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University of Manchester


Scientists make surprising finding in stroke research

Scientists at the University of Manchester discovered that inflammation in the brain causes and worsens damage after a stroke, contradicting previous theories. The study found that inflammasomes such as NLRP3 are not involved in brain injury caused by stroke, but rather NLRC4 and AIM2 inflammasomes contribute to this damage.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2015

Asian monsoon rains drove mammal evolution

A recent study published in Nature journal Scientific Reports found that the Asian monsoon played a crucial role in the evolution of African mole rats and bamboo rats. The researchers discovered that changes in monsoon strength over 24 million years influenced the rodents' teeth, head shape, and digging behavior.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 11, 2015

Being 'laid off' leads to a decade of distrust

New research from the University of Manchester finds that people who lose their jobs experience a decade-long decrease in trust, even after finding new employment. This phenomenon is due to the traumatic effect of redundancy on an individual's outlook and can have significant implications for society as a whole.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalSocial Science Research·DateMar 10, 2015

How tuna stay warm with cold hearts

Researchers discovered that the heart of bluefin tuna adjusts its electrical activity and calcium cycling to maintain constant heartbeat despite temperature changes. This unique adaptation allows the fish to survive in cold waters, shedding light on how animals react to rapid environmental shifts.

Possible cause of IVF failure in some women identified

Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified a possible cause of IVF failure in some women, which may be treated with therapies targeting microRNA-145 and its effects on IGF1R. The study's findings suggest that manipulating this biological process could lead to improved rates of embryo attachment during implantation.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateFeb 2, 2015

Potential new tool to monitor radiotherapy side effects

A new tool assesses radiotherapy-related toxicities in lung cancer patients using patient-reported outcomes, revealing strongest agreement with quality-of-life measures. The study found that clinicians' recorded toxicities underestimated their severity, highlighting the potential for early detection and improved treatment.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalRadiotherapy and Oncology·DateJan 7, 2015

Cost of cloud brightening for cooler planet revealed

A new study has found that the 'Rayleigh Jet' technique can increase cloud reflectance by 5% with minimal energy consumption, using 30 megawatts of power, about equivalent to two large ships. This method is a reversible geoengineering approach proposed to mitigate rising global temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateDec 16, 2014

New cause of child brain tumor condition identified

A new study has identified the SUFU gene mutation as a major contributor to Gorlin syndrome-associated childhood medulloblastoma, significantly increasing the risk of brain tumors in children with this condition. This finding has major implications for treatment and screening protocols for children with Gorlin syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 2, 2014

Protons fuel graphene prospects

Researchers discovered that protons pass through ultra-thin graphene crystals surprisingly easily, making them attractive for proton-conducting membranes. This breakthrough could improve the efficiency and durability of fuel cells, which use oxygen and hydrogen to convert chemical energy into electricity.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateNov 26, 2014

The unbelievable underworld and its impact on us all

A new study reveals the vast diversity of life below-ground, with rapid responses to climate change having far-reaching impacts on future ecosystems. The research suggests that healthy soil is essential for healthy crops, and that integrating knowledge of soil biodiversity into land management decisions could help mitigate climate change.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateNov 26, 2014

Study gives insight into breast cancer recurrence

Researchers have identified a key role for the FAK molecule in controlling breast cancer stem cell survival and predicting disease recurrence. Blocking FAK activity with a new drug significantly improved treatment outcomes, suggesting a potential method to predict which patients are most likely to experience recurrence.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalStem Cells·DateNov 5, 2014