A study by Plymouth University suggests that Japan's new sea defense plans could be shared with other nations to improve their preparedness for tsunamis. The research analyzed Japan's history of coastal defense design and measures taken since 2011, highlighting the country's progress in mitigating tsunami impacts.
A team of marine scientists discovered four new deep-water coral reefs in the Atlantic Ocean using predictive mathematical models. The reefs were identified at depths of up to 1.2km west of Ireland and confirmed during a two-week expedition using an underwater robot.
A recent review of the effects of a series of biomedical research reviews found that some initiatives have reduced waste and increased value, but more needs to be done. The reviewers questioned whether it's time to reconsider the current system for awarding research funding, which may not reflect changing biomedical research needs.
The FRESH AIR project will adapt and test innovative ways to implement evidence-based practice in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chronic lung disease. Researchers from Plymouth University will use experience gained from previous projects involving pulmonary rehabilitation clinics and smoking cessation programmes.
Dental researchers at Plymouth University have won several prestigious awards, including the Unilever poster prize and a commendation in the Senior Colgate competition. The university's strong research culture was also recognized, with a notable increase in attention from dental research experts.
A UK university team has received funding to develop a training program for Sierra Leonean health workers to combat viral hemorrhagic fever. The program will use immersive technology to educate community health workers and healthcare professionals on infection prevention control.
Reduced skeletal calcification in marine algae leads to impaired performance, threatening ecosystem balance. The study reveals a significant impact on material stiffness and flexibility, with even small changes causing substantial drops in ability to resist loads.
A new study published in Cell Death Discovery journal found that local anaesthetics can affect tooth cell growth and potentially impact on tooth development. The research team used pig teeth and human young permanent tooth pulp cells to identify the harmful effects of common dental anaesthetics.
A study by Professor Elizabeth Kay found that supervised tooth brushing and fluoride varnish schemes are cost-effective options for preventing tooth decay in high-risk children. The schemes can save the NHS hundreds of pounds per child compared to surgical treatments, making them an economically viable solution.
Research reveals almost 100,000 tiny microbeads can be released with every application of certain facial scrubs, contaminating oceans. The study estimates up to 80 tonnes of unnecessary microplastic waste could enter the sea each year from UK cosmetic use.
A pilot study aims to address the national crisis in children's oral health by providing support for parents to prevent tooth decay in their toddlers. The study will develop an intervention that links a dental nurse with young mothers, offering them guidance and materials to protect their child's teeth.
A NIHR-funded study has found that repositioning patients after the Valsalva manoeuvre significantly increases its success rate in treating supraventricular tachycardia. The modified technique improved heart rhythm return rates from 17.5% to 43.5%, offering a cost-free and comfortable option for patients.
A study found playing Tetris for three minutes reduced cravings for drugs, food, and activities like sex and sleeping by approximately one fifth. The benefits were maintained over a seven-day period.
Researchers found that polychaete worms near volcanic vents in Mediterranean waters exhibit brooding behavior, producing larger eggs and adapting to harsh conditions. This adaptation may help species cope with increasing carbon dioxide levels in the sea.
A new study by Plymouth University reveals that offenders at risk of suicide require targeted support systems to prevent fatal attempts. The research identified key components such as coordinated primary and secondary mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and accommodation assistance.
A study by psychologists at Plymouth University found that parents of children and adolescents consistently misjudge their happiness. The researchers attribute this to an 'egocentric bias' where parents rely heavily on their own feelings to assess the family unit's happiness.
Tradable Energy Quotas (TEQs) are a policy framework that addresses the bind between climate science and political reality. By implementing a quantity-based energy quota system, TEQs offers an equitable and expeditious way to bridge the gulf between climate ambition and public support.
A recent study published in Environment and Behavior found that marine litter significantly undermines the psychological benefits of coastal environments. The research, conducted by Plymouth University, showed that participants rated clean beaches most positively, while scenes with seaweed or public litter were rated more negatively.
The EpSMon app analyzes risk factors and provides personalized advice, helping users take actions to lower their risks. With around 600,000 people in the UK affected by epilepsy, this innovative tool aims to fill the information gap left by NHS funding cuts for GP monitoring.
A major independent evaluation is being carried out by a national panel of researchers to assess the UK's medical revalidation process. Almost 160,000 licensed doctors will participate in the survey, which aims to identify areas for improvement and inform the General Medical Council's efforts to enhance patient care.
Healthcare education researchers call for increased funding to provide a sound evidence base for medical training methods. Without it, the future of healthcare training is at risk, leading to preventable errors and costly mistakes that can result in significant financial burdens on patients and the NHS.
The GP's advisory role in the new Fit for Work scheme aims to provide additional support for those at risk of long-term incapacity. GPs can help patients weigh up pros and cons of returning to work, reducing negative consequences.
Two randomised controlled trials found patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) to be statistically and clinically superior for patients with non-traumatic abdominal pain, with users reporting lower total pain scores. However, results were more equivocal for patients with traumatic injury, leaving room for further investigation.
Researchers from four UK centers shared latest developments in low and high-grade brain tumour research, including updates on the iKnife smart scalpel. The workshop aimed to foster partnerships between key research hubs to speed up translation of research into clinical trials.
Ibn Sina's seven rules for testing drug potency via analogy and experiment are relevant to modern clinical trials. His seventh rule emphasizes the need for human-based experimentation to avoid differences between animal and human bodies.
A growing number of people will be overweight or obese by 2030, with significant health and economic consequences. The UK's obesity problem requires a multi-disciplinary approach, combining scientific research, environmental factors, personal behavior, and policy interventions.
Researchers at Plymouth University have developed EpSMon, an app that helps people with epilepsy assess their risks in between visits to doctors. The app aims to encourage people to register for the safety tool to better manage their condition.
Researchers analyzed eruptive plumes and ash from Volcán de Colima, finding marked differences in vesicularity, crystal characteristics, and glass composition. The study suggests that degassing leads to varying gas-rich and gas-poor pulses within the conduit, controlling Vulcanian explosion explosivity.
A study led by Plymouth University shows that offenders enrolled in alcohol treatment programmes are significantly less likely to be charged or reconvicted. The programmes reduced reoffending rates by 50%, with cognitive behavioural therapy proving most effective.
A new species of diving beetle, Capelatus prykei, has been identified in the Noordhoek Wetlands near Cape Town. The beetle is highly distinctive and has no direct relatives, with its closest connections found around the Mediterranean and New Guinea. Its unique genetic makeup suggests it is critically endangered due to isolation.
Researchers found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is not more effective than maintenance antidepressant medication in preventing depression relapse. However, MBCT may offer similar protection against depressive relapse for people with a history of multiple episodes, with no significant cost difference.
Scientists discovered that a species of bone-eating worm, Osedax, originated at least 100 million years ago and subsisted on prehistoric reptile bones. The discovery suggests that Osedax may have prevented many skeletons from becoming fossilized, affecting our knowledge of extinct marine life.
The EnerGAware project uses a specially devised game for smartphones and tablets to encourage affordable housing residents to adopt energy-efficient practices. The three-year initiative also enhances IT literacy and promotes community engagement.
A team of researchers from Plymouth University is studying a protein called Bim, which causes cell death in the brain and regulates autophagy and apoptosis. They aim to understand how Bim levels increase in Huntington's disease and test the effectiveness of a Bim-derived peptide in treating the disease.
A new study reveals a cytomegalovirus-based vaccine provides protection against Ebola virus for over 14 months after a single dose, offering hope for preventing ebolavirus infection in African apes and reducing future human outbreaks. The innovative approach could help stabilize endangered ape populations and protect humans from the de...
A study will be conducted to understand how revalidation is carried out in comparable countries, with recommendations for models of implementation. The team aims to provide evidence to support future policy developments in Australian medical revalidation strategy.
A study investigated how GPs negotiate sick notes with patients presenting with physical vs. mental health issues. The results showed stronger doctor endorsement and patient entitlement for physical symptoms, but weaker endorsement for mental health issues.
A comprehensive study found nearly 700 species of marine animals have encountered man-made debris, with plastic accounting for 92% of cases. The study highlights the widespread harm caused by debris on threatened or near-threatened species.
Researchers have created an 11-point checklist to help smaller UK ports ensure sustainable operations. The system covers topics such as environmental practice, proactive partnerships, and strategic planning for the future.
Research found that humans have fewer endogenous retroviruses than other animals, likely due to reduced blood contact. This decrease could be attributed to human evolution using tools instead of biting during conflicts.
The study, following 300 young people from age five since 2000, aims to test whether patterns of pancreatic function detected in childhood persist into adulthood. It will also explore the childhood origins of a range of new health problems, including dental and psychological health issues.
A pulmonary rehabilitation programme will be assessed and implemented in Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia to improve treatment and quality of life for patients with chronic lung disease. The study aims to reduce the burden on local communities and economies by developing an effective and inclusive programme.
A new study by University of Plymouth found that educating children about marine litter improves their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards reducing waste. Children who participated in the educational event were more concerned about the issue and encouraged family and friends to take action.
Research reveals four billion microscopic plastic fibres littering each square kilometre of deep sea sediment worldwide. Microplastics have sunk to the ocean floor, with levels up to four times greater in deep seas than in shallow and coastal waters.
Plymouth University has received £1.2 million from HEFCE to invest in teaching facilities for Biomedical and Human Bioscience programs. The funding will enhance STEM education and research capabilities, supporting the university's reputation for world-leading medical science.
A saliva test for gum disease has been recognized by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) and may be made available 'over-the-counter'. The test aims to predict future damage caused by periodontitis, a common inflammatory oral disease linked to diabetes and heart disease.
A study at Plymouth University is exploring how proteins interact to build up in nerve cells, potentially leading to dementia diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The research aims to understand the mechanism behind protein deposits and may one day lead to new therapies for patients with dementia with Lewy bodies.
A £600,000 grant from Cancer Research UK will fund a research study investigating the efficacy of BTK inhibiting drugs in treating mantle cell lymphoma. The trial will compare these new drugs to standard chemotherapy and aim to improve life expectancy and quality of life for patients.
Youngsters with diabetes are more inclined to perform tasks related to their condition when prompted by a friendly interactive robot. The ALIZ-E project has shown that social robots can assist children with other medical conditions and act as classroom assistants, improving learning outcomes.
A research project has been awarded for its innovative approach to stopping bone destruction and tooth loss in severe gum disease. The study aims to re-programme the immune system to fight bacteria without damaging healthy tissue, thereby halting bone destruction before it advances.