A 150-million-year-old 'Dinobird' fossil has been found to contain remnants of the animal's original chemistry, including phosphorous and sulfur in its feathers. The discovery could revolutionize the field of palaeontology by providing a new avenue for learning about long-extinct creatures.
Scientists at the University of Manchester have discovered how male common snipes use their outer tail feathers to produce a highly seductive drumming sound. By observing deformations in the feathers as they produce the sound, researchers found that the feathers flutter like flags in the wind.
Scientists developed a new computational model to identify targets of regulator genes in the human genome. The method combines biochemical and probabilistic modeling to uncover physical models of cell regulation, offering promise for improving understanding of biological systems.
Research from the University of Manchester and Western Sydney found that sports stars' behavior has little impact on young people's drinking habits. Young people tend to overestimate their friends' drinking, with actual drinking levels influenced more by sport-specific cultural habits.
A new study published in the journal Obesity found that medical and allied health professions need to present a balanced view of obesity causes and treatment when training young professionals. This approach resulted in significant reductions in obesity prejudice. The research suggests that health educators should deliver convincing, ba...
Scientists from the University of Manchester and Leeds have developed a method to combine calcite crystals with polystyrene particles, resulting in a more ductile and tough material. This technique has the potential to be used in crack-resistant building materials and bone replacements.
Researchers are developing new assessment tools in British Sign Language (BSL) to identify dementia among Deaf people, who often face unique challenges in accessing care and support. The study aims to improve early diagnosis and provide tailored services for this underserved population.
Pioneering research reveals policymakers are underestimating the scale of CO2 emission reductions required to mitigate climate change. A computer software developed at the University of Manchester helps authorities in different countries troubleshoot their approaches to emissions.
A new report suggests that preventing patients from leaving psychiatric wards without staff agreement could avoid up to 50 suicide deaths every year. The study found that improving the ward environment and staff training may contribute to reduced risk of in-patient suicides, particularly among high-risk groups.
Researchers have identified an enzyme that can remove the oncogene WT1 from cancer cells, leading to promising targets for treatments. The discovery of protease HtrA2 has shed new light on how levels of WT1 are controlled in cancer.
Researchers have achieved a breakthrough in regulating genes by hijacking riboswitches, opening doors for targeted drug discovery and synthetic biology. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, uses synthetic molecules to activate genes previously controlled by small naturally occurring molecules.
A new international study has found that ustekinumab is more effective than etanercept in treating moderate to severe psoriasis. Ustekinumab showed a 75% improvement in symptoms in 67.5% and 73.8% of patients, compared to 56.8% for etanercept.
A team of researchers from the University of Manchester and University of Houston used advanced analytical techniques to test volcanic gases, revealing a clear meteorite signature that suggests the atmosphere came from outer space. The study's findings imply that ancient Earth's oceans also originated from extraterrestrial materials.
Experts suggest replacing industry sponsorship with a dedicated tax modelled on tobacco to fund healthy community activities. They argue that current practices encourage unhealthy drinking among sportspeople and fans, citing a 2008 study's findings.
Researchers at the University of Manchester discovered two types of brain cells with distinct electrical properties that differ significantly between day and night. One type contains a key gene and can survive high levels of excitability, while the other cannot, contradicting accepted theory on how the daily clock works.
Researchers aim to control electromagnetic forces that can destroy future particle accelerators. They propose two approaches: heavy damping and light damping with detuning, to mitigate the effects of extreme wake fields. Detuning is compared to acoustics, where ringing bells at different frequencies reduces overall sound amplitude.
Scientists have developed a technique to understand how cell signals pass from the membrane into the cell, triggering complex biological processes. This breakthrough will help create better drugs and faster delivery times, providing new insights into human biology.
Research found that psoriasis patients have weaker brain response to disgusted faces, indicating a potential coping strategy to protect against social stigma. The study suggests that this adaptation may also apply to other stigmatizing skin conditions like acne or scarring.
Researchers found a way for healthy cells to take charge of cancerous cells by opening up communication channels, stopping them from developing into tumors. The chemicals, known as kinase inhibitors, appear to be relatively non-toxic and can persist even when withdrawn.
A study by the University of Manchester found that homicides committed by mentally ill individuals rose significantly between 1997 and 2005, with a notable increase in schizophrenia-related homicides. The report also shows a decrease in suicides among mental health patients and in-patients.
Researchers present findings on stimulating metabotropic glutamate receptors to stop glutamate release in brain cells, potentially reversing Parkinson's disease symptoms. Current treatments only alleviate symptoms, but new approach aims to protect and repair dying cells.
Biocatalogue.org provides a centralized registry of curated life science Web Services, enabling researchers to discover and use biological tools for treatments of H1N1 flu and cancer. The service is expected to significantly accelerate research in the medical, agronomical, and pharmaceutical fields.
A €12 million European Union-funded study led by the University of Manchester aims to tackle tumour hypoxia, a critical factor hindering effective cancer treatment. Researchers will investigate how hypoxia affects cell behavior and develop targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes.
Scientists have developed a new dating technique using fire and water to determine the age of ceramic artifacts up to 2,000 years old. The 'rehydroxylation dating' method relies on the reaction between fired clay ceramics and atmospheric moisture, which causes weight gain over time.
A clinical trial conducted by the University of Manchester found that No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum can clinically reduce wrinkles and improve sun-damaged skin. The study, which tested 60 volunteers, showed a significant improvement in facial wrinkles after 12 months of daily use.
A new web-based therapy programme, eTIPS, is being tested to help people with psoriasis manage their condition better. The programme uses cognitive behaviour therapy to address the psychological discomfort caused by the visible nature of the condition.
Research found that young ex-military personnel are up to three times more likely to take their own lives than civilians, with those under 24 years old and in lower ranks being most vulnerable. The study suggests exposure to adverse experiences during military service may play a role in the increased suicide risk.
Researchers used laser scanning to reconstruct five dinosaurs' bodies, including T. rex and Acrocanthosaurus. The study found that smaller T. rex specimens weighed between 5.5-7 tonnes, while larger ones could have reached 8 tonnes.
The European Academy of Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology has established 20 'Basic Principles' for safe use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in dentistry. The guidelines cover areas such as justification, optimization, and training to protect patients from excessive radiation.
Researchers discovered that pills used to treat fungal infections improve symptoms of asthma in those with an allergic reaction to fungi. Nearly 60% of patients taking the drug showed significant improvement.
A leading British researcher predicts a boom in stem cell drug testing under Obama's administration, offering a viable alternative to animal-based heart cell tests. The UK has already established a special public-private research program to harness the potential of human embryonic stem cells for safer medicine.
Researchers say that GPs could do more to help obese individuals avoid surgery by implementing early stage weight management programs and using anti-obesity drugs. Patients face a post-code lottery when seeking access to specialist care, highlighting the need for improved obesity management strategies.
Scientists have developed new pre-clinical tests that successfully reproduced the devastating reaction suffered by six volunteers in the 2006 Northwick Park trial. The new tests use a mixed human cell culture and drying the drug onto a plastic surface, providing a more reliable indicator of how the drug will react in humans.
New research from the University of Manchester has shown that even water-soluble statins can affect placental development, leading to worse pregnancy outcomes. Current guidelines recommend avoiding statins during pregnancy due to their potential risks, and this study supports these recommendations.
A new study finds that racial prejudice in Britain has been declining since the 1980s, with younger generations showing greater tolerance towards ethnic minorities. The study also reveals significant generational changes in attitudes, with women and more educated individuals expressing less prejudice.
A new study reveals a link between alcohol-industry sponsorship and hazardous drinking among sportspeople, with those receiving free or discounted booze reporting higher levels of binge drinking. The research suggests that severing links with the alcohol industry is crucial to promote the health and well-being of athletes.
Women with serious mental illnesses are at least twice as likely to experience stillbirths or newborn deaths compared to those without such conditions. Research revealed that mothers with schizophrenia have a higher risk of stillbirth, while those with other psychotic illnesses face significant complications during childbirth.
Researchers at the University of Manchester are investigating the biological causes of FTLD, a group of dementias affecting the frontal and temporal lobes. They plan to study the role of genes in regulating tau and progranulin levels in the brain, with hopes of finding future therapies.
Prof Andre Geim and Dr Kostya Novoselov, who discovered graphene in 2004, have won the prestigious Europhysics Prize. Their work reveals graphene's remarkable electronic properties, with applications such as transistors and sensors.
New research suggests that Tutankhamen fathered twins, based on analysis of the mummified remains found in his tomb. The study, led by Professor Robert Connolly, confirms that the two foetuses are likely to be twins and were born to the teenage Pharaoh.
A recent brain study has identified the brain regions that interact to link knowledge of socially appropriate behavior with moral sentiments like pride and guilt. The findings suggest that social behavior not conforming to an individual's values evokes feelings of anger or guilt, which may be relevant to understanding depression.
Scientists at the University of Manchester have created a new method for attaching active proteins to chips, enabling quick testing for serious diseases and rapid discovery of new drugs. This breakthrough could lead to the development of large-scale protein arrays that can analyze thousands of proteins simultaneously.
Scientists have uncovered the 3D structure of Mps1, a protein that regulates chromosome number during cell division and prevents cancer. The discovery will help design safer and more effective therapies.
University of Manchester researchers have taken a systematic approach to studying anti-mitotic drugs, revealing a profound variation in cell behavior among different tumors. The study aims to improve the effectiveness of these drugs while reducing side effects such as nerve damage.
A new study by the University of Manchester reveals that stabbings are costing the National Health Service (NHS) over £3 million a year. The research found that stabbings account for almost three-quarters of all penetrating trauma injuries, with an average cost to the NHS per victim of £7,196.
Scientists investigate how cells make different sugar types and test theories on how sugars influence cell behavior. They aim to develop new ways to instruct cells to behave in particular ways, potentially leading to therapies for heart disease and nerve damage.
Arthritis treatment drugs show promise in treating atherosclerosis and other autoimmune diseases by targeting cytokines, protein messaging molecules released by immune cells. The discovery of anti-cytokine therapy holds potential for treating multiple biological processes and unmet medical needs.
A world-leading political philosopher argues that international rules on intellectual property violate human rights by denying access to vital medicines. An alternative licensing system, the Health Impact Fund (HIF), is proposed to render the existing system human-rights compliant.
Researchers have discovered a potential new drug that 'opens the taps' for hormone release, potentially stimulating new bone growth. The approach involves stimulating parathyroids, tiny glands controlling PTH hormone, which could lead to increased calcium levels and bone formation.
Researchers are investigating new strategies for targeting the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in pain relief and treating conditions like obesity and nicotine addiction. These studies aim to develop new drugs that can selectively target cannabinoid receptors without causing psychoactive side effects.