Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have validated a set of guidelines that identify girls with cancer most likely to enter early menopause. These criteria will help select patients for ovarian tissue freezing, potentially allowing young cancer survivors to have children in the future.
Researchers have identified a 52-character biological signal specific to bacterial infection in newborns' DNA, enabling early detection and diagnosis. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a single-drop blood test, limiting antibiotic overuse and tackling drug resistance.
Researchers used mathematical models and genetic analysis to discover that cooperative bacteria are better equipped to adapt to environments, increasing their ability to infect multiple species. This knowledge could help predict and manage health threats from animal-borne diseases.
Scientists have precisely measured the mass of the Milky Way for the first time, finding it to be approximately half the weight of Andromeda. The study, led by the University of Edinburgh, used data on galaxy distances and velocities to calculate the total masses of both galaxies.
A new study suggests that dinosaurs' demise was partly due to the perfect storm of environmental upheaval, including volcanic activity, changing sea levels, and varying temperatures. This weakened their food chain, making them vulnerable to extinction.
A study reveals that dominant meerkat alpha females thrive when they maintain sole breeding rights, while subordinates are suppressed through violence and infanticide. This effective but sinister strategy allows the group to survive and flourish in the harsh desert environment.
A new study by the University of Edinburgh has found that bowel cancer patients with high levels of vitamin D in their blood are more likely to survive the disease. Patients with the highest levels of vitamin D have half the risk of dying compared to those with the lowest levels, according to the research.
Tiny aquatic creatures called Cloudina built reefs in ancient seas using natural cement composed of calcium carbonate. Their fossilized remains are the oldest reefs of their type in the world, dating back to the Ediacaran Period.
A study suggests that warming climates can indirectly increase CO2 levels in the atmosphere by reducing iron and silicon availability in ocean waters. This is particularly significant in the southern ocean and equatorial Pacific, which play a crucial role in regulating atmospheric CO2.
Reducing tropical deforestation significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to one-fifth. Tropical forests absorb almost two billion tonnes of carbon annually, but human activities like logging and biofuel production lead to equivalent losses.
Researchers found three diseases have failed to receive official recognition and funding, impacting human and animal health in developing nations. A multidisciplinary One Health approach could improve human and animal health and control these diseases.
A gene study has identified the genetic differences that distinguish sheep from other animals, including humans, cattle, and pigs. The findings could aid in developing DNA testing to improve livestock breeding programs.
A massive tooth fossil of the prehistoric marine predator Dakosaurus maximus has been discovered in Dorset, UK. The tooth, measuring approximately 5.5 cm long, is believed to have belonged to a creature that swam alongside killer whales and ate large fish whole.
Growing resistance to antibiotics demands a united global response, with experts calling for an independent body to oversee surveillance and set evidence-based targets. The world faces a future where simple infections become deadly diseases, with treatment relying on just one or two drugs.
A new study suggests that genes play a key role in the risk of brain injury for premature babies. Variation in genes associated with schizophrenia and fat metabolism has been linked to increased risk of brain injury on MRI scans.
Installing state-of-the-art solar panels on a quarter of a million roofs could meet one-sixth of Scotland's electricity demands, easing the plight of one in three households. The report reveals that harnessing energy from the sun on south-facing buildings could have significant economic, environmental and social impacts.
Scientists have discovered a new species of long-snouted tyrannosaur, Qianzhousaurus sinensis, which lived alongside deep-snouted tyrannosaurs but hunted different prey. The discovery confirms the existence of tyrannosaur species with long snouts and provides insights into the diversity of these fearsome carnivores.
Patients with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in their brains are less likely to have a stroke or die if left untreated, according to a new study. This long-term outcome is better than those who received treatment for the condition.
Advances in biological imaging enable scientists to identify the most promising new drugs and rule out those unlikely to work, potentially improving the success rate of cancer medicines. Researchers are using this approach to streamline the drug discovery process, reducing costs and side effects.
A new study reveals unprecedented detail of the Amazon Basin's trees, enabling researchers to accurately assess their carbon content. The findings will help administer carbon offsetting more effectively, improving our understanding of global forest carbon storage.
A new study suggests that low testosterone exposure in the womb may influence male susceptibility to serious health conditions like obesity and heart disease. Researchers found that reduced testosterone levels in fetal testes can impair Leydig cell function, leading to lifelong health consequences.
Researchers have gained new understanding of how brain cells are formed and controlled by a key molecule miR-9, which is linked to brain development and function. This study could help explain what happens when cell production goes out of control in diseases like cancer.
Banning smoking in public places has been shown to cut premature births by 10% globally, according to a comprehensive study published in The Lancet. The research also found a 10% fall in hospital attendances for childhood asthma attacks in regions with anti-smoking laws.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh found that newborn male deer with high testosterone levels are less likely to survive their first year compared to peers. The study also showed that testosterone levels in offspring are linked to their mother's condition, suggesting a potential survival advantage for younger calves.
Researchers have mapped the human genome's regulatory network, identifying promoters and enhancers that control gene expression in different cell types. This breakthrough provides insights into human evolution and the diversity of cell types, paving the way for new technologies and applications.
The updated guidelines for treating paracetamol overdoses are costing the NHS millions of pounds a year, with over 31,000 extra patients needing treatment. The changes have led to an increase in hospital admissions, with more than 49,000 patients receiving treatment annually.
A daily high dose of statins over six months significantly improved coughing symptoms in 12 out of 30 patients with bronchiectasis. The treatment also reduced inflammation and enabled patients to tolerate gentle exercise better. Larger studies are now needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute have created working nerve cells from horse stem cells, paving the way for cell therapies targeting neurological conditions. The breakthrough could also benefit horses affected by grass sickness, a previously untreatable condition.
Researchers have found that a plant pigment called quercetin could help prevent nerve damage associated with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a leading genetic cause of death in children. Quercetin was shown to significantly improve health of nerve and muscle cells in tests on zebrafish, flies, and mice.
Researchers found that a plant pigment called quercetin could help prevent nerve damage associated with SMA. Quercetin treatment improved the health of nerve and muscle cells in zebrafish, flies, and mice.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have developed a novel way to produce malaria parasite proteins that could lead to easy and cheap vaccine manufacturing. The new approach uses a single-celled aquatic creature similar to the malaria parasite, allowing for rapid multiplication in the lab.
A new genetic chip will enable salmon breeders to detect fish with desirable genes, improving growth and resistance to diseases such as sea lice. The chip carries over 20 times more genetic information than existing tools and can be used to select the best breeding stock.
Researchers discovered that altering chemotherapy drugs to react only with palladium could minimize damage to healthy cells. By implanting devices coated with palladium into tumours, the drugs would become activated only where needed, potentially reducing side effects.
Researchers have discovered genetic signatures associated with bovine tuberculosis (TB) resistance in unaffected cows, providing a potential breakthrough in improving disease control through selective breeding. The study sheds light on the possibility of using genetic information to develop more resilient cattle.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified shugoshin as a critical protein in ensuring accurate cell division. The study found that disabling shugoshin led to increased abnormal chromosome numbers, highlighting its importance in preventing aneuploidy and potentially cancer.
A £7.4 million Nudge-it initiative will investigate the physical and psychological factors controlling eating behavior to promote healthier food choices.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to evaluate the effectiveness of drug alternatives to antibiotics in limiting disease spread. These treatments can prevent infections from evolving too quickly, but also increase the risk of disease transmission.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered a set of proteins that stabilise cell division, which could lead to new avenues in drug discovery for fighting cancer. The findings shed light on how cells duplicate their DNA and separate into two new cells, each identical to the original.
A new scientific study by the University of Edinburgh found that variations in heat from the sun do not strongly influence climate change. Volcanic eruptions were the primary cause of periodic changes in climate until 1800, and greenhouse gases have been the main driver since then.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh made a groundbreaking discovery that could help combat the spread of sleeping sickness. By understanding how parasites communicate with each other, researchers may be able to develop new drugs to disrupt these messages and limit the disease's transmission.
The Edinburgh Genomics facility will focus on large-scale studies of genetic code, aiming to develop therapies tailored to patients' genes. Scientists will also explore the impact of genetics on animal wellbeing and crop disease in agriculture.
Scientists have gained new insight into how glacier movement is affected by melting ice in summer, enabling more accurate predictions of sea level rise. The study found that fast summer ice flow caused by significant melting is cancelled out by slower motion the following winter.
Female ants and bees are more inclined to care for the queen's offspring due to their maternal behaviors preserved through evolution. This study reveals that females take on jobs suited historically, leading to the evolution of species with female-dominated caregiving roles.
Research finds that treating arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the brain can increase risks of stroke and death, while managing symptoms may be safer. The study suggests observing patients with AVMs for at least five more years to confirm this finding.
Joost van der Westhuizen, a former World Cup-winning rugby star, is partnering with the University of Edinburgh's Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research to raise awareness and funds. The collaboration aims to share knowledge and expertise to benefit MND patients.
Researchers have identified a molecule that regulates fibrotic disease, offering hope for treating damaged organs. Removing this molecule or using experimental drugs has been shown to reduce scar tissue in mice, with implications for human treatment.
Researchers created a timeline of planet and atmosphere formation by studying liquid basalt under extreme pressures and temperatures. They discovered molten magma once formed an ocean within the Earth's mantle.
A study of almost 650 dementia patients found that bilingual individuals experience a later onset of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Bilingualism appears to be a natural brain training that delays dementia onset.
Scientists have developed a 3D filming technique that helps researchers understand how malaria parasites mate and spread the disease. The unique motion of malaria sperm, moving in an irregular corkscrew motion, has revealed new insights into prevention and control methods.
A study of wild mice found they prefer to sleep and eat near used nesting material and droppings, outweighing risk of disease. This contrasts with clean-living domesticated animals, which tend to avoid dirt due to plentiful food and reduced predator risks.