Researchers analyze baker's yeast to uncover key features in cellular development linked to diseases such as Parkinson's and cancer. The study reveals a precise cellular role for DJ-1 family proteins, which may provide new insight into mechanisms contributing to these conditions.
Researchers have discovered that many hot white dwarfs' atmospheres are contaminated by rocky material from planetary systems, suggesting a similar proportion of stars build terrestrial planets. This breakthrough has implications for the ultimate fate of the Earth billions of years in the future.
A new international study reveals that humans have left an unprecedented legacy of technofossils, including built environments and consumer products, which will be preserved for millions of years. These technofossils are expected to become the defining characteristic of the Anthropocene epoch.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed an artificial version of a naturally occurring protein, properdin, which successfully combats bacterial pneumonia and meningitis in mice. The treatment offers significant protection against life-threatening infections.
An international team of academics has identified a single bacteria as the cause of sepsis through genetic evidence. The study found that in most cases, a single pneumococcal cell was responsible for causing sepsis.
Scientists discover fossilized eggs and embryos of tiny marine crustaceans, revealing a 450-million-year-old species that took care of its young in the same way as modern relatives. The finding provides conclusive evidence of reproductive strategy conservation across millennia.
A new study found that patients have a 'right to know' but not a 'duty to know' their cancer diagnosis. This means doctors face a difficult task in ascertaining how much detail the individual patient wants at any one time.
A team of University of Leicester academics helped develop NICE guidelines to prevent diabetes in black, Asian and minority ethnic groups. The new guidance emphasizes the importance of body mass index as a signal for preventive action, aiming to reduce the incidence of diabetes by increasing physical activity and healthy diet.
A three-year study published in Neuroscience reveals how loud sound damage affects myelin, the protective sheet around cells, and its correlation to auditory signals failing to transmit during hearing loss. Understanding this link can help develop strategies to prevent or alleviate deafness or tinnitus symptoms.
Research by Dr. Christiana Tsaousi finds that women's underwear choices are influenced by personal taste, social background, and professional status, challenging the idea of a one-size-fits-all approach to femininity. The study suggests comfort is key to feeling feminine in underwear.
A new study found that orangutans come down from trees more often in degraded habitats, suggesting a greater ability to cope with forest loss. Increased terrestriality may also facilitate movement and dispersal, accessing different food sources.
The genomes of King Richard III and one of his living descendants are being sequenced to shed light on his ancestry, health, and genetic makeup. The project will also analyze the genetic information of pathogens that may have caused diseases in the past.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have found two versions of a protein called Cryptochrome in wild populations of fruit flies, both with different amino acids that affect the circadian clock. The study suggests that this variation is functionally important and actively maintained by natural selection.
Researchers at the University of Leicester used intracranial electrodes to record single neurons in epilepsy patients and found a specific brain response marking the timing of these neuron firings. This response, present for consciously recognized pictures, is thought to be a gateway for processing stimuli to form memories.
Researchers at the University of Leicester successfully used Vemurafenib, a BRAF inhibitor approved for melanoma, to clear malignant cells from a patient's blood and achieve complete clinical recovery. The study demonstrates the potential for repurposing existing cancer treatments for rare types of leukemia.
A handheld mineral analyzer has been developed for mining applications, enabling rapid analysis of minerals in the field. The device combines X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques to identify and quantify minerals within 1-2 minutes.
A new receptor, similar to those for endorphins or morphine, has been discovered to play a crucial role in the body's response to sepsis. Blocking this receptor may help reduce inflammation and improve outcomes for critically ill patients suffering from sepsis.
Scientists trained desert locusts using Pavlov's dog method, finding that they can re-associate toxic odors with food rewards when in a swarm. Locusts retain memories of previously acquired associations but cannot form new aversive memories.
Researchers from the University of Leicester used satellite and observatory data to explain an unusually bright Gamma-ray Burst (GRB) observed in April 2013. The event was found to be caused by an extremely powerful stellar explosion producing a jet of matter moving at nearly the speed of light.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a new technique to create protein-based drugs using evolutionary engineering. The method involves generating millions of variants of a protein, selecting those with improved properties, and repeating the cycle until the desired function is achieved.
Researchers have mapped the structure of complement component C1, a protein responsible for spotting foreign agents and triggering the immune response. The study reveals how the complex is assembled from its constituent proteins, shedding light on the immune system's prevention of disease and potential therapeutic applications.
Researchers have isolated viruses that specifically target the highly infectious hospital superbug C. diff, which can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration. The discovery could lead to a new treatment for this condition, with the potential to revolutionise the way it is treated in clinics.
Researchers claim NASA portrayed astronauts as pioneering cowboys in its images of the moon landing, promising a future that never materialized. The study analyzed over 400 memory cards from visitors to the National Space Centre and found half contained a reference to the moon landing as a glimpse into a future that never came true.
Researchers at the University of Leicester found that resveratrol can still be used in the body after it has been metabolized. The study shows that the chemical can be taken into cells and broken down into a more effective form, potentially leading to new cancer treatments.
Researchers found that coastal animals, like the speckled sea louse Eurydice pulchra, have a 12.4 hour swimming cycle matching incoming tides and a 24 hour circadian rhythm in pigmented cells. This independent tidal clock is separate from the 24-hour body clock.
A recent study found that inherited human herpesvirus 6 in telomeres can lead to unstable viral genomes and increased risk of reactivation. This research has significant implications for transplant patients who are often immunosuppressed, highlighting the need for screening donors for this inherited form of HHV-6.
A new study shows that using electronic data to monitor medicine dosing led to a substantial reduction in missed or delayed doses. The study found that 'technovigilance' – turning data into intelligence – can help improve patient safety and reduce errors.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered a potential molecular defence against Huntington's disease, a fatal neurodegenerative disorder. Glutathione peroxidase activity was found to be robustly protective in models of the disease.
A significant association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring conduct problems was observed among genetically related and unrelated mothers. Conduct disorder is a significant concern globally, and the study sheds light on prenatal risk factors for child psychological problems.
A study of over 42,000 people found that migrants from Eastern European countries didn't become happier after settling in Western Europe. In fact, those from Poland were significantly less happy. The researcher suggests that happiness is already present before migration and doesn't increase as a result.
Researchers from the University of Leicester show that insect limbs can move without muscles, using a close interplay of neuronal control and passive joint forces. This finding may provide engineers with new ways to improve robotic and prosthetic limb control.
Researchers from the University of Leicester have developed a new technique to visualize and enhance latent fingerprints, increasing identification rates. The technique uses electrochromic polymers that change color when exposed to electricity or light, creating a negative image of the print.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have made a groundbreaking discovery into the regulation of a key cancer drug target. The study, funded by £2.4 million from the Wellcome Trust, reveals that signalling molecules called inositol phosphates play a crucial role in controlling gene expression.
Researchers found that over 200 English ICUs reduced serious bloodstream infections by more than 60% through implementing five key practices, including strict hand hygiene and full barrier protection. This achievement mirrors those made in the US state of Michigan, where a similar programme was conducted.
Researchers found that men with haplogroup I have lower numbers of copies of two important genes in macrophages, which may contribute to increased risk of coronary artery disease. The study used a sample of around 2,000 men from four European populations and aimed to decipher the genetic background behind the association.
Researchers found King Richard III in a hastily dug, lozenge-shaped grave under a Leicester car park, suggesting gravediggers were in a hurry to bury him. The grave was too short for the king's body, and his torso was crammed in, with evidence of hands being tied during burial.
Researchers have discovered evidence of ancient agriculture in southern China, predating the arrival of domesticated rice. The use of a new analysis technique on grinding stones revealed starch from tropical palms, indicating that people may have cultivated these plants around 5,000 years ago.
A new study by the University of Leicester found that women from deprived areas have poorer breast cancer survival rates due to late-stage diagnoses. The research suggests that prioritizing early detection in these areas can significantly improve survival chances and reduce deaths.
A study led by the University of Leicester found a link between faster telomere shortening and increased risk of age-related diseases, including coronary artery disease and certain cancers. The research suggests that biological aging plays a key role in causing these diseases.
A recent study published in the journal Organization argues that the private security industry lacks transparency and accountability, leading to hidden costs of war. The industry's global worth is estimated to be billions of pounds, yet its activities are often shrouded in secrecy, hindering public debate.
The University of Leicester has discovered the remains of King Richard III using a wealth of evidence including DNA, radiocarbon dating and skeletal analysis. The skeleton was found in Leicester city centre and matches two of Richard III's maternal line relatives, confirming his identity.
Researchers have discovered radio emissions from ultracool dwarfs that are powered by processes similar to Jupiter's auroras, indicating the presence of auroras outside our solar system.
A leading researcher's findings reveal that mental health is not improving at the same rate as global health and lifespan, with autism prevalence found in males, those without higher education, and social housing residents. Training Health Visitors to assess and support mothers after childbirth can prevent depression in adults.
An international team of researchers has discovered a new species of ostracod, a type of crustacean, in 425 million-year-old rocks. The fossils are exceptionally well-preserved, including the shell and soft tissues such as body, limbs, eyes, gills, and alimentary system.
A team of astronomers has discovered an excess of X-ray radiation in the first few minutes of collapsing massive stars, potentially revealing the signature of the supernova shock wave. This breakthrough could enable the detection of new supernovae earlier than current methods, allowing for more precise monitoring and analysis.
Researchers discovered that older adults rely more on holistic cues to identify words, making it easier for them to comprehend text. This finding contradicts the common belief that older adults struggle with reading due to declining visual sensitivity.
Research suggests that hydrothermal fractures on Mars may have been a habitable environment for microbial life. Meteorites containing alteration minerals from these fractures indicate temperatures ranging from 50°C to 150°C.
Researchers have identified a gene that regulates chloroplast development through the ubiquitin-proteasome system, potentially unlocking control over fruit ripening in crops. The discovery may enable manipulation of chloroplast functions to improve crop yields and reduce food waste.
A new study by University of Leicester researchers found that effective healthcare can reduce health inequalities in England, particularly in reducing death rates from diseases like stroke, heart disease, and cancer. The study discovered that population characteristics such as age and socio-economic deprivation are major factors contri...
A UK-based research project is debating the future of Mongolia's rural areas and its impact on herders' livelihoods. Herders face multiple pressures due to climate change, mining and new policies on land, threatening their traditional nomadic lifestyle.