A review of 150 years of evidence reveals that elevated metal concentrations in the environment are reflected in increased metal levels in local wildlife, livestock, and human populations.
Research finds that lifetime adversity can shape people's beliefs about fairness and justice, making them more susceptible to conspiracy theories. Consistent evidence suggests that perceptions of injustice are linked to stronger conspiracy beliefs and lower trust in institutions.
A new report from the University of Nottingham suggests that a lack of data on prisoner characteristics is contributing to preventable deaths in custody. The team recommends strengthening prisoner data to identify patterns of inequality and unmet needs, ultimately supporting evidence-based prevention of deaths and service development.
A study on the lemon frost gecko, a pet reptile prone to aggressive tumours, has identified genomic changes associated with cancer. The findings may provide insights into why some animals are more susceptible to cancer than others.
Recently quenched galaxies stop forming stars due to dramatic transformations, likely resulting from galaxy mergers. The James Webb Space Telescope has shed new light on these phenomena, allowing researchers to study the subtle signs of past violence and compact remnants.
Researchers have developed a catalyst material that harnesses the energy of a single photon to reduce carbon dioxide and oxidize organic waste simultaneously. The process achieves high efficiencies of approximately 93% for CO2-to-formate conversion and around 95% for biomass oxidation, showcasing efficient utilization of photon energy.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham created nanoscale particles with a few dozen platinum and nickel atoms, leading to efficient hydrogen evolution. The unique dynamic behavior of the metals allows them to cooperate in water splitting, making this material one of the most effective catalysts for hydrogen production.
A new study by University of Nottingham researchers explores the impact of positive emotions on climate creativity and behavior. The study found that inspiring hope can lead to increased levels of creative problem-solving around sustainability and climate change.
Research reveals that persistent upper gut symptoms experienced by people with hEDS are due to heightened sensitivity and altered signalling between the gut and brain, rather than structural abnormalities. The findings highlight the need for a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach to care.
A phase 2 human clinical trial of a hookworm antigen has shown effective in limiting the intensity of infection, paving the way for a vaccine. The study found that vaccination with Na-GST-1 reduced the severity of infection in participants.
A new study using MRI imaging distinguishes between placental and uterine contractions, finding that they occur in at least 60% of healthy pregnant participants. These contractions are associated with a larger increase in the surface area of the uterine wall not covered by the placenta.
A new study found significant socio-economic inequalities in accessing mental health care, with children from deprived areas more likely to have their referrals rejected or experience worse clinical outcomes. Younger children under 11 are also less likely to receive help, hindering early intervention efforts.
A major clinical trial found that real-time continuous glucose monitoring significantly improves blood glucose management in adults with type 2 diabetes treated with basal insulin. Participants using CGM showed greater reductions in HbA1c levels compared to traditional finger prick glucose monitoring.
A new study found that a prebiotic fibre supplement reduced pain, improved grip strength, and lowered pain sensitivity in people with knee osteoarthritis. The supplement, inulin, improved grip strength and reduced pain sensitivity, measures linked to how the nervous system processes pain.
Scientists have used brain imaging to show how memories can be reactivated in the brain without reaching conscious awareness. This persistence of memories even when forgotten has implications for conditions like dementia, where current treatments often assume memories are gone.
Cats are prone to kidney disease due to a unique biological quirk, accumulating modified triglycerides with special ether-linkages. This study proposes that these fats may be an early sign of long-term stress within the kidney, potentially contributing to tissue damage over time.
Researchers have identified a unique protein named Aurora-related kinase 1 (ARK1) essential for the malaria parasite's survival and transmission. Turning off ARK1 in the lab causes replication to fail, preventing disease progression and transmission.
Scientists have developed an adaptable materials platform that can safely deliver a wide range of genetic medicines, including vaccines, cancer treatments, and gene-silencing drugs. The new platform uses modular building blocks that self-assemble to form nanoscale delivery particles with reversible 'host-guest' linking system.
The smokefree generation law, set to be introduced in 2027, could help stop young people from ever starting to smoke and accelerate progress towards a tobacco-free future. However, males and the most deprived communities may reach the 5% prevalence milestone later unless the law is effectively targeted.
A new study finds that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a cost-effective treatment option for moderate and severe forms of depression. TMS reduces depressive symptoms, eases pressures on informal carers, and helps people get back to work, recovering its costs over time through savings to the NHS.
Researchers found no difference in neural activity between successful semantic and episodic retrieval, challenging long-standing research tradition. This overlap suggests that the whole brain is involved in different types of memory, potentially leading to new interventions for diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that treating gout with medicines can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Patients who achieved serum urate levels below 360 micromol/L had a lower risk of cardiovascular events.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham created intricate 3D printed surface textures that preferentially bounce incident particles in particular directions. This helps keep unwanted particles out of the way, allowing useful particles like atoms to be delivered more efficiently.
A new study found that historic buildings in English cities enhance scenicness, with scores 25% higher than the average urban score. The study's findings suggest that heritage designations and architectural significance are key factors influencing scenic beauty.
A new research review found that avatar customization in video games can reduce gender dysphoria and increase gender euphoria in transgender players. The study suggests that games can be affirming spaces that support identity development, particularly for individuals with limited access to care.
A new study found that neural inhibition and balanced activity in a specific brain area are necessary for recognition memory. The research suggests that too little or too much neural inhibition in the hippocampus can disrupt object recognition memory.
Scientists create a corralled supercooled liquid by controlling the number of stationary atoms within a liquid, leading to an unusual phase of matter. The discovery could revolutionize our understanding of catalysts and lead to the design of self-cleaning materials.
A new study found that people often misperceive the environmental impact of everyday food products, with common misconceptions including overestimating processed foods and underestimating water-intensive products. The researchers suggest that clear labels could help consumers make informed sustainable choices.
A major study has found that people with eczema can bathe either daily or weekly without affecting their symptoms. The study, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, involved 438 participants and showed no significant difference in eczema symptoms between the two groups.
Researchers mapped 'food deserts' in London using Tesco purchasing records, revealing high-sugar and high-carbohydrate purchases in areas with lower-income households. The study suggests targeted interventions tailored to local food access issues are needed to address nutritionally deficient diets.
Researchers have developed a bioinspired material that can regenerate demineralized or eroded enamel, strengthen healthy enamel, and prevent future decay. The new gel, applied like standard fluoride treatments, promotes controlled growth of new mineral to recover enamel structure and properties.
Researchers found that soil microbes retain a long-term memory of past climate conditions, influencing plant responses to new droughts. Microbial legacies from drier soils improved native grasses' drought tolerance but not maize.
A new study found that opt-out organ donation policies reduce living donors by 29% but don't increase the total supply of organs. The transition to an opt-out system alters people's perception of organ availability, leading them to believe it solves the shortage, resulting in fewer altruistic donations.
A new study found that babies born between 8 to 10 weeks early can be safely fed with milk through a tube in their stomach, eliminating the need for intravenous nutrition. This breakthrough means fewer painful medical procedures and reduced intensive care time for these premature infants.
A new study published in the Journal of Translational Medicine found that combining certain types of dietary supplements is more effective than single prebiotics or omega-3 in supporting immune and metabolic health. The synbiotic combination of fermented kefir and a diverse prebiotic fibre mix produced the most powerful anti-inflammato...
A recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that plant-based diets for pets have the lowest environmental impact across all measures. The study analyzed 31 commercially available dry dog foods and estimated their environmental metrics using life cycle assessment datasets. Compared to red meat options, plant-based dog foods...
Researchers have discovered a new way to create graphene with intentional defects, which can improve its performance and functionality. The defects enhance the material's ability to interact with other materials and detect gases, making it suitable for applications in sensors, batteries, and electronics.
Researchers discovered how auxin strengthens cell walls on the lower side of roots, preventing growth below while allowing cells above to expand. This process, called gravitropism, helps plants sense their environment and adjust root growth direction.
Researchers found that apolipoprotein D reduces the protective antiviral type I interferon response in older individuals, leading to more severe disease outcomes. This discovery offers a potential target for therapeutic intervention to protect against severe influenza virus infection in the elderly.
A new study published in PLOS One found that vegan diets for dogs sold in the UK provide similar nutrition to meat-based diets. The study highlights the importance of a balanced and nutritional diet for canine companions, emphasizing that every dog is unique and dietary needs vary.
Researchers have successfully produced antibodies that kill the parasite carried by the 'kissing bug' that causes the potentially deadly Chagas disease. These antibodies target the parasite's infective stage and show neutralization rates exceeding 95%, making them a key step towards developing an effective vaccine.
A comprehensive analysis of 172 studies shows that skin temperature on specific areas is a strong indicator of thermal sensation. Local cooling, such as on the back or chest, significantly improves comfort, while local heating has less impact.
A new study by University of Nottingham scientists assesses biodiversity credit suppliers against six integrity criteria, finding notable weaknesses in verifiable outcomes and risk disclosure. The authors advocate for transparent governance and harmonized data collection protocols to ensure credibility and impact.
Scientists from the University of Nottingham have identified key microbial species and metabolic traits associated with fine-flavour chocolate. They found that both abiotic and biotic factors shape chocolate flavour, allowing for a standardized fermentation process to unlock novel flavour possibilities and elevate chocolate quality.
A study of 6 million women found that stopping menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) leads to a higher risk of bone fractures, particularly in the first three years. The fracture risk then decreases over time and becomes similar to that of women who never used MHT.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated brain health decline, particularly among older individuals, men, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Brain scans revealed faster brain aging rates among those who lived through the pandemic, even if they were not infected.
A new study published in BioScience found that cancer is incredibly rare in turtles, affecting only about 1% of individuals. The research, led by the University of Nottingham, analyzed medical records and necropsies from hundreds of zoo turtles, revealing tumours rarely spread.
Scientists use argon plasma to disperse and guide metal atoms to desired positions, reducing waste and maximizing the use of rare metals. The method allows for the creation of ultra-thin single-layer metal clusters with precise control over atom placement, enabling efficient catalysis in green technologies.
A new study found that childhood health factors, such as being overweight or having chickenpox, can increase the risk of chronic disease in men later in life. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 young men and found a significant association between these childhood factors and reduced adult insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) levels.
A team of experts from the University of Nottingham used 3D printed models to investigate Batesian mimicry, where harmless species evolve to resemble harmful ones. They found that colour and size are key features in making a 'successful' mimic, with poor mimics getting away with less accuracy when attacked by spiders.