Researchers have discovered a method to overcome the chemical intractability of cellulose, allowing its efficient conversion into bioethanol. This breakthrough represents a major step towards industrial production of fuels and chemicals from renewable cellulose in waste plant matter.
A team of researchers has found an abundance of genetic diversity in ancient wild horses, contradicting the idea that modern male horses lack diversity due to intrinsic properties. The study suggests that domestication is the main reason for the low genetic diversity in modern stallions.
Species have moved towards the poles at three times the rate previously accepted and to cooler, higher altitudes at twice that rate. On average, species have shifted 12.2m per decade in elevation and 17.6km per decade in latitude.
New research by University of York scientists proposes that quantum mechanics could be the key to understanding how black holes work, potentially allowing information to escape. The study's findings suggest a possible breakthrough in our understanding of gravity and its relationship with space and time.
Researchers develop new method to link climatic records with plant and animal responses to climate change, enabling precise dating of archaeological sites. This breakthrough enables detailed analysis of human occupation patterns in Britain during the Ice Age.
A ban on fisheries discards in the North Sea is expected to promote fish stock recovery and increase fishermen's incomes, according to new research. The study compared long-term data sets on cod, haddock, saithe, and herring in the North Sea with those in Norwegian waters, where a discard ban was introduced in the late 1980s.
A new study found that animal personalities are reflected in their oxidative stress profiles, with timid birds experiencing higher levels of damaging oxygen toxins and weaker defenses. In contrast, curious birds had better defences against oxidative damage.
The UK's first fully protected marine reserve is already providing positive results for both fishermen and conservationists after only two years in operation. The reserve has seen a significant increase in commercially valuable scallops and several species of algae promoting biodiversity.
New research suggests that habitat restoration strategies can aid species survival during climate change, using population models to show colonisation success varies by habitat type. For three out of four habitats, a system of stepping stones or random patch creation is most efficient.
A European study finds that over 60% of key wildlife sites receive excessive aerial nitrogen pollution, threatening biodiversity. Concerted action is needed to address the issue and link conservation, air pollution, and agricultural policies.
Researchers from the University of York and Manchester have extracted protein from a 600,000 year old mammoth fossil, providing a near complete collagen sequence. This breakthrough enables the identification of ancient fossils and opens up new possibilities for studying extinct animals.
Scientists discovered a link between ancient human sites and tectonically active landscapes in southern Africa. The research suggests that early humans were attracted to habitats created by tectonic movements near rivers or lakes, which provided food, shelter, and drinking water.
Researchers have developed green chemical technologies to extract valuable chemicals from biomass, reducing waste and increasing product quality. These innovations can be used in various applications, including construction and bioprocessing.
Professor Brian Cantor to receive honorary membership for distinguished services in metallurgical education and research. He will also deliver a keynote memorial lecture on Multicomponent High-Entropy Alloys, honoring his late colleague P Ramachandrarao.
A pre-school language intervention programme has been shown to improve expressive language skills, including vocabulary and grammar, in children with poorly developed speech and language skills. The programme also lays the foundation for phonics and indicates improvements in letter-sound knowledge and spelling.
Researchers found that deep sleep strengthens new memories by transferring information from the hippocampus to the neocortex. Volunteers who experienced more sleep spindles overnight were more successful in connecting new words to existing knowledge.
Carbon dioxide emissions from UK consumption grew by 217 Million tonnes(Mt) of carbon dioxide from increased spending, while efficiency improvements led to reductions of 148 Mt, resulting in a net growth of 69 Mt. The study highlights the importance of taking a global perspective when analyzing CO2 emission patterns.
A new study led by the University of York will assess the motives behind medical tourism, including consumerism and patient decision-making. The research aims to establish the economic impact of medical tourism and its potential benefits for the NHS.
Researchers at the University of York found that Neanderthals exhibited deep-seated commitments to the welfare of others, including prolonged care for injured individuals. The study proposes a four-stage model for human compassion, with ancient humans developing empathy towards each other dating back six million years.
A study found that organic farms have more butterflies than conventional farms, but a combination of conventional farming and nature reserves could support even more butterflies. The research suggests that the trade-off between food production and wildlife conservation depends on the quality of the spare land.
A new £7m research center at the University of York is developing hyperpolarisation with parahydrogen to increase MRI sensitivity. This could enable doctors to make diagnoses in minutes instead of days and tailor treatments more accurately.
Researchers discovered that shoaling fish coordinate their movements more frequently when under threat to reduce the risk of being targeted. This 'oddity effect' drives better synchronization in group movement, making it harder for predators to single out individual targets.
Researchers found trawl fish landings peaked in 1937 at 14 times higher than today and bottom-living fish availability fell by 94%. The decline in popular fish stocks such as cod, haddock, and plaice is more profound than previously thought. The study suggests a longer period of damage to fisheries has taken place
Anti-angiogenic drugs used to treat cancer may improve immune responses in tissues affected by chronic infection or inflammation, increasing effectiveness of conventional treatments for leishmaniasis and other globally important diseases.
Infants as young as five months old show a strong response to music's beat, moving in sync with the rhythm. This innate ability may be linked to human evolution and music processing.
Researchers discovered gribble's digestive system contains enzymes that break down wood polymers, offering clues for industrial conversion. This could lead to the production of biofuels produced with gribble enzymes, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
A new study has found that monkey populations in Tanzania's Udzungwa Mountains are more susceptible to decline than previously thought, highlighting the importance of protecting larger forest areas. The research suggests intervening earlier to preserve habitats and promote corridors between forest fragments.
The Transport and Environment – Science Technology (TEST) Network aims to strengthen scientific and technological support for sustainable transport policies in Sub-Saharan Africa. The three-year project will enhance research capacity, share knowledge, and improve road safety, air pollution, and traffic congestion.
A new study by the University of York reveals that acupuncture significantly affects specific neural structures in the brain, particularly those associated with pain processing. This finding could lead to a better understanding of how acupuncture works and its potential as a treatment option for various medical conditions.
New research raises concerns that broadening NHS treatment evaluation could harm both the NHS and economy. The study found widening the analysis could require trade-offs between health impact, social concerns and economic benefits.
Scientists have identified common features of super active insulins, shedding light on their molecular structure and interaction with insulin receptors. The research holds promise for developing more sophisticated treatments for Type I diabetes, potentially offering controlled or injection-free therapies.
Scientists at the University of York have created a genetic map for Artemisia annua, which will enable rapid improvement of the species and development of high-yielding crops. The project aims to meet soaring demand for effective malaria treatments by 2012, when production is expected to double.
A new chameleon species has been discovered in Tanzania's Magombera Forest, with the specimen named Kinyongia magomberae. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting this area, which is home to endangered red colobus monkeys and under threat from habitat loss.
Researchers discovered that E. coli has a protein that recognizes the rarer furanose form of galactose, allowing it to exploit this additional nutrient source. This adaptation enables E. coli to grow faster and persist in the gut at the expense of other species.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences identified a brain region that strongly reacts to emotional faces and voices. The research found that the posterior superior temporal sulcus responds supra-additively to simultaneous visual and auditory emotional stimuli.
A new randomized controlled trial found that copper bracelets and magnetic wrist straps are ineffective in relieving arthritis pain. The study, led by University of York researcher Stewart Richmond, suggests that any perceived benefits from these devices can be attributed to psychological placebo effects.
Researchers at the University of York have identified an enzyme called XplA that can break down royal demolition explosive (RDX) in the soil. The discovery provides significant insights into biological function and could lead to more efficient cleanup methods for RDX pollution.
Scientists at the University of York have successfully silenced a gene that appears essential to cancer cell survival, leaving healthy cells unaffected. This discovery suggests that certain genes may be specific to cancer cells, paving the way for the development of new cancer treatments with fewer side effects.
Researchers have discovered that all shoot tips on a plant can influence each other's growth, allowing the strongest branches to thrive. By understanding the action of hormones like auxin and strigolactone, horticultural practices can be developed to promote optimal branching patterns in crops.
Scientists have developed computer models explaining polymorphism in animal populations, where individuals can display multiple distinct forms. The research suggests that a modest level of predator dietary wariness is sufficient to maintain large numbers of prey forms within a single species.
Scientists at the University of York have developed a technique to recover polyvinyl-alcohol from discarded TV screens, transforming it into a substance suitable for use in tissue scaffolds that aid body regeneration. The recovered material can also be used in pills and dressings designed to deliver drugs to specific parts of the body.
Researchers aim to understand how colicins penetrate Gram-negative bacteria, potentially leading to new drug delivery methods for diseases. The five-year programme will improve our understanding of biological warfare in bacteria.
The new technique manipulates parahydrogen to create molecules that are easier to detect in MRI scans, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnoses of various medical conditions. This technology has the potential to replace current imaging technologies using radioactive substances or heavy metals.
New research found that tropical insects have shifted their habitats by an average of 67 meters over the past 42 years due to climate change, posing a major threat to global biodiversity. The study, published in PNAS, provides evidence for the impacts of climate change on these crucial species.
Researchers found a 50 km wide atmospheric chemical equator in cloudless skies of the Western Pacific, dividing pollutants between the two hemispheres. The discovery will aid pollution mapping and climate assessment by improving simulations of pollutant transport.
Scientists at the University of York have discovered a new role for Natural Killer cells, which can make diseases worse in certain cases. The research suggests that these cells produce chemicals that inhibit immune responses, leading to potential breakthroughs in treating chronic infections and cancer.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding how Staphylococcus aureus bacteria bind to human proteins fibronectin, shedding light on serious heart infections. The study could lead to the development of new treatments for rare but life-threatening conditions like infective endocarditis.
Scientists propose a framework for deciding when and how to intervene in species relocation due to climate change. They suggest bolstering conservation efforts, maintaining species in captivity, or finding new habitats may be inadequate alternatives. The study emphasizes the need to minimize climate change through mitigation.
A new conservation plan has been developed to protect thousands of rare species in Madagascar, using advanced analysis to identify the most critical areas. The researchers' method could be applied to other high-priority regions for conservation, providing a new approach to saving endangered species.
The project aims to develop an artificial immune system that can protect individual robots and the larger collective organism from faults. By sharing information and energy, the robots form a single artificial life-form with enhanced capabilities, such as rescuing earthquake victims.