A study on Soay sheep reveals that their immune responses to parasitic worms decline through adulthood, leading to increased mortality rates. The findings provide the first evidence linking declining immune function and survival in wild animals, highlighting a critical issue for human health as well.
A fossil skull found in a Bavarian town in the 1770s has been recognized as Mystriosaurus laurillardi, a now-extinct species that lived in tropical waters during the Jurassic Period. Researchers have also identified another skull discovered in Yorkshire, belonging to the same species.
Researchers have created a targeted transport system using palladium-based exosomes to deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to cancer cells. This method has the potential to reduce side effects and increase treatment efficacy.
Researchers have developed a molecular shuttle system to deliver precious metal catalysts directly to cancer cells, potentially reducing side effects of chemotherapy. The new method uses artificial exosomes to transport palladium catalysts straight to primary tumours and metastatic cells.
Research on dental calculus reveals a monotonous potato-based diet for the poor, supplemented by eggs and wheat when available. The study of 42 people's remains found evidence of corn, oats, and milk foodstuffs, shedding new light on the Great Famine's social disaster.
Researchers from University of Edinburgh and Pennsylvania State University have made a groundbreaking discovery using equations developed by James Clerk Maxwell, leading to the identification of Dyakonov-Voigt waves. These newly discovered waves have unique properties and could be used in biosensors and fibre optic circuits.
Research suggests DNA changes can increase susceptibility to age-related diseases like heart conditions and blood cancers. A study of over 1000 older individuals found those with somatic mutations had a biological age almost four years older than those without alterations.
A comprehensive genetic map reveals Scotland is divided into six clusters, mirroring ancient kingdoms such as Strathclyde and Pictland. This analysis could aid the discovery of rare DNA differences related to human disease.
Researchers developed a new gene activation method that targets previously difficult-to-activate genes in bacteria, including those involved in infections and industrial applications. This technique has the potential to revolutionize the production of useful products with high efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
A €4.5 million project, ARREST-TB aims to develop affordable, accurate diagnosis of TB in resource-limited settings. The technology will enable precise treatments and limit disease propagation.
A recent study by University of Edinburgh researchers found that nearly 20% of people waiting for hip replacements suffer from extreme pain or discomfort. The study also revealed that knee replacement patients face similar struggles, with 12% reporting severe health issues.
A satellite study found that a region in northern tropical Africa emits between 1 and 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon annually, comparable to the emissions of 200 million cars. The research uses data from two NASA satellites and improves understanding of greenhouse gas sources.
A study warns that large areas of tropics could vanish within 80 years if global dietary habits don't change, leading to widespread species loss. Replacing animal products with plant-based alternatives can reduce agricultural land use by 11%.
A new computer tool can reveal valuable insights into rodents' communication patterns and is more reliable than existing methods. The system analyses audio recordings of ultrasonic vocalisations to determine different types of sounds, standardizing interpretations for direct comparisons.
Research suggests reusing oil rigs as CO2 storage sites could be 10 times cheaper than decommissioning. This scheme would store natural gas production emissions and help combat climate change by locking away CO2.
Researchers found that Edinburgh has the highest rate of inflammatory bowel disease globally, with one in 98 people expected to be affected by 2028. The study highlights the need for more resources to provide patients with research, treatment, and care.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh used supercomputer calculations to study the growth and collapse of tiny bubbles, known as nanobubbles. The findings suggest that these bubbles can burst to release powerful jets of liquid, causing damage to industrial structures.
The University of Edinburgh's space mining devices will be tested in orbit to study how microscopic organisms can recover minerals from space rocks. The experiment aims to develop ways to source essential materials for survival in space.
Small changes to food production and consumption, such as reducing waste and altering diets, could reduce the land required to feed the planet by at least 21%. Altering diets in developed nations is found to have the greatest potential to reduce the impact of food production. Changes to food systems are needed to provide nutritional fo...
Researchers are testing a therapy called bermekimab, which blocks inflammation and pain-causing molecules in the immune system. The trial aims to improve outcomes in lung, pancreatic and ovarian cancer patients, with the goal of reducing symptoms such as weight loss and decreased mobility.
A study by University of Edinburgh scientists reveals that a protein called clusterin builds up in vital parts of neurons, disrupting brain cell connections and contributing to dementia symptoms. The findings shed light on the causes of Alzheimer's disease and will help accelerate the search for a treatment.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have developed a system to study endothelial cells, which line blood vessel walls. This breakthrough could lead to therapies that promote new blood vessel growth and help treat conditions like heart disease.
A €10 million, four-year project will assess the Atlantic's health using latest technologies, combining data on marine life, habitats, and human activities. The study aims to provide unprecedented insights into climate change's effects on plant and animal life in the Atlantic.
A hair-sized probe developed by scientists can measure key indicators of tissue damage deep in the lung, improving patient assessment and treatment. The technology offers fast, accurate measurements and flexibility to add more sensors, applicable to other body regions and inflammatory diseases.
A rapid retreat of Arctic coastline has been revealed through drone surveys, showing a 14.5-meter erosion over a 40-day period. The study highlights the impacts of climate change on permafrost landscapes, with storms causing increasing damage to coastal areas.
Researchers found that regular cells can adopt immune cell characteristics, sending warning signs when stressed or in danger. This mechanism may aid in detecting cancer cells sooner, preventing tumor formation.
A study found that four out of five people with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) experience lasting physical difficulties, with 80% still having symptoms in their arms and legs 14 years later. Doctors are urged to provide realistic prognoses and encourage targeted treatment for patients.
Researchers have discovered a molecule called LL-37 that changes cell behavior when infected with bacteria, triggering the production of neutrophils to destroy bacterial threats. The study's findings could lead to new approaches in treating multi-drug resistant infections.
A pilot study found that video consultations can help patients with long-term health problems and working individuals, saving time and travel. However, doctors emphasize the importance of in-person visits for delivering bad news or discussing serious issues.
The new system uses a database of clinical information to pinpoint DNA changes that cause illness, predicting consequences and ruling out harmless variations. This improves diagnosis for disorders caused by multiple genes, such as severe intellectual disabilities in children.
Research suggests that early lovastatin treatment in infancy can prevent learning problems in children with Fragile X Syndrome. The drug corrected memory and learning issues in rats with the genetic alteration, with benefits persisting for months after treatment ended.
A molecule called LL-37 has been found to boost the function of dendritic cells, which are used in cancer therapy. This improvement could lead to more effective treatments by increasing the success rate of dendritic cell-based therapies.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered a cell-wide web that transmits signals across tiny distances, allowing cells to rapidly rewire their communication networks. This discovery could lead to new insights into diseases such as pulmonary hypertension and cancer.
Researchers discovered unusual rocks in East Africa that provide clues into the hazards associated with active volcanoes. The rocks, formed by intense eruptions, suggest that future eruptions at these volcanoes have the potential to cause significant harm, further from the volcano than previously thought.
Researchers tracked outcomes from 537 people with brain haemorrhage while taking antiplatelet medicines, finding fewer recurrences compared to those who didn't take these treatments. The study suggests treatments may reduce rather than increase risk of further bleeding in the brain.
Researchers have identified a DNA mutation linked to breathing problems in dogs, including Norwich terriers with proportional noses. The discovery raises the possibility of genetic tests to identify animals at risk and could help breeders avoid producing affected pups.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh discovered a protein that switches on an immune response in stem cells, protecting them from viruses. This finding could help develop more efficient stem cell therapies to treat diseases like Parkinson's and diabetes.
Physicists uncover secrets of conching, a 140-year-old mixing technique that creates smooth chocolate texture by breaking down ingredients into finer grains. The study may lead to lower-fat chocolate and more energy-efficient manufacturing processes.
A small study found that cilostazol and isosorbide mononitrate treatments were safe for patients with strokes caused by damaged small blood vessels. The drugs may help improve blood vessel function and potentially reduce the risk of stroke and vascular dementia.
Researchers have discovered a protein, YTHDF2, that plays a key role in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), but not in healthy blood cells. This discovery holds promise for novel treatments with fewer side effects than current chemotherapy.
Research suggests early melting of winter snowfall is driving the Arctic's earlier spring season, with leaves and flowers emerging up to 20 days sooner than two decades ago. Warmer temperatures and sea ice loss also contribute to this trend.
Researchers have identified two sets of proteins that work together to keep DNA strands unknotted and tangle-free. These proteins, known as SMC and TopoII, use a mechanism similar to a belay device on climbers' rope to resolve knots and links in DNA.
Researchers found vitamin D affects dendritic cells' ability to activate T cells, hindering the activation process and reducing immune reactions. The study sheds light on how vitamin D deficiency may regulate the immune system and influence susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.
A £1.8m funding boost will help researchers at the University of Edinburgh improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for Crohn's disease, a condition affecting 120,000 people in the UK. The study aims to develop a non-invasive test using blood or stool to determine if the inflamed bowel wall has healed after treatment.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that a beetle's diet during sexual development affects its adult breeding habits. Females prefer to mate with well-fed males to optimize offspring health.
Researchers found a link between prostate medicines and increased risk of type 2 diabetes in men taking 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. Men on these medications should be monitored for warning signs of diabetes and have their prescriptions adjusted if necessary.
Researchers have found that extreme pressure and temperature conditions can create a state in which atoms form both solid and liquid structures. This new state, known as the chain-melted state, has been discovered in several elements, including potassium, sodium, and bismuth.
Scientists developed a new imaging technology to visualize what cells eat, such as glucose, which could aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases like cancer. The technique uses chemical probes that light up when they attach to specific molecules consumed by cells.
Scientists discovered a set of genes expressed in high levels in breast cancer tumors linked to aggressive types and shorter patient survival. The findings offer clues for diagnosis, prognosis, and potential drug discovery.
A newly identified species of 150 million-year-old marine crocodile has given insights into how a group of ancient animals evolved. The fossil, named Cricosaurus bambergensis, features distinguishing characteristics in its jaws and tail, aiding greater understanding of the metriorhynchid family.