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University of Leicester


'Cold' Great Spot discovered on Jupiter

Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered a massive, cold spot on Jupiter's atmosphere, comparable to its famous Great Red Spot, generated by polar aurorae. The phenomenon, potentially thousands of years old, creates a region of cooling in the thermosphere and has been observed to change dramatically over time.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 11, 2017

Alzheimer's advance: Early stage study in mice show new drugs restore memory loss and prolong life

A new class of drugs targeting a specific protein receptor has shown promising results in improving cognitive function and extending the life-span of terminally ill mice with neurodegeneration. The study provides hope for developing effective treatments to alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression in Alzheimer's patients.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 19, 2016

Mysteries of enzyme mechanism revealed

An international team has made a breakthrough by trapping an intermediate in the mechanism of heme peroxidase enzymes and determining its structure using neutron beams. This finding could change our understanding of how these enzymes work, shedding new light on their role in biochemical processes.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2016

Trauma patient deaths peak at 2 weeks

Researchers found that patients with lower severity trauma have peaks in mortality probability around 14 and 21 days after admission. The study used the largest trauma database in Europe to analyze 165,559 trauma cases, including 19,289 with unknown outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalComputers in Biology and Medicine·DateSep 2, 2016

Veins on Mars were formed by evaporating ancient lakes

A new study published in Meteoritics & Planetary Science reveals that mineral veins on Mars were formed by the evaporation of ancient lakes. The research, conducted by scientists from The Open University and University of Leicester, found that the fluids present in Martian Yellowknife Bay were habitable by Earth standards.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalMeteoritics and Planetary Science·DateAug 5, 2016

Rise in avoidable diabetes hospital visits

Researchers at the University of Leicester found that hospital admissions for hypoglycemia have risen by 39% between 2005 and 2014, with almost 80,000 people admitted. The average cost per admission is estimated to be £1,000, with the total cost of treating severe episodes in the UK around £13 million.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJul 18, 2016

Migrant money puts aid in the shade

A new study by Eric Akobeng reveals that international remittances have a significant impact on reducing poverty and inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa. The findings suggest a 10% increase in remittances as share of GDP leads to a decline in the number of people living on less than $1.25 per day, extreme poverty, and inequality.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance·DateMay 12, 2016

New advance announced in fight against Parkinson's and Alzheimer's

A lab-based study led by University of Leicester researchers has found a way to 'reverse' symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's using genetic and pharmacological approaches. The study utilized fruit flies to explore the role of specific metabolites in the kynurenine pathway, which can help alleviate sy...

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 25, 2016