Exposure to violence during pregnancy may increase the risk of prematurity and low birthweight. A recent study by Queen Mary University of London and the University of Leicester found that mothers exposed to homicides had newborns with lower birthweights and higher rates of prematurity, particularly in the first trimester.
Researchers at the University of Leicester identified the ancient 'Tully Monster' as a vertebrate, solving a 300 million-year-old mystery. The discovery was made possible by analyzing the fossil's melanosomes, which contain melanin, and revealed two distinct shapes, indicating that the creature had good vision.
Regular exercise can counteract health problems associated with sitting all day, according to a new study published in BMC Public Health. The research found that people who are physically active have a more desirable health profile compared to those who are inactive and spend high amounts of time sitting.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have identified a new biochemical process that controls lung function and contraction during asthma. Disrupting this process can prevent airway narrowing and maintain normal lung function.
An international team led by the University of Leicester has identified 12 giant super-eruptions between 8 and 12 million years ago in the United States. The research suggests that these eruptions were significantly larger than previously thought, with one estimated to have exceeded 1,900 km3 in volume.
Researchers created a European-scale map of wildland-urban areas to predict fire risk, finding that regions with high WUI areas are more prone to catastrophic large wildfires. The study highlights the need for local authorities to prioritize fire risk control and develop better forest fire management strategies in high-risk areas.
Researchers develop a solution to Hans Selye's hypothesis on adaptation energy, which has puzzled scientists for almost 80 years. The new theory predicts phenomena such as oscillating death and remission without exogenous reasons, providing an instrument for early crisis anticipation.
Patient experiences shared on social media platforms are becoming a point of reference for other patients, sometimes isolating traditional medical sources. The study suggests digital media eases health knowledge sharing, providing personalized routes to engagement and access to information.
Researchers have identified a new target for treating asthma, finding that nociceptin reduces both immune response and airway constriction. This discovery offers a potential new approach to preventing or reducing established asthma attacks.
A study of over 15,000 people found a 10% rise in older adults developing second or third chronic conditions, while physically active individuals were healthier. The prevalence of multimorbidity increased from 31.7% to 43.1% between 2002/03 and 2012/13.
A study from the University of Leicester found that women who feel more at risk of crime tend to be attracted to physically dominant men. The researchers suggest that this attraction is not based on a desire for protection, but rather a psychological mechanism related to feelings of vulnerability.
Researchers compared human male- and female-line genealogies with those of our closest animal relatives. Human 'Adam' is about 200,000 years old, while chimpanzee 'Adam' is over 1 million years old.
A University of Leicester study finds that GPs and hypertension detection are associated with lower premature mortality in England. In less deprived practices, continuity of care was also linked to lower mortality rates.
Research from the University of Leicester found high levels of trimethylamine N-oxide in acute heart failure patients, a metabolite produced by gut bacteria breaking down L-carnitine from red meat. The study suggests a possible link between red meat consumption and increased risk of heart disease.
The study suggests that humans have entered an 'Age of Plastic,' where plastics are forming fossils and persisting in the Earth's geology. Plastics can travel thousands of miles, get caught up in oceanic garbage patches, and be buried by increasing layers of plastic waste by mid-century.
A team from the University of Leicester has published a detailed description of the protein Sam68 linked to many types of cancer. The high-resolution structure provides an opportunity for scientists to develop drugs targeting this protein.
A recent paper confirms the existence of the Anthropocene, a new geological epoch driven by human activities such as material dispersal and greenhouse gas emissions. The study, co-authored by 24 geoscientists, identifies distinct signals in sediments and ice that justify recognition of this new time unit.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered that high blood sugar levels can cause blood vessels to contract more strongly, leading to higher blood pressure and potentially life-threatening complications. The study provides a potential therapeutic target for improving outcomes following a heart attack or stroke.
A study of women's experiences with labor delays found that many are willing to abandon their ideal birth plans for a safe delivery. The key challenge for healthcare professionals is to effectively transition from choice to care in uncertain situations.
Researchers at the University of Leicester suggest that supermassive black holes can grow up to 50 billion solar masses before their gas discs collapse, starving them of fuel. Without a disc, the black hole would stop growing, marking a significant limit on its size.
Research at the University of Leicester found that carbon emissions from tropical peatlands in Indonesia vary significantly depending on fire type and location. The study revealed that peatlands closer to canals have a higher probability of high-frequency fires, releasing harmful carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
A study led by Dr Gerry McCann found that treating multiple narrowed arteries during a heart attack does not increase the amount of heart muscle damage. The research suggests it is safe for cardiologists to insert stents in all discovered narrowings while treating a heart attack.
Researchers from the University of Leicester warn that a six-degree Celsius increase in ocean temperature could stop oxygen production by phytoplankton, leading to catastrophic consequences. This would result in the depletion of atmospheric oxygen on a global scale, causing mass mortality of animals and humans.
Researchers found that people with CFS are more vulnerable to pattern-related visual stress, a condition that causes discomfort and exhaustion when viewing repetitive striped patterns. This discovery may help in diagnosing the illness, which is difficult due to its similar symptoms to other conditions.
Researchers have created a detailed image of pneumolysin, a toxin linked to deadly infections like pneumonia and meningitis. The structure reveals how the toxin assembles on cell surfaces, enabling the development of novel therapeutic approaches to block its formation.
A new study has revealed key steps for hospitals to improve care for pregnant mums and babies in cases of term stillbirth. The investigation found 'missed opportunities' that could have potentially saved baby lives, highlighting areas such as diabetes testing, fetal growth monitoring, and bereavement care.
Researchers from the University of Leicester have announced a breakthrough advance in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients who are refractory or resistant to current chemotherapies. The new drug, ONO/GS-4059, targets BTK protein and has shown promising results with minimal toxicities.
The University of Leicester has been awarded £1.5 million to advance knowledge in three key areas that impact on health. Three groups have won awards led by Professor David Lambert, Professor Marco Rinaldo Oggioni, and Dr Shaun Cowley, investigating sepsis, infection spread, and cancer mechanisms.
A new study from the University of Leicester reveals how everyday activities such as playing with pets, going shopping, or swimming give young people in care a better sense of value and well-being. The research highlights the importance of facilitating participation in these activities to improve life chances and personal development.
Researchers have discovered highly conserved DNA sequences in non-coding regions of insect genomes, which are remarkably preserved for at least 180 million years. These findings provide new insights into the evolution of ancient animal ancestors and their influence on modern species.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown link between young star growth and black hole feeding habits, revealing the universality of accretion physics. The study found that young stellar objects' flickering light is similar to that of black holes and white dwarfs, supporting the idea that accretion is a universal process.
A University of Leicester study found that high-risk and impulsive offenders require extra support to complete rehabilitation programs, with non-completers exhibiting higher levels of non-planning impulsivity. The research suggests that these offenders may benefit from additional pre-programme work or ongoing support during the program.
A new study reveals that women in social sciences receive slightly larger grants than men, with early career women being more successful. However, women overall receive only 41% of the £127 million allocated, largely due to the scarcity of female professors in senior positions.
Researchers from the University of Leicester found that trees increase turbulence and reduce road traffic emissions by 7%, improving air quality for pedestrians. This study highlights the importance of urban planning decisions incorporating trees to benefit both public health and environment.
Researchers identified three distinct groups of asthma patients characterized by different genes in airways, with Th2 and Th17 pathways reciprocally regulated. Blocking both pathways simultaneously may demonstrate better efficacy than targeting either alone.
A recent study suggests that victims of sexual assault who were intoxicated during the crime can still accurately report information when interviewed by police. The research challenges the misconception that intoxicated victims are unreliable and may provide less accurate testimony due to alcohol impairment.
A breakthrough study by the University of Leicester team, led by Professor Nikolai Brilliantov, reveals that planetary rings have a universally similar particle distribution. The researchers solved the 'amazing' mathematical inverse cubes law of particle size distribution, suggesting that Saturn's rings are in a steady state that does ...
Researchers at the University of Leicester and CNRS have observed the growth of free nanoparticles in helium gas, revealing new information about their structure. The study found that nanoparticles grow by clustering together under increasing pressure, similar to decaffeination processes.
Researchers are examining the relationship between telomere length and age-related diseases, with the goal of understanding why some people remain healthy into old age while others develop chronic disease. The £2 million study will provide a rich resource for researchers studying various diseases, including heart disease and cancer.
A recent study by the University of Leicester has discovered a potential link between recessively inherited DNA sequences and heart disease. The research found that individuals with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) had higher levels of genome-wide homozygosity, which is associated with an increased risk of CAD. The study's findings sugges...
Men outperform women in goal-orientated tasks, with goal-setting inducing higher effort and better focus. The study found that having a goal leads to increased speed and accuracy, regardless of the specific goal value.
Scientists have identified a key protein that, if targeted, can stop the disease. The discovery could lead to precise drug design with limited toxicity, making it safe for vulnerable populations.
Scientists reveal that neurons change their firing properties to encode new associations, forming new memories in a matter of seconds. The study demonstrates the neural processes underlying real-life memory formation, showing that a single exposure is enough to create lasting memories.
A UK land cover map has shown a decline in semi-natural habitats and agricultural land between 2006 and 2012. Coniferous forest clear-cutting dominated the changes, with over 100,000 hectares lost.
Researchers at the University of Leicester identify four key changes driven by human activity: homogenization of species, Homo sapiens as top predator, direction of evolution, and interaction with technology. These changes represent a planetary transformation as fundamental as major extinction events.
A study by the University of Leicester reveals that a thermosensory gene called TrpA1 is linked to changes in behavior in flies during warmer climates. The research suggests that this gene plays a crucial role in regulating the biological clock, which is essential for controlling circadian rhythms.
A new report by MBRRACE-UK identifies regional variations in stillbirth and neonatal death rates in the UK, even after controlling for factors such as poverty, mother's age, and ethnicity. The report recommends setting national aspirational targets to improve services and reduce deaths.
The Universities of Leicester and Nottingham are developing a mini hybrid gamma ray camera to improve the diagnosis of tumours and lymph nodes from patients' bedsides. This handheld 'hybrid' technology combines optical and gamma imaging, allowing for more accurate surgical cancer treatments and reducing mortality and morbidity.
University of Leicester researchers found that more fluid formulations have greater reliability than thick and sticky rubbers. They discovered that high viscosity rubber compounds produce less desirable replicas.
Biologists from the University of Leicester have discovered that buff-tailed bumblebees develop into queens or workers based on gene expression. The study found that differentiation is not caused by inherited genetic differences, but rather by distinct expression patterns in adults.