Researchers at the University of Southampton have identified a unique change in B cells that allows them to receive signals from molecules called lectins, enabling tumor growth. This discovery could pave the way for new treatments and early cancer detection methods.
Scientists discovered that volcanic arcs, including chains like the Andes and Cascades, played a crucial role in regulating atmospheric CO2 levels over the past 400 million years. This natural feedback mechanism helped maintain a stable climate, but recent human-driven emissions have disrupted this balance.
A new study found that school closures exacerbated existing inequalities in education, with disadvantaged families spending less time on learning at home. Despite increased home lessons, the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged families remained, with single-parent families showing a narrowing of the gap.
Physicists have established a fundamental limitation of light confinement in nano-scale systems, with a critical dimension threshold of around 250nm. This discovery has implications for various fields such as material science and quantum technologies.
Researchers analyzed patient specimens and clinical trial data from thousands of patients to assess the importance of immune cell molecules called Fc gamma receptors (FCGRs) in the therapeutic efficacy of two antibody drugs. High levels of FCGR2B on tumor cells were found to prevent rituximab efficacy, while obinutuzumab was not impact...
A new study highlights the range of brain complications experienced by hospitalised adults in the UK with severe COVID-19, including strokes and psychiatric events. Modifiable risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure contributed to the risk of stroke, even in younger patients.
Scientists have discovered a way to restrict the activity of Tregs, which regulate the immune system and prevent it from attacking healthy cells. Inhibition of PIP4K enzymes in Tregs allows Teff cells to function more effectively, leading to better cancer treatment outcomes.
Researchers have successfully used nose drops containing genetically modified friendly bacteria to protect against meningitis, showing strong and long-lasting immune responses. The new method, which exploits the natural presence of non-pathogenic Neisseria lactamica in the nose, has potential applications beyond meningitis prevention.
Scientists discovered that changes in Earth's orbit allowed for ice-free regions to develop on 'Snowball Earth', enabling periodic survival of animal life. The research found evidence of iron-rich sedimentary rocks forming in the icy ocean near colossal ice sheets, providing a sanctuary for complex multicellular life.
A new international study found that laboratory-developed protein spikes consistent with COVID-19 virus are highly similar, providing reassurance for vaccine design and antibody testing. The study used glycan coatings to mimic the infectious virus and showed consistent results across five laboratories worldwide.
Scientists used DNA data and predictive modelling to identify regions where an invasive sea squirt could thrive in South America. The study found that a slight change in currents and sea temperature may lead to the species' expansion across northern Chile, Peru, and Ecuador.
Scientists at the University of Southampton have found that TNF receptor activation requires receptor clustering, but smaller clusters with higher density activate receptors better than larger ones. This discovery could guide future development of therapeutic antibodies targeting TNF receptors.
A new study shows that personalized online coaching can help women improve their lifestyle behaviors before and after pregnancy, particularly in overweight women. The coaching program resulted in significant reductions in smoking and drinking alcohol, as well as increased odds of becoming pregnant.
Researchers have identified seven genes responsible for excessive inflammation and damage to the lungs in tuberculosis. A new drug treatment, doxycycline, has shown promise in reducing lung damage and accelerating recovery in patients with pulmonary TB.
A study published in Cell Reports has pinpointed a small group of immune cells in the brain that play a crucial role in Alzheimer's disease progression. By targeting these senescent microglia, researchers may be able to slow down disease acceleration and develop new treatment options.
A new study reveals that deforestation in Central America is altering the composition of natural material washing into nearby rivers, making it less likely to decompose before reaching the ocean. This change has significant implications for global carbon and nutrient cycles, as well as coastal ecosystems.
Research by University of Southampton and Central University of Jharkhand found a significant environmental improvement in major urban areas across India during the 2020 March to May lockdown. The study revealed a 12% decrease in Nitrogen Dioxide and a 40% reduction over New Delhi, with land surface temperature decreasing by up to 1°C.
A new study reveals the importance of nutrition in maintaining redox balance and coping with viral infections. The endothelium's regulatory function is also crucial in protecting blood cells from damage, while gasotransmitters play a key role in sensing environmental changes. These findings may inform future therapeutic approaches.
A new LifeLab programme, led by the University of Southampton, has been shown to significantly increase young people's understanding of healthy lifestyles. Participants judged their own lifestyles more critically after the programme, suggesting a lasting impact on health literacy.
A new study reveals that while most COVID-19 patients fully recover, approximately one-third still experience persistent lung changes and reduced oxygen transfer efficiency. Women are more likely to suffer from these effects.
Research team analyzed fossilized pollen from 27 islands, finding a consistent pattern of accelerated vegetation turnover after human arrival. The study suggests that earlier settlements may have been more resilient to human impact, while later settlers' practices were more transformative.
A new study highlights the urgent need for more research on safe approaches to discontinuing antidepressant treatment. Long-term use can lead to adverse events, but the current low-certainty evidence makes it difficult to determine the best tapering strategies.
A new study published in BMJ Open suggests that COVID-19 symptoms are common in high-risk children, but may be related to unrelated upper respiratory tract symptoms. Researchers found that nearly two-thirds of participants experienced at least one symptom, with anxiety levels remaining consistently high throughout the 16-week period.
A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that underweight and overweight women are significantly more likely to experience recurrent miscarriages due to their abnormal Body Mass Index. The research highlights the importance of weight management in reducing the risk of repeated pregnancy losses.
A new study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution found consistent biogeographic patterns among marine animals, protists, and bacteria along the South African coastline. The research highlights the importance of considering a full range of organisms when measuring environmental change.
Researchers compared images of COVID-19 vaccine-induced protein spikes to those of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and found a high degree of similarity, suggesting the vaccine's ability to trigger an immune response.
A new study reveals that female doctors who suffer domestic abuse often feel unable to get help due to perceptions of shame and a judgemental culture in medical settings. The findings highlight the need for a designated confidential service and cultural change to support doctor victim-survivors.
Researchers at the University of Southampton developed a new technique using gold nanoparticles to detect and enrich skeletal stem cells. The method is simpler, quicker, and up to 50-500 times more effective than existing methods, offering promising areas for bone disease treatment.
Researchers evaluated low-cost 3D scanners for accuracy and repeatability in capturing residual limb shape. The study found that some devices matched expert clinician results while others showed significant variation.
A new study found that dry eye disease significantly impacts visual function, daily activities, and work productivity. It also reveals a link between dry eye disease and increased anxiety, depression, arthritis, hearing loss, and irritable bowel disease.
A new study reveals a close link between proteins causing Alzheimer's disease and age-related sight loss, with findings showing toxic molecules accumulate in retina cells. The research also suggests that anti-amyloid beta drugs may be repurposed to treat age-related macular degeneration.
A new study finds that gentle streams of water carrying sound and microscopic air bubbles can effectively clean salad leaves, reducing bacterial contamination and the risk of food poisoning. The method has implications for combating anti-microbial resistance and extending food shelf life.
A new study found that whale sharks can heal from lacerations and abrasions within weeks, with partially removed dorsal fins re-growing. This knowledge provides a preliminary understanding of wound healing in this species, highlighting the importance of conservation management to minimize human impacts.
A new study predicts that robust vaccination programmes and strict physical distancing rules can contain virus resurgence without stay-at-home restrictions, applicable to cities worldwide. Cities with low populations and effective vaccination may fully interrupt transmission without distancing.
Researchers have successfully measured back-reflection in cutting-edge hollow-core fibers, revealing a property that outperforms standard optical fibers. This discovery has the potential to improve internet performance and enhance various photonic applications.
Hurricane maximum wind speeds in the subtropical Atlantic around Bermuda have more than doubled over the last 60 years due to rising ocean temperatures. This increase in energy extraction from warm oceans leads to more intense hurricanes, posing a significant threat to Bermuda.
A new algorithm detects hidden fingerprints in routine blood test results to identify people silently developing liver cirrhosis. The CIRRUS algorithm has an accuracy rate of 90% and can pick up over 70% of cases months or years before emergency admissions.
Researchers have developed a compact and high-performance 3D LiDAR imaging system using a silicon photonic component and CMOS electronic circuit in a single microchip. The prototype achieves accurate imaging and mapping, essential for autonomous cars, robots, drones, and healthcare applications.
A team of seismologists has discovered a new mechanism driving the separation of the Atlantic plates, with evidence of an upwelling in the mantle from depths of over 600 km. This finding provides greater understanding of plate tectonics and its role in natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis.
Research found cancer patients in low-income countries are up to four times more likely to die following surgery, with less post-operative care infrastructure and oncology services. Patients from upper middle-income countries were two times as likely to die compared to high-income countries.
A flexible underwater robot developed by University of Southampton and University of Edinburgh can swim as quickly and efficiently as squid and jellyfish, thanks to resonance technology. The robot's soft exterior and lightweight design make it ideal for operating near sensitive environments.
New research unlocks the mystery of the Galápagos Islands' unique ecosystem, revealing that local northward winds drive upwelling and nutrient injection to support biodiversity. The findings inform plans to expand the Galápagos Marine Reserve and improve its management against climate change.
Researchers discovered a new, shorter form of ACE2 that lacks the viral binding site, contradicting previous studies. This finding supports the use of interferon-based treatments for COVID-19 patients.
Scientists at the University of Southampton have discovered that modifying antibodies to target OX40 can enhance immune responses against cancer cells. By adjusting the antibody's isotype, researchers found that one type can delete suppressive Treg cells and another can stimulate killer T-cells, leading to improved anti-tumor effects.
A new study found that films demonstrating responsible behavior significantly decreased risky driving behaviors among young drivers, while fear-based content had the opposite effect. The research suggests that positive messages can be a more effective way to promote road safety.
Implementing point-of-care testing in hospitals can lead to faster diagnosis, better treatment, and improved recovery for patients with acute respiratory symptoms. The study found that routine molecular POCT for influenza resulted in increased antiviral use, isolation facility use, and reduced mortality rates.
Scientists at the University of Southampton have made a breakthrough in reconstructing eye tissues from the outer retina using serial block face scanning electron microscopy. The study provides a clear picture of the 3D organisation of the retinal pigment epithelium, which could help understand causes of damage leading to sight loss.
A recent study found that declining teenage pregnancy rates in England are related to local areas experiencing less youth unemployment, growing Black or South Asian teenage populations, and more educational attainment. The study also suggests that unaffordable housing and a lack of social housing contribute to lower conception rates.
A new study found that pregnant women with obesity can alter their children's DNA through diet and lifestyle modifications, reducing the risk of metabolic disease. The research suggests that a healthy diet and increased physical activity during pregnancy can have a positive impact on infant health.
Researchers found that plankton species shifted from relying on sunlight to capturing food and eating it after the asteroid impact, allowing them to survive. This adaptation suggests that the lack of light played a crucial role in killing off some species, but others adapted to thrive.