A newly discovered species of ancient marine crocodile, Enalioetes schroederi, has provided fresh insight into how metriorhynchids evolved during the Cretaceous Period. The fossil, with a remarkably preserved skull and internal anatomy, shows adaptations to an increasingly marine lifestyle.
A study found that 46% of advertising complaints were due to concerns about the wellbeing of children, while graphic portrayals accounted for 20%. Researchers call on advertisers to test their ads with vulnerable groups and regulators to consider different management strategies. Charities had the most complained-about adverts, followed...
A 30-year study suggests that radiotherapy can prevent breast cancer recurrence in the same location for up to 10 years after surgery, but survival rates remain similar. The study found fewer deaths from breast cancer among those who received radiotherapy compared to those who did not.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh suggest that carvings on a stone pillar at Göbekli Tepe in Turkey represent the world's oldest solar calendar, dating back to a comet strike around 10,850 BC. The V-shaped symbols may record an astronomical event that triggered changes in human civilization.
A continent-wide mapping study of plant life across Antarctica has detected almost 45 square kilometers of vegetation, with over 80% contained within the Antarctic Peninsula and neighbouring islands. The study provides a baseline for monitoring how Antarctica's vegetation responds to climate change.
A new timeline of early animal fossils links sea level changes to the emergence of bilaterian animals, which display symmetrical body plans. The study reconstructs environmental conditions during the Ediacaran-Cambrian interval and identifies gaps in the fossil record.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed strong, flexible gel-like tubes that mimic the properties of human veins. These artificial blood vessels could transform the treatment of cardiovascular diseases by replacing the current human and synthetic veins used in heart bypass surgeries.
A study published in Appetite found that individuals with strong moral values prioritizing purity are more likely to reject lab-grown meat. The research suggests that emotion and moral values play a significant role in shaping attitudes toward cultured meat.
Researchers found that a specific gene variation in women with chronic pelvic pain makes them more likely to respond to the medication gabapentin. The study could lead to tailored treatment and minimize adverse effects for millions of women worldwide.
Astronomers have created the most detailed weather report for two distant worlds, measuring light waves emitted from their surfaces to track atmospheric changes. The study uses NASA's JWST to capture the extreme conditions on brown dwarfs, providing insights into the potential missing link between stars and planets.
Cutting processed meat intake by 30% reduces the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and colorectal cancer. The study found that this reduction would lead to over 350,000 fewer diabetes cases and tens of thousands fewer cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer cases.
Researchers discovered how honeybees interpret dances that relay directions to food, even in complete darkness. By analyzing bee movements and antennae signals, scientists found a neural mechanism that combines sensory data from the two systems.
Research shows that undersea anchors of ice, known as pinning points, are shrinking at more than twice the rate compared to 50 years ago. This accelerated unanchoring of Antarctic ice shelves is expected to accelerate sea-level rise and global carbon emissions.
Researchers conducted the first controlled exposure clinical trial in humans using graphene oxide without adverse effects on lung or cardiovascular function. Further studies are needed to assess higher doses and longer exposures to determine safety.
Genetic analysis identified rare mutations in SPOCD1 and a new gene C19orf84 that work together to protect early-stage sperm cells from damage. This discovery could lead to expanded genetic screening for rare mutations and provide closure to affected individuals.
Frailty levels dropped in the 2000s but increased steeply in the 2010s due to austerity measures, leading to a significant decline in health among the UK's oldest adults. The study warns that any new austerity measures should be carefully considered given their potential impact on long-term health.
A University of Edinburgh-led research team traced the lineage of 743 RNA virus species to track their evolution and identify those most likely to emerge and spread rapidly in humans. The findings show that viruses that can spread within human populations typically evolve separately from strictly zoonotic viruses.
Researchers discovered two nanoscale effects that influence bubble stiffness, leading to better predictions and design of nanobubbles for water treatment and surface cleaning. The study found a better model to describe their dynamics, enabling more efficient and precise cleaning processes.
The NHS must treat at least 10% more non-emergency hospital cases a month to reduce the backlog caused by the pandemic. Experts estimate that even increased capacity will not clear the build-up of cases before 2025.
Researchers used AI to analyze detailed scans of tongues and found distinctive patterns in papillae shapes and sizes. This unique feature can help develop personalized food alternatives and early diagnosis of oral cancers.
Scientists have solved a decades-long puzzle and unveiled ultra-hard materials that rival diamond in toughness. The breakthrough could lead to multifunctional materials for industrial applications such as protective coatings and high-endurance cutting tools.
Researchers used 3D eye scans to detect changes in the retina and monitor kidney health, finding that thinner retinas correlated with declining kidney function. The technology has potential to support early diagnosis and aid lifestyle changes to reduce health complications.
Researchers developed a new technique, STAPull, to detect protein aggregates in neurological conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. This innovation enables early diagnosis using biomarkers, potentially improving treatment options and quality of life.
Researchers discovered that specific enzymes on immune cells can predict patient survival and response to immunotherapies. High levels of CD39 on cytotoxic T cells located within tumors are associated with increased survival and better response to treatment.
The DecodeME study reveals that women are more severely affected by ME/CFS, experiencing more symptoms and co-occurring conditions than men. The study confirms a sex bias among ME/CFS patients, with women making up 83.5% of respondents.
Scientists have created ultra-thin layers of human cells in tube-like structures using the RIFLE technique, enabling the development of lifelike tissue models. This innovation has significant implications for drug development and disease research, offering a more accurate alternative to animal models.
Research suggests that involving women more in agricultural decision-making can lead to a wider variety of crops being grown, improving nutritional value and environmental benefits. This finding supports the importance of women's empowerment in improving global food supply and protecting low-income farming communities.
A 407-million-year-old plant fossil has overturned thinking on the evolution of leaves and revealed a new perspective on Fibonacci spirals in plants. The research, published in Science, found that ancient clubmosses developed non-Fibonacci spiral patterns, diverging into two separate evolutionary paths.
Researchers found that a protein called phosphatidylinositol-4 kinase (PI4-kinase) acts as a 'hub' for brain communication by regulating bulk endocytosis. The molecule sustains neurotransmitter release during high brain activity, which is crucial for brain function.
Research identifies Indian Hedgehog protein as a key driver of chronic kidney disease and heart damage, offering new hope for treatments. The findings suggest that blocking the protein's actions could improve kidney function and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Researchers found that isosorbide mononitrate and cilostazol can safely improve debilitating outcomes after lacunar stroke. The two drugs were even more effective when used in combination, with participants showing significant improvements in thinking and memory skills, as well as quality of life.
A new study by researchers from the University of Edinburgh found that double testing with a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) increases the detection rate of bowel cancer to nearly 100%. This approach ensures more cases are identified and can potentially reduce demand for colonoscopies.
Researchers have discovered that toxic proteins, known as tau oligomers, are transported through synapses and contribute to the decline in brain function. The study found small clumps of tau oligomers inside synapses, which can spread through the brain and lead to neuron death.
Researchers found that joyful and calming music significantly decrease cybersickness intensity, nausea-related symptoms, and impairing effects on memory skills, reaction times, reading speed, and pupil size. The study suggests the potential of music as a solution for cybersickness in virtual reality.
A recent study found that males on reduced calorie diets showed greater fat loss and improvements in blood sugar levels compared to females in young adulthood. However, when dieting began at older ages, there was no significant difference in fat loss between sexes.
A study of Britain's native flowering plants found that genetic factors are more important than ecological ones in predicting hybrid formation. The research also discovered that species with different numbers of chromosome sets can still form hybrids.
Researchers used DNA methylation data alongside traditional risk factors to improve prediction accuracy for type 2 diabetes. The study, involving over 14,600 participants, found that the new approach correctly predicted an extra 449 individuals, leading to potential preventative measures and reduced health burden.
A recent study published in iScience has found that Covid-19 vaccination does not cause concerning changes to periods. Women who have been infected with the Covid-19 virus are at increased risk of menstrual changes such as missed or heavier periods.
Researchers have discovered molecular fingerprints in fossils that could help identify unknown organisms, including a tubular 'nematophyte' with algal and fungal characteristics. The study uses non-destructive imaging and machine learning to analyze the fossils, providing new insights into early life on Earth.
A UK study found that climate change beliefs increasingly predict opposition to natural gas extraction. Support for North Sea gas development decreased from 80% in 2019 to 70% in 2022 as concerns about climate change grew.
Research suggests regular physical activity can improve adolescents' mental health and help with behavioral difficulties. Engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity at age 11 was associated with better mental health between ages 11-13.
A new study suggests that radiotherapy does not improve survival rates in older breast cancer patients with early-stage breast cancer. The 10-year study found that adding radiotherapy to breast-conserving surgery and hormone therapy did not increase death rates among patients aged 65 or older.
New research suggests that violence and warfare were prevalent in many Neolithic communities across Northwest Europe during the period of farming adoption. Over 10% of skeletal remains from 180 sites dating back to 8000-4000 years ago showed evidence of weapon injuries, including blunt force trauma and penetrative injuries.
A study suggests that high fertiliser prices could lead to an additional 100 million people being undernourished, with up to one million deaths annually. The war in Ukraine has disrupted food exports, but energy and fertiliser price spikes are the primary drivers of food price rises.
Researchers found that a senolytic drug can preserve the biliary tract's regenerative capacity in liver cells damaged by cold storage. This discovery could lead to improved liver transplant success rates, saving lives and reducing costs associated with transplant failure.
A study suggests young people are hesitant to use digital mental health resources due to lack of trust in their effectiveness. Researchers found that perceived ease of use and mental health need did not significantly impact intentions to use a resource.
A new study suggests that existing medicines can prevent long-term damage to the kidney and cardiovascular system caused by acute kidney injury. In mice, endothelin-blocking medicines showed promising results in reducing inflammation, blood pressure, and scarring in the kidney.
A landmark study provides the strongest evidence yet that dinosaurs were in their prime when a deadly asteroid hit, leading to their mass extinction. The research shows that mammals diversified their diets and adapted to environments, creating advantages that helped them survive the disaster.
A quarter of former Olympians suffer from osteoarthritis, with a higher risk of knee and hip osteoarthritis after sports-related injuries. Elite athletes also experience increased lower back pain and shoulder osteoarthritis.
A high-salt diet was found to increase the levels of a stress hormone by 75 per cent in mice, indicating that excessive salt consumption may contribute to higher blood pressure and related health risks. Experts hope the findings will encourage policy changes to reduce salt intake in processed foods.