A new study from the University of Leicester found that bumble-bees' impaired immune response leads to reduced learning abilities and altered behavior when infected. This research has important implications for understanding bee colony survival and the decline of wild bumble-bee species.
A global map shows 'fire scars' on Earth's surface every year since the turn of the Millennium, revealing annual burns of 3.5-4.5 million km2 of vegetation. The data is vital for scientists monitoring global warming and managing forests.
A new study by the University of Leicester found that overconfidence among businesspeople is a major reason for venture failures in the first few years. The research shows that individuals with absolute confidence in their abilities are more likely to enter markets with limited capacity, leading to excess entry and higher failure rates.
A study by Ashley J. W. Ward and colleagues found that groups of fish only follow leaders when a threshold number of fellow group members perform a particular behaviour, reducing the risk of non-adaptive following. This quorum response is also relevant to human decision-making.
Dr. Declan Bates is leading a £1.2m research project to examine how lung injury can be prevented in patients on ventilators and investigate potential targets for cancer treatments. The project will use systems biology and feedback control theory to develop new therapies.
Researchers have discovered that Properdin, a protein linked to defence against meningitis, plays a more vital role than previously understood in the body's immune defence system. The study also found that Properdin can aggravate organ damage in certain conditions.
Psychologists at the University of Leicester and Exeter discovered that most individuals act in their team's best interest, often sacrificing personal benefits. The study, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, tested two theories on human behavior: classical game theory and team reasoning theories.
A study by the University of Leicester found that families of children with cancer are willing to donate tissue samples for research, despite common misconceptions. The study involved 20 children and 59 parents who were interviewed about their views on consenting to tissue samples for childhood cancer research.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered that TB bacteria accumulate body fat to aid survival during transmission, increasing resistance to anti-TB drugs. This finding challenges established views on bacterial transmission and offers new insights into developing targeted treatments.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered how TB bacteria becomes resistant to isoniazid, a key treatment for the disease. The study reveals that mutations in bacterial enzymes protect it from the treatment, highlighting the importance of understanding drug resistance.
A medical team from the University of Leicester has developed a predictor for pregnant women who may have miscarriages, using levels of anandamide in whole blood. The study found that women with higher levels of anandamide were more likely to miscarry, while those with lower levels were more likely to have a live birth.
A University of Leicester scientist has identified ten novel chromosomal translocations in children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. This finding sheds fundamental new light on the pathogenesis of the disease and may lead to the development of new targeted therapies.
Scientists have shed light on Enceladus' space enigma by explaining the dynamics of its erupting plume. The new theory suggests that dust particles and water vapor form below the moon's surface, with temperature and pressure conditions allowing for rapid water vapor eruption and slower dust particle ejection.
Scientists at the University of Leicester have developed new Doppler ultrasound techniques to detect emboli, reducing intra-operative and post-operative stroke rates by 96% and 99.3%, respectively. The 30-day death/stroke rate has also fallen from 6% to 2.6%.
Geologists at the University of Leicester solved a 100-year-old mystery by analyzing the Burgess Shales rocks. They found that the rocks were instantly buried, preserving soft tissue in exquisite detail.
A team of scientists has made a significant breakthrough in understanding conscious perception by showing how single neurons react to perceived and nonperceived images. The study found that neurons respond with an 'all-or-none' firing rate when pictures are recognized, enabling the prediction of recognition beyond chance.
Scientists from UK and international teams have been part of the Swift satellite project, which has discovered over 292 gamma-ray bursts since its launch in 2004. The satellite's rapid response capabilities have been instrumental in understanding these cosmic events, with recent discoveries pinpointing the origins of black holes.
A geologist at the University of Leicester has proposed an enormous exhibition to showcase the Earth's 64-million-year history, highlighting the brevity of human civilization. The massive core would measure 1.5km long, with key events marked along its length, including the evolution of humans and past climactic upheavals.
Researchers identify significant human effects on the environment, including altered sediment patterns, carbon cycle disruptions, and ocean acidification. The International Commission on Stratigraphy is considering formal adoption of the Anthropocene as a new geological epoch.
A University of Leicester study found that climate change contributes to forest fires in Central Siberia, with temperatures rising by almost two degrees Celsius. The changing climate has led to an earlier onset of spring, affecting the timing of plant growth and carbon uptake.
A new University of Leicester study reveals that low levels of physical activity among inner city school children have reached epidemic proportions. Over 3500 pupils from five secondary schools were surveyed, with half spending over 4 hours daily watching TV or playing computer games.
Researchers have identified two genes associated with a poor response to radiotherapy in breast cancer treatment. The test could help warn patients of an increased risk and offer alternative treatments.
A University of Leicester study found that consuming high doses of stabilized rice bran significantly reduced the development of precancerous adenomas in the intestine. The research suggests a potential role for rice bran in preventing colorectal cancer, although further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Satellite images from ESA's ENVISAT and NASA's Aura Satellite reveal a UK record heatwave and significant increases in nitrogen dioxide pollution. The data shows extreme temperature and pollution effects on large conurbations, while smaller cities display more moderate levels.
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Leicester found no evidence that low air pressure and low oxygen levels during long-haul flights increase the risk of blood clots. The study, which included 73 healthy volunteers, assessed the effects of hypobaric and hypoxia on markers of blood clotting.
A study by Professor Ussher reveals that societal expectations of femininity and the 'monstrous feminine' can lead to self-policing practices, causing distress in premenstrual phase. Women in lesbian relationships reported less distress, suggesting a need for women-centred psychological interventions.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have made a breakthrough in understanding the cause of brain damage and its link to various neurological diseases. The study identified glutamate receptors as the culprit behind oligodendrocyte damage, paving the way for potential treatments to block these receptors and prevent injury.