Replacing sugar with non-nutritive sweeteners does not undermine weight loss or maintenance, and in some cases appears to help. Additionally, the review found no support for the idea that consuming sweeteners trains people to crave more sweetness or eat more overall.
Scientists at the University of Leeds developed an AI model that rapidly identifies plant proteins capable of acting as emulsifiers, cutting years of costly trial-and-error research. The model has already identified nearly 800 promising plant proteins, many of which had never been considered for this purpose.
A key molecule released during exercise, L-β-aminoisobutyric acid (L-BAIBA), has been discovered to strengthen muscles, improve exercise performance, and protect against muscle damage in type 2 diabetes. The study reveals L-BAIBA's role in muscle adaptation, metabolism, and contraction, offering promising insights for future therapies.
Scientists used a new method to measure Earth's temperature over the Phanerozoic period, finding past temperatures were around 10 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The study suggests that natural processes have regulated the planet's climate for millions of years, and humans must take action to maintain a habitable range.
Researchers found limited benefits to under-twos' screen time and a lack of guidance for parents, calling for targeted support and reduced screen time. The iADDICT group recommends no intentional screen time for under-twos to mitigate developmental concerns and promote healthier habits.
A new project aims to create an early warning system for climate impacts like flooding or droughts, helping insurers react quickly. Researchers will develop models of insurer responses to different levels of climate change, combining climate science with behavioral and political sciences.
The Earth's energy imbalance has grown to a record high, driving rapid global warming and its projected increase to 1.5°C in four years. Global greenhouse gas emissions have reached an all-time high, contributing to the acceleration of climate change.
Researchers at University of Leeds discover how platelet myosin is normally kept inactive, but genetic mutations push it out of balance leading to disease. This breakthrough sheds light on the role of platelet myosin in blood clotting and shedding new hope for treating bleeding disorders.
Researchers discovered how lycophytes, ancient spore-bearing vascular plants, adapted to survive the Permian-Triassic mass extinction by using carbon acid to store CO2 for daytime photosynthesis. This CAM photosynthesis method helped them thrive in extreme heat and dry environments.
The formation of freshwater lakes at the edge of Greenland's melting ice sheet is accelerating glacier flow, potentially increasing global sea-level rise. The lakes can destabilize glaciers, triggering movement and heightening ice loss.
Research by University of Leeds researchers found that thawing permafrost makes it 25-100 times more permeable, releasing large amounts of greenhouse gases. This could lead to a self-reinforcing process, exacerbating climate change.
A new study estimates that each hectare of tropical forest generates 2.4 million litres of rain annually, enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool. This process is known as evapotranspiration, where the sun's energy is used to transfer moisture from the leaves into the atmosphere.
Researchers found that trees recovering twice as fast in tropical forests with sufficient nitrogen could be preventing the annual sequestration of 0.69 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide. The study suggests ways to boost carbon capture through reforestation by managing nutrients available to trees.
Researchers detected up to 500 microscopic plastic particles per square meter per day in a rural woodland area, almost twice as much as in an urban location. The study reveals that trees and vegetation capture airborne microplastic particles from the atmosphere.
Veteran male athletes over 50 are more likely to experience abnormal heart rhythms during training if they have scarring in their hearts. Exercise itself is not the cause, but can act as a trigger for dangerous heart rhythms in those with underlying heart issues.
A recent study by the University of Leeds found that electric vehicles (EVs) are no more dangerous to pedestrians than traditional petrol or diesel cars. The research compared pedestrian casualty rates between EVs and non-electric vehicles, finding no significant difference.
The study warns that connecting isolated habitats can lead to the spread of diseases and invasive species, while also increasing wildfire risks. To mitigate these effects, researchers recommend implementing cost-reduction strategies such as disease surveillance, habitat filters, and fire breaks.
Despite government initiatives, UK children's dental health remains poor, with 26.9% of five-year-olds experiencing tooth decay and disadvantaged areas facing higher rates of tooth extractions. The Child of the North initiative highlights the need for scaled-up and strengthened schemes to address this issue.
Researchers developed an algorithm to optimize pacemaker function usage, reducing battery power consumption and potentially extending battery life by years. By switching off unnecessary features, doctors can reduce the number of surgeries needed and lower associated costs for the NHS.
A new study may transform the diagnosis of Britain's number one cancer, lung cancer. Researchers are investigating whether low-dose CT scans can detect lung cancers earlier than current chest X-rays. The study aims to identify which patients would benefit from these more accurate scans.
A new report reveals a significant north-south divide in autism assessment times, with children in the North waiting an average of 54 days compared to just 13 weeks in some areas. The data also shows that girls from Pakistani heritage are 11 times less likely to receive an autism diagnosis than White British boys.
Scientists develop a revolutionary 'blood on demand' technology that can preserve red blood cells for extended periods, reducing thawing and washing times. This innovation has the potential to transform emergency medicine and provide a reliable blood supply in crisis situations.
Researchers found that local climate heating caused by tropical deforestation is associated with 28,000 heat-related deaths each year, affecting over 48 million people in Indonesia, DRC, and Brazil. Deforestation eliminates trees that regulate the climate, leading to increased temperatures and greenhouse gas concentrations.
A new study has revealed that the world's largest tropical peatlands in the Congo Basin are approximately 42,000 years old, significantly older than previously thought. The peatlands store a substantial amount of carbon, equivalent to three years of global fossil fuel emissions.
A UK clinical trial found that almost nine in ten patients with a penicillin allergy label were not truly allergic after testing, and had their allergy label safely removed. This could help patients access more effective antibiotics and combat antibiotic resistance.
Researchers developed an AI system that enables a four-legged robot to adapt its gait to different terrain, just like animals. The robot learned to switch gaits on the fly and navigate uneven surfaces without any alterations to the system itself, overcoming previous limitations around adaptability.
A new online support package aims to empower parents of young autistic children to look after their dental health. The toolkit provides practical, tailored solutions focusing on toothbrushing, dentist visits, and eating habits, featuring videos and downloadable resources.
A five-week creative play programme has significantly improved new parents' and carers' mental health by reducing postnatal depression symptoms. The programme, Let's Play, encourages social connections between parents and boosts confidence.
New research reveals that the collapse of tropical forests during Earth's most catastrophic extinction event led to a prolonged period of high CO2 levels and extreme warming. The study supports the theory that thresholds exist in Earth's climate-carbon system, which can amplify warming when reached.
The study found that the remaining carbon budget for 1.5°C is 130 billion tonnes of CO2, which would be depleted in less than three years at current emission rates. This would lead to catastrophic climate impacts and exceed the carbon budget for 1.6°C or 1.7°C within nine years.
A new clinical trial has shown that a lower dose of radiotherapy can lead to higher levels of complete disappearance of cancer and fewer short-term side effects. The treatment approach, led by Professor David Sebag-Montefiore, aims to reduce the burden on patients and healthcare systems.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have found that one glacier in Antarctica is rapidly losing ice to its neighboring glacier due to changes in flow direction. This 'ice piracy' effect has been observed over less than 18 years, contrary to previous estimates of hundreds or thousands of years.
Researchers found that drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions could significantly reduce deaths from poor air quality, particularly in deprived regions of Europe. The study suggests that strong climate mitigation would also lead to a more equitable burden of air quality mortality across the continent.
Recent rainfall patterns play a critical role in triggering humid heatwaves in tropical and subtropical regions. In drier regions, humid heatwaves are more likely during or just after periods of enhanced rainfall, while in wetter regions, they tend to follow at least two days of suppressed rainfall.
The Caspian Sea is projected to decline by 5-21m in water level by 2100, posing significant threats to the region's biodiversity and human infrastructure. The research highlights the need for dynamic biodiversity protection approaches to safeguard ecosystems and human interests.
A new Electronic Frailty Index 2 (eFI2) system will improve the accuracy of identifying older people's frailty by integrating data on 36 health problems. This will enable GPs to provide personalized treatments to prevent costly loss of independence and falls in older age.
Scientists have identified a new reason for UK winter storm clusters, pointing to stronger winds in the Arctic stratosphere. This research reveals that an intense swirling vortex of winds miles above the Arctic can make severe winter storms more likely, and may offer early warnings for forecasters up to a month before they happen.
Researchers developed a tiny magnetic robot that can take 3D scans from deep within the body, enabling 'virtual biopsies' for non-invasive cancer diagnosis and treatment. The device uses high-frequency imaging to create detailed 3D reconstructions, allowing clinicians to diagnose and treat colorectal cancer in a single procedure.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a more affordable and lower-risk polio vaccine using virus-like particles (VLPs). VLPs mimic the outer protein shell of poliovirus but are empty inside, making them non-infectious yet capable of triggering an immune response.
Despite increased priority and awareness, many three- to five-year-olds in deprived areas lack access to supervised toothbrushing programmes. The study highlights the need for more funding to implement targeted schemes that improve children's oral health and education.
A new study suggests that reintroducing wolves to the Scottish Highlands could lead to an expansion of native woodland, sequestering one million tonnes of CO2 each year. This could help address the UK's carbon removal target and contribute to climate recovery.
A team of scientists found that Earth's current ice-covered state is not typical for the planet's history and was only achieved through a lucky coincidence. The researchers concluded that no single process could drive these cold climates, and that multiple processes working together were necessary.
Physicists have gained valuable insights into false vacuum decay using a quantum machine, which could determine the ultimate fate of the Universe. The simulation reveals complex interactions between bubbles in a false vacuum, offering new possibilities for studying the fundamental physics of the Universe.
A new database reveals significant gaps in hippo population knowledge, with fragmented populations relying on protected areas. The research calls for coordinated surveys and a centralized spatial database to improve conservation efforts.
A new study suggests that a significant proportion of UK holiday flights could be replaced with rail travel, resulting in substantial reductions in carbon emissions. The researchers found that most British people do not travel far for their holidays, making rail a viable alternative for short-haul flights.
A new study from the University of Leeds found that eating oily fish, fruits, cereals, and drinking moderate amounts of beer can lower the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. The research suggests that a tailored diet approach may be more effective for people with autoimmune diseases.
A new study warns that climate change could lead to the loss of up to 68% of the world's temperate rainforests by 2100, highlighting the urgent need for action. The UK has a quarter of the world's potential for restoration and is resilient to low and medium amounts of future warming.
A longitudinal study found that bacteria associated with inflammation in the gut increases ten months before patients develop clinical rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers are exploring potential treatments at this early stage to prevent disease progression.
Research shows that animals, including humans, can become less sociable as they age to avoid diseases and parasites. This phenomenon, known as social ageing, may bring benefits, such as reduced competition and increased safety.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have found that bile production is affected by blood flow in the portal vein, which can contribute to high cholesterol levels and fatty liver disease. This breakthrough provides an opportunity for the development of new treatments for cardiovascular disease.