A University of Leicester study has found that the ability to walk efficiently on the ground played a crucial role in determining how large pterosaurs could grow. Early pterosaurs were adapted for climbing, but later species developed changes to their hands and feet that allowed them to thrive on land, leading to some becoming gigantic.
A new study using wearable devices and questionnaires found that people exposed to higher levels of night-time aircraft noise experienced more restlessness during sleep and disrupted daily sleep rhythm. The results suggest a link between night-time aircraft noise exposure and sleep disturbance, with potential long-term effects on health.
A new study from the University of Leicester found that trees in logged tropical forests produce more carbon dioxide per unit area than those in unlogged forests. The researchers measured respiration in tree stems and estimated values for all trees in a one-hectare plot, showing higher carbon release levels in logged forests.
A University of Leicester study has found that certain gut bacteria may influence whether a patient's immune system is successful in fighting mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer. Researchers suggest that dietary changes, such as increased fibre intake, could improve the benefits of immunotherapy for these patients.
Two proposed UK space missions, led by the University of Leicester, will investigate the Sun's impact on atmospheres, space weather and habitability. Elfen will study Earth's magnetosphere, while SIRIUS will analyze stellar winds and their effects on exoplanetary environments.
The Soft X-ray Imager (SXI) is a wide-field X-ray telescope that will image Earth's magnetospheric boundaries, revealing invisible structures and processes. It is part of the Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) mission, which aims to study the solar winds' impact on our planet's magnetic environment.
The University of Leicester is developing a method to shrink artificial intelligence algorithms for smarter spacecraft. The REALM project aims to demonstrate streamlined machine learning algorithms suitable for limited spacecraft power and computing performance.
A study analyzing data from 6,010 English practices between 2018 and 2022 found that the national average dropped from 29.3% to 19% of patients able to see a preferred doctor. Practices with more doctors and higher same-day appointment rates showed slower declines in continuity.
Researchers have discovered a better way to identify those at high risk of potential heart attacks and strokes by adding genetic information to health checks. The study found that combining clinical risk scores with polygenic risk scores significantly improves identification rates, especially among younger people.
The University of Leicester is collaborating with ispace to explore lunar night survivability using Radioisotope Heater Units on the Series 3 lunar lander and rovers. The team aims to develop new technology to survive the cryogenic environment of lunar nights, which can drop temperatures to -170 degrees Celsius.
A University of Leicester-led study suggests that the orbital instability of the giant planets in our Solar System occurred between 60-100 million years after its beginning, based on analysis of enstatite meteorites. This instability is believed to have led to the formation of the Moon and may have impacted the habitability of Earth.
New mathematical modelling reveals that the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation has a high degree of complexity, with switches between states potentially leading to major climate changes. The study warns against relying on early warning indicators, as minor transitions might escalate into more significant tipping points.
A team of archaeologists from the University of Leicester has rediscovered over 50 lost archaeological sites at the Eastern Sovereign Base Area in Dhekelia, Cyprus. The sites, dating back to the Bronze Age and spanning multiple periods, were found using a combination of GIS mapping and surveying techniques.
A team from the University of Leicester will rapidly analyze gamma-ray bursts using satellite and ground-based telescopes. They aim to probe the physical forces behind these events, which can signal massive star deaths or neutron star/black hole mergers.
SEIS-UK, a seismic monitoring facility at University of Leicester, has received £2 million funding over 7 years to continue providing state-of-the-art equipment to UK researchers and their global collaborators. This investment supports high-quality research in earth and environmental sciences.
Researchers from the University of Leicester have discovered that 'synchronic' thermal fluctuations are responsible for friction in superlubricity. By lowering surface temperature, they can lower friction forces, opening doors to industrial applications with reduced energy consumption.
A new UK research hub aims to bridge the gap between science and policy to achieve Net Zero. The 'Land Use for Net Zero' Hub will provide evidence on land use and agriculture, helping to drive transformations needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A £2.6 million center, led by the University of Leicester, will provide doctoral-level training in mineral resources to tackle challenges of sustainable energy generation and use. The Training and Research Group for Energy Transition Mineral Resources (TARGET) aims to develop secure and sustainable supply of critical mineral resources.
The project aims to create a digital twin of the world's wetlands using satellite data, mathematical models, and artificial intelligence to monitor and reduce methane emissions. Dr Robert Parker from the University of Leicester will lead the project as one of 75 new Future Leaders Fellows.
A novel technology to manage demands on mobile networks from multiple users has been developed by University of Leicester computer scientists. The study found a 10% power consumption reduction compared to existing technologies, with faster device selection and less resource allocation.
Scientists at the University of Leicester have made a groundbreaking discovery about how cholesterol in our diet is absorbed into our cells. The research, published in Science, highlights the role of two proteins called Aster B and Aster C in transporting cholesterol from the intestine to the bloodstream.
Scientists at University of Leicester investigate sleep's impact on ageing epigenetics using jewel wasp model, finding potential reversible effects on DNA methylation. This study aims to understand the molecular basis of sleep-regulated ageing and its potential for therapeutic intervention.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have received a significant financial boost to advance their cancer treatment research. The team will investigate 'liquid biopsies' to reveal vital clues about cancer genetic makeup, aiming to predict how cancer changes and which treatment works best for individual patients.
A new method extracts DNA from cat hair, linking suspects and crime scenes, with potential applications in dog cases too. Researchers found a single cat hair contains usable DNA, which can be sequenced for a more powerful link.
University of Leicester astronomers confirm the existence of an infrared aurora on Uranus, offering clues to its magnetic fields and potential for life. The discovery may also help identify other habitable planets with similar characteristics.
A study by Dr Eva Krockow found that existing terms for antimicrobial resistance, such as 'antimicrobial resistance' and 'AMR', are not taken seriously enough, failing to evoke risk perceptions. The researchers suggest renaming the term to a more memorable one that can effectively convey the severity of the issue.
A new study has discovered microfossils resembling modern-day algae that lived in the oceans during the Cambrian Period, around half a billion years ago. The findings suggest that early animals were evolving to feed on plankton, starting a predator-prey relationship that continues to this day.
Pioneering work on bacteriophages to combat disease has received an £800,000 boost from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. The grant will advance production of phages to combat disease in the veterinary field and bring them to market.
Formaldehyde is a toxic chemical known to cause cancer but also plays an important role in human biology. New compounds developed by University of Leicester researchers allow for controlled release of formaldehyde in cells, enabling precise measurement of its effects.
Saturn's north pole is experiencing a cooling trend as autumn approaches, with the warm polar vortex filled with hydrocarbon gases disappearing. The new observations provide insights into the changing seasons on the massive outer planet, using data from the James Webb Space Telescope.
Astronomers have discovered a 'missing link' in the behavior of black holes and their impact on nearby stars. The discovery reveals that a low-mass black hole is consuming the equivalent mass of three Earths every time it passes close to a star, releasing massive amounts of X-rays.
The Landscape Decisions Programme will showcase research on multifunctional landscapes, highlighting the importance of diverse views in land management. Key findings include the need to involve various stakeholders, including farmers, landowners, and investors, to tackle the climate emergency.
A team of researchers used CT scanning to reveal the soft anatomy of a 500-million-year-old fossil, Kylinxia. The discovery provides insight into the evolution of arthropods and their head structure.
Researchers from Leicester and Nottingham universities have received £600,000 funding to study sexual development and gene shuffling in the malaria parasite. The study aims to uncover new targets for therapies to control disease transmission.
Scientists have discovered that genes required for complex behaviors like learning, memory, and aggression originated around 650 million years ago. This finding has significant implications for understanding the evolutionary origin of these behaviors and their neural circuits.
A new research project at University of Leicester will develop a digital 'twin' of the UK using artificial intelligence and big data to inform environmentally-friendly land use. The project aims to reduce emissions from cattle and sheep farming, which contribute around 10% of the UK's emissions.
Researchers suggest a massive young planet is burning up in a superheated soup of raw material swirling around it, causing the star to flare. The simulation reveals a 'disc inferno' process where the planet's atmosphere ignites, feeding the star and making it shine brighter.
Researchers have proposed a four-lens framework for better and more transparent decisions about land use, balancing society's demands with environmental protection. The framework involves gathering evidence from diverse stakeholders and encourages transparency in decision-making processes.
A University of Leicester-led study suggests that ancient lakes existed in South Africa's interior during the last Ice Age, supporting hunter-gatherer communities. The research provides new insights into human migration patterns and ecosystem sensitivity to global climate change.
A new study published in Diabetes Care has reported an increase in health inequalities among ethnic minorities with diabetes since the COVID-19 pandemic. The review highlighted structural barriers such as housing, education, and employment opportunities that put these individuals at greater risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Researchers discovered that specific tissue chemistry governs the likelihood of organs being preserved in fossils. The study found that a decaying fish's internal organs decompose in a 'soup' together, and their pH levels determine whether they'll be replaced by minerals.
A large-scale study led by the University of Leicester found that people with a strong sense of fairness cheat less, regardless of winning or losing. The researchers examined the behavior of over 500 participants in lab-based games and discovered that only those with low 'inequality aversion' were more likely to cheat.
Studies found that commuting by car results in larger concentrations of pollutants for people inside the vehicle compared to walkers or cyclists. Exercise through walking or cycling has well-known health benefits and improves air quality.
A systematic review by Leicester researchers has explored common methods used to predict years of life lost, highlighting differences between basic and advanced methods. The study aims to provide a comprehensive guide for healthcare professionals and researchers, promoting better understanding of life expectancy metrics.
A University of Leicester law expert has joined a global project to measure and address irregular migration, securing €2.79 million in funding. The three-year project aims to develop innovative methods for data collection on irregular migration and inform EU policy.
A major new research project launched in Leicester aims to provide solutions to the NHS staff shortage crisis by helping veterans transition into civilian healthcare careers. The project, funded by Health Education England, will include a survey of existing Allied Health professionals with a military background.
The Stoneygate Centre for Excellence in Empathic Healthcare will embed empathy into Medical School curriculum and expand across the UK. Professor Jeremy Howick's research shows that empathic care improves patient pain and satisfaction with care.
Archaeologists are leading excavations on the site of Leicester Cathedral, uncovering over 120 burials from the late Saxon period to the recent past. The excavations will reveal insights into the lives of people who lived and died in Leicester, including aspects of the Roman town that predated the Cathedral.
A new study has shown that Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is just as effective as conventional open-heart surgery in treating severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. The procedure offers a safer and faster recovery for patients, with improved symptoms, functional capacity, and quality of life at 6 weeks.
Leicester researchers developed an Opioid Toolkit to reduce non-cancer pain opioids prescribed by 2024. The tool provides a theory and evidence-based approach to implementing the NHS' goal, balancing workload with patient support.