Scientists have developed a rapid and efficient way to transform baker's yeast, enabling the creation of synthetic yeast strains that can be customized on-demand. This breakthrough could lead to mass production of advanced medicines and have significant implications for the future study of DNA.
Astronomers have detected a unique laser emission from the heart of the Ant Nebula, indicating the presence of a double star system. The phenomenon was discovered using European Space Agency's Herschel space observatory and is connected to the death of a star.
Researchers developed a method to identify men with locally advanced prostate cancer who are less likely to respond well to radiotherapy. A 28-gene signature accurately identifies hypoxic tumour tissue in patients with prostate cancer that invades nearby structures. This signature could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients.
Researchers discovered a novel mechanism of action for an immunosuppressive drug that promotes human hair growth and reduces hair loss. A compound targeting the same mechanism has shown similar effects in promoting hair growth without side effects.
Researchers trained a 'Regal Jumping Spider' to jump different distances and heights using 3D CT scanning and high-speed cameras. The study reveals the spider uses different jumping strategies depending on the challenge, with internal hydraulic pressure playing a key role in its extraordinary jumping performance.
A team of international astronomers predicts the sun will turn into a planetary nebula, marking the end of its active life. The new model shows that low-mass stars like the sun can form bright planetary nebulas, solving a long-standing scientific puzzle.
A machine learning approach developed for Mars feature mapping has been adapted to assess the effect of treatments on tumors. The technique provides a four-fold increase in precision and enables researchers to present findings with confidence.
A PhD student at The University of Manchester has developed a new method and software for using computer game technology to simulate complex scientific and engineering applications. Using powerful graphics cards, he can run large-scale simulations over 100 times faster than conventional computers, reducing costs from hundreds of thousa...
A team of international palaeontologists has discovered a giant ichthyosaur fossil in the UK, estimated to be around 25-26 meters long. The find solves a 150-year-old mystery and refutes previous identifications of dinosaur bones from the same location.
A new study found that people with epilepsy in England and Wales are at a higher risk of dying from suicide and accidents. The research analyzed data from over 44,000 people with epilepsy compared to those without the condition, revealing a five-fold increase in accidental medication poisoning deaths among those with epilepsy.
A 180 million-year-old pregnant ichthyosaur has been discovered in Yorkshire, featuring six to eight tiny embryos. This find is significant as it is the first time a reptilian embryo has been found in Yorkshire and the youngest of British embryo-bearing specimens.
A recent study by the University of Manchester found that the UK chocolate industry has a significant environmental impact, with high greenhouse gas emissions and water usage. The study estimates that the industry produces around 2.1m tonnes of GHG annually, equivalent to the annual emissions of a city as large as Belfast.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have found that an anti-inflammatory drug, Kineret, significantly reduces levels of inflammation in patients with ischemic strokes. The study, funded by the Stroke Association, shows promise for fast and effective treatment of stroke, but further trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Researchers found that certain nutrient supplements, such as taurine and antioxidants, may improve mental health in young people with psychosis. The study suggests that these nutrients may be effective as an 'add-on' treatment for some patients.
A study by the University of Manchester found that relative deprivation increased among young adults aged 30-59 and infants aged 0-4, while the over-60s experienced a decrease. The researchers attribute this to government policies, education funding, and housing costs increasing relative to real wages.
Researchers found that whipworms have their own distinct gut flora, which helps them survive by reducing new egg hatching. This discovery could lead to more effective drug treatments for whipworm infections, which cause debilitating symptoms and are difficult to treat.
A comprehensive study on Ichthyosaurus fossils suggests that palaeontologists may be naming too many species due to limited remains. The research team found variations in the hindfin of six known species, but determined that a single specimen alone could not define new species.
Computer-generated chimpanzee simulations become more accurate thanks to simple changes in machine learning algorithms. The research also reveals that all primates walk with a unique 'curious' gait, which may be linked to stability while moving through trees.
A nearly complete skeleton of a 250-65 million year old chick fossil provides insight into the bone development and evolutionary diversification of birds. The study suggests that early bird developmental strategies may have been more diverse than previously thought, with some species relying heavily on parental care.
Scientists at the University of Manchester are creating micro-robots inspired by jumping spiders and flying bees to improve manufacturing efficiency. The goal is to deploy these robots in unknown environments for complex engineering tasks.
A new study by international researchers has found uranium and other radioactive materials in tiny particles released from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi reactors. These micro-particles could last much longer than previously expected due to their small size, which allows humans to inhale them.
A new composite material made from antibacterial copper nanoparticles has shown excellent antibacterial resistance and durability. The material was tested on cotton and polyester fabrics, which showed strong resistance to bacterial infections even after being washed multiple times.
Scientists at the University of Manchester successfully produced human kidney tissue within a living organism that is able to produce urine. The new structures contain most of the constituent parts present in human nephrons, including proximal tubules and Bowman's capsule, and have been linked to the vasculature of mice.
A rare 200-million-year-old ichthyosaur specimen of the new species Wahlisaurus massarae has been discovered in a UK private collection. This fossil is only the second known example of this species, previously discovered by Dean Lomax in 2016.
Researchers at the University of Manchester found that sandwiches with pork, cheese, or prawns have the highest carbon emissions, while homemade sandwiches can reduce emissions by a half. The study suggests extending sell-by dates and reducing ingredients like cheese and meat to minimize waste.
A new study by the University of Manchester reveals that microwaves emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide equivalent to 6.8 million cars annually in the EU. The research also found that microwaves consume substantial electricity, equivalent to three large gas power plants, and contributes to resource depletion and climate change.
Shale gas ranks seventh out of nine electricity options due to its significant environmental and social impacts. To become a more sustainable option, large improvements are needed, including reducing environmental impacts by 329-fold and increasing employment by 16 times.
Researchers identify build-up of urea in brain as major cause of dementia, with potential for early diagnosis and treatment. The study suggests that high brain urea levels may be a pivotal role in all types of age-related dementias.
A new study by the University of Manchester reveals that meteorites forming the Earth billions of years ago had much lower halogen levels than previously thought. The research found consistent and uniform halogen content across different types of meteorites, shedding light on the origin of life on Earth.
Researchers at The University of Manchester have discovered that uranium can perform reactions previously thought impossible, opening the door to new ways of producing materials and chemicals. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of truly biodegradable hard plastic and new medicines.
A team of scientists analyzed data on over 1900 soils from 21 countries, discovering constant bacterial groups across different environments. These bacteria hold clues to making some soils more fertile. Informative families of bacteria indicate real differences among types of soil.
Researchers used 'poo science' to analyze glucocorticoid hormones in Cape mountain zebra droppings, revealing chronic stress impacting their health and reproduction. The study identified seven populations with distinct profiles, enabling conservationists to identify at-risk populations and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation plans.
A new species of mega-carnivore has been discovered in southern Africa with footprints measuring 57cm long and 50cm wide. The estimated body length of the dinosaur is around nine meters, four times that of a lion, making it one of the largest carnivores to roam the continent.
A new study found that cetaceans have sophisticated social and cooperative behavior traits, including complex alliance relationships, social transfer of hunting techniques, and vocal mimicry. The research suggests a link between brain size and cultural complexity in these marine mammals.
A new study has re-examined a 1970s-discovered ichthyosaur, Protoichthyosaurus, and found major differences in its forefin structure compared to Ichthyosaurus. The discovery of fake fins added to some specimens led to the recognition of a new species, Protoichthyosaurus applebyi.
Scientists discovered a prehistoric squid's remains in the stomach of a nearly 200-million-year-old newborn ichthyosaur. The young ichthyosaur was around 70 cm long and had a complete set of bones, making it exceptionally well-preserved.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a tiny robot that can perform basic tasks such as building molecules using a robotic arm. The robots operate by carrying out chemical reactions in special solutions that can be programmed by scientists.
A team of scientists discovered half-a-billion-year-old fossils in Brazil that reveal the existence of complex animals with muscle control approximately 550 million years ago. These findings challenge current fossil records and provide new insights into animal evolution.
A new study published in the Journal of Motor Behavior found that Perceptual Control Theory can significantly improve performance in sports and other activities. The theory argues that teaching people what to do is less effective than teaching them how to picture the desired outcome.
The largest ever recorded Ichthyosaurus was a pregnant adult female, estimated to be 3-3.5m long, and is an important discovery for the field of palaeontology. The specimen, found in a museum collection, has provided valuable insights into the size range of the species and the presence of embryos.
Researchers found that microbes living at low population densities are more likely to mutate and develop antibiotic resistance. This discovery could lead to better understanding of antibiotic resistance and its prevention.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in storing data with single molecules, achieving magnetic hysteresis at -213 °C, which is close to the temperature of liquid nitrogen. This discovery could lead to more energy-efficient data storage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A recent study has made a groundbreaking discovery in the treatment of anal cancer, suggesting that current methods of checking for lymph node spread may be overestimating survival rates. This finding has significant implications for patient care, potentially leading to more targeted and effective treatments.
A study by the University of Manchester found that a pharmacy service, launched in 2011, improves patient medicine adherence and translates to increased health gain at reduced overall cost. The New Medicine Service has saved NHS England £517.6m in its first five years.
Research reveals a stark North-South divide in middle-aged adult mortality rates, with 49% more deaths among 35-44 year olds in the North in 2015. The study attributes this to economic and social factors, highlighting the need for rebalanced investment and devolved powers to tackle health inequalities.
A team of scientists has developed a way to produce 3D data showing the cardiac conduction system, enabling more accurate computer models of the heartbeat. This breakthrough will improve our understanding of troublesome heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation and help surgeons design operations with less risk of damaging precious tissue.
A study by University of Manchester researchers found that over one third of people with high blood pressure are not taking their medication as prescribed. The study used a urine test to examine the relationship between patient characteristics and non-adherence, revealing four key parameters that predict non-adherence
Researchers discovered changes in bacteria in the mucus lining of the intestine that could lead to earlier diagnosis and better management of inflammatory bowel diseases. This breakthrough study found these changes occurred 12 weeks before they were detectable in stool samples.
Researchers are developing new CT and MRI scan techniques to identify early signs of drug-induced liver and lung disease, potentially saving time and money. The TRISTAN project will use imaging biomarkers to develop predictive models for safer drug development.
A new study finds high levels of undiagnosed anxiety and depression persisting in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration despite improved visual outcomes. Human interaction between clinicians and patients is shown to offer reassurance on anti-VEGF injection efficacy and safety.