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University of Liverpool


Corneal transplants, men and women don't see eye to eye

A new study suggests that donor and recipient gender incompatibility may lead to poorer corneal transplant outcomes for women. Incompatible grafts were found to fail or be rejected more frequently in men-to-female mismatched transplants, highlighting the importance of gender matching in improving patient success rates.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJul 14, 2016

Largest HIV transmission study conducted

A new study of over 800 couples found that neither gay men nor heterosexual people with HIV transmitted the virus to their partners if on suppressive antiretroviral treatment. The PARTNER study, the world's largest of its kind, monitored couples for several years and recorded no instances of transmission.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJAMA·DateJul 12, 2016

Thousands join diabetic eye disease trial

A new clinical trial funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) aims to transform early detection of diabetic eye disease by introducing a novel screening method. The trial will enable patients at lower risk to undergo tests only every two years, while those at higher risk can be checked up to twice a year.

Cancer drug trial success

Researchers developed a new compound to target mutated p53 genes, found in over 50% of cancers, which are responsible for uncontrolled cell growth. The treatment has shown promising results in patients with modest toxicity, and trials will now expand to 400 patients across Europe and the USA.

New muscular dystrophy drug target identified

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have discovered a new potential treatment for muscular dystrophy by identifying an enzyme that impairs muscle repair. Elevated levels of elastase, which breaks down connective tissue, were found to impair muscle stem cell function and survival.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 1, 2016

New study examines the effect of ecstasy on the brain

A recent study by researchers at the University of Liverpool analyzed data from 157 ecstasy users and 148 controls to examine the effect of ecstasy on the brain. The study found significant reductions in serotonin transport in ecstasy users, which may contribute to cognitive deficits and mood changes.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·DateApr 18, 2016

Funding boost for Zika virus research

The University of Liverpool's National Institute for Health Research has announced a £100,000 funding boost for Zika virus research to tackle the current outbreak in South America. The funding will support eight projects focusing on diagnostics, clinical studies, and understanding the disease mechanism.

Evolving insights into cystic fibrosis lung infections

Recent research on cystic fibrosis lung infections highlights the ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to adapt and evolve in chronically infected patients. The review suggests that understanding this evolution is crucial for developing alternative treatment strategies to minimize symptoms and improve patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalTrends in Microbiology·DateMar 4, 2016

Post-Ebola syndrome in Sierra Leone

Researchers found that 70% of Ebola survivors reported musculoskeletal pain, while 48% experienced headaches and 14% had vision problems. The study highlights the need for further research into Post-Ebola Syndrome to understand its causes and consequences.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 25, 2016

Research sheds new light on whether we are all getting fatter

A study of BMI trends in England from 1992 to 2013 found that median BMI is not increasing as much as thought, but the top end of the scale is experiencing significant increases across all social groups and sexes. Researchers highlight the growing issue of obesity among the most obese individuals, costing billions to the NHS annually.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateFeb 17, 2016

'Stay-at-home' males fueled menopause evolution

A new study suggests that the menopause evolved as a result of a combination of factors, including the 'grandmother hypothesis', which proposes that women live long past reproductive age to care for their grandchildren. The study also found that males who remained at home provided an adaptive benefit by allowing females to focus on rep...

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalBiological Letters·DateFeb 17, 2016

'Molecular movie' opens door to new cancer treatments

A team of scientists has produced a structural movie showing the creation of S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a major methyl donor in the body that plays a role in some cancers. The research provides insight into how this enzyme synthesizes SAMe and highlights it as an excellent therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2016

Link between stress fracture injuries and genes found

A study by University of Liverpool researchers found that specific gene variations are associated with stress fracture injuries in healthy, exercising individuals. This discovery may lead to the development of preventative measures and tailored treatments for athletes and military personnel at risk of developing this common sports injury.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPurinergic Signalling·DateFeb 9, 2016

Scientists bridge different materials by design

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have designed and constructed interfaces between materials with different structures, leading to improved physical properties. This breakthrough enables the creation of better batteries, fuel cells, and other devices that rely on well-ordered interfaces between materials.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Chemistry·DateFeb 4, 2016

Adverse trends in mental health linked to disability assessments

A UK study found that each additional 10,000 people reassessed using the Work Capability Assessment was associated with an increase in suicides, self-reported mental health problems, and antidepressant prescribing rates. The most deprived areas experienced the greatest increases in these adverse outcomes, widening health inequalities.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateNov 16, 2015