Researchers from the University of Leicester and international partners have identified potential new therapeutic targets for Huntington's disease using cutting-edge genetic techniques. The study found that flavonoids can prevent cell death in yeast, suggesting a possible new treatment approach.
Researchers have uncovered two photographic images of native Americans from the Amazon region, which were taken by John Thomson in 1911. The images depict the subjects naked to the waist and are part of a broader tradition of imperial photography that sought to document human 'types'.
Scientists have discovered that many people with asthma actually had the mould growing in their own lungs. A study by University of Leicester researchers found that 6 out of 10 people with asthma who were allergic to a common mould grew the mould from their sputum, leading to fixed narrowing of the airways.
A University of Leicester-led project uses space technologies to analyze Renaissance Tomb-Monuments in Suffolk, unlocking their mysterious past. The research employs techniques from Space Science, including 3D scanning and non-destructive materials analysis, to solve complex historical problems.
Researchers at the University of Leicester identified a new way the body controls blood sugar levels after meals, involving the M3-muscarinic receptor protein. The study suggests this mechanism may be disrupted in diabetes, offering potential implications for treatment.
A team of geologists discovered that an ancient wind brought life to the region and preserved the dead in South Africa's Soom Shale. The unique structures found in the shale layers suggest that fierce glacial winds carried nutrients into the surface waters, fuelling prolific life.
Researchers from Leicester and Cambridge discovered genetic markers that identify people at risk of developing potentially fatal blood clots. This breakthrough advances ways of detecting and treating coronary heart disease, a leading cause of premature death.
Researchers identified key proteins controlling centrosome separation, which could prevent uncontrolled cell proliferation in cancer. Combining drugs against different regulators may reduce side effects and improve treatment outcomes.
A new task force in Leicester will develop a tailored management and intervention programme for asthma in South Asian children, informed by community views and experiences. The project aims to improve access to services and self-management of asthma amongst this community.
Scientists have discovered that pneumolysin triggers an immune response by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome, which provides protection against infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. This breakthrough could lead to more effective vaccines for pneumococcal diseases.
A study by the University of Leicester found that undetected high blood pressure is associated with a higher risk of dying from coronary heart disease. The research reveals that areas with greater deprivation, more smokers, and more people with diabetes have a higher mortality rate from coronary heart disease.
A new study found that workers are pivotal in creating complex societies where conflict is minimized. The research discovered that UK worker ants are more docile and less aggressive towards their queens, whereas Spanish worker ants engage in ruthless behavior to determine the next queen.
A new study by the University of Leicester found that parents' efforts are more important for a child's educational attainment than the school's effort or the child's own effort. The researchers also discovered that socio-economic background affects not only a child's education but also the school's effort.
A study by University of Leicester researchers found that two people can learn to cooperate without conscious intention, but larger groups require explicit communication to coordinate actions. Experimental results showed gains exceeded losses in group pairs but not in three-person or larger groups.
Physicists and engineers have installed a radar system on the Falkland Islands to monitor upper atmosphere activity that creates the Southern Lights. The radar station, part of the international Super Dual Auroral Radar Network, will help climatologists understand the link between the upper and lower atmospheres.
A new handheld device measures corrosion on machine parts using a simple, quick and cheap method. This enables the degree of corrosion to be easily measured, improving the manufacturing sector by preventing wear and tear.
Researchers used rotting fish to understand the decomposition process, shedding light on soft-bodied creatures that existed 500 million years ago. The findings have improved the accuracy of fossil reconstructions, allowing scientists to better place early vertebrates on the evolutionary timeline.
Scientists use rock hyrax urine to study long-term climate change, providing unique terrestrial records. Biomarkers in the urine reveal insights into ancient environments and potential climate drivers.
A new study examines how river flow affects sediment movement, aiming to predict erosion and deposition in rivers. By using an innovative combination of measurements, scientists will improve understanding of sediment transport and develop techniques to prevent damage to infrastructure.
A new study from the University of Leicester found that nurses have considerable difficulty detecting depression and distress in patients, despite being at the front line of care. The researchers call for short, simple methods to identify mood problems, which could lead to more targeted treatment.
Scientists at the University of Leicester are pioneering the use of turmeric extract to target chemo-resistant cancer cells. The research aims to improve chemotherapy effectiveness and prevent disease recurrence.
A team of astronomers has confirmed the presence of an extreme ultra-luminous X-ray source in a nearby galaxy, which may indicate the presence of an intermediate mass black hole. The object, HLX-1, is located ~300 million light years from Earth and emits radiation 100 times brighter than most other objects in its class.
A recent study by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys and his team at the University of Leicester has identified a key gene, PRDM9, that plays a significant role in shaping human diversity. The research reveals that people with different versions of PRDM9 exhibit distinct recombination behaviors, contributing to genetic disorders.
A multidisciplinary project at the University of Leicester explores the role of historical diasporas in shaping Britain's population history. The study will examine cultural change mechanisms and legacy of early diasporas on the island.
A new study from the University of Leicester found that economic migrants may experience disappointment despite seeking a 'better life', as their aspirations increase at least as much as their incomes. The research suggests that migrants are less happy than natives and that money is not the most important factor for happiness.
The University of Leicester historian's book 'Pomodoro! A history of the tomato in Italy' sheds light on the tomato's journey from a botanical curiosity to a staple ingredient. The study reveals how the tomato became closely linked with other foodstuffs like pizza and pasta, and how its uses were subject to change over time.
A new study has demonstrated that combining a specific drug with radiotherapy significantly improves treatment outcomes for cervical cancer patients. The research found that the addition of cisplatin to radiotherapy reduces the likelihood of death by 23%, leading to improved survival rates.
A pioneering new study led by University of Leicester researchers shows that training Health Visitors to assess and support mothers after childbirth can significantly reduce the development of depression over the following year. Intervention women were 30% less likely to develop depression compared to control women receiving usual care.
The University of Leicester has developed an online diabetes risk assessment tool using 7 questions to identify those at high risk. The tool is being used in a number of studies to encourage people to see their doctor and has already been taken by over 21,000 individuals.
Researchers have reconstructed the Earth's climate belts between 460 and 445 million years ago, finding patterns that suggest ancient carbon dioxide levels were more modest than thought. The study reveals a 'modern-looking' pattern in ancient oceans, emphasizing the stability of the atmosphere and climate through deep time.
A team of researchers has discovered that Saturn's aurora pulses in tandem with its radio emissions, providing a long-suspected link between the two phenomena. The discovery offers new insights into Saturn's irregular heartbeat and has significant implications for understanding the planet's rotation period.
A University of Leicester archaeologist has discovered a bone belonging to a late 19th-century tortoise from Stafford Castle, providing the earliest archaeological evidence for pet tortoises. This find sheds light on the changing attitudes towards family pets in British society during the late 19th century.
A new study led by the University of Leicester has revealed the mechanism by which memories are formed, highlighting the importance of the M3-muscarinic receptor in this process. The research, funded by the Wellcome Trust, holds potential to impact drug design for treating Alzheimer's disease.
A new research project at the University of Leicester aims to develop a reliable and cost-effective system for diagnosing coronary heart disease using CT scans. The technology will enable visualisation of coronary arteries in cadavers, making diagnoses comparable to current autopsy practice.
Scientists have discovered that movable sequences of DNA, known as L1 retrotransposons, are much more common than previously believed. This finding has significant implications for understanding the causes of genetic diseases.
Researchers have discovered a new group of drugs that could provide effective cancer pain relief with minimal side effects. The drugs, developed in collaboration between the Universities of Leicester and Ferrara, act on two targets simultaneously to reduce tolerance.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have found that CT scans can monitor progression of severe asthma and check how it responds to treatment. The study suggests that CT-derived measures of structural changes in lungs and airways may be used as a non-invasive marker for asthma.
The University of Leicester is involved in the ExoMars mission, which aims to characterise the chemical, geological and possible biological environment on Mars. The mission will attempt to gather samples from a depth 1-2m below the surface where they are protected from radiation.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have dissected comet samples to reveal their true composition, shedding light on the Solar System's early stages and water delivery. They found unexpected signs of high-temperature iron oxides, raising questions about comet formation.
A study by psychologists at the University of Leicester identified characteristics of people prone to shoplifting, including males, unpleasant and antisocial individuals, and those with disorganized and unreliable personalities. Younger and outgoing individuals were more likely to engage in minor fraud.
Researchers suggest that humans have altered the planet so much that we are entering a new geological time interval, potentially sparking a mass extinction event. The proposed Anthropocene Epoch marks a significant shift in human influence on the environment.
A novel research project combines art and neuroscience to explore the connections between visual perception and the brain. Researchers are discovering that artists have intuitive knowledge of neuroscience concepts, including optical illusions.
Space physicists from the University of Leicester have identified a significant contributor to Mars' atmospheric escape: pressure from solar wind pulses. The team found that these pulses can drive away particles from Mars' atmosphere, causing a loss of about one third of the material lost into space.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have made a new discovery about how the body fights certain types of cancer and autoimmune diseases. A newly discovered protein, HVCN1, regulates antibody production and can be targeted for therapies to treat conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers at the University of Leicester are investigating the ancestry of saffron-producing crocus flowers to improve crop sustainability and quality. By analyzing genetic diversity, they aim to recreate rare varieties using wild plant crosses.
Researchers have identified a genetic variant associated with biological aging in humans, which can affect telomere length and increase the risk of age-related diseases. The study found that individuals carrying this variant showed shorter telomeres, indicating faster biological aging.
Researchers from the University of Leicester used a new method to extract information from 500 million-year-old fossils, revealing that some early vertebrates may have been more complex than thought. The study found that decomposition altered characteristic anatomical features, providing clues for interpreting ancient fossils.
A study led by the University of Leicester found that most men in Europe have Y chromosomes tracing back to ancient Near Eastern farmers. This suggests a significant reproductive advantage for farming males over indigenous hunter-gatherer males during this period.
Researchers at University of Leicester are developing innovative method to map and target abnormal electrical signals in the heart, benefiting millions with atrial fibrillation. This approach enables cardiologists to treat AF more accurately, potentially reducing need for second procedures.
Scientists at the University of Leicester have developed environmentally friendly solvents, replacing toxic acids in metal finishing and energy storage processes. The new technologies, including ionic liquids, improve working conditions and reduce environmental impact.