A new drug-based treatment may offer effective options for teenagers with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), a devastating condition that affects 1 in 25,000 people worldwide. Researchers will investigate the mechanism of NF2 and explore how existing drugs can be repurposed to treat the condition.
Researchers have discovered that inhibiting a particular mitochondrial fission protein could reverse Parkinson's Disease symptoms by reducing cell death and dopamine release deficits. This study offers exciting potential for an effective treatment and paves the way for future studies in this field.
Researchers at Plymouth University are developing a new graphene-based diagnostic technique to detect biomarkers of dementia in bodily fluids. The technology aims to provide real-time data and conclusive test results within minutes, increasing the accuracy of dementia detection and tracking disease progression.
A three-year project funded by the Leverhulme Trust will analyze the mental techniques used by dancers to push boundaries of contemporary dance and develop training programs for aspiring performers. The research aims to understand how dancers can become confident enough to let their emotions guide their movements.
A team of scientists received funding to investigate how neural stem cells vary, which could lead to better treatments for neurological conditions. The study aims to identify molecular differences between types of neural stem cells, shedding light on their behavior and potential therapies.
Researchers at Plymouth University have identified a method to reduce styrene emissions in the manufacturing process by up to 98%, improving workplace conditions and environmental impact. The new technique uses in-mould gel-coating, which significantly reduces volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
Researchers have identified a bacterial breakdown pathway for diazepam in UK rivers, which could reduce its potentially harmful impact on the environment. The study found that bacteria can break down diazepam's photo-degradation product, ACB, into small natural molecules, including ammonium.
A two-year international project will analyze wave energy transformations between sea and cliffs, using laser technology to compile detailed profiles of coastal rock surfaces. The study aims to improve predictions of coastal erosion and provide a greater understanding of potential threats to rocky coastlines.
A new exercise referral scheme is being tested with the addition of web-based coaching to see if it can increase patient engagement and achieve public health targets. The study aims to investigate the cost-effectiveness and effectiveness of this approach in improving physical activity and overall health.
Research reveals seven critical areas that must be addressed to ensure doctor revalidation's success, including consistency in appraisal processes and clearer remediation procedures. The study aims to improve the quality of healthcare by assessing doctors' skills and standards.
A new study reveals a significant link between childhood obesity and an earlier age of puberty, with heavier children at age five tending to have lower SHBG levels and reach puberty sooner. The findings suggest that obesity in childhood may contribute to the decline in the age of puberty over the past century.
Researchers identified a core signalling system, the hippo pathway, and discovered how Merlin suppresses it within the nucleus. This understanding paves the way for developing effective drug therapies to treat nervous system tumours.
A recent report from the University of Plymouth reveals an increase in public complaints against doctors in the UK. Clinical care remains a leading cause, while doctor-patient communication has also seen a significant rise.
The study found significant evidence of 'fishing down the food web' in the English Channel, with top predators like sharks and rays declining drastically. The analysis revealed that fish stocks have been removed from the area completely, leaving fishermen to scrape the bottom of the barrel for shellfish.
A research team led by Dr. Bing Hu aims to understand a cell defect that contributes to diseases like cancer and develop effective drug therapies.
A major European seafloor survey has found widespread marine litter, including plastic and fishing debris, in the deepest ocean depths. The study reveals that human litter is present in all marine habitats, from beaches to remote parts of the oceans.
Researchers at Plymouth University will use drug and gene therapies to test whether altering mitochondrial fission or fusion improves dopamine-producing nerve cells in experimental models of Parkinson's Disease. The goal is to identify a potential new therapeutic strategy for this brain disorder, potentially slowing disease progress an...
Researchers suggest using non-lethal techniques such as high-resolution photography and DNA sampling to identify species, avoiding harm to small populations. The goal is to balance scientific understanding with conservation concerns and minimize the impact of field collections.
A global study reveals that E. coli clone ST131 originated from a single ancestor prior to 2000 and has spread rapidly due to genetic exchange with other bacteria. The research provides insights into the development of effective screening and vaccination strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers have developed a simple blood test that can predict if a child will become obese based on epigenetic switches in the PGC1a gene. The study found that a rise in DNA methylation levels at age 5 was associated with up to 12% more body fat at age 14, regardless of physical activity or puberty timing.
A new class of BTK inhibiting drugs has shown significant improvements in patients with terminal forms of leukemia and lymphoma. The treatment has virtually no side effects and improves a patient's life expectancy and quality of life.
A new study reveals that UK gardens with diverse global plant species support a range of pollinating insects, including threatened bumblebees. The research found that long-tongued bees prefer plants from the UK and Europe, while other species visit plants in proportion to flower availability.
The University of Plymouth is developing a new technique using 'virtual fish' cells to study the toxicity and concentration of man-made chemicals. This method has the potential to significantly reduce the number of live animals required for scientific research, with promising results already shown in previous studies.
Researchers have discovered a plant-based compound that targets the root cause of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disorder causing muscle wastage and weakness in infants. Quercetin has shown promise in tests on zebra fish, mice, and fruit flies, offering a potential treatment option for early stages of the disease.
Researchers have discovered a plant pigment called quercetin that targets the mutated gene causing spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a leading genetic cause of death in children. Quercetin has been shown to improve nerve and muscle cell health in tests on zebra fish, mice, and fruit flies.
Dr. Gyorgy Fejer has developed a method to create continuously growing macrophage cells in the lab from mice, reducing the need for live animals in research. This could lead to significant reductions in animal usage and improve research effectiveness.
A 20-year retrospective study found that 85% of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were overlooked by doctors, highlighting the need for improved early diagnosis and treatment. The study estimates that around 2.2 million people in the UK remain undiagnosed for COPD.
A 12-organisation Anglo-French partnership has developed an English Channel Governance Guide to ensure sustainable management of the world's busiest waterway. The guide will inform live marine policy development on a national and European scale, focusing on ecosystem management, conservation, and human use of the waterway.
A study found that clinicians are more likely to recommend invasive prenatal tests like amniocentesis for mothers who conceived naturally, compared to those who used assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The 'precious baby' phenomenon may affect medical advice, with doctors being influenced by the method of conception.
Researchers discovered that some species of polychaete worms can modify their metabolic rates to thrive in high-CO2 waters, while others are impaired by acidic conditions. The study sheds light on the resilience of marine biodiversity and potential mechanisms for adaptation.
The researcher aims to establish permanently growing, alternatively activated M2 macrophage cell lines to reduce animal use in studies. This innovation could provide scientists with almost limitless cells for study without the need for live mice.
The project aims to develop and evaluate an integrated system of care involving therapy, medication, housing, training, and employment. Researchers will test the new approach against usual care in a randomised control trial, evaluating its effectiveness and economic impact.
A new global study reveals widespread systemic shifts in marine species distribution and phenology, comparable to those observed on land. The research found that 81% of changes were consistent with climate change, with some species shifting up to 11 days earlier in spring.
Dr. Lu Zhou has been awarded the Children's Tumor Foundation Young Investigator Award to develop therapies based on existing drugs for NF tumours, aiming to improve quality of life and survival rates for children with this condition.
A large clinical study found no evidence that THC slows progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) progression. However, participants at the lower end of the disability scale showed some benefits. The study suggests that further research is needed to confirm these findings.
A 17-year study on coral colonies off South America reveals the devastating impact of El Niño on coral diversity and density. The study found that it took 13 years for the coral reef system in Brazil to recover from the event, highlighting their vulnerability to climate-related changes.
Researchers at Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry have discovered how the loss of a tumour suppressing protein leads to abnormal cell division in the brain and nervous system. The study's findings may lead to new drug-based therapies to reduce or negate the need for multiple surgeries or radiotherapies.
Scientists warn that a discard ban may negatively affect seabirds that have come to rely on fish waste from fishing vessels. A study found that 42% of northern gannets targeted fishing vessels for food, highlighting the need for sufficient forage fish to meet their needs.
The ACEmobile app uses the latest version of the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE-III) to provide a sensitive, reliable, and secure dementia assessment tool. The app will be made available free of charge via iTunes and Google Play, allowing clinicians around the world to access accurate diagnoses and aid in earlier treatment.
Researchers from Plymouth University have identified the role of Merlin in regulating axon integrity, a key factor in peripheral neuropathy. This discovery could lead to effective drug therapies for patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) suffering from peripheral neuropathy.
Researchers found drastic changes to marine communities due to higher temperatures and lower oxygen levels, leading to potential extinction of marine life. The study mirrors current climate predictions over the next century, highlighting the need for urgent action.
A research team at Plymouth University has identified a new group of growth factor receptors that signal to brain tumors, which are over-expressed and activated in certain tumors. The study shows that by interfering with the activation, tumor cells can be corrected, paving the way for non-surgical therapies.
A UK-wide partnership is launching a research priority setting project to identify the most pressing questions in childhood neurodisability treatment. The project aims to prioritize unanswered questions on the effectiveness of treatments, taking into account the views of young people, families, and healthcare professionals.