Scientists have identified five genetic variants associated with lung health, providing new insights into the molecular basis of lung diseases. These findings hold promise for developing targeted treatments for conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have identified over 90% of Sicilian temples facing east, sparking new insights into Ancient Greek practices. The study suggests an 'astronomical fingerprint' may distinguish between Greek and native settlements.
A new study compares expert identification and computer analysis in reconstructing ancient fossils from hundreds of thousands of jumbled pieces. The research found that specialized experts provided the most reliable identifications, while less experienced palaeontologists made more mistakes.
A €4.8 million European research project is using computer modelling and laboratory experiments to develop a predictive, cost-effective tool for welding deep-sea gas and oil transportation systems. The MintWeld consortium aims to save lives and money by understanding the process of weld failures.
A major study into adults living with autism has found that one in every hundred adults in England has the condition, similar to child prevalence rates. The study also reveals distinct characteristics of individuals with autism, including employment status and housing type.
Researchers are studying the principles of perception in art using both artistic and neuroscientific viewpoints. The collaboration aims to understand how we gaze at art pieces compared to non-artistic images.
Researchers from the University of Leicester have shown that exchange of DNA occurs between the X and Y chromosomes, potentially giving the Y chromosome a way to fix mutations. The study challenges scientific theory that the X and Y chromosomes did not communicate at all.
A new study reveals that vitamin C helps promote wound healing and protects skin cells from DNA damage, a finding with great relevance to the cosmetics industry. The research also suggests that vitamin C can help remove DNA damage caused by free radicals, leading to potential advances in skin regeneration and cancer prevention.
A new study from the University of Leicester suggests that the Human Tissue Act 2004 may have facilitated medical research by giving Research Ethics Committees clearer guidance. The study analyzed letters written by ethics committees before and after the Act's implementation, concluding that committees were less likely to raise concern...
Researchers found that lowering heart rate with Beta-blockers can increase central aortic pressures in older individuals with high blood pressure, leading to reduced stroke prevention. The study suggests that alternative treatments may be more effective in this population.
Researchers have discovered how the DISC complex triggers cell death or survival by switching key molecules' activity levels. Stopping the DISC from functioning properly prevents efficient cell death, resulting in disease conditions like ALPS.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have identified a sap-sucking psyllid called Aphalara itadori as a potential biocontrol agent to combat Japanese Knotweed. The plant, which costs £1.5 billion to control in Britain, is a single clone and lacks population resistance.
A meta-analysis of 50,000 patients reveals GPs struggle to identify depression, resulting in missed diagnoses and misidentifications. Researchers recommend reassessment of suspected cases and multiple appointments for uncertain diagnoses.
Researchers used pictures, spoken and written names to show that single neurons in the human hippocampus and surrounding areas respond selectively to representations of the same individual using different sensory prompts. This process enables abstraction and recognition of highly variable images.
Scientists are exploring the potential benefits of hydrogen sulphide in pregnancy, particularly its role in relaxing the uterus and initiating term labour. Research has shown that the gas may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could provide insight into conditions like pre-eclampsia.
A new class of black hole has been discovered, with masses between 100 and several hundred thousand times that of the Sun. The discovery, made by an international team of astronomers using XMM-Newton observations, confirms the existence of intermediate mass black holes.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a new synthesis method to create fluorescent silicon nanoparticles that can track the uptake of drugs by cells. The nanoparticles, containing just a few hundred silicon atoms, show stable fluorescence over three months and have potential applications in biomedical sensors.
A new study by the University of Leicester has found evidence that duck-billed dinosaurs, such as Hadrosaurs, had a unique way of eating. The researchers used microscopic analysis of scratches on dinosaur teeth to understand their feeding mechanisms and place them in ancient ecosystems.
Researchers detect sodium salts in Enceladus plume, confirming presence of salty ocean beneath moon's surface. The concentration of sodium chloride is estimated to be similar to Earth's oceans, with a concentration of 0.1-0.3 moles per kilogram of water.
A new study found that cannabis smoke damages DNA in ways that could potentially increase the risk of cancer development. The research, published in Chemical Research in Toxicology, used a highly sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method to detect damage.
The University of Leicester has launched G-STEP, a business-facing service that harnesses space technology for earth-bound benefits. Researchers are working with businesses and public sector organisations to provide value-added services exploiting environmental data from the GMES system.
A new review published in the British Journal of Psychiatry reveals widespread inequalities in medical care for individuals with mental health conditions. Despite similar or more frequent medical contacts, those with pre-existing mental health problems often receive poorer quality care.
A new study examines how past Caribbean communities coped with rising sea levels, crop failures, and extreme weather. Researchers found that people adapted by building houses on stilts, diversifying food production, and relocating to cave complexes during hurricanes.
A new study from the University of Leicester warns that government efforts to widen participation in UK universities may be overstating the value of higher education at the expense of other ambitions. Dr Gavin Brown found that policies focus on 'raising' aspirations, but should instead broaden young people's horizons and consider emoti...
A new study published by the University of Leicester suggests that a six-month time lag may occur before effective vaccines can be manufactured during a pandemic flu outbreak. The study proposes a pre-pandemic vaccination approach to mitigate the worst effects of pandemic flu, which could potentially protect people years in advance.
Professor Andrew Fry will present his latest research on understanding cell division and its role in human diseases, including cancer. His work aims to identify proteins that can target specific tumours while leaving other cells unharmed.
A new study published in the British Journal of Psychology found that consuming alcohol did not affect how men judged the age of women. In fact, researchers found that young females are typically viewed as being older than they actually are. However, make-up and alcohol consumption did have an impact on attractiveness ratings, with you...
A University of Leicester team is developing a combined diagnosis/therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer using cutting-edge magnetic nanoparticles. The technology aims to identify and treat cancer cells at an early stage, reducing the need for surgical removal.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have identified a single gene responsible for controlling plant growth responses to high temperatures, which could significantly impact crop production as global warming increases. The study found that mutant plants deficient in the regulatory protein PIF4 display reduced growth and biomass.
A new study led by the University of Leicester has found that people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have a lower risk of progressing to dementia than previously thought. The research suggests that only 5% of people with MCI develop dementia, contradicting previous estimates of up to 15% per year.
Researchers at the University of Leicester identified a critical role for the DUO1 gene in plant sperm cell production and fertilization. The study reveals that DUO1 regulates the division and specialization of sperm precursor cells, making it a key regulator in the double fertilization process.
Researchers from the University of Leicester and British Geological Survey have devised a method to identify levels of environmental arsenic by testing toenail clippings. They found elevated levels of arsenic in people living close to a former arsenic mine, but more research is needed to confirm potential health risks.
A new study aims to determine whether consuming caffeine during pregnancy can increase the unborn baby's risk of developing childhood leukemia. The research, led by Dr. Marcus Cooke, will examine DNA changes in newborn babies and compare them to caffeine consumption levels.
A study by the University of Leicester found that premature babies are exposed to potentially harmful excipients in liquid medicines, including ethanol, sorbitol, and Ponceau 4R. The researchers emphasize the need for more research on these chemicals and their effects on infants.
Researchers found evidence of ancient chemical warfare in a Roman siege, with the Persians using bitumen and sulphur crystals to create choking gases. The discovery sheds new light on the tactics used by the Sasanian Persians during the 256 AD siege.
Research from the University of Leicester reveals that nitric oxide can alter brain function, impacting neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The finding suggests a potential new approach for treating these conditions and gaining a deeper understanding of brain function.
The University of Leicester is presenting at the Online Educa 2008 conference, discussing new developments in e-learning and their impact on day-to-day operations. Professor Gilly Salmon is leading a discussion on the key challenges faced by universities, including the shift from control to teachers and learners.
Researchers from the University of Leicester and Cambridge have solved the mystery of how soft tissues in 500-million-year-old fossils were preserved. The team found that deep heating transformed delicate organic tissues into mineral-rich sites, revealing intricate details such as gills, guts, and eyes.
Researchers from the University of Leicester and South Korea have discovered a gene, FBL17, that triggers precursor cells to divide into twin sperm cells. This discovery sheds light on the 'double fertilization' process, essential for seed production in flowering plants.
A revolutionary heart operation technique using cutting-edge technology will be performed on October 20, demonstrating the University of Leicester's world-class credentials in cardiology. Dr. Andre Ng, a leading expert in catheter ablation procedures, will perform the procedure live at the Heart Rhythm Congress.
Training programs in Iraq have led to the establishment of child mental health departments, benefiting from international collaboration, and innovative public awareness campaigns using television and radio. Despite challenges, there is a growing need for child psychiatrists, but progress is being made, with increased support for educat...
A new study has found that a single low-dose booster vaccine can generate an excellent response in people who have been vaccinated up to 7 years ago. This means that proactively immunizing the public with stockpiled pre-pandemic vaccines could be used as a potential vaccination strategy against pandemic influenza.
A team from the University of Leicester has made a significant discovery in the study of diabetes drug target PPAR gamma. The researchers found that the protein binds to eight different fatty acids, which leads to its long-term activation, opening up new possibilities for the development of novel pharmaceuticals.
Research at the University of Leicester finds that past experience with a particular GP and expectation of continuing care from the same GP are key predictors of patient trust. This suggests that planned changes to primary care delivery in the UK may negatively impact medical outcomes.
Two University of Leicester scientists, Dr Duncan Law-Green and Mr David Boyce, are designing microgravity experiments to study regolith on the Moon. The experiments could provide valuable information for future human missions to the Moon in 2020.
A study at the University of Leicester investigated methods for improving child and young adult witnesses' evidence, focusing on face recognition. Young adults were found to recognize faces from different ethnicities equally well but struggled to reject unfamiliar faces.
A new study led by the University of Leicester found that men's sex hormones, particularly estradiol and estrone, are associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors such as high total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. This suggests that natural endogenous estrogens may play a role in increasing heart disease risk in men.
A new study suggests that Research Ethics Committees (RECs) play a crucial role in identifying and correcting problems in cancer trial applications. RECs raise concerns about informed consent, misleading information, and missing details, which can impact patient safety and the integrity of the trial.
An international team of engineers is developing mission-critical control software for future European robotic space missions. The project aims to improve the reliability of control systems required for autonomous rendezvous of satellites.
Scientists have discovered a new fossil in Antarctica that suggests the polar region was once much warmer. The fossils, found in an ancient lake, date back 14 million years and provide evidence of a substantial cooling of the Antarctic climate.