A care package aimed at reducing the risk of stillbirth showed a marginal drop in rates, but effects were too small to prove its benefits. The study suggests other interventions will likely be needed to reduce stillbirth rates worldwide.
New research reveals Arctic plant height increased by 20-60% over 30 years, with non-native species like vernal sweetgrass spreading into the region. Soil moisture plays a crucial role in changing plant traits, contrary to previous climate change models.
A recent study published in NeuroImage found that breast milk is associated with improved brain connectivity in premature babies. The research, conducted by the University of Edinburgh, suggests that exclusive breastfeeding for at least three-quarters of hospital days can lead to better long-term outcomes for pre-term infants.
Encouraging strength-based exercises like squats and lunges could play a key role in tackling child obesity by reducing body fat percentage. The findings also suggest an increase in muscle mass gained from strength training can help boost children's metabolism and energy levels.
Two variants of autoimmune disease SLE were identified in black Africans, including one previously unacknowledged. This breakthrough enables better management of the disease in southern Africa, where incidence and mortality rates are high.
A blood test for microRNAs may help predict the likelihood of disease in dairy cows and improve animal welfare. This approach is already being applied to human disease diagnosis.
The £3 million DOSA programme aims to develop rapid diagnostic solutions for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in India. The project will create cutting-edge diagnostics to curb AMR in community healthcare, dairy farms and aquaculture settings.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh discovered that tiny vibrations can be used to heat small amounts of liquid, potentially improving systems that prevent ice build-up on aeroplanes and wind turbines. The findings could also lead to more efficient drying of clothes in appliances.
A study of fossilized teeth shows that marine predators thrived as sea levels rose during the Jurassic Period, while species in shallower waters declined. The research also found that the food chain structure beneath the sea has remained largely unchanged since the Jurassic era.
Research at the University of Edinburgh found that a previously thought-to-be ineffective antibiotic, fosfomycin, can actually kill Listeria bacteria in infected cells and mice. This breakthrough may provide new treatment options for life-threatening Listeria cases.
A new study suggests that incorporating heart scans into routine care could save thousands of lives in the UK. The SCOT-HEART study found that patients who received a computed tomography angiogram (CTA) scan had a 40% lower risk of heart attack within five years.
Research suggests that tree felling in African savannas is releasing at least three times more carbon than previously thought. The study found that degradation releases around twice as much carbon as deforestation, leading to combined losses of three to six times higher than expected.
Research identified four simple checks on brain scans that can help doctors predict patients at risk of further bleeding after a brain hemorrhage. These checks can be applied during routine care to monitor patients and improve survival rates, especially in low- or middle-income countries where access to advanced CT angiography is limited.
A new blood test can quickly detect early signs of liver disease in dogs, enabling prompt treatment and reducing the need for invasive biopsies. The test is based on insights from human patients and has been successfully tested on 250 dogs.
Researchers created a map of over a billion brain cell connections to understand how memories are formed and recalled. The study revealed diverse patterns of synapses that may be key to recalling information, potentially helping scientists understand memory problems.
Researchers found that nine-month-old children who heard baby talk words such as 'bunny' and 'choo-choo' more frequently grasped new words faster between 9-21 months. This suggests that specific types of baby talk words, like those ending in 'y', can facilitate vocabulary development.
Researchers discovered that cave-dwelling corals can cooperate to capture and eat jellyfish swept against ocean currents. The coral species Astroides calycularis benefits from this coordinated effort by gaining access to a large meal.
Current tropical forests' capacity to absorb carbon dioxide is being compromised by deforestation and climate change, threatening global temperature rise goals. Researchers estimate that forests are currently absorbing as much CO2 as they generate through deforestation and degradation.
Researchers found a significant drop in hospital admissions for toxic effects of so-called legal highs after UK government restrictions and local council measures were implemented. This led to healthcare savings, suggesting that these measures were effective in preventing drug-related harm.
A gene study pinpoints how Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can jump between species, acquiring new genes that enable survival in a new host. The research highlights the importance of disease surveillance to spot strains that could cause major epidemics and informs strategies for managing infections.
A global study found that people infected with HIV are twice as likely to suffer from heart disease, with the greatest impact in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia Pacific regions. The study highlights the need for targeted treatments to maximize resources in countries with limited healthcare funding.
Researchers used high-energy laser beams and optical sensors to observe nitrogen behavior at extreme conditions, confirming it exists as a liquid metal. The findings shed light on the fundamental nature of nitrogen and its potential role in the planet's atmosphere evolution.
Researchers have discovered a possible treatment approach for cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), the most common cause of dementia and stroke in older adults. Studies with rats showed that treating SVD can reverse changes in blood vessels in the brain associated with the condition, as well as prevent damage to brain cells.
Research found inbred beetles made bad decisions in response to environmental changes, leading to reduced offspring survival and increased risk of extinction. The study suggests impaired thinking ability may contribute to this poor decision-making.
Scientists have created gene-edited pigs that resist Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) by removing a section of the CD163 receptor. The research shows that these pigs do not become infected with the virus, which causes significant economic losses in the pig industry.
Researchers discovered how bronchiectasis impairs immune cells, leading to repeated lung infections. Treatments targeting these cells could reduce chest infections and improve quality of life.
A new study has identified a distinct group of men who may be underestimating their HIV risk due to fear of stigma and rejection. These men, including bisexual and non-gay-identified individuals, tend to mix with each other and acquire infection from within their own networks, rather than openly gay men or heterosexual women.
Researchers have identified a critical aspect of healthy cell division and revealed how a vital protein called CENP-A is incorporated into chromosomes. A two-step process was found to be essential for replenishing the protein, involving targeting and transcription-induced remodelling of chromatin.
Researchers discovered that aspirin blocks TIF-IA, a molecule essential for the nucleolus to function, driving tumour formation and dysfunction. Regular use of aspirin may help pinpoint those most likely to benefit from the treatment.
Researchers observed radio waves to measure carbon monoxide gas in distant galaxies, revealing that stars born during intense starbursts are massive. The findings challenge classical ideas about star formation and galaxy evolution over cosmic time.
A study published in Foodborne Pathogens and Disease suggests that farm animals may play a role in helping to combat drug-resistant infections. Researchers analyzed the transfer of resistant E. coli between farm animals and humans, highlighting the need for more robust data and state-of-the-art genome analysis.
A quarter of intensive care patients are readmitted to hospital shortly after returning home, research suggests. Poor carer stress, difficulty understanding health and social care packages, and psychological trauma contribute to high rates of return, the findings show. The study highlights the need for services to take into account com...
Researchers suggest iron-rich rocks near ancient lake sites on Mars could hold clues to past life, with sedimentary rocks rich in iron and silica being the most promising candidates for fossil preservation. This study aims to aid NASA's next rover mission by identifying the best places to search for evidence of ancient life.
Researchers developed a microdialysis technique to measure brown fat's chemical make-up, discovering its activation under both cold and warm conditions. The findings offer potential targets for therapies boosting brown fat's energy-burning power for weight loss.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have developed a lab-based system for studying Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), the most common cause of liver disease in the developed world. The new tool enables researchers to investigate biological mechanisms and develop effective treatments.
A new model reveals that brain cooling can reduce pressure inside the head, relieving swelling and further injury. Cooling newborn babies' scalps to 10C could help their core brain temperature fall, aiding recovery from birth complications.
A large-scale study has identified three new genes linked to the risk of Alzheimer's disease, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying the condition. The findings, published in Translational Psychiatry, are based on genetic data from over 300,000 people and could pave the way for new approaches to treating the disease.
A newly discovered 180-million-year-old Jurassic fossil has identified a missing link between two distinct families of prehistoric crocodiles. The Magyarosuchus fitosi specimen, featuring a large portion of its backbone, suggests that it is an intermediate form between the armoured and unarmoured groups.
A definitive list of never events has been established in dentistry to ensure excellent patient care globally. The consensus includes routine assessments, surgery, and equipment sterilization errors.
The UK Regenerative Medicine Platform aims to develop novel therapies that mimic the environment where stem cells grow in the body. Researchers will use their findings to stimulate repair mechanisms in damaged tissues, funded by £4 million.
The MRC Human Genetics Unit at the University of Edinburgh has received £53 million in funding to study human genetics. The unit will investigate genetic variations and their impact on diseases, including those affecting childhood development and cancer.
Researchers discovered tiny DNA fragments, mtDNA, in patients' blood samples that are associated with disease flare-ups. These molecules can trigger an inflammatory response and damage to healthy tissues, causing symptoms of bowel diseases like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.
The GlobalSurg3 study will pool data from hundreds of hospitals worldwide to compare surgery quality and highlight ways to improve patient care. The initiative aims to provide high-quality surgical care to millions of patients diagnosed with breast, gastric, or colon cancer annually.
A large-scale study has revealed two gene variants linked to increased malaria risk and one variant that protects against other childhood diseases. The study found that the Sl2 mutation in the CR1 gene offers protection against cerebral malaria, but only if alpha-thalassaemia is not present.
Regular testing and treatment of pre-school children for snail fever could reduce the spread of the disease while promoting childhood health and development. Infected children can develop symptoms within three months and may experience stunted growth, learning difficulties, and increased risk of malnutrition.
A recent study has pinpointed nearly 80 genes that may contribute to depression, providing new insights into the causes of mental ill-health. The research, published in Nature Communications, analyzed genetic data from over half a million people and found links to synapse function.
Research suggests that taking painkillers during pregnancy could reduce the number of cells in the testes and ovaries, which give rise to sperm and eggs. This could lead to an early menopause in females and affect the fertility of future generations.
A study of a billion Twitter posts found that users with darker skin tones modified emojis more often to express their identity, while users with light skin were less likely to make changes. The results also showed that darker skin tones were underrepresented globally, but still widely used.
A new scoring system, GCS-Pupil, improves the assessment of brain injuries by adding a simple score for pupil response. This allows doctors to quickly predict patient conditions and make informed decisions about care.
A new smartphone app developed by animal welfare experts will support vital work in clinics caring for stray dogs worldwide. The app enables staff to track the wellbeing of dogs during catch-neuter-return processes, spotting signs of distress and developing strategies to improve care.