programmes have significantly increased treatment for bilharzia, killing an estimated 280,000 people annually. Praziquantel MDA programmes are effective but long-term effects and resistance to the drug are largely unknown.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh discovered that ants walking backwards use the sun's position and visual memories to set a course relative to the sun. This flexible navigational behavior could inspire novel computer algorithms for guiding robots.
Researchers are conducting a £1.5 million trial to test two therapies on 390 people with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, aiming to reduce fracture risk. The six-year study will track participants for five years to assess the combination of teriparatide and zoledronic acid.
Scientists have created male pigs that can produce sperm with the genetic blueprint of sought-after pigs by transplanting stem cells into surrogate animals. This breakthrough could dramatically improve pig farming efficiency and quality, as well as enhance desirable traits like disease resilience.
A €29 million research grant will be used to investigate serious lung infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), particularly affecting babies and older adults. The project aims to gather robust statistics on RSV cases across Europe, assess economic impact, and develop best practice guidelines for monitoring and treatment.
A recent study found that children born to mothers who took acid-blocking drugs during pregnancy were at least one third more likely to visit a doctor for asthma symptoms. The researchers emphasize the need for further studies to confirm this association and determine whether the medicines cause asthma in children.
Brain connections critical for complex thinking skills deteriorate with age, while movement and hearing connections remain relatively well-preserved. Researchers analyzed brain scans from over 3,500 people aged 45-75 to understand aging's effects on the brain.
Researchers found that prion diseases can infect the gut through contaminated meat, and that M cells are key to whether or not the infection takes hold. The study suggests that factors like inflammation and ageing may influence a person's risk of contracting prion diseases.
A study by the University of Edinburgh found that wind farms prevented 36 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from coal and gas sources in Great Britain. The research suggests that a greater investment in wind energy could help meet Scottish and UK government targets for carbon emissions reduction.
Scientists have gained fresh insight into dark matter, a key component of the universe. Using powerful telescopes to analyze distant galaxies, they found that dark matter is less dense and more evenly spread throughout space.
A small study found that cancer patients treated with chemotherapy combination ABVD had more non-growing eggs in their ovaries, increasing the possibility of future fertility. Researchers believe further research is needed to understand this phenomenon.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has shed light on the structures that contain our genetic material. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh created an artificial chromosome to investigate cell division and found a complex series of steps that form a protective barrier inside chromosomes.
Researchers use zebrafish to investigate spinal cord repair after injury, exploring mechanisms to trigger in other animals and human cells. They hope to identify new therapies for neurodegenerative conditions like motor neuron disease and multiple sclerosis.
Scientists have identified chemical changes in DNA that can be detected in blood samples, paving the way for a simple test to aid diagnosis. The findings could lead to a blood test to screen people who show symptoms of bowel diseases, sparing further tests for those without the signatures.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh used computer models to predict the effect of climate change on North Atlantic coral populations. They found that a shift in winter weather conditions could threaten the long-term survival of these populations, which are maintained by tiny coral larvae.
A new study from the University of Edinburgh reveals that DNA accounts for only half of a chromosome's material, with the remaining 47% being a mysterious sheath that surrounds genetic material. This discovery could help prevent errors in cell division, which are linked to certain cancers and birth defects.
A DNA study has found that red squirrels on Brownsea Island are infected with the same species of bacteria responsible for human leprosy infections. The bacteria, Mycobacterium leprae, shares close similarities with a strain discovered in medieval Europe and is similar to a strain found in armadillos.
A well-preserved dinosaur fossil discovered in southern China provides valuable insights into the evolution of a family of feathered dinosaurs before the mass extinction event. The discovery, named Tongtianlong limosus, sheds light on how these creatures diversified and flourished just before their extinction.
A lifelong study of almost 10,000 people found that those who participated in scouts or guides tended to have better mental health at age 50. This is particularly beneficial for children from poorer backgrounds, who are less likely to suffer from anxiety or mood disorders.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that a drug called AT7519 helps restore normal function in neutrophils, which contribute to ARDS. The treatment approach shows promise for resolving inflammation in the lung and improving patient outcomes.
Food cooked at high temperatures may contain toxic chemicals that raise the risk of heart disease. Researchers found that traditional South Asian cooking methods can lead to the formation of trans-fatty acids and other toxins, which are linked to higher heart disease rates in some communities.
A consumer tax on fossil fuels could lower its use and encourage cleaner alternatives, a new study suggests. The research proposes a Pigouvian tax as an effective way to balance economic needs with environmental protection.
Researchers develop predictive model to calculate spray pattern produced by wave impacts, helping engineers design better seawalls and coastal defenses. The findings suggest that water is dispersed in a distinct pattern varying depending on wave size.
A global study suggests that tracking migrating birds' routes could provide early warning of potential bird flu outbreaks. Researchers found that long-distance flights of infected birds from Asia to Europe and North America via their breeding grounds in the Arctic are a key factor in spreading deadly strains of avian flu.
A new study suggests that air pollution, vitamin D deficiency, and occupational exposure to certain pesticides may contribute to dementia risk. The research highlights the importance of addressing environmental factors in preventing or delaying the onset of the disease.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have identified Notch 3 as a key driver of bile duct cancer. The molecule triggers a pathway that drives cells in tumours to reproduce uncontrollably, offering potential for new treatments.
A study by the University of Edinburgh has found that attention-grabbing experiences activate a specific area of the brain, releasing memory-boosting chemicals. Researchers discovered that mice who had new experiences just before or after learning a new location remembered it better the next day.
Researchers found that mobile apps, barcodes, and automated monitoring systems can increase transparency and accountability in healthcare services. Digital technologies also enable people to report discrimination or bribery through social media.
Experts predict a significant increase in lung disease cases due to rising smoking rates and longer life expectancy, with over 1.3 million cases projected in England by 2030. The condition is expected to cost £2.5 billion annually, with more women than men affected, mainly due to their longer average lifespan.
A simple chemical method has been developed to extract gold from old mobile phones, potentially recovering up to 300 tonnes of gold per year. The new process uses a mild acid and an oily liquid containing a specific compound to selectively extract gold from other metals, eliminating the need for toxic chemicals.
A UK-wide trial found that smokers with Crohn's disease are more likely to experience a recurrence after surgery. The study suggests that quitting smoking is crucial in preventing the condition from worsening.
A recent study found that the UK spends at least £1.1 billion on asthma care each year, resulting in approximately 1000 deaths and 270 hospital admissions daily due to severe attacks. The majority of these fatalities are preventable with proper basic care.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed a way to detect alpha-synuclein, a protein linked to Parkinson's disease, in spinal fluid samples. The new test shows promise in identifying patients with Parkinson's and Lewy body dementia in early stages.