Researchers found that note-taking during trials enhances jurors' recall of critical evidence and influences verdicts. Jurors with faster handwriting speed, higher short-term memory capacity, and better sustained attention remembered more incriminating evidence, leading to a greater likelihood of finding the defendant guilty.
A new study found that diagnostic uncertainty in febrile children results in increased observation times, inpatient admissions, and precautionary use of antibiotics. The development of rapid diagnostic tests could significantly reduce financial burden on the NHS and avoid unnecessary distress to children and parents.
A recent University of Liverpool research published in Pediatrics highlights the negative influence of social media on children's food intake. The study found that marketing unhealthy foods through YouTube vloggers' Instagram pages increases children's immediate energy intake, with no significant effect from healthy snack marketing.
The study found that the live oral typhoid vaccine Ty21a can strengthen the immune response against subsequent, unrelated infections, including those caused by other pathogens. This promising research could lead to broader protection and lower mortality rates globally.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed a new process to create polymers from sulfur, which could lead to more sustainable plastics. The discovery, published in Nature Communications, uses a catalytic process that reduces reaction times and temperatures, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Scientists warn that rising temperatures could make some species sterile and lead to earlier extinction than thought. The Thermal Fertility Limit, a new measure of how organisms function at extreme temperatures, may help predict which species are most vulnerable.
A study published in Developmental Science reveals that newborn babies are born with the ability to identify words in continuous speech. The researchers used Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to measure brain activity and discovered two mechanisms that enable infants to pick out individual words from a stream of sounds.
Researchers identified specific genes associated with AMD using DNA methylation profiling of human donor eyes. The condition affects central vision and has no treatment for 85% of patients. New targets for therapy may help address the unmet clinical need for AMD treatments.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool and McMaster University have discovered a quantum spin liquid state in TbInO3, a complex material that defies its crystal structure. The exotic state emerges from the local environment around magnetic ions, giving rise to extraordinary properties.
A recent survey of 3,500 households in the North West UK found that 31% had attended A&E in the past year, with age being a significant factor. Other key predictors included lack of employment and poor housing conditions, which increased attendance rates by 38% and 34%, respectively.
Researchers discovered 677 genes and small RNAs expressed differently between African and global Salmonella strains, leading to alterations at the protein level. The study provides a powerful tool for understanding the bacteria's genetic basis and potential antibiotic resistance.
Scientists warn of increased bluetongue risk in the UK due to climate change, with larger outbreaks predicted under warmer conditions. Existing control measures can still prevent largest outbreaks, but ongoing vigilance is crucial.
Researchers found that termites mitigate drought's impact by increasing decomposition rates and nutrient cycling. The study suggests that intact biological communities can act as ecological insurance during environmental stress.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have synthesized a flexible crystalline porous material that can change its structure in response to its environment, mimicking the properties of proteins. This breakthrough enables the design of materials that can dynamically select the structure needed for specific tasks.
A recent study from the University of Liverpool found that overweight dogs have a significantly shorter lifespan compared to those at ideal body weights. The study examined over 50,000 dogs across 12 breeds and revealed that being overweight can lead to poorer quality of life, joint disease, breathing issues, and certain types of cancer.
A University of Liverpool study found that popular restaurant chain meals in the UK and internationally have excessive calorie content, with only a small minority meeting public health recommendations. The researchers call for the food industry to reduce calories in their products and mandatory labelling of all restaurant food.
Researchers found that prescribed burning can produce positive outcomes when carried out on a sensible rotation, including reduced fire fuel loads and increased carbon accumulation. The study used stratigraphical techniques to analyze data from long-term ecological experiments at Moor House National Nature Reserve.
Scientists discover functional genes for producing terpenes and carotenoids in mites, which could lead to new ways of controlling chigger bites and potentially treating scrub typhus. Ancient horizontal gene transfer from soil bacteria and fungi is found to be responsible for these genetic surprises.
Researchers found that communal-reared males were more competitive towards unrelated males and displayed higher exploratory tendencies. These traits are advantageous in a high-density population or when dispersing from the natal territory.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have uncovered a novel mechanism by which Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria evade immune defenses. Pneumolysin toxin binds to a host cell receptor called Mannose Receptor C type-1 (MRC-1), suppressing inflammation and protective immunity, allowing the bacteria to survive in the airways.
Researchers found high levels of psychological distress and feelings of guilt in parents whose child had a burn injury. Adopting self-compassion appeared to help cope with the trauma. The study emphasizes the importance of screening for psychological distress in all families, regardless of burn size or severity.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed a laser-based spectroscopy technique to study CO2 reduction in-situ. This method provides critical insights into electrochemical pathways, enabling better understanding of electrocatalysts. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient clean fuel technologies.
Researchers found that children obese at 5 years old had a 75% likelihood of remaining obese by age 12 and almost 20 times the risk of developing Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE). Early recognition and treatment are crucial to minimize severity, as SCFE causes lifelong disability.
Research in Ethiopia found that genetically diverse village chickens are highly adapted to their physical, cultural, and social environments. To increase productivity, development interventions need to consider this diversity and be locally tailored.
A new study examines the potential effects of Brexit on the UK's Sugar Tax and coronary heart disease mortality. The research suggests that the SSB levy would increase prices by approximately 38%, leading to a 26% decrease in SSB intake, and prevent around 370 CHD deaths.
Scientists from the University of Liverpool have synthesized a highly active organic photocatalyst that can harness sunlight to produce hydrogen fuel. The discovery was made through a combination of experiment and computation, revealing basic design principles for future catalysts.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool discovered a lung cancer drug that can degrade 'zombie' proteins linked to leukemia. The study highlights the potential for repurposing drugs to target cancer therapies, particularly in acute myeloid leukaemia and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
A study by the University of Liverpool identified 31 ecosystem services provided by marine biodiversity, including seafood, raw materials, and natural flood defences. The research highlights the importance of protecting biodiversity to maintain these essential services.
Research shows that babies with cystic fibrosis are born weighing less than those without the condition, even accounting for premature births. The study found a link between CF mutation and intrauterine growth, highlighting the need for further research into improving health outcomes before birth.
A major new study shows that rotavirus vaccination reduces infant diarrhoea deaths by 34% in rural Malawi, adding weight to the World Health Organisation's recommendation for its inclusion in national immunisation programmes. The study also found a direct link between vaccine coverage and mortality reduction.
Research shows that cystic fibrosis affects the development of babies in the womb, leading to lower average birth weights. The study found that CF can impact birth weight even after accounting for premature birth, suggesting a potential link between CF and intrauterine growth.
A new study published in Molecular Genetics and Metabolism identified the drug nitisinone as a treatment for alkaptonuria, also known as black bone disease. The treatment significantly reduces the accumulation of homogentisic acid, stopping disease progression and partially reversing ochronosis.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool are investigating snake venom compounds to treat microbial keratitis, a serious eye infection. They aim to develop anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa agents to reduce damage to the cornea and prevent sight loss.
Researchers identified a new compound called MPS that is over 100 times more potent than the existing drug ethosuximide in reducing neurodegeneration in nematode worms. This discovery may enable novel treatments for human neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found Ebola survivors in Sierra Leone suffered from a range of neurological disorders, including migraines and stroke. The study suggests that these patients require specialist support and treatment to manage their symptoms.
Researchers reconstructed the 1929 Grand Banks underwater avalanche to better understand its properties and implications for seafloor infrastructure. The study found that giant avalanches like this one pose a major geohazard to telecommunication cables and oil pipelines, with potentially catastrophic consequences.
A new study reveals that African savanna herbivores can extract useful information from alarm calls of other species, particularly those with similar predators. The research found that herbivores respond strongly to alarm calls from vulnerable species, but also exhibit an independent effect of acoustic similarity.
A new study found that viruses are the most common cause of meningitis in adults and diagnosis is often delayed due to unnecessary brain scans. This can lead to inappropriate use of antibiotics and prolonged hospital stays. Prompt investigation with a lumbar puncture can help identify the specific virus or bacteria causing the illness.
Researchers confirm connection between plate tectonics, mantle flow and magnetic field reversals, suggesting a 120-130 million year delay. This finding provides new insights into the interaction between Earth's crust, mantle and core.
A new study highlights the negative influence of social media on children's food intake, particularly with regards to celebrity endorsements and vlogger marketing. Children who viewed Instagram pages featuring unhealthy snack images consumed 32% more calories from these snacks compared to those who saw non-food images.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has found that ebselen can correct many of the toxic characteristics of a protein causing some cases of hereditary motor neurone disease (MND). The drug-molecule can restore important steps in the SOD1 assembly process, potentially preventing neuronal cell death.
A new study identifies specific characteristics of Ebola retinal lesions, providing clues on how the virus travels to the retina and causes damage. Researchers found unique retinal scars in 15% of Ebola survivors with reported eye symptoms after recovery.
Researchers found that participants who received smaller servings consumed less alcohol, with a 20.7% - 22.3% decrease in one study and a 32.4% - 39.6% decrease in another. Reducing serving sizes could lead to 1,400 fewer deaths and 73,000 fewer hospital admissions annually.
Researchers used YouTube videos to study dog bites, finding common breeds such as Chihuahuas, German Shepherds, and Pit bulls. The studies found that the demographic characteristics of victims and dogs are consistent with previous research, and certain behaviors like tactile contact and leaning over a dog precede bites.
A study of recent geomagnetic excursion events found no resemblance between current changes and past reversals, suggesting recovery without extreme event. The research implies the weakened magnetic field will recover, making a reversal unlikely.
New research suggests that reducing food product portion sizes can recalibrate perceptions of normal food intake, leading to decreased consumption. The study found that participants who were served smaller portions chose to eat less in future experiments.
Researchers have identified human-specific cancers that differ from animal counterparts, suggesting potential evolutionary origins. The study reveals cancer patterns in humans vary significantly from those of other species, highlighting the need for further investigation into the evolutionary underpinnings of cancer.
Researchers uncover how bacterial 'gene swapping' fuels emergence and spread of infectious diseases, including antimicrobial resistance crisis.
Researchers at University of Liverpool identified the temperature at which cooling magma cracks to form geometric columns. The study found that columnar joints were formed around 840-890°C, indicating that the lava was hot before it solidified.
Scientists have gained insight into how soil bacteria sense oxygen levels, which could help develop new treatments for promoting crop growth and tackling disease. The findings focus on the FixL/FixJ protein system in soybean nodule bacteria, essential for nitrogen supply.