A new type of male contraceptive may be developed thanks to a key gene essential for sperm development, Katnal1. The gene regulates microtubules that support and provide nutrients to developing sperm cells.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that maintaining healthy nerve connections as we age helps keep us sharp. The research suggests that intelligence is not located in a single part of the brain, but rather in its overall network of connections.
The Centre for North Sea Enhanced Oil Recovery with CO2 (CENSEOR-CO2) will develop understanding of enhanced oil recovery technology, creating a commercial use for CO2 captured from power plants and industry. The technology could store 75 million tonnes of CO2 and increase oil removal by five to 25 percent.
A study of over 800 sets of twins found that genetics had a greater impact on forming key traits such as self-control, decision-making, and sociability than previously thought. The results suggest that genetically influenced characteristics may be the key to a person's success in life.
A recent study by the University of Edinburgh found that large city hospitals act as breeding grounds for the superbug MRSA prior to its spread to smaller hospitals. Researchers analyzed over 80 variants of a major clone of MRSA and identified mutations leading to new strains, tracing their spread nationwide.
A study by the University of Edinburgh finds that 360,000 tonnes of milk wasted in the UK each year results in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 100,000 tonnes of CO2, comparable to 20,000 cars annually. Researchers suggest reducing food consumption and waste, as well as improving fertiliser efficiency, can help curb emissions.
Researchers at University of Edinburgh discovered an enzyme that corrects the most common mistake in mammalian DNA replication, including accidental incorporation of RNA. This discovery could have broad implications for autoimmunity and cancer research.
Research from the University of Edinburgh found that stillbirths and neonatal deaths were less likely to occur when labor was induced at 40 weeks compared to births where the pregnancy was allowed to continue. Women who underwent elective inductions also had lower rates of Caesarean sections.
A recent study from the University of Edinburgh found that low testosterone levels in men can increase their risk of developing diabetes. The research discovered that testosterone plays a crucial role in regulating insulin sensitivity, and its impairment is linked to insulin resistance.
Scientists have developed a new imaging method that combines PET and CT scanning to identify patients at high risk of a heart attack. The technique, which targets active calcification in coronary arteries, shows promise in improving heart attack prediction and reducing mortality rates.
A recent study found that infants in sub-Saharan Africa are at high risk of snail fever infection, which can cause impaired memory, thought, and internal organ damage. The study suggests that a common drug, praziquantel, can safely cure the infection in a single dose.
Researchers found a common protein target among severe malaria strains, which can be blocked by antibodies to prevent rosette formation and severe illness. The discovery may inform the development of new treatments or vaccines against life-threatening cases of malaria.
Scientists discovered tiny organisms thriving deep beneath a US asteroid impact site, supporting the idea that crater environments can harbor microbes. The researchers believe similar conditions exist on Mars, with drilling beneath craters potentially uncovering signs of life.
A study by University of Edinburgh researchers found that sexual reproduction allows for the weeding out of damaging DNA elements within a few generations. This leads to healthier individuals flourishing and passing on their DNA, while weaker ones are more likely to die without reproducing.
Scientists have developed a simple test to identify MRSA in wounds that can detect the superbug quickly, enabling more effective treatment. The test uses tiny electrical sensors to analyze swab samples, potentially reducing laboratory processing time.
Astronomers captured a unique image of over 10,000 stars in the Milky Way's centre, revealing large structures like gas and dust clouds. The image, created by combining infra-red light data from two telescopes, offers new insights into the galaxy's structure.
A recent study has created motor neurons using skin cells from a patient with inherited MND, discovering abnormalities in protein TDP-43 that lead to motor neuron cell death. This breakthrough model could speed up the discovery of new treatments for the devastating disease.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh produced a previously unseen uranium molecule, which could help improve nuclear waste clean-up processes. The butterfly-shaped compound is robust and may play a role in forming clusters of radioactive material in waste.
A new study reveals that the TOC1 protein plays a crucial role in dampening gene activity in the evening, helping plants stay dormant at night. This discovery contradicts previous understanding of the gene's role and has implications for plant growth and adaptation to environmental changes.
A new study has shed light on how species and their natural enemies have chased each other across continents for millions of years. The research used population genetics to analyze the DNA of small insects and their wasp enemies, finding that some plant-eating insects have outrun their predators for hundreds of thousands of years
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered a way to increase hepatocyte cells, which detoxify the liver, by encouraging their production instead of bile duct cells. This breakthrough could help develop drugs to encourage liver self-repair and ease pressure on waiting lists for liver transplants.
Scientists have discovered a way to increase motor neurone production in adult zebrafish using a drug that inhibits the notch-signalling pathway. This breakthrough could potentially help research find ways to turn progenitor cells into motor neurons following damage caused by these diseases.
Research suggests Viking societies fared best when managing long-term sustainability, adapting trade links, and acquiring diverse food sources. They offer valuable insights into how to respond to climate change, economic turmoil, and cultural upheaval.
Researchers have developed a synthetic version of the essential protein Oct4, which enhances the effect of genes needed for stem cells. This breakthrough enables more efficient generation and maintenance of stem cells, with potential applications in regenerative medicine and disease treatment.
A study shows that unemployment stress is more closely tied to local green space than age, income, or deprivation. The presence of parks and woodland in economically deprived areas can help people cope with job losses and reduce cortisol levels.
Researchers have gained a better understanding of two key proteins that control cell division, which could lead to the development of new drugs to stop cancerous cells multiplying. This discovery could also help optimise personalised chemotherapy treatments and limit side effects associated with some chemotherapy drugs.
Researchers have mapped the molecular structure of restriction enzymes found in many bacteria, shedding light on how they control bacterial resistance to antibiotics. This knowledge could aid in developing new treatments for superbugs like MRSA, which become resistant to most drugs through genetic exchange.
Researchers have created the largest-scale map of dark matter, showcasing a intricate cosmic web that covers over one billion light years. By analyzing images of 10 million galaxies, they were able to detect the distortion caused by dark matter and gain insight into its distribution.
Researchers discover subtle electronic effect in magnetite that causes a dramatic change to its electrical conductivity at very low temperatures. This discovery gives new insight into the mineral's structure and behavior, potentially enabling the exploitation of magnetite and similar materials in new ways.
A study by the University of Edinburgh found that Scots of Pakistani origin are 50% more likely to be admitted to hospital with chest pain and angina. Chinese people in Scotland have lower rates of hospital admissions for these conditions, suggesting lifestyle factors may play a role.
Researchers found that protein renewal rates vary between proteins according to their role and location within cells. This knowledge could help breed crops incorporating proteins that respond quickly to changing conditions.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh developed an imaging technique using positron emission tomography (PET) scans to predict which patients need open heart surgery. The study found that inflammation and calcification processes are key factors in aortic stenosis, offering new hope for treatments.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have created a new generation of materials by tying molecules into complex knots that can give them exceptional versatility and flexibility. By producing chemicals with specific numbers of well-defined knots, scientists may be able to design materials with greater control over their properties.
Researchers identified genes responsible for thousands of tiny changes in brain tissue DNA, finding they were active in areas linked to cell renewal. The study provides new insights into how the brain works and may link retrotransposon activity to brain diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Scientists have developed a vaccine using a harmless parasite to carry medicines into cattle's bloodstream, offering long-term protection against common conditions. The treatment could also be adapted to deliver drug treatments against common cattle diseases.
A new malaria vaccine combines multiple proteins from various parasite types, inducing antibodies against a wide range of parasites. The vaccine has shown improved protection in children in endemic areas and could be especially useful for vulnerable groups.
Researchers found that individual birds varied their technique and dropped blades of grass less often as they gained experience. The study suggests that birds have the mental capacity to learn and develop skills through repetition.
Research from the University of Edinburgh and Warwick University finds that powerful lobby groups in Europe are threatening public acceptance of genetically modified (GM) food. This has resulted in greater restriction of plant biotechnology research and development, hindering efforts to address global hunger and climate change.
Scientists have discovered a key to predicting emerging diseases like HIV, SARS, and flu by studying how viruses infect different species. By analyzing the relationships between species and viruses, researchers found that closely related flies are more susceptible to certain viruses.
A new study suggests that harboring overconfidence can be beneficial in various situations, including sports and business. The research reveals that accurate assessments are often outweighed by overconfident strategies when the rewards of conflict are high enough to justify the risks.
A study published in Scientometrics suggests that pressure to report only positive results is driving a decline in scientific research globally. The analysis of over 4,600 papers found that the proportion of studies with contradictory findings decreased from 1990 to 2007.
Researchers found that the risk of death from CO2 poisoning is about one in 100 million. The study also suggests that engineered gas storage underground could be even safer due to planning and monitoring.
Researchers have created brain nerve cells affected by Parkinson's using skin samples from a patient with the most progressive form of the disease. This breakthrough study enables scientists to model the condition in a laboratory, shedding light on why certain nerve cells die.
A global study led by University of Edinburgh found that rivaroxaban is as effective as warfarin in reducing stroke risk for patients with irregular heartbeats. The new treatment has a lower risk of fatal bleeding and requires less monitoring than the current standard treatment.
Researchers recreate pyrite, dubbed fool's gold, to study geological events and gain insight into the Great Oxygenation Event. Bacteria's influence on early composition of pyrite is disputed, providing a clearer picture of the process.
Research by University of Edinburgh found that ultrafine particles from diesel exhaust fumes can impair blood vessel function, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The study suggests that environmental health measures to reduce emissions could save lives.
Researchers found that the Slessor glacier in Antarctica has not thinned significantly since the last ice age due to a large trough in the land. This discovery will help scientists improve their understanding of how ice sheet movements affect sea levels, enabling more accurate projections of future change.
Researchers have found that plasticity genes in the brain activate more easily when building on existing knowledge, making it easier to learn about familiar topics. This paradoxical effect may help explain how professionals acquire their knowledge gradually over time.
The Roslin Institute has relocated to a new, purpose-built centre with partners from the SAC, focusing on improving livestock health and productivity. The institute aims to tackle complex problems such as diseases, animal welfare, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at University of Edinburgh discovered tiny seawater algae's survival strategies, which can aid in developing sustainable crops for biofuels and adapting to changing climates. The alga recycles nitrogen from its own body and absorbs alternative nutrients when food sources are scarce.