Researchers have identified the shape of a protein molecule at various stages as it breaks down sugar to produce energy, offering insights into how cells regulate their activities. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases such as sleeping sickness.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified three genes that contribute significantly to blood clotting speed in healthy individuals. These findings may help further understanding and treatment of conditions like deep vein thrombosis, heart attacks, and bleeding disorders.
A smoking ban in New Zealand led to a 9% decrease in heart attack admissions among men aged 55-74 who had never smoked. Heart attacks fell by an average of 5% for people aged 30 and over after the ban, with benefits seen among ex-smokers and those in affluent neighborhoods.
Scientists have identified a new phenomenon called cell autonomous sex identity (CASI) that explains why some birds appear male on one side and female on the other. This discovery sheds light on the sexual development of birds and may have implications for behavior, disease susceptibility, and poultry production.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that the hormone vasopressin plays a crucial role in helping animals recognize others through scent. This ability is essential for establishing strong bonds with other animals, and its failure may contribute to conditions like autism and social phobia.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that brain function slows in individuals with type-2 diabetes and high stress hormone cortisol levels. Higher cortisol levels have been associated with cognitive decline in this population.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have created a low-cost, fast, and accurate DNA test that can identify a person's risk of developing certain inherited diseases. The technology uses chemical analysis and can analyze DNA in a saliva sample, potentially leading to improved personal diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Researchers identified critical phases in brain development that may be mistimed in people with Fragile X Syndrome, a leading known cause of autism. The study found these changes occur midway through a baby's development in the womb, which could inform the timing of effective treatments.
A new cancer drug, R-Roscovitine, has been found to kill eosinophils that exacerbate asthma symptoms. Researchers believe this could offer an alternative treatment for resistant asthma patients.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh discovered a strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria jumping from humans to chickens, marking the first clear evidence of bacterial pathogens crossing from humans to animals since domestication. This finding has significant implications for poultry farming and food security.
A study suggests that exposure to a combination of stress hormones and chemicals during fetal development can increase the likelihood of reproductive birth defects, including cryptorchidism and hypospadias. The research found that simultaneous exposure to these factors significantly increased the risk of such disorders.
Researchers have developed a novel method to generate functional hepatocytes for drug testing, offering an unlimited and reliable source of liver cells. The new technique uses induced pluripotent stem cell technology to create hepatocytes from adult skin cells, overcoming the limitations of primary human hepatocytes.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered specific immune cells that attract corrupted proteins, increasing the risk of variant CJD in younger individuals. This finding may lead to better diagnosis methods and potential vaccine development.
A new study reveals that people with coeliac disease are at risk of developing osteoporosis due to an immune system attack on their bone tissue. Researchers have identified a protein called osteoprotegerin as the target of this attack, leading to rapid bone destruction and severe osteoporosis.
A study of 8-year-old children whose mothers ate large amounts of liquorice when pregnant found they performed worse in cognitive tests and had poor attention spans. The researchers linked this to the glycyrrhizin in liquorice, which may impair the placenta and allow stress hormones to cross to the baby.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have identified a protein that enables sections of so-called junk DNA to be cut and pasted within genetic code. This finding could speed up the development of gene therapies by allowing scientists to control the process of DNA transposition.
A 25-year study found premature births increased by nearly 10 times, yet survival rates more than halved, with a 10% reduction in stillbirths associated with pre-term births. Researchers attribute the findings to better understanding and medically induced early births.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh discovered that invadolysin, a protein present in all cells, is linked to lipid droplets used for fat storage. Lower levels of invadolysin were found to be associated with reduced fat deposits, suggesting its potential role in obesity and related complications.
A new study has found that nearly three percent of healthy people have an abnormality on a brain MRI scan, raising concerns about the benefits of commercial brain screening. The researchers argue that there is limited medical evidence to support treatment for incidental abnormalities, potentially creating anxiety among patients.
Scientists have developed a new method to monitor underground movements using earthquake data, allowing for comprehensive mapping of the Earth's seismic activity. This breakthrough increases the number of locations that can detect seismic activity and enables monitoring from far deeper within the Earth.
A recent study found that the type 1 cannabinoid receptor is key to bone development and osteoporosis. Cannabis may reduce bone strength in young people but protect against osteoporosis in older age.
A global breast cancer trial has recruited Chinese patients for the first time, evaluating the treatment's impact on cancer recurrence after mastectomy. Researchers aim to identify molecular fingerprints of each patient's cancer to determine the most likely candidates for radiotherapy.
Expectant mothers who are obese are nearly 10 times more likely to suffer from chest infections and more than twice as likely to experience headaches and heartburn compared to women of a healthy weight. Obese pregnant women also face increased risks of carpal tunnel syndrome, symphysis-pubis dysfunction, and higher treatment costs.
Research suggests that breaking down lung mucus with cystic fibrosis medicines can reduce the severity of bacterial infections. The study's findings have important implications for managing long-term infections in patients with cystic fibrosis.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that a treatment intended to prevent premature births in single pregnancies may be ineffective in women expecting twins. Researchers discovered an underlying difference between premature births in women with single and multiple pregnancies, which could inform improvements in treatment.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have discovered that zebrafish can produce motor neurones after spinal cord damage, offering a potential stem cell treatment for humans. Researchers are now screening small molecules to find drugs that could kick-start motor neurone regeneration.
Researchers at University of Edinburgh partner with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to develop low-cost strategies to combat childhood pneumonia. The three-year project aims to predict effective treatment solutions and prioritize investments that save most lives.
A new paper by academics from Scotland and the US explores Brazil's role in changing global AIDS policy and promoting widespread access to AIDS treatment. Brazil's successful HIV/AIDS treatment program is considered a model for other developing countries.
Researchers found that dust blown to Antarctica from Patagonia provides vital information about glacier activity and past climates. The study suggests that the coldest periods of the last ice age correspond with the dustiest periods in Antarctica's past.
Genes from fireflies and jellyfish are used to light up cells expressing prolactin, a hormone linked to over 300 biological functions, including autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The technique helps scientists track prolactin production in real-time, shedding light on its role in the body.
A study by the University of Edinburgh found that Scotland and Ireland have twice the rate of alcohol-related deaths compared to the rest of England and Wales. Men born in India showed similar rates of alcohol-related death as Scottish- and Irish-born people, highlighting cultural differences in drinking habits.
A study by the University of Edinburgh found a gene called DISC1 may control how patients respond to psychiatric medication, offering a potential breakthrough in treating mental illnesses. The research identified seven proteins important to mental illness development, aiming to create new medicines targeting these proteins.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have discovered a link between cyclophilin A levels and liver damage following a paracetamol overdose. They hope to develop a treatment to block this protein's harmful actions, enabling early identification of high-risk patients.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh studied the Hedgehog signalling pathway in colon cells to find new treatments for inflammatory bowel disease. They discovered that a defective GLI1 protein may calm inflammation, but is only half as active in IBD patients.
A new imaging database of chick embryos will map gene expression during the first 10 days of development, providing insights into diseases like spina bifida and cancer. The £2.6 million initiative aims to understand why developmental problems occur.
The SINAPSE project brings together six Scottish universities to advance research into conditions like strokes, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia. The collaboration will enable the sharing of state-of-the-art technology to film brain workings, leading to new discoveries for treating brain conditions.
A 9-year study in sheep found that the likelihood of BSE transmission via blood transfusion was 36% for BSE and 43% for scrapie. Researchers warn that up to 4,000 people could be carrying vCJD in the UK, posing a risk through infected blood.
Researchers found that patients with incomplete heart attacks are at a higher risk of having another heart attack after discharge. The study suggests that some patients may not receive optimal treatment due to incorrect risk assessment.
Researchers have identified four mutated gene regions linked to schizophrenia, offering new hope for treatment and diagnosis. The findings may lead to individualized medicine and earlier identification of those at risk.
Researchers are developing a new approach to treat conditions like osteoarthritis and trauma injuries using patient-derived stem cells. The 'bioactive scaffold' protects the stem cells, simulating their growth into bone or cartilage in the affected area.
The Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine (IGMM) brings together researchers in human biology to develop non-toxic cancer treatments that could prevent tumours from spreading. The institute aims to learn lessons from each condition to inform others and develop personalized medical treatment.
A study found that inhaling diesel exhaust causes changes in the heart's electrical activity, reducing oxygen availability during exercise. Exposure to diesel exhaust also reduced the body's ability to release a 'guardian' protein, increasing the risk of blood clots.
A new £1m study aims to recruit 300 families of Indian and Pakistani origin to adopt a healthy lifestyle, with the goal of reducing type 2 diabetes by 50%. Researchers will provide culturally-specific advice on nutrition and exercise to family members at risk.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have found that people with bipolar disorder experience accelerated brain tissue loss, particularly in areas controlling memory, face recognition, and coordination. The study shows that repeated episodes of illness can lead to greater brain loss and decline in mental ability.
Scientists have developed a method to amplify vCJD prions from human brain tissue extracts, enabling recognition by existing detection methods. This breakthrough could aid in confirming whether someone is infected with variant CJD, crucial for preventing further disease spread through infected blood donations.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have shown that hormone therapy can prolong the life of some ovarian cancer patients by up to three years. The study found that targeted use of an anti-oestrogen drug could slow the growth and spread of disease in highly sensitive cancers.
Researchers have pinpointed how different types of damage to the DISC1 gene can cause schizophrenia and major depression. The study, published in Neuron, provides further evidence that these illnesses are inherited and may help doctors tailor treatments.
Researchers found a significant decline in death rates and heart failure among patients with severe heart attacks, with reductions of 4.5% and 11%, respectively. The study also showed improvements in stroke and further heart attack risk.
Scientists identified four Antarctic glaciers posing a threat to future sea levels, with East and West Antarctica's glaciers retreating in unison. A 0.35mm/year sea level rise due to the two ice sheets is about 12% of the current global trend.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have made a groundbreaking discovery in treating Rett syndrome, reversing symptoms in mice. By activating the MECP2 gene, they were able to eliminate breathing and mobility difficulties, leaving mice undistinguishable from healthy counterparts.