Scientists have discovered a new process to break bulk metal into atoms for sustainable catalyst production. The method uses magnetron sputtering to achieve record-breaking rates of atom dispersal, enabling the fabrication of valuable catalyst materials. This breakthrough has significant implications for industries reliant on catalysts.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham found a plant-based antiviral treatment to be effective in blocking the highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. The novel natural antiviral drug, thapsigargin, was shown to trigger a broad-spectrum host-centred antiviral innate immune response against all variants of the virus.
A new study published in Gut Microbes found that exercise intervention reduced pain and lowered inflammatory substances in people with arthritis. Exercise increased levels of cannabis-like substances called endocannabinoids, which may help treat certain conditions.
Scientists from the University of Nottingham have discovered a new approach for structurally modifying bioactive molecules using visible light, providing a possible sustainable alternative to traditional methods. This method has the potential for extensive application in the design and production of new drugs.
Researchers create a graphene transistor that produces sonic boom and Doppler-shifted sound waves, offering new insights into this material's potential for nanoscale electronic technologies. The study also discovers a quantum mechanical analogue of the Doppler effect and the Landau velocity effect.
Researchers found that Toxoplasma gondii, a commonly found parasite, can 'tame' the parasite to induce inflammatory responses and make tumours more responsive to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. This approach has shown promise in treating melanoma, Lewis lung carcinoma, and colon adenocarcinoma in mouse models.
A team of astronomers used Hubble and Gran Telescopio Canarias data to study faint galaxies, revealing a 'fitful' start to the Universe. The first stars likely formed in bursts, followed by long periods of inactivity.
Scientists have discovered that reversing molecular message modification at synapses may contribute to reversible mental health conditions like anxiety and memory diseases such as dementia. The findings, published in Molecular Psychiatry, are a major step in understanding brain cell communication.
Scientists have developed a synthetic fibre that guides molecular movement fueled by light over long distances, paving the way for new sustainable energy sources and applications in medicine and chemical tasks. The system emulates cellular fibres, allowing for controlled transport of molecules using light as energy.
A large UK study found that menopausal hormone therapy is not associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. The research, which included over 118,000 women, showed that hormone therapy relieves symptoms experienced during menopause and may even have a slightly decreased risk of dementia in certain cases.
A new study found that trust and understanding hindered adoption of the NHS App, with BAME participants having particularly negative views. Despite high compliance rates, older adults were less likely to download the app, while those who deleted it cited concerns over tracking and effectiveness.
Researchers have created a 3D pancreatic cancer tumour model using bioengineered matrix and patient-derived cells. The model exhibits patient-specific transcriptional profiles, CSC functionality, and strong tumourigenicity, enabling better reproduction of drug responses.
Researchers developed an interval-valued response method to address uncertainty in questionnaires, providing a more flexible approach to data collection. The new method uses ellipses to allow respondents to choose a range when answering a question, resulting in better quality data and potential improvements in data privacy.
Scientists used picosecond ultrasonics to measure atomic bonds in 2D materials without damaging them. The study found that sound travels at different speeds in different phases of the same substance, opening possibilities for designing materials with tunable properties.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham have developed a novel catalyst that combines homogeneous and heterogeneous features, defying traditional categorization. The discovery holds promise for increasing the active surface area available for catalysis, leading to more efficient and sustainable production of molecules.
Researchers found that a second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, especially in those with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, dramatically increased virus variant neutralising antibody responses. This additional boost increases potential protection against existing and future variants of concern.
Researchers used satellite technology to identify migrant settlements in southern Greece, where thousands of Bangladeshi workers were exploited. They developed a decision model to prioritize victims and allocate resources to improve living conditions.
A study by the University of Nottingham found that managing medications at the end of life can be a significant 'work' task for families. The research highlights the need for healthcare professionals to provide tailored support and for simplifying Health and Social Care services to make them more navigable.
Using a computer-aided, multi-material 3D-printing method, researchers have created custom healthcare devices with tailored shapes and functions to enhance patient wellbeing. The technique offers a solution for mass-produced medical devices by providing bespoke designs that can improve comfort and durability.
Researchers will use a new framework to understand people's behavior in large-scale cooperation problems, including caring for the climate. The five-year study aims to explain cultural and demographic variability of rule-following and how it shapes cooperative behavior.
Researchers found that analyzing local networks within brain regions provides superior results to traditional fiber tract connectivity approaches for predicting disease progression and surgery outcomes in epilepsy patients.
A global team has discovered that the nutritional quality of cereal grains varies substantially with location, posing a 'postcode lottery' to micronutrient deficiencies. The study found that some areas have much lower levels of essential nutrients like calcium and iron.
A new analytical approach for detecting contaminants in Heparin has been developed, increasing sensitivity by over 100 times and reducing analysis time and material requirements. This technique has the potential to improve the quality and safety of the widely used anticoagulant drug.
Inkjet printing of metal nanoparticles forms layers with functional anisotropy, causing electrical conductivity to vary between horizontal and vertical directions. Researchers discover that organic chemical residues in the inks are responsible for this effect, enabling new techniques to overcome it.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed an ultrasonic imaging system that can visualize cell abnormalities in 3D using a fiber-optic probe. The technology produces high-resolution images with nanoscopic resolution, enabling more effective diagnoses for diseases such as gastric cancer and bacterial meningitis.
Researchers have uncovered a molecular reason why faecal transplants are effective in treating C. diff infections, suggesting new therapeutic targets. The study identified specific microRNAs that contribute to disease pathogenesis and protect bowel cells from bacterial toxins.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found a link between geographical location and male reproductive health, with pollution levels varying by region. The researchers analyzed dog testes to identify correlations between environmental exposures and reproductive health.
Researchers developed a new quantum theory that resolves the Gibbs paradox, a 150-year-old thermodynamic thought experiment. The study shows that even an 'ignorant' experimenter can extract work from a mixing process in a quantum system.
An international team of experts has demonstrated that only quantum gravity can create a specific ingredient needed for quantum computation. The proposed experiment involves cooling billions of atoms to extremely low temperatures and applying a magnetic field, which would reveal the underlying gravity if it's quantum.
Researchers reveal how plant roots generate a distinct gradient of gibberellin, a key growth regulator. A mathematical model combined with experimental observations showed that elongation-zone cells produce high levels of GA synthesis and increased permeability contribute to the gradient.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a novel antiviral property of thapsigargin, a plant-derived compound, which shows promise in treating COVID-19. The study found that thapsigargin triggers a highly effective broad-spectrum host-centred antiviral innate immune response against three major types of human respira...
A study by University of Nottingham researchers found that people donate Covid-19 plasma because they want to show gratitude for surviving the virus and feel morally obligated to help others. The main barrier to donating was a fear of needles, with generic fears also playing a significant role.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham have demonstrated that backreaction can be simulated in a laboratory experiment using a specially designed water tank. The study found that waves sent into an analogue black hole significantly changed its properties, with effects visible to the eye.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have designed a new type of rechargeable battery that combines the performance merits of solid-oxide fuel cells and metal-air batteries. The salt battery can significantly extend the range of electric vehicles while being fully recyclable, environmentally-friendly, low-cost, and safe.
The PROTECT trial aims to identify effective drugs to prevent Covid-19 in care home residents, who are at high risk of severe illness. If successful, the trial could help restore normal life for residents and their families, including liberal visiting policies.
In a study of local rivers, researchers discovered that litter provides the largest and most stable habitat for invertebrates, supporting diverse communities. The findings have important implications for river management, including clean-up events and introducing alternative habitats.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Psychology found that people are more likely to follow Covid-19 restrictions based on their close circle's behavior rather than their own principles. The researchers discovered that the best predictor of compliance was how much one's close friends and family were following the rules.
A new study by the University of Nottingham and Durham University found that advanced InSAR techniques could have foreseen the catastrophic tailings dam collapse in Brazil, which killed over 200 people. The research reveals that different areas of the dam were moving at different rates, indicating that failure was foreseeable.
Scientists have discovered a signal that causes roots to stop growing in hard soils, but after disabling it, roots can push through compacted soil. This discovery could help plants grow in damaged soils, reducing crop yields by up to 50%.
A new spin-out company, Cerca, has launched a groundbreaking wearable brain scanner that allows people to move freely while being scanned. The Cerca Scanner uses magnetoencephalography (MEG) technology, adapted from quantum sensors, to capture high-resolution images of brain activity with millimetre accuracy. This innovation promises t...
A new study found that people with rare autoimmune rheumatic diseases are at a greater risk of dying during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly those under 35 and women. The research also revealed that working-age individuals with these conditions face similar mortality rates to someone 20 years older in the general population.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed a new method to produce chemical molecules more efficiently through a one-step reaction in an enzyme. This breakthrough has significant implications for the production of pharmaceuticals, with potential applications in the development of new drugs.
A new selective DNA sequencing method called ReadFish enables rapid analysis of human genomes, potentially leading to faster diagnosis of genetic conditions. This breakthrough could have major implications for understanding and treating diseases such as cancer.
A recent genetic study has identified DNA variants in ZNF831, FTO, MECOM, FGF5, and SH2B3 genes as risk factors for pre-eclampsia, increasing the risk by 10-15%. The study also highlights the importance of inherited predisposition to hypertension and obesity in the development of pre-eclampsia.
Researchers have developed a new theory for observing the quantum vacuum, which could lead to new insights into black hole behavior. By using sound particles and ultra-cold atoms, they created a two-dimensional cloud where sound waves become audible to an accelerated observer in a silent phonon vacuum.
Scientists have discovered a 'sealing' mechanism in plant roots supported by microbes that controls nutrient intake for survival and growth. This coordination between plants and microbes is crucial for proper growth and reproduction, and could lead to the development of more resilient crops.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed a new protein imaging method that allows for the accurate analysis of biomaterials and tissue. This breakthrough technology has the potential to lead to the development of more effective drug delivery systems and medical devices.
A remote monitoring tool has been developed to predict geological movement and groundwater flow in old coalfields. The tool uses satellite radar imagery to capture millimetre-scale measurements of changes in terrain height, allowing for the monitoring and forecasting of groundwater levels and changes in geological conditions.
Researchers at Nottingham University Business School investigate how COVID-19 affects small and medium-sized businesses, exploring their risk exposure and developing new methods to support them. The study aims to provide tools for policymakers and the banking sector to improve SME resilience and credit risk management.
A large-scale study found that electrical stimulation of the throat improved swallowing problems in patients with neurological conditions, allowing them to be discharged from hospital. The treatment was safe and easy to use, with most patients showing significant improvement in their ability to swallow.