A new study found that granting wishes to seriously ill children and their families has a positive effect on wellbeing. Parents reported feeling distracted, creating an important memory, and experiencing mixed emotions.
A new study estimates that the global cost of flooding could increase from $6 billion to $52 billion per year, with some cities facing losses exceeding $1 trillion if inaction is taken. The top 10 most at-risk cities are in developed and developing countries, with high wealth but low protection levels.
A study by Dr. Karen Ruebens reveals two separate Neanderthal cultures in Europe, with distinct handaxe designs and social learning mechanisms. The research provides new insights into Neanderthal regionality and cultural complexity.
A new paper by Dr Thomas Ezard uses the fossils of microscopic aquatic creatures called planktonic foraminifera to study speciation. The research highlights the importance of using fossil and molecular evidence in understanding evolution.
Researchers at University of Southampton have discovered new markers of tuberculosis that may help in developing new diagnostic tests and treatments. Lung damage releases specific proteins, which can be used to screen individuals and halt transmission between population groups.
Using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), scientists can distinguish between adult stem cells, enabling the use of healthy ones in therapies. This technique holds promise for advancing stem cell and other cell-based therapies to treat diseases like Parkinson's.
Scientists have developed a new way to predict turbulent flow near walls, which could reduce drag by 30% and save the global economy billions in fuel costs. This breakthrough has the potential to optimize vehicle performance and reduce emissions.
A new study published in The Lancet found that internet-based training can significantly lower antibiotic prescribing rates for acute respiratory tract infections. Clinicians who received training in using CRP tests or enhanced communication skills reduced their prescribing rates by 47% and 32%, respectively. Combining both types of tr...
Scientists at Cancer Research UK have discovered a new molecule that prevents cancer cells from responding to low oxygen levels, targeting the master switch HIF-1. The researchers developed this approach using synthetic biology and testing over 3.2 million potential compounds.
Research at University of Southampton reveals that youthful extroversion and emotional stability significantly influence happiness and well-being in later adulthood. Neuroticism, on the other hand, is linked to poorer mental health outcomes.
Researchers have discovered a way to kill cancer cells by blocking a specific protein that enables them to survive nutrient starvation. This breakthrough could lead to a more targeted and effective treatment for various types of cancer.
Researchers have developed two monoclonal antibodies that boost the immune system to fight neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer. The study found that 40-60% of tumors treated with the antibodies regressed in laboratory models, leading to long-term survival.
Scientists at the University of Southampton have demonstrated recording and retrieval processes of five-dimensional digital data in nanostructured glass using femtosecond laser writing. The data storage allows for unprecedented parameters, including high data capacity and thermal stability.
A four-year EU-funded project has developed a response programme to rapidly restore drinking water networks following a deliberate contamination event. The SecurEau toolbox includes tools for detecting water quality changes, identifying sources of contamination, and cleaning distribution systems.
Researchers at University of Southampton propose control system that stabilises environmental conditions when life is affected by and alters its environment. This mechanism has been neglected until now, but could be applicable to various real-world systems.
The new mathematical model by Professor Kostas Skenderis links flat space-time to negatively curved space-time, governed by laws similar to electromagnetism. The research aims to find a combined understanding of the Universe, combining individual theories to describe its nature.
New research from the University of Southampton reveals copper can rapidly destroy norovirus on surfaces, potentially disrupting infection cycles and lowering outbreak risks. The virus can remain infectious on solid surfaces, but copper alloy surfaces containing over 60% copper prove highly effective in destroying it.
Scientists have developed a microfluidic electrophysiological device to record brain activity of worms, enabling the detection of drug effects. This technology opens up new possibilities for high-throughput screens in neurotoxicology and generic screening for neuroactive drugs.
Researchers discovered that blind individuals can utilize echolocation skills similar to bats and dolphins to pinpoint object locations. The study also showed that high-frequency sounds (above 2 kHz) are crucial for effective performance.
New research suggests healthcare professionals are not utilizing patient self-management support effectively, despite its potential to improve sustainability and reduce costs. The study found that while some patients benefited from the approach, it did not lead to significant improvements in patient outcomes or service usage.
Astronomers have observed a neutron star system known as Circinus X-1, where one of the companion stars is a compact neutron star. The system flared twice during observation, with KAT-7 capturing detailed radio images of the event.
A £5.6m UK national collaboration, PRiME, aims to design and implement energy-efficient embedded systems with many-core processors. The project will tackle global societal challenges by preventing uncontrolled energy consumption and unreliability in these systems.
A new species of ichthyosaur from Iraq, named Malawania anachronus, has been discovered, contradicting previous theories on the evolution and extinction of these ancient marine reptiles. The discovery reveals that ichthyosaurs remained diverse during the early part of the Cretaceous period.
A detailed analysis of the archaeological remains of Dunwich, dubbed 'Britain's Atlantis', has produced an accurate map of the town's streets and buildings. The study used advanced underwater imaging techniques to examine the ruins on the seabed, shedding new light on the town's layout and structures.
A recent study investigated public perception of how waste disposal sites affect residents living nearby, particularly odor and local pollution concerns. The study found that odour perception diminished over time as the facilities were closed, and older residents reported more concern about health impacts.
New research from the University of Southampton has found that ultrafine dust particles in underground railway environments are rich in metals, posing a potential health risk. The tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and potentially enter underlying tissue and the circulation.
A team of physicists has proposed a new laser system inspired by telecommunications technology to accelerate particles in particle accelerators like the Large Hadron Collider. The system aims to reduce size and cost, making it critical for future high-energy physics.
Scientists investigate multidrug transporters and anionic lipids to improve antibiotic, anti-malarial, and cancer treatment effectiveness. By understanding lipid-protein interactions, they aim to develop novel drugs that can control these protein complexes.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have created an artificial material that can be controlled by electric signals. This breakthrough enables the rapid manipulation of metamaterial building blocks, leading to changes in transmission and reflection characteristics.
Dr Hendrik Ulbricht's team will explore the theoretical possibility of conducting experiments to discover whether there is a limit to quantum theory or not. They aim to generate a quantum superposition state for nanoparticles using matter wave interferometry.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have identified a potential new target for meningitis B vaccination, offering hope for universal protection. The discovery focuses on the Adhesin Complex Protein (ACP), which stimulates the production of antibodies that kill bacteria, providing protection against multiple MenB strains.
A researcher believes that individual countries can eliminate malaria and then coordinate efforts to achieve global eradication. The study found that countries that have eliminated malaria within their borders tend to maintain stable, low transmission rates.
Researchers have identified a key molecular system responsible for the inflammatory reaction in Alzheimer's disease. Signalling through CSF1R receptor is crucial for microglial population expansion, and targeting this pathway with selective inhibitors may delay clinical symptoms.
Scientists at the University of Southampton have created a method to generate bone cells on nanoscale surfaces, opening up new opportunities for bone repair therapies. The research used human embryonic stem cells cultured on plastic materials with nanotopographical patterns, without chemical enhancement.
Artificial bone created using stem cells and lightweight plastic can heal shattered limbs by encouraging real bone growth. The implant's honeycomb structure allows blood to flow through it, supporting the attachment of patient-derived stem cells.
A new kind of pterosaur, Eurazhdarcho langendorfensis, has been identified by scientists from the Transylvanian Museum Society, University of Southampton, and Museau Nacional. The fossilized bones are approximately 68 million years old and belong to the azhdarchids group.
A new feathered dinosaur fossil found in China's Jurassic period pushes back the known origins of birds, which were previously thought to have evolved from theropod dinosaurs around 120-130 million years ago. The discovery provides additional evidence for a more complex evolution of flight.
Corals produce pigments that act as sunscreens for their symbiotic algae, removing harmful light and allowing the algae to photosynthesize. This mechanism helps corals survive in shallow water where sunlight can be detrimental to algae and hosts alike.
Researchers at the University of Southampton's Optoelectronics Research Centre have created the strongest, lightest weight silica nanofibres, 15 times stronger than steel. These nanofibres can be manufactured in lengths of potentially thousands of kilometres and are expected to transform industries such as aviation and marine safety.
Researchers found that mothers with higher levels of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids during pregnancy had fatter children. Conversely, those with higher levels of n-3 PUFAs had less fat and more muscle in their offspring. This discovery could lead to a beneficial diet strategy for pregnant women.
Recent media reports have created a perception of a global increase in jellyfish. However, a new study suggests that these trends may be overstated. The research found that global jellyfish populations undergo concurrent fluctuations with successive decadal periods of rise and fall.
Pulsars suddenly increase speed in brief events called 'glitches,' but researchers question this phenomenon's explanation. A mathematical model shows that the available superfluid in a pulsar's crust is too small to cause such friction, contradicting current thinking.
The 'Smart stethoscope' assesses the effectiveness of shock wave lithotripsy treatment for kidney stones by analyzing echoes after each shock wave hits the stone. This device has been shown to achieve high accuracy (94.7%) in clinical trials, reducing the need for repeat therapy and x-ray monitoring.
A clinical trial has shown robust vaccine-specific antibody responses and strong T cell immune responses in patients vaccinated with a WT1 DNA vaccine. The vaccine is also safe and well-tolerated, paving the way for further trials in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients.
A new study from the University of Southampton shows that copper can prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes and kills bacteria on contact. The research highlights the importance of copper touch surfaces in reducing the risk of infection transmission, particularly in hospitals and public buildings.
A study suggests removing sea defenses in low-lying coastal areas could reduce the impact of flooding associated with rising sea levels. The research highlights the need for strategic planning to balance flood protection and erosion control.
A study from the University of Southampton found that feeling nostalgic can increase perceptions of warmth and tolerance for cold. Volunteers who recalled nostalgic events perceived a warmer room temperature and could withstand colder water.
A team of international scientists has developed a more consistent definition of climate sensitivity in prehistoric times, which helps improve comparison with IPCC estimates. The study found that the likely range of climate sensitivity consistently has been of the order of 2.2 to 4.8 degrees C per doubling of CO2.
Experts argue that uncertainty about climate change impacts should not delay decision-making on adaptation measures. The costs of adapting to climate change include infrastructure upgrades and risk reduction strategies.
Researchers found that adding fall history to risk assessment tools improves fracture prediction accuracy, especially in men. The study used data from the Hertfordshire Cohort and showed that incorporating fall history into models increased predictive capacity by six percent.