A new study from the University of Edinburgh found that individuals with high psychological distress were more likely to die from liver disease. The research tracked over 165,000 participants for ten years and controlled for various factors such as alcohol consumption and socioeconomic status.
Researchers found that vitamin D levels in hospitalized pet cats predict survival chances, with higher levels linked to better outcomes. The study suggests a potential link between vitamin D and feline health problems, offering new insights for veterinarians.
A new technique identifies how genes are controlled and pinpoints source of disease-causing mutations in enhancers. Researchers found that genes are regulated by multiple enhancers, allowing precise control during development and maintaining normal brain function.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered that Shetland ponies' immune response to insect bites can prevent allergic reactions, similar to what happens in people with allergies. The study found that two different responses occur in horses, one triggering allergy symptoms and the other preventing allergic reactions.
A recent study reveals that human activity has removed over one-tenth of trees and plants from the Amazon since the 1960s, contributing to rising carbon dioxide levels. The deforestation has increased the atmosphere's carbon content by 1.5% since the mid-19th century.
Researchers have uncovered how beneficial bacteria form a waterproof coating on plant roots to shield them from microbes that cause disease. This protective film incorporates proteins with shape-changing properties, enabling it to repel water and potentially harmful molecules.
A recent study published in The Lancet Neurology has found that a clot-busting drug called alteplase can benefit stroke patients without increasing the risk of bleeding. Researchers analyzed over 3,000 people and discovered that patients with early tissue damage from strokes still benefit from receiving the drug.
The study suggests that highly acidic oceans caused the extinction event, which lasted around 10,000 years. The research provides new insights into the threat posed by modern-day ocean acidification.
A DNA study of bacteria samples from the 2012 Edinburgh outbreak found four subtypes of Legionella that probably existed at the source for months. The genetic diversity of these bacteria suggests that tracing future infections may be challenging, with possible influences on disease severity.
Researchers discovered that increasing brain activity can stimulate myelin production, which protects nerve fibers. This finding could lead to new treatments for multiple sclerosis.
Researchers found that changes to histone proteins can be sustained from one generation to the next and influence trait inheritance. This discovery paves the way for studying epigenetic mechanisms and their link to health conditions and specific traits.
The UK Government has invested £25.7 million in the University of Edinburgh to create a new biology complex with state-of-the-art laboratory space, focusing on biological research and tissue repair. The complex will integrate three research areas, including infection and global health, synthetic biology, and epigenetics.
A previously undiscovered species of giant salamander-like amphibian was identified in southern Portugal, growing up to 2m in length and feeding mainly on fish. The discovery reveals that this group of primitive amphibians was more geographically diverse than previously thought.
A study published in The Lancet suggests that routine heart scans for patients referred to cardiac clinics with chest pain could reduce heart attack rates. The SCOT-HEART trial found that around a quarter of patients had their diagnoses reclassified after receiving the scan, prompting new treatments in many cases.
A recent study suggests a link between genes linked with autism and higher intelligence in individuals who do not have the condition. Researchers found that carrying genetic traits associated with autism is, on average, linked to slightly better cognitive test scores, even in those without autism.
Children under five in sub-Saharan Africa are at higher risk of developing schistosomiasis due to increased exposure to contaminated water, a study suggests. The research highlights the need for mass administration of anti-parasite medication to include preschool-age children in treatment programs.
Breeding dogs solely based on DNA tests can increase inbreeding and reduce genetic diversity, experts warn. A combined approach of DNA analysis, health screening, and pedigree information is necessary to minimize inherited diseases and improve the health of pedigree lines.
A 200-year record of spring's arrival is helping scientists understand how woodland plants respond to rising autumn temperatures, which could affect species survival. Researchers predict that oak trees will leaf earlier than birch trees within a few decades due to warmer autumns.
A gene linked to primordial dwarfism has been identified, revealing errors in the XRCC4 gene cause profound growth defects before birth. The discovery helps provide better diagnoses for families affected and advises children with mutations to minimize X-ray exposure and regular immunological checks.
Researchers have developed a molecular mouse-trap technique that aids understanding of cell division and its role in cancer. By studying the structure of proteins involved in chromosome formation, scientists can develop new approaches to analyze complex biological molecules.
Researchers found that garlic extract's allicin component inhibits bacterial growth and kills certain plant pathogens, potentially offering a new treatment option for people with cystic fibrosis. The study suggests using allicin-containing remedies in combination with existing antibiotics to treat life-threatening lung infections.
Researchers discovered a key pathway driving tumour growth in bile duct cancer and found that blocking it can prevent cancer cell growth and shrink tumours. The treatment is already being tested in patients with other cancers and shows promise as a potential breakthrough for this devastating disease.
Scientists studied the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon and found that it was formed by a series of distinct floods triggered by volcanic activity under glaciers. The floods, which occurred thousands of years apart, created the 100-metre walls and pushed three waterfalls, including Dettifoss, back upstream.
Researchers discovered that high temperatures stimulate stem growth in plants, contrary to cooler temperatures where light inhibits it. Mathematical models and experiments validated the findings, suggesting plants may associate hot weather with drought risk and grow quickly to reproduce.
Researchers identified a biological clock that measures individuals' lifespans by analyzing DNA changes. A faster-running biological clock is linked to earlier death, even after accounting for other factors.
A new study published in The Lancet Oncology found that older women with early-stage hormone-receptor positive breast cancers who receive hormone treatment and surgery can safely omit radiotherapy. This group of patients is at low risk of cancer recurrence, making radiotherapy unnecessary.
Researchers develop a technique to label and track new DNA pieces, revealing hotspots for genetic flaws. These sites are crucial regulatory switches that can lead to genetic diseases or cancer.
Researchers have developed a set of genetic switches to control the function of genes in engineered organisms, preventing potential harm from theft or misuse. The switches use naturally occurring chemicals and can be customized for various products, including biofuels, food, and medicines.
Larvae use chemical cues to identify adults likely to provide food, increasing their chances of survival. They selectively beg from unfamiliar beetles over familiar ones, potentially benefiting young beetles by increasing resource intake.
A global study found that HIV-positive children in developing countries are six times more likely to die from pneumonia than their non-HIV positive peers. The research, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, highlights the need for improved early testing for HIV in infants, antiretroviral therapy and vaccination.
A major study has charted the burst of evolution that took place after the mass extinction of dinosaurs, giving rise to nearly all modern bird species. The research found that birdsong evolved independently at least twice, with parrots and songbirds gaining the ability to learn and mimic vocal activity.
Researchers identify chemical pathway disrupting behaviour in Fragile X patients and find potential treatment using cancer drug cercosporamide. The drug blocks the pathway, improving sociability in mice with the condition.
A study by researchers at the University of Edinburgh reveals that parasites can hide their genetic material inside 'vesicles' that mimic natural cellular functions, suppressing the immune response. This discovery could inform new strategies for treating diseases caused by parasitic worms, as well as allergies like hayfever.
Researchers are developing a new type of cell therapy to treat liver cirrhosis, which claims 4000 lives in the UK each year. The therapy aims to reduce scarring and rebuild the damaged organ from within using macrophages.
A cell study has uncovered a gene mutation that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the body, leading to diseases like Lupus and Motor Neurone Disease. Researchers found that a defect in an alarm system protects the body from viruses and other infections.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Edinburgh estimates that more than 20 million Nigerians have hypertension, affecting one-third of men and one-fourth of women. The number of cases is projected to rise to 39 million by 2030, straining Nigeria's already-overburdened health system.
Researchers found that nitric oxide signals plants to limit nitrogen uptake, allowing for optimal growth without excess pollution. This discovery could inform crop breeding and fertilizer use, resulting in more sustainable agriculture.
A new study from the University of Edinburgh finds that teenagers living in neighborhoods with a large number of tobacco shops are almost 50% more likely to smoke. The research suggests that reducing tobacco retailer density could be an effective strategy to reduce smoking rates among adolescents.
A study by the University of Edinburgh found that MRSA bacteria from farm animals has been detected in UK hospitals, highlighting the need for strict biosecurity practices and responsible antibiotic use. The strain, CC398, is resistant to some common antibiotic drugs and can be transmitted to humans through contact with livestock.
Researchers found E. coli can survive repeated DNA breaks by using emergency repair mechanisms and overlapping DNA replication, enabling it to thrive indefinitely.
A recent study suggests that moderate amounts of sunshine may help prevent obesity and diabetes by reducing glucose levels and insulin resistance. The researchers found that a compound called nitric oxide released by the skin after exposure to sunlight had beneficial effects on weight gain.
A study reveals key details of prehistoric marine croc group Machimosaurus, showing adaptations for various habitats similar to modern-day crocodiles. The ancient species varied in body length and features, with some living in open seas and others in coastal environments.
A recent study suggests that emissions from human activity have caused a decline in monsoon rainfall over the past 50 years. The research, published in Geophysical Research Letters, found that rising levels of anthropogenic aerosols are responsible for the decrease, which affects billions of people primarily in India and parts of Africa.
A comprehensive family tree of meat-eating dinosaurs reveals the gradual emergence of bird-like features, such as feathers and wishbones. The study supports a theory that sudden evolutionary changes led to an explosion in avian diversity, resulting in thousands of species today.
Researchers have discovered an enzyme that can be targeted to kill parasites causing deadly diseases such as sleeping sickness and Chagas disease. The study found that a small sugar molecule activates the enzyme, providing an opportunity to design drugs that block its activity in specific species.
Research finds people can become addicted to eating for pleasure, but not to specific food substances. The focus should shift from foods to individual relationships with eating, according to scientists. More research is needed to redefine eating addiction as a formal diagnosis.
A new computer model simulates how plants grow under varying conditions, providing valuable insights into nutrient distribution and adaptation to changing climates. The study's findings could lead to the development of crop varieties with high yields in specific environmental conditions.
Researchers have identified chemical changes in DNA that could screen people for Crohn's disease and reveal possible targets for new treatments. These genetic changes can be detected in blood samples, opening the door to a simple test for the condition.
Researchers have grown a fully functional thymus organ from transplanted laboratory-created cells in a living animal. This breakthrough discovery could lead to new treatments for people with weakened immune systems and may also offer a way of making patient-matched T cells for cell therapies.
A new online tool will help doctors predict which patients are most likely to develop diabetes based on age, sex, and blood sugar levels. The calculator will enable doctors to identify high-risk patients for testing and offer lifestyle advice.