Researchers discovered dozens of giant footprints on Scotland's Isle of Skye, providing key insight into the evolution of dinosaurs during the Middle Jurassic period. The tracks were made by long-necked sauropods and sharp-toothed theropods, with some dating back to around 170 million years ago.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh will pool anonymised health records, genetics, and psychological studies to better understand mental health conditions like depression. The £2.2 million initiative could lead to new treatments and improved resilience for one in four people in the UK who experience a mental health issue annually.
A pen and paper chart, EPAT, helps doctors regularly record pain levels using a traffic light system, leading to reduced pain in cancer patients, and improved monitoring of medications and side effects. The study suggests this simple approach can put pain management at the forefront of routine care, with potential benefits for patients.
A study of beetles shows that those with physical impairments spend more time feeding their young, sacrificing resources to care for their offspring. The researchers suggest that the insects may respond by expecting not to breed again and expending more resources to guarantee their young's survival.
A new study suggests that managing eating habits, particularly meal times, could help control malaria infections. Researchers found that malaria parasites in infected mice timed their daily multiplication and invasion of red blood cells to match the animal's feeding schedule.
A study by the University of Edinburgh found that nearly half of stroke patients die within six months of admission. Healthcare staff should address emotional needs and prepare families for the possibility of death or disability.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have identified a cell process called senescence as a contributing factor to bile duct disease and liver failure. The study found that blocking chemical messages sent by cells during senescence restores liver function in mice, pointing towards new treatment targets.
A study of waterfalls found that river bed rock composition plays a crucial role in shaping the surrounding landscape over time. The research revealed that changes to the river bed material significantly impact how quickly waterfalls migrate upstream.
A DNA study of cow stomachs could significantly boost meat and dairy production by understanding which microbes help cattle extract energy from food. The research identified previously unknown enzymes that can break down plant material, potentially leading to new biofuels.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified a hormone called DHEA that can prime cells for implantation and increase active hormones. This discovery could lead to new treatments for infertility in women over 40.
A major review of evidence highlights a link between fluctuations in female sex hormones and the development of allergies and asthma. Analysis of over 500,000 women found that starting periods before age 11 and irregular periods were associated with a higher rate of asthma.
A new medical imaging technology has enabled doctors to detect bacteria deep inside patients' lungs for the first time. Early tests indicate it can diagnose harmful bacteria in less than 60 seconds, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use.
Patients in low-income nations have higher rates of surgical infections and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Infection complications can prolong recovery times and be fatal, highlighting an urgent need for global healthcare action.
A new study forecasts a 15% drop in average global lightning flashes by 2100 due to climate change. This could lead to fewer wildfires and reduced impact on infrastructure, as well as altered greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientists have successfully grown human eggs in a laboratory from their earliest stage to full maturity, paving the way for improved fertility treatments. The advance aims to safeguard the fertility of girls with cancer ahead of potentially harmful medical treatment.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified a key protein driving repair of the womb lining during menstruation, which is reduced in women with heavy periods. Boosting levels of this protein shows promise as a novel, non-hormonal treatment to reduce blood loss and improve tissue repair.
Researchers have solved a longstanding puzzle of how cells compact DNA to enable healthy cell division. They found that single cells can compact DNA 10,000-fold by forming series of compacted loops and anchoring them to a central spiral axis.
Researchers developed a new approach to detecting the cause of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the deadliest form of stroke. Combining a blood test with a brain scan can accurately spot cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a condition linked to ICH and increased risk of further strokes and dementia.
Researchers have made significant discoveries about the impact of glucocorticoid hormones on immune cells, shedding light on why some people develop resistance to commonly prescribed medicines. The study found that dynamic changes in DNA organisation occurred after just five minutes of drug application and persisted for up to five days.
A new gene-editing technique has improved the efficiency of producing medicines, renewable fuels and food supplements from algae, increasing yields 500-fold compared to previous methods. The breakthrough could unleash the potential of the global algae industry worth $1.1 billion by 2024.
A 530-million-year-old trilobite fossil contains the earliest known example of an eye, with a primitive form of compound eyes similar to those in modern animals. The study suggests that compound eyes have changed little over 500 million years.
A study published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health found that prolonged convulsive seizures in childhood can lead to lasting neurological conditions, including epilepsy, learning disabilities, and movement problems. Children with pre-existing neurological issues were more likely to experience chronic problems after a seizure.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute are investigating gene drive technology to curb pest rodent populations. They aim to reduce or eliminate pest species using a more humane method.
Researchers studied 3000 human neuromuscular junctions, revealing details of their anatomy and structure. Human NMJs were found to be smaller and frailer than those in mice and rats, with no effect of age on their health.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have identified two molecules, SMAD2 and SMAD3, that enhance cellular reprogramming efficiency. This breakthrough could accelerate production of induced pluripotent stem cells for studying diseases like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.
Researchers developed tiny robots measuring a few millionths of a metre long that can diagnose and treat illness in hard-to-reach areas. The robots could track chemical changes linked to illness onset and deliver targeted drugs with high precision, potentially paving the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
A recent study has shed light on the causes of Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) by revealing how toxic alpha-synuclein clumps disrupt vital parts of neurons and spread through brain connections. The research, led by the University of Edinburgh, used advanced technology to visualize synapses in DLB brains.
Researchers have obtained detailed maps of Pine Island Glacier, the fastest melting glacier in Antarctica, using radar surveys and snowmobiles. The findings show a surprisingly diverse landscape under the ice, with mountains and deep scour marks that will influence the flow and behavior of the ice.
Researchers have developed a new system to study Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in the laboratory, using brain cells derived from human stem cells. The method enables scientists to infect human cells with prions and replicate the proteins in the lab, providing valuable information for potential treatments.
Fast-moving space dust could collide with biological particles, enabling bacteria and organisms to travel to other planets. The study suggests that asteroid impacts are not the sole mechanism for transferring life between planets.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified a previously unknown mechanism by which immune responses are regulated. The discovery found that Th2 cells express EGFR, releasing defense molecules only in response to parasites, preventing tissue damage.
A new study of chimpanzee brain scans reveals a unique human brain structure, with the left hemisphere longer than the right. This asymmetry may hold the key to understanding how humans developed language ability.
A study by researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that Amazon forest areas have limited ability to recover due to recent climate changes. The findings suggest that replanted and recovering forests can only lock away about two-thirds of the carbon they have lost over the past 20 years.
A low-cost rapid blood test can accurately rule out heart attack risk in nearly half of all patients with chest pain, saving millions from further tests and reducing healthcare costs. The test, which measures troponin levels in the blood, can identify a threshold level below which patients are unlikely to have had a heart attack.
A new blood test can accurately predict which patients are at risk of liver damage from paracetamol overdose, enabling targeted treatment and reducing hospital stays. The test detects three specific molecules associated with liver damage, allowing for earlier intervention and more effective care.
As people age, their ability to filter distracting information and consider others' perspectives declines, increasing the risk of oversharing. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh and Northwestern University found that older adults are more likely to reveal irrelevant details in conversation.
Experts say social media data use needs stricter guidelines due to rapid technological advancements and lack of adequate ethics frameworks. Researchers are mining large datasets to uncover insights into human behaviour, but only a small fraction report considering the ethical implications.
African teams join forces with UK experts to develop novel treatments for malaria and sleeping sickness, as part of the £7 million Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (Tiba) project. The initiative aims to strengthen health systems across the continent.
A new experimental drug has been found to block deadly muscle scarring that contributes to chronic heart failure and skeletal muscle disorders. The treatment targets alpha V integrins on scar-forming cells, reducing scarring even when the process has already started.
Scientists discovered that hardy corals, known as coralliths, can create stable habitats for other species to build upon. These mobile corals can survive harsh environments and may have played a key role in forming existing coral habitats.
A major study of genetic information found that education leads to a longer life, with almost a year added for each year spent studying beyond school. Lifestyle choices such as quitting smoking, studying longer, and being open to new experiences also contribute to a longer lifespan.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have made a significant discovery on how a harmful parasite harnesses energy, which could lead to new treatments. The study reveals that targeting a key enzyme linked to metabolism could be an effective way to kill the parasite without harming humans.
A recent genetic study found that men's ability to father children later in life has no link to their longevity, and women's survival past 50 is not favoured by evolution. The research suggests that genes beneficial for both early and late life are the key to understanding why people live beyond 50.
A new study from the University of Edinburgh found that lifestyle factors such as diet and activity levels have a major impact on regional obesity rates in Scotland. By addressing these factors, public health initiatives can help narrow the health divide between regions.
Scientists discovered a network of neurons in bees' brains that integrates direction and distance changes, enabling them to return home. A detailed computer model was developed based on this research, which could lead to new algorithms for autonomous robots.
Scientists have identified genetic processes that enable nerve-supporting cells to transform into specialized versions that facilitate nerve regeneration. This knowledge may lead to new drug therapies for peripheral neuropathies, a set of conditions causing numbness, muscle weakness, and sensitivity.
A newly identified prehistoric marine predator has shed light on the origins of ancient reptiles. The Melksham Monster, a 10-foot-long animal that lived in warm seas during the Middle Jurassic, reveals an early rise of these distant relatives.
Research finds high levels of helium in UK coal seams, enabling detection of gas leaks and contamination. The discovery may also enable large volumes of helium gas to be recovered for sale.
A new drug targeting technique has been developed to target specific cells in the body, potentially improving therapies for immune-related diseases. The approach preferentially targets harmful macrophages while leaving healing cells unaffected, offering a promising solution for conditions such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh and Harvard University made a breakthrough in understanding how cells store and manage DNA during cell division. Their study revealed the importance of careful timing in organizing genetic material, which may help shed light on Cornelia de Lange syndrome.