A recent study by the University of Edinburgh found that certain types of carbon nanotubes could cause cancer in the lining of the lung. Researchers discovered that longer nanotubes were more likely to get stuck in the lung cavity and ultimately cause mesothelioma.
Research suggests that the swine flu outbreak of winter 2009-2010 was more widespread than previously realized, with almost half of Scottish adults carrying antibodies to the virus. The study found that people from deprived areas were twice as likely to contract the virus.
Researchers developed a new test that identifies specific tumour types in ovarian cancer patients, enabling doctors to personalize treatment programmes. The test may improve survival rates by identifying aggressive forms of cancer that respond well to targeted drug treatments.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that our brain uses multiple senses to understand spatial awareness, challenging the long-held assumption that sight is the primary trigger. The study's findings suggest that technologies can be developed to help the visually impaired through tactile means.
Researchers found that the parasite balances infection and spread through careful form transformation. The study provides fresh insight into the parasite's survival strategy, which could lead to new treatment approaches.
Researchers investigate whether statins can prevent pre-eclampsia by targeting an enzyme that suppresses two proteins linked to the condition. The study, funded by the Medical Research Council, aims to test the effectiveness of statins in reducing blood pressure risks for pregnant women diagnosed with very early-onset pre-eclampsia.
A study suggests that cutting Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions by a half within 20 years is achievable through the use of smart meters, improved recycling, and greener building designs. The researchers recommend carbon capture and storage to reduce emissions from industry and coal-fired power plants.
A recent study by the University of Edinburgh has shed light on how older people experience memory loss, revealing a stress hormone receptor's role in this process. The research found that high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, activate brain processes contributing to memory impairment.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed a tiny device that improves on existing forms of memory storage by using a mechanical arm to translate data into electrical signals. This allows for much faster operation and reduced energy consumption compared to conventional methods.
A highly sensitive blood test has been shown to detect heart attacks in a third more patients than previous tests, identifying smaller amounts of heart damage. The test has been found to halve the risk of being readmitted to hospital with another heart attack within a year.
Researchers studied malaria parasite reproduction, finding damaging male and female forms can prevent disease transmission without killing them entirely.
Researchers found a genetic mutation caused by vitamin A that suppressed feather growth, leading to the distinctive naked neck appearance. This discovery has implications for understanding bird evolution and could improve poultry production in hot climates.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified a critical protein that maintains nerve fibre health, potentially improving understanding of neurodegenerative disorders. The discovery could lead to new insights into conditions like epilepsy, dementia, and stroke by unraveling the complexities of brain function.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have identified a protein that plays a key role in storing fat in the body. The study found that mice with high levels of this protein were more prone to developing unhealthy fat tissue after a high-fat diet, highlighting its potential as a target for obesity treatment.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered a direct link between cholesterol levels and the immune system's response to viral infections. By lowering cholesterol, the body can starve viruses of the nutrients they need to grow, potentially enhancing the immune system's ability to fight off infections.
Scientists have discovered a new way to generate human motor nerve cells, helping research into motor neurone disease. This breakthrough enables the creation of different types of motor neurons, allowing researchers to study their vulnerability to disease.
A new study reveals that women who have had chlamydia are at greater risk of an ectopic pregnancy due to a lasting effect of the infection. Researchers found that infected women produce more PROKR2 protein in their Fallopian tubes, increasing the likelihood of implantation.
A new technique predicts fire spread using sensor data, giving firefighters minutes of warning to contain blazes. This technology could save lives and minimize damage by providing realistic forecasts of fire dynamics.
Researchers have found a finely tuned process that enables plants to adjust their genes to daylight patterns, shedding light on human responses to disrupted daily rhythms. This discovery could provide new insights into coping with jet lag and shift work.
A University of Edinburgh study reveals that nanoparticles used in various products can cause distinct lung injuries in rats, with some triggering asthmatic reactions and others leading to severe damage. Researchers emphasize the need for improved testing methods to assess nanoparticle risks.
Researchers found that strong genetic influences determine a person's loyalty and adaptability within a group, with family ties having less impact. Ethnicity and religion are also influential factors.
Researchers discovered that dendritic cells trigger the immune system's defence against invading parasites in mice infected with snail fever. The breakthrough could lead to new treatments for chronic illness caused by this condition.
A study suggests that plant stem cells derived from trees could be used to produce the anticancer compound paclitaxel at a low cost. This method avoids the use of mature trees and environmentally damaging by-products associated with current industrial manufacturing processes.
Researchers have identified a gene that enables malaria parasites to resist artemisinin treatment, leading to potential development of new drugs and control strategies.
The £40 million Ecosystems Services for Poverty Alleviation programme aims to benefit developing countries by adapting to climate change. Experts from these nations will be trained in new farming techniques and infrastructure development.
Researchers found that thigh-length stockings can reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in stroke patients, a life-threatening form of blood clot. The study, which included over 3,000 patients from 112 hospitals, highlights the importance of using long stockings to prevent clots.
Researchers found hundreds of rhododendron species could be derived from hybrids, explaining rich biodiversity and ancient cross-breeding. Ancient pairings of wild plants led to development of new species over millions of years.
Researchers discovered a gene called Spatula that limits plant growth in cool temperatures, potentially helping develop crops for cold climates. By manipulating the gene, scientists aim to improve crop yields and food security in temperate regions.
A University of Edinburgh study found that 12-14 year olds can play for longer in team games when they drink an isotonic sports drink before and during games. The research showed that drinking a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution improved endurance capacity but did not make young people run faster.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh are studying proteins to understand how they clump together with age, a process linked to several conditions. The goal is to design drugs to prevent this aggregation, which causes brain plaques in Alzheimer's and cloudy vision in cataracts.
Researchers identified thousands of proteins involved in compacting DNA, a crucial process for cell division. This discovery could help explain why cell renewal can go wrong, leading to cancer or miscarriage.
A £10 million donation from JK Rowling has led to the establishment of a research clinic focused on patient-based studies for multiple sclerosis. The clinic will explore treatments to slow disease progression, with potential implications for other degenerative neurological conditions.
Engineers at the University of Edinburgh have developed a forecasting method to predict damage caused by weather to historic and modern masonry buildings. This allows conservationists to estimate the impact of long-term climate change on stonework and brickwork, determining the most suitable preservation plan.
Researchers have developed a web portal that allows seismologists to study noise for analyzing the Earth's structure, leading to better understanding of earthquakes. The system enables smaller groups to perform complex analysis previously limited to large organizations.
Scientists have successfully converted stem cells from a key immune system organ into skin stem cells without genetic modification. This breakthrough allows for potential applications in regenerating tissues and has implications for the development of new therapies.
Researchers found that some body areas are more resistant to tanning than others, with the buttock being particularly resistant. People with no freckles also tanned more easily than those with freckling.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed a method to alter viral conditions, reducing mutation and building resistance. This approach can target multiple viruses simultaneously and is being explored for use in treating influenza.
The Dogslife study aims to assess how diet, exercise, and lifestyle factors affect an animal's susceptibility to disease. Owners of 10000+ Labrador puppies will provide regular updates on their dog's life, health, and environment.
Researchers discovered a complex network of cell proteins that work together, suggesting medicines should target groups rather than individual proteins. This study, published in Science, has the potential to develop more effective treatments for illnesses.
Researchers discovered how the parasite survives in a fly's gut, triggering an enzyme response that adapts its body. This reaction has a corresponding part in human cells, potentially leading to greater understanding of inherited diseases like Zellweger syndrome.
Embryonic stem cells can switch between different cell types, indicating a potential for pluripotency. Researchers hope to understand this process to create specific cell types in the lab.
A new £800,000 research programme aims to unlock the secrets of motor neuron disease by studying human motor neurons and support cells from donors. The programme will investigate whether support cells are injurious or protective to motor neurons, and may lead to promising new treatment strategies.
Researchers identified three genes involved in regulating bone repair rate, explaining why Paget's disease occurs. The discovery could lead to a screening test for early detection and preventative treatment.
Researchers identified two 'body clock' genes that regulate hormonal changes in response to seasonal variations. These genes are found in both birds and mammals, shedding light on how animals adapt to seasonal changes.
A new study published by the University of Edinburgh confirms that plant leaves account for less than 1% of global methane emissions, contradicting previous claims. The research suggests that trees can effectively offset greenhouse gas emissions through carbon storage.
The global biofuel drive poses a significant risk of eviction for African farmers as their lands are allocated for crop cultivation. Research highlights the need to consider the impact on food security, particularly in countries where food is scarce already.
Researchers have found that patients with hereditary ovarian cancer are more likely to experience secondary tumours in their liver and spleen, despite better overall prognosis. A new approach suggests testing these patients for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes to ensure tailored treatment.
A new study by the University of Edinburgh found that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) claims the lives of up to 200,000 children globally each year. The research also showed that about 3.4 million children require hospital treatment for severe lung infection caused by RSV.
Researchers developed tiny gold-coated particles that can be implanted into cells, enabling remote disease diagnosis and tracking through laser-induced vibrations of proteins. These probes use different vibrational frequencies to detect disease progression.
A new study led by the University of Edinburgh reveals that pneumonia is the leading cause of child death in China, accounting for 17% of deaths in under-5s. The number of children dying before age five has dropped by 70% since 1990 due to increased access to hospital treatment.