A study published by the University of Edinburgh found that exposure to air pollution in childhood is associated with a decline in thinking skills up to 60 years later. The research used historical data to estimate exposure levels and analyzed the relationship between air pollution and cognitive change throughout life.
Researchers have discovered fossils of tiny tyrannosaur embryos that provide insight into the early stages of these colossal animals. The discovery sheds light on the size and appearance of baby tyrannosaurs, which could grow up to 40 feet in length and weigh eight tonnes.
A study of nearly 16,000 patients across 82 countries found that low-and lower-middle-income countries had significantly higher mortality rates following surgery due to inadequate facilities and care plans. Investing in proper recovery spaces, trained staff, and critical care facilities can greatly improve surgical outcomes.
Well-preserved fossils from 547 million-year-old remains have enabled researchers to trace the ancestry of some of the world's earliest animals further back than ever before. The study has uncovered a link between Cambrian Explosion animals and one of their early ancestors.
A nationwide study found that people in Scotland's poorest areas were more likely to be affected by severe Covid-19 and die from the disease. The study highlights the need for extra support to critical care units in poorer areas and tackling health inequalities.
A study has identified five genes associated with severe COVID-19, which could lead to the development of new treatments. The genes, IFNAR2, TYK2, OAS1, DPP9 and CCR2, are involved in antiviral immunity and lung inflammation processes.
A study by University of Edinburgh researchers found that maternal stress levels during pregnancy affect the baby's brain development, particularly the amygdala. The findings highlight the need for pregnant women to receive mental and physical health support to promote healthy brain development in their babies.
A recent study reveals that the Milky Way galaxy is being warped and twisted by the gravitational force of the Large Magellanic Cloud, a smaller galaxy that crossed its boundary 700 million years ago. The effects are still being witnessed today and should force a revision of how our galaxy evolved.
A recent study suggests that bacteria can extract useful materials from rocks on Mars and the Moon, paving the way for new technologies to support human exploration and settlement. The findings also highlight the potential of microorganisms to enhance the removal of rare earth elements from lunar and Martian landscapes.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have identified a previously unknown species of teleosauroid and seven close relatives, offering insights into their adaptability and behavior. The study creates an updated family tree of the group, revealing two new large groups with distinct anatomical features.
A new mathematical approach could significantly reduce COVID-19 testing costs by up to 20 times, according to a study. The hypercube algorithm allows for simultaneous testing of multiple samples, making it easier to spot outbreaks early on and identify positive cases.
A newly discovered species of toothless, two-fingered dinosaur has provided evidence of digit loss in the oviraptor family, enabling them to adapt and diversify during the Late Cretaceous Period. The discovery also revealed that young dinosaurs roamed together in groups, suggesting a social behavior.
A widely used breathing test for patients with respiratory problems is flawed, according to a new study, as it fails to account for individual breathing patterns. Increasing the measurement time to two minutes and using specialized equipment could improve accuracy.
A new study found that gabapentin, a commonly used drug for chronic pelvic pain, is no more effective than a placebo in treating the condition. Researchers recommend exploring alternative therapies such as physiotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy instead.
A study suggests that deep-sea coral reefs are at risk of collapse due to increasing ocean acidity caused by rising levels of carbon dioxide. The underlying structures of the reefs become brittle and fragile, leading to early breakage and crumbling, ultimately shrinking the ecosystems.
A new tool helps clinical staff choose optimal treatment for hospital patients with COVID-19, categorizing patients into low-risk and high-risk groups. The four-rank system enables targeted care, such as treating at home or using antivirals for high-risk patients.
Scientists from the University of Edinburgh have made a groundbreaking discovery that fungal cells can develop drug resistance through epigenetic changes, without altering their DNA sequence. This finding has the potential to revolutionize the management of fungal infections in plants and humans.
A study of over 2,000 species reveals that common animal populations are rising and falling at a rate similar to rare species due to global change. Amphibians, however, experienced declines, while birds, mammals, and reptiles showed increases.
Children are less likely than adults to develop severe Covid-19 or die from the disease, with only six deaths reported among a total of 651 participants. Researchers identified new symptoms of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), including headaches and low platelet counts.
Researchers found a biological switch in the pituitary gland that enables animals to adapt to changing seasons, governed by hormones and genes. The study reveals a crucial role of the circadian gene BMAL2 in seasonal adaptations, shedding light on the underlying processes.
Scientists from the University of Edinburgh developed a sustainable method to produce adipic acid, a key component of nylon, using genetically modified bacteria grown in liquid solutions containing guaiacol. This approach produces adipic acid without emitting nitrous oxide greenhouse gases.
Researchers found that tropical forest soils are highly sensitive to climate change, with a potential increase of 55% in soil carbon emissions if temperatures rise by four degrees Celsius. This could trigger further global warming and lead to the release of billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Scientists identify ten regions of the genome linked to long lifespan, healthspan, and longevity, finding a potential link between iron metabolism and healthy aging. The study's findings suggest that maintaining healthy levels of iron in the blood could be key to slowing aging and living longer.
A new study finds that chemicals can cause changes in cells to evade the immune system and build resistance to cancer drugs. The team identified specific combinations of mutations that create cancer cells, which could aid doctors in prescribing the most appropriate course of chemotherapy.
New international research reveals that forest cover loss amplifies both gains and losses in global biodiversity. The study, spanning 150 years and over 6,000 locations, finds that forests support around 80% of all land species, with some species declining rapidly after forest loss.
A new study reveals that global forest loss is amplifying both gains and losses in species diversity, leading to changes in ecosystems. The research found that some tropical areas experience significant declines in animal species due to forest loss.
Researchers are collecting DNA data from popular home genetic-testing kits to identify key genes involved in the body's response to Covid-19. The study, called Coronagenes, aims to understand why some people become ill while others remain symptom-free.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh discovered that synapse type shifts with age in unique patterns across different brain areas. This shift helps explain why genes cause synapse damage at set ages and in set brain areas.
Researchers will analyze samples from 1,300 Covid-19 patients in the UK to discover who is at higher risk of severe illness and what affects their immune systems. The study aims to improve treatment for patients and control the outbreak.
A study of over 4000 people finds that emotional resilience and extroversion can reduce loneliness, while social isolation is more significant for older adults who live alone. The research highlights the importance of understanding loneliness in different generations.
A team of palaeontologists has discovered stegosaur fossil footprints on the Isle of Skye, shedding light on dinosaur diversity in the Middle Jurassic period. The findings reveal that stegosaurs roamed the island around 170 million years ago and provide a clearer picture of Scotland's dinosaur evolution during this time.
Researchers found that warming temperatures and wetter weather are causing woody plants to spread across tundra and savanna landscapes, transforming unique biodiversity and affecting climate systems.
Researchers have created a single-molecule magnet that can store and access data using laser pulses, enabling hard drives to process data up to 100 times faster than current technologies. This development could improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions from cloud computing systems.
Researchers found that male-killing bacteria ensure the survival of a specific color pattern gene in female butterflies, causing them to resemble their fathers despite only having female offspring. The study reveals how this genetic manipulation affects butterfly evolution and population dynamics.
Researchers found that a specific gene is switched off in alpine plants, allowing them to grow hairs and protect against UV sunlight. The discovery could aid the production of useful chemicals and provide insights into plant evolution.
Researchers discovered genetic differences between families of the same fish that confer resistance to the lethal virus. This finding could help protect tilapia stocks worth nearly $10 billion to the global economy and alleviate hunger in developing countries.
Experts advise against using steroids to treat lung injury caused by coronavirus due to potential harm. Steroids can impair the immune system's ability to fight viruses, leading to prolonged illness and increased risk of complications.
A global team of scientists is analyzing satellite and drone data to better understand the impact of climate change on Arctic vegetation. The research found that the greening of Arctic regions is caused by more than just warming temperatures, with other changes including differences in snowmelt and landscape wetness.
The MND-SMART trial is a comprehensive clinical study that seeks to find treatments for motor neurone disease (MND), a progressive condition affecting the nervous system. The trial will involve over 1,500 participants and test multiple treatments against a shared placebo group.
A new genetic test approach may help diagnose Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy and other rare diseases by identifying mutations that trigger muscle-wasting conditions. The study identified over 20 new mutations linked to the condition, which affects around one in 100,000 people worldwide.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that amyloid beta and tau proteins work together to hamper key genes responsible for brain messaging in people with Alzheimer's disease. This damage can be reversed by reducing the presence of tau proteins, according to the study.
Researchers found that dichloroacetate treatment lowered lactate production and stopped abnormal cell growth in women with endometriosis. The study suggests a new non-hormonal treatment option for the condition, which affects millions of women worldwide.
A study suggests that ancient rock structures on Earth may be mistaken for fossils, which could aid future Mars missions. Research by University of Edinburgh scientist Sean McMahon created synthetic iron-rich formations in the lab, mimicking those found on Mars.
A study of over 1000 people aged 70 found that those who played non-digital games scored better on memory and thinking tests. Increasing game playing during their 70s also predicted maintaining certain thinking skills as they grew older.
Scientists have discovered gases released from deep beneath the Earth's crust in South Africa, which originate from a column of hot material called a hotspot. This hotspot pushes the crust upwards, generating the distinctive landscape consisting of tablelands over one kilometre above sea level.
Researchers have discovered that genetic changes caused by natural selection are contributing to an early shift in the birth dates of wild red deer on Scotland's Isle of Rum. The deer population has been adapting to a warming climate, giving birth three days earlier per decade since the 1980s.
Trimbot uses cameras and 3D mapping technology to self-navigate gardens and perform precise tasks, including pruning roses and trimming bushes. The robot's advanced algorithms enable it to compare overgrown bushes with ideal shapes and pinpoint exact stem cuts for rose pruning.
A study by the University of Edinburgh found that warmer springs cause blue tits to begin breeding earlier, with chicks hatching after peak caterpillar numbers. This suggests that night-time temperatures and tree leafing cues influence bird reproductive timing.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have identified three new sub-types of cells involved in liver scarring, accelerating the disease progression. The discovery is expected to accelerate the development of new treatments for liver diseases, which affect one in five people in the UK.
Research suggests that children from economically deprived areas are three times more likely to have speech, language and communication concerns than their more affluent peers. This study highlights the need for policies addressing social factors that impact language development.