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.
Researchers at University of York characterize mechanism used by bacteria to evade the human immune system, using an 'invisibility cloak' to move about the body without risk of attack. The discovery of a novel enzyme and its role in capturing sialic acid offers hope for developing novel antimicrobials against these bacteria.
New research reveals symbiotic bacteria in black bean aphids can exhibit a disruptive 'Hyde' side, slowing insect growth while allowing bacterial proliferation. This discovery may lead to new methods for controlling insect pests without relying on insecticides.
A study at the University of York found that microbes in plant roots rapidly consume sugars and convert them into carbon dioxide, creating a shortcut in the carbon cycle. This process was demonstrated using C-13-labeled carbon dioxide, allowing researchers to identify the active microbes.
A global study has found that phosgene is present in all latitudes and its levels have decreased since previous studies. The gas plays a role in pharmaceuticals, herbicides, and synthetic materials, but its use is being reduced due to legal restrictions.
A link has been confirmed between depression and low folate levels, with a review of 11 studies involving 15,315 participants supporting the measure. Folate supplements may also benefit people with depression, according to Dr Simon Gilbody.
Scientists at the University of York are investigating the potential uses of carbon monoxide in treating disease, particularly high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer. The three-year study aims to develop molecules that release carbon monoxide slowly and tuneably for bioapplications.
Researchers analyzed 43,000-year-old Neanderthal remains at El Sidrón in Spain, revealing significant north-south variations in facial shape. The study suggests that Southern-European Neanderthals had broader faces with increased lower facial heights.
A new project led by Dr Padraic Monaghan will investigate the mechanism of language processing that determines stress in words, potentially aiding the treatment of reading difficulties and second language learning. The research may also provide insights into neurological representations of language and recovery following brain injury.
Researchers have produced the first molecular 'dictionary' of social amoeba species, revealing a major trend in the evolution of increased cell specialization and organism size. The study provides a powerful tool to examine molecular mechanisms driving evolution and development.
Scientists at the University of York have discovered a critical element in the mode of action of DNase colicins, which kill cells by destroying their DNA. Understanding this mechanism could lead to the development of new, targeted antibiotics.
The CAPANINA project demonstrates how wireless and optical communications can be relayed from high-altitude platforms (HAPs) to bring low-cost broadband connections to remote areas. The system promises data rates 2,000 times faster than traditional modems, with applications ranging from disaster management to environmental monitoring.
A new three-year project is investigating the earliest development of sea fisheries in Northern Europe, with a focus on the critical period between 950AD and 1050AD. Researchers are analyzing fish bones from archaeological sites across the region to understand the impact of intensive sea fishing on medieval trading patterns.
Researchers are working on a three-year €2.5 million project to isolate and expand mesenchymal stem cells from cord blood for use in therapies. The goal is to create viable new medical uses for these stem cells, which could be used to repair bone defects and fractures.
Researchers at the University of York have developed a novel way to clean up contaminated land using micro-organisms found in soil. The team has isolated bacteria that can use explosives like RDX as a source of nitrogen, and redeployed an enzyme from these bacteria into plants, enabling them to biodegrade the pollutant more efficiently.
A team of bio-archaeologists confirms the existence of human activity in northern Europe dating back approximately 700,000 years. The findings were made using a newly-refined technique of amino acid analysis and published in Nature.
A team of plant biologists at the University of York have isolated the first plant antifreeze protein found in carrots. This discovery has potential applications in improving frozen food quality, cryoprotection of medical tissues, and increasing frost tolerance for crops.