Researchers mapped C.diff cases in Oxfordshire and found most cases weren't hospital-borne, but rather acquired elsewhere. Restricting antibiotic use may be more effective in reducing C.diff infections than infection control measures.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have cracked a centuries-old puzzle about the Earth's core by linking inner-core superrotation to outer-core behavior. The study reveals that the planet spins faster in one direction due to its geomagnetic field, generating eastward motion and westward drift.
A UK-based study of over 12,000 faecal samples found that the cytotoxin assay is the most reliable indicator of true C-Diff infection. This discovery highlights the importance of using accurate diagnostic tests to prevent deaths and hospital transmissions caused by C-Diff.
A major clinical trial has shown that specialist nurse-led clinics can manage people with rheumatoid arthritis just as effectively as traditional doctor-led services. The study found significant improvements in disease activity, pain control, and patient satisfaction, while also reducing healthcare costs.
Scientists have long puzzled over how plants set and maintain the angle of their lateral branches. The mechanism, driven by auxin hormone, counteracts gravity-sensitive growth to sustain a non-vertical angle of growth, known as the gravitropic set-point angle.
Researchers found that being born to an older mother or parents who are blood relations increases the likelihood of a baby being born with a birth defect. Maternal education level also plays a significant role in reducing the risk of birth defects across all ethnic groups.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have created the most detailed large-scale habitat suitability maps for bats in the UK, using echolocation calls from over 15,000 bats across 120 walks in the Lake District. The maps reveal subtle changes in bat habitats due to urbanization and provide insights into ecosystem health.
Researchers found widespread 'modern slavery' in England among refugees and asylum seekers, with coercion and abuse common, and calls for improved welfare support and workplace regulation to prevent exploitation. The study's findings highlight the need to recognize and address forced labor as a criminal offense.
Chemists discovered that quantum tunnelling enables alcohol reactions in space to occur vigorously at minus 210 degrees Celsius, 50 times faster than at room temperature. The phenomenon allows for the creation of methoxy radicals under extreme cold conditions, shedding light on complex molecule formation in interstellar space.
Researchers found that northern gannets avoid visiting neighboring colonies' fishing grounds, suggesting a mathematical explanation rather than territorial behavior. The birds follow specific patterns and routes to find food opportunities, reinforcing cultural transmission within their colonies.
Scientists at the University of Leeds have discovered a molecule that targets and destroys a key protein associated with the development of cervical and other cancers. The RNA aptamer latches onto the carcinogenic protein, significantly reducing its presence in cells in laboratory-derived cervical cancer cells.
Scientists have developed a mechanism to understand the cyclical nature of the Sun's magnetic activity, which is responsible for 'space weather' phenomena like solar flares and coronal mass ejections. This discovery provides a solution to mathematical equations governing fluids and electromagnetism for large astrophysical bodies.
A new study by researchers at the University of Leeds and Naturalis Biodiversity Centre found evidence of slowing declines in bee biodiversity between the 1950s and 1980s. The study suggests that conservation efforts, such as agri-environment programs, may be having an impact on reducing biodiversity losses among bees and wild plants.
A large-scale analysis of out-of-hours emergency admissions in UK pediatric intensive care units found no increased mortality risk. However, winter months saw a statistically significant increase in deaths, possibly due to strain on services.
Researchers have discovered a target for Schmallenberg virus treatment by identifying the nucleocapsid protein as a key building block that can be blocked to kill the virus. The study, published in Nucleic Acids Research, provides insight into the structure and function of the protein.
A University of Leeds-led study found that closing hospital windows to reduce energy consumption can increase airborne infection risks by fourfold. Alternative ventilation systems, such as small extractor fans, can mitigate these risks and improve patient safety.
A new smartphone app, My Meal Mate, has been shown to be effective in helping users track their food intake and exercise for weight loss. The app resulted in an average weight loss of 4.6kg (10lbs) over six months, compared to 2.9kg (6.5lbs) and 1.3kg (3lbs) with a paper-based diary and online diary, respectively.
A University of Leeds-led study found significant genetic changes in soil mites after just 15 generations, leading to doubling of age at adulthood and large population size changes. This research demonstrates the interconnectedness of ecology and evolution, with major implications for conservation and fisheries management.
Researchers at the University of Leeds found a compound called pyrophosphite, which is similar to ATP and could have acted as an earlier form of energy transfer. This discovery suggests that chemical life could be the missing link between geology and biology.
A new study by University of Leeds and Euromed Management School Marseille ranks 17 leading car makers according to their sustainable value. Fiat topped the list with improved efficiencies in 2008, while Toyota and BMW suffered worst results in a decade.
Researchers have discovered a connection between a genetic variant in the FTO gene and an increased risk of developing melanoma. The study, published in Nature Genetics, suggests that this gene plays a role in various diseases beyond obesity and BMI.
Researchers have identified a key step in the Alzheimer's disease pathway that can be interrupted using green tea and red wine extracts. The study, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, offers potential new targets for developing drugs to treat the disease.
Research finds that junior male soccer players experience chronic stress, exhaustion, and disillusion with their sport at a young age. Players under external pressure from others are most vulnerable to burnout. The study suggests that perfectionism can be both a potent energizing force and a costly force for athletes.
Researchers found a unique social structure in a small town where males and females coexist in the same roosts. This arrangement allows females to conserve energy and ensures faster growth of their young. In contrast, lowland areas have female-only childrearing colonies.
A study found that eating meals together as a family increases children's daily fruit and vegetable intake to near the recommended 5 A Day. Parents who cut up portions of fruits and vegetables also boosted their children's intake, with even one or two family meals per week showing benefits.
An international team of satellite experts has produced the most accurate assessment of ice losses from Antarctica and Greenland to date, confirming both regions are losing ice. The study reveals that melting of the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets has contributed significantly to global sea level rise over the past two decades.
Researchers at University of Leeds discover crucial stage in virus lifecycle where RNA folds to fit into protein shell. This process could lead to novel anti-viral drugs less susceptible to resistance.
Scientists discovered extreme temperatures in the tropics during the end-Permian mass extinction, lasting five million years. The lengthy devastation was caused by a temperature rise of 50-60°C on land and 40°C at sea-surface.
Scientists at the University of Leeds found that prion protein regulates zinc absorption in brain cells, linking it to memory and learning capabilities. The study may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers at University of Leeds found that hospital superbugs can spread far beyond patient beds through airborne dispersal, contaminating surfaces up to 3.5 meters away. This discovery highlights the need for improved ward layouts and ventilation systems to prevent microorganism deposition on accessible surfaces.
The research highlights the need for effective public health leaders to address significant health challenges, citing examples of successful individuals like Jamie Oliver. It suggests that current public health professionals may not be equipped to lead and influence policy, leading to calls for greater leadership training and support.
The European Drug Initiative on Channels and Transporters (EDICT) project has enabled a major step forward in understanding membrane protein structures and functions. Over 30 proteins have been studied, with at least six potential new drug compounds identified.
Researchers have used tree rings from cedar trees in Bolivia to record a 100-year history of rainfall across the Amazon basin. The study found that lowland tropical cedar trees provide a natural archive of data closely related to historic rainfall, allowing for a detailed understanding of past climate variability.
A study by the University of Leeds finds that tropical forests produce significantly more rain than vegetation, with the Amazon and Congo forests maintaining rainfall over surrounding areas. This could have catastrophic consequences for people living thousands of kilometres away if these forests are destroyed.
A new study reveals that Shanghai is the most vulnerable city to severe flooding due to its exposure to powerful storm surges and subsiding land. The index also ranks Dhaka and Manila as highly vulnerable cities, while European cities like Marseille and Rotterdam excel in resilience.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have found that ranolazine can significantly reduce arrhythmias triggered by carbon monoxide exposure. The anti-angina drug works by targeting a sodium channel in the heart, potentially protecting against cardiac events caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.
Scientists at University of Leeds used Diamond Light Source to study calcium oxide-based materials as CO2 sorbents. They found a mechanism for interaction between CaO and water, which led to disintegration and generation of nano-sized crystallites. This new knowledge aims to improve the efficiency of this economically viable method.
A study from the University of Leeds found that seabirds control when their young leave home through hormone levels corticosterone, not parental care. Chicks show a surge in this hormone 60 days before fledging, prompting parents to reduce food provisioning.
Researchers at University of Leeds and The Institute of Cancer Research have made breakthrough with a viral therapy that attacks cancer on two fronts. This 'hitch-hiking' virus can be injected into the bloodstream like standard chemotherapy agents, targeting cancer cells while leaving normal tissue alone.
Researchers at the University of Leeds found that wire bridges built to help bats cross busy roads do not work. Bats prefer their original routes over the bridges, crossing at low heights and showing no change in behavior despite prolonged exposure.
Researchers aim to understand how much space dust reaches the Earth's surface, estimating it could be as high as 300 tonnes per day. The project will also explore cosmic dust's interaction with clouds causing ozone depletion and its potential impact on climate models.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have found that persistent pain and hyperalgesia are generated by the same nerves but through different mechanisms. The discovery could lead to more effective painkillers with fewer side effects.
Researchers use molecular signatures to detect mutated virus strains, identifying characteristic changes in cells. The technique helps predict the severity of infection and assess potential impact on health.
Scientists at the University of Leeds are developing more efficient biofuel cells that can harness light and hydrogen gas to create energy. The new technology has the potential to be used indefinitely, making it a promising alternative to traditional batteries.
Researchers from the University of Leeds and CSIC-University of Granada have discovered a way to produce bassanite, a precursor phase to gypsum precipitation, at room temperature. This process could lead to significant cost savings in the production of plaster and potentially reduce environmental impacts related to gypsum disposal.
Researchers from the University of Leeds and international teams studied magma chambers on mid-ocean ridges, revealing new information about their location and behavior. The findings can help scientists identify early warning signs of impending eruptions, which is crucial for predicting large volcanic events.
Visual HABIT software helps predict crystal properties in different chemical environments, reducing early-stage laboratory research and development costs. The technology enables companies to adopt a 'bottom-up' approach to product design in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and fuel sectors.
American signal crayfish are gaining the upper hand in Britain's waterways, threatening native white-clawed crayfish populations. The invasive species' greater appetite for food and reduced susceptibility to parasites have significant implications for biodiversity.
A new study by University of Leeds researchers found that approximately 40,000 children in England are currently living with a life-limiting condition, with numbers rising year-on-year. The study highlights the need for specialist palliative care services to support these children and their families.
Scientists at the University of Leeds create a biosensor technology that can detect Adenovirus viruses, identify individual strains, and count virus particles. This breakthrough could lead to faster, simpler, and less costly testing for viruses, ultimately benefiting patients.