Cyanobacteria construct organelles to convert CO2 into sugar through a complex process involving Rubisco enzymes and chaperone proteins. A recent study reveals the crucial role of Raf1 protein in assembling Rubisco complexes, improving carboxysome function.
A global review of COVID-19 cases found neurological complications such as strokes, delirium, and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. The study analyzed data from over 900 patients and highlights the need for doctors to recognize COVID-19's potential to cause devastating brain problems.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed new sulfur polymers that provide an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petrochemical-based plastics. The polymers, which can be recycled easily, exhibit shape-memory effects and can be self-repaired within minutes, opening up potential applications in soft robot...
A new study found that albatrosses wait for stronger winds to fly again and males rely more on strong winds for take-off due to their larger size. The research tracked over 300 albatrosses and combined tracking data with computer modeling to shed light on the role of wind in flight decisions.
Scientists have discovered a new killing mechanism in teixobactin, a potent natural antibiotic that can kill superbugs. The research provides fundamental insights into how teixobactins work and could lead to the development of new drugs.
Researchers have discovered a novel drug that selectively controls excessive inflammation, a key driver of conditions like osteoarthritis and COVID-19. APPA demonstrates anti-inflammatory potential without compromising the body's ability to fight off infections.
A new study found that implementing a national household energy strategy in Cameroon to increase adoption of LPG for clean cooking could avert 28,000 premature deaths. The strategy is expected to reduce global temperatures and mitigate climate change.
A new study found that mobile health devices and photoplethysmography technology can reduce stroke risk, rehospitalisation rates, and mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation. The integrated care approach showed significant benefits in managing AF-related adverse events.
Researchers have identified key technological and scientific challenges in producing hydrogen through seawater electrolysis. The study highlights the need for new catalysts and electrode materials to overcome competition between chlorine chemistry and water oxidation in seawater.
Research reveals that climate warming reduces year-to-year variability in beech tree seed production, favoring seed predators like moths. This shift results in fewer surviving seeds and reduced fitness for the trees themselves.
Researchers are developing long-acting formulations for malaria and TB prevention, as well as a single-injection cure for hepatitis C. The project aims to improve patient adherence and reduce disease transmission in low- and middle-income countries.
A study found that UK military personnel drink to cope with anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms, increasing the risk of alcohol misuse. Personnel who drink alone or at home are more likely to meet the criteria for alcohol misuse and binge drinking.
A new University of Liverpool-led study found that two-thirds of obstetricians and gynaecologists experience traumatic work-related events, leading to clinically significant PTSD symptoms in 18% of consultants and trainees. The culture in obstetrics and gynaecology is identified as a barrier to trauma support.
Exposure to diesel exhaust particles has been found to increase an individual's susceptibility to pneumococcal disease. The study reveals that DEPs can lead to the reduction of airway macrophages' ability to kill bacteria, allowing it to survive and cause severe inflammation in the lungs.
A new randomized controlled trial found that the guided self-help intervention SH+ significantly reduced psychological distress and improved functioning, depression, and wellbeing among South Sudanese female refugees. The intervention was highly acceptable to participants, with 80% attending all five sessions.
Researchers found that motivational interviewing skills increased detainee engagement and information gain, while approaches antithetical to MI had a negative impact. The study suggests creating an environment of personal control and autonomy can encourage cooperation.
A new study uses an eye movement test to investigate inhibitory control in healthy older adults, confirming a decline in this ability with age. The results show that older participants were more likely to look at the dot when it appeared and slower compared to younger participants.
A new study published in Science Advances identifies several common genetic pathways linked to compulsive behavior and addiction, including those related to heavy alcohol consumption. The research used genome-wide association studies and model organisms to pinpoint the genes responsible for high levels of alcohol intake.
A common first-line treatment for cryptococcal meningitis is being compromised by emerging drug resistance, according to a new University of Liverpool research. The study highlights the need for new drugs and treatment regimens to combat the lethal brain infection.
Researchers found that herbivores choose friends based on species with informative alarm calls, vigilance, and vulnerability to predators. This complex social world highlights the importance of communication between species for survival and conservation.
Adolescents from sexual minorities in the UK are more likely to experience mental health problems, self-harm, and bullying compared to their heterosexual counterparts. The study found that sexual minority adolescents face higher rates of depression, lower life satisfaction, and increased substance use.
A team led by Professor Claire Eyers has made a major breakthrough in cell signalling research, revealing a diverse and complex phenomenon of protein modification. The study found that approximately one-third of unique 'non-canonical' phosphorylation sites exist in addition to the well-studied serine, threonine and tyrosine residues.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have created hybrid porous organic cages capable of high-performance quantum sieving for hydrogen isotope separation. The new material has excellent deuterium/hydrogen selectivity and high deuterium uptake.
A new healthcare framework aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of age-related diseases by classifying and staging severity. The framework, developed by an international team of experts, includes a comprehensive classification system for aging-related diseases in all organs.
A new UK study finds that psychiatric diagnoses are seldom used as entry criteria for NHS mental health services, instead relying on broad clusters of difficulties and the specialist skills of staff. This challenges the long-held assumption that diagnoses are essential for accessing care, opening the way for alternative and more scient...
Three moth species, including the peppered moth, rely on the same gene for industrial melanism, a response to environmental change. The mutations likely occurred hundreds of years before the industrial revolution, suggesting adaptive evolution uses similar genetic machinery across deep evolutionary time.
A University of Liverpool study found that popular UK restaurant chain dishes contain high levels of calories, with an average of 488 kcal for starters, 397.5 kcal for sides, and 430.6 kcal for desserts. The study calls for mandatory labelling and reduced calorie content to address obesity concerns.
A recent study found that infant mortality rates in England have risen for the last four years, with a disproportionate impact on the most deprived local authorities. The research suggests that about a third of the increase in infant mortality may be attributed to rising child poverty, equivalent to an extra 172 infant deaths.
A recent study published in Aging Cell has discovered that human aging processes may actually hinder the development of cancer. In most human tissues, aging-related gene expression changes are contrary to those found in cancer, suggesting a protective effect on cell growth.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking design discovery that doubles the conductivity of indium oxide (ITO) transparent coatings, a crucial material for touch screens and solar cells. The new material, IMO, has twice the conductivity of ITO with half the thickness and amount of indium required.
A new antibiotic-coated shunt has been shown to significantly reduce infection rates in patients with hydrocephalus. The BASICS trial found that the innovative treatment saved the NHS approximately £130K per infection averted, resulting in estimated annual savings of £7 million.
A new study reveals the feasibility of using mobile health (mHealth) devices with photoplethysmography technology to screen and detect atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart condition. The research found that 424 participants out of 187,912 were confirmed as having AF, with 95% following up with care and successfully anticoagulated.
Researchers are studying how male-killing microbes affect insect reproduction and evolution. The project aims to understand the genetic mechanisms behind these microbes' ability to suppress male fertility.
A University of Liverpool study reveals that wild animals adjust their social preferences with the weather, affecting extinction risk. The research found that species alter their grouping patterns between wet and dry seasons, influenced by factors like migration and feeding preferences.
A new study highlights the benefits of a US salt reduction strategy for the food industry, finding that meeting FDA targets could produce significant health gains and cost savings. The researchers modelled the impact on food companies and workers, finding that the value of CVD-related health gains and cost savings exceed government costs.
A study published in Journal of Avian Biology reveals that puffins, guillemots, and razorbills dive to varying depths during the non-breeding period. Contrary to expectations, puffins dive less deeply than closely related species, suggesting they catch different prey.
A new study published in Psychiatry Research has concluded that psychiatric diagnoses are scientifically worthless as tools for identifying discrete mental health disorders. The study found significant overlap in symptoms between diagnoses and highlighted the limitations of diagnostic manuals such as the DSM.
The University of Liverpool and LSTM have received £3.54m funding to develop a personalized approach to prevent and treat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The project aims to use AI, deep learning, and real-time monitoring to provide individualized treatment options for patients.
Scientists found high levels of clinically relevant AMR bacteria in urban wildlife in Nairobi, carrying a significant risk to human health. The study highlights the importance of taking an ecological approach to addressing antimicrobial resistance by improving urban planning and waste management practices.
Research links persistent child poverty in the UK to poor physical and mental health, including a higher risk of obesity and mental ill health. The study, based on the UK Millennium Cohort Study, suggests urgent action is needed to reduce child poverty for healthy futures.
A study published in PNAS has identified a potential treatment for CRPS by targeting IL-1-induced neuroinflammation. The researchers transferred antibodies from patients with long-lasting CRPS to mice and found that blocking IL-1 with a clinically available drug, anakinra, helped prevent and reverse the condition.
A research team from the University of Liverpool has discovered that radon atoms provide less favorable conditions for measuring electric dipole moments than radium. The study, published in Nature Communications, used the ISOLDE facility at CERN to accelerate beams of radioactive radon ions and measure their properties.
A new study has helped develop a treatment option for multi-drug resistant (MDR) infections, including complicated urinary tract infections. The treatment, tebipenem pivoxil hydrobromide, is an oral antibiotic agent that may facilitate earlier discharge from hospital or treat complex infections in the community.
A new study of UK lake sediment records has found that recent floods in Northern England were the largest in 600 years, highlighting the impact of climate changes. The research uses lake sediment records and river flow data to establish long-term flood frequency models, aiming to improve flood risk management in the UK.
A study published in the journal Obesity found that people on lower incomes are more likely to have obesity due to psychological distress and emotional eating. The researchers discovered a mediating role of psychological distress and emotional eating in explaining the relationship between socioeconomic status and BMI.
A new study published in The Lancet has identified levetiracetam as a safe and effective alternative to phenytoin for treating convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) in children. The trial, conducted by the EcLiPSE Team, involved over 300 children and found that levetiracetam may be considered as an alternative treatment to phenytoin.
Research at the University of Liverpool found that people with obesity are stigmatized and explicitly considered to be less human than those without obesity. This blunt dehumanization was linked to support for health policies that discriminate against individuals due to their weight.
A new University of Liverpool-led study highlights the effectiveness of a brief group psychological intervention for women affected by anxiety and depression in post-conflict Pakistan. The intervention, known as Group Problem Management Plus, was tested in a randomized controlled trial involving 612 women in rural Swat, with promising ...
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have found that chromatin changes quickly in response to low oxygen, preceding gene expression activation. This discovery sheds light on how cells respond to oxygen deprivation and may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches.
A new University study highlights the high incidence and prevalence of visual problems in acute stroke survivors, with 48% of all stroke admissions and 60% of survivors experiencing new onset visual conditions. The study found that three quarters of patients had visual problems, including impaired central vision, eye movement abnormali...