Researchers at the University of York have created a new modified wheat variety that produces grains up to 12% bigger than conventional varieties without decreasing grain numbers. This breakthrough could help meet the increasing global food demand, especially considering the need for a 50% increase in production by 2030.
A new study by CSIRO and partners found that most COVID-19 genome data lacks relevant patient information, hindering the fight against the virus. The researchers developed a standardised data collection template to capture critical patient data, enabling scientists and clinicians to build a more complete picture of COVID-19's impact on...
A study by the University of York reveals that metal pollution from historic mining is weakening scallop shells, threatening marine ecosystems. The research found that contaminated seabed sediments with zinc, lead, and copper are causing brittle shell thinning, affecting the species' survival.
A new study reveals that sleep deprivation significantly impairs the ability to suppress unwanted and unpleasant thoughts. Participants who were sleep-deprived showed a nearly 50% increase in unwanted thoughts compared to those who had a good night's sleep.
A new study by University of York found that TV advertising, free tobacco products, and exposure to smoking in public places are the biggest drivers of tobacco use among teens in South Asia. Teaching adolescents about the harmful effects of tobacco at school was effective in reducing smokeless tobacco use but not smoking.
A recent study has found that potential COVID-19 vaccines are not affected by the dominant 'G-strain' of the virus. The G-strain now accounts for about 85 per cent of published SARS-CoV-2 genomes, but vaccine candidates targeting the spike protein remain effective. This discovery is good news for the hundreds of vaccines in development...
A new solar panel design using checkerboard lines can absorb up to 125% more light, leading to the creation of thinner, lighter, and more flexible panels. This breakthrough could enable a rapid expansion of photovoltaics and greatly reduce carbon footprint.
A new UK study found that having a pet helped people cope emotionally with the lockdown and stay fit. The human-animal bond was linked to improved mental health outcomes, regardless of animal species.
A new study suggests that a 56% increase in alcohol-industry funded research into the impacts of alcohol consumption since 2009 is a cause for concern. The researchers found nearly 13,500 studies directly or indirectly funded by the industry, with many making claims about the health benefits of alcohol.
A new paper suggests that COVID-19 policy makers can improve transparency and accountability by learning from the aviation industry. The research emphasizes the importance of assurance cases to explain model assumptions and their limitations, enabling policymakers to critically review decisions.
Scientists have discovered a potential effective treatment for Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) using Ursodeoxycholic Acid, an already approved liver medication. The drug has been shown to increase protective proteins in neurons and prevent cell death, offering new hope for patients.
A new global review found that big mammals like elephants, rhinos, and primates are threatened with extinction in national parks of the world's poorest countries. Illegal hunting is a major driver of population declines, particularly in Asia where stricter protected areas have higher rates of illegal hunting.
A new study estimates that 350,000 people globally died from smokeless tobacco-related illnesses in 2020, up from an estimated 258,000 in 2017. The researchers are urging governments to regulate the production and sale of smokeless tobacco products.
Research reveals Cape Floristic Region in South Africa is rich in plant species due to long period of ecological stability, contradicting theory that high productivity is required for high diversity. The study emphasizes the need for protection and conservation in extraordinary places threatened by climate change.
Researchers discovered a unique 'BO enzyme' found only within certain bacteria responsible for producing body odour molecules. This breakthrough highlights the role of Staphylococcus hominis in body odour production and suggests its existence prior to modern humans' evolution.
Researchers have uncovered how immune cells use chemical signals to navigate to the lymph nodes, where they help combat harmful bacteria and viruses. This discovery may pave the way for new treatments and a better understanding of why the immune system sometimes fails.
A recent study has found that various video game practices, including token wagering, real-money gaming, and social casino spending, are significantly linked to problem gambling. Players who engage in these practices are more likely to suffer from disordered gaming, a condition causing significant impairment or distress.
Scientists at the University of York have deciphered the mechanism by which the compound AB1 kills the trypanosome parasite that causes African trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness. The breakthrough could potentially lead to a cure for this devastating neglected tropical disease and others like Chagas disease.
Researchers analyzed over 11,000 Twitter posts to understand patient attitudes towards statins, finding that people perceive themselves as protected from harm while taking preventative medications. This study may inform public health messages and improve communication between healthcare professionals and patients.
Research from the University of York finds that subsidized agricultural conservation schemes fail to benefit rarer butterfly species, while common species like Ringlet and Meadow brown thrive. The study suggests that these schemes can help improve connectivity for some species, but are unlikely to prevent extinctions.
A new study on palm oil agriculture in Borneo found that protected forest areas within oil palm plantations store up to 20% more carbon than those with no protection. These areas also boost rainforest biodiversity by conserving endangered species such as hornbill birds and dipterocarp trees.
A new study suggests that prehistoric people relied on shellfish to sustain them as they migrated out of Africa, particularly during periods of drought. The availability of these marine mollusks allowed for continuous harvests without major ecological impacts.
Researchers at the University of York found that memories for specific locations are either totally forgotten or precisely recalled. The study showed that forgetting involves losses in memory accessibility without changes in precision.
A recent study by the University of York suggests that Ofsted ratings have a negligible impact on students' educational achievement and wellbeing. Only one tenth of the difference in grades can be attributed to school quality, highlighting the limited effectiveness of these ratings as guides for parents and students.
Researchers recreated DNA damage caused by tobacco smoke in laboratory-grown human bladder tissues. The study found that while direct DNA damage from smoke toxins is unlikely to cause bladder cancer, they may accelerate other DNA-damaging events.
A study has tracked the shift from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to early farming in prehistoric Europe. Dairy products were found in 80% of pottery fragments from the Atlantic coast of Britain and Ireland.
Researchers analyzed ancient pottery fragments from 61 sites in the Baltic region, revealing distinct food preferences and culinary practices among different groups. The study found evidence of dairy products in some vessels, suggesting cultural fusion with early farmers.
Researchers from CSIRO unveiled a new approach to analyzing the genetic codes of SARS-CoV-2, helping understand how strains evolve and identify new clusters. The findings will aid in tracking the virus's progression and informing vaccine development.
Restoring drained peatland involves re-wetting, which brings water table closer to surface, reducing fire risk. Local community involvement is key to successful restoration, with alternative income sources needed for farmers.
Children from wealthier families tend to excel academically due to enhanced language abilities at nursery school age. These verbal skills explain around 50% of the achievement gap between family backgrounds.
Researchers at the University of York found that some commercial password managers may be vulnerable to cyber-attacks by fake apps. The study suggests that weak criteria for identifying an app and username/password suggestions can be exploited by hackers.
A global review found that fear about testing new treatments and possible side effects is the most common reason for not participating in clinical research. Trust in doctors and clinical staff, as well as a desire to help others, motivated patients to get involved.
A study by researchers from the University of York found that local communities in the Lomami National Park are struggling to balance the bushmeat trade with conservation efforts. The study revealed four species of conservation concern, including the Dwarf crocodile, and estimated over 40,000 carcasses were sold annually in the market.
Researchers developed open-source software to assist in creating quantum materials, which could vastly increase computing power and reduce energy consumption. The Quantum KITE initiative uses sophisticated computer programmes to predict material properties, enabling the creation of realistic simulations with unprecedented atom numbers.
A study found enhanced pre-industrial sea-level rise of about two to three millimeters per year in Nova Scotia, Maine, and Connecticut. The rapid episodes were natural and related to the North Atlantic Oscillation and Arctic ice melt.
A University of York study reveals that community question answering sites like Yahoo! Answers are plagued by hate speech and Islamophobia when discussing terrorism. The research found sensitive questions were more likely to be submitted anonymously and loaded with negative emotions.
A new study found that regular GP involvement in caring for children with life-limiting conditions can reduce hospital admissions by 15% and A+E visits by 5%. The research highlights the importance of improved communication and integrated care between paediatricians and GPs.
Researchers at the University of York discovered that mutations in stem cells can cause blood cancer by disrupting normal cell communication. The study used super-resolution microscopy to observe how cells receive instructions from signalling proteins, leading to uncontrolled signals and imbalance in healthy blood cells.
Researchers analyzed ancient fats and lipids in pottery from the Amur River in Russia, dating back 16,000-12,000 years. The study reveals that separate groups developed similar technological solutions to process food during periods of major climatic fluctuation.
Researchers from University of York develop new model to calculate impact of changes to Luftwaffe tactics on the battle's outcome. The study suggests that altering the timing and targeting of airfields could have shifted the battle significantly in Germany's favor.
A new study from the University of York found that parents' socioeconomic status and children's inherited DNA differences are powerful predictors of educational achievement. Children with high genetic propensity for education but poor backgrounds had limited access to higher education, while those with low genetic propensity but afflue...
Animal-assisted interventions show promise in improving psychosocial, emotional, and physiological outcomes for patients. However, the scientific evidence base is limited, and more rigorous research is required to harness the human-animal bond safely, effectively, and ethically.
Researchers at the University of York found that non-native plants are supporting communities of British insects, including pollinators and beetles. The study suggests that a balance between native and non-native plants may provide the best home for most insects.
Post-menopausal killer whale grandmothers improve the chances of survival for their grand-calves, allowing them to focus time and resources on the latest generation. The study found that these grandmothers played a particularly important role in times of food scarcity, where salmon was scarce.
A new collaborative suicide prevention programme has shown a significant reduction in deaths, from 17%, thanks to swift access to specialist care and telephone follow-ups. The SUPREMOCOL programme addresses key issues, including lack of mental health care visibility and poor communication between healthcare providers.
A study of 20,000 patients found that having a care plan reduced the risk of A&E visits by 29% and unplanned hospital admissions by 32%. Seeing the same doctor also reduced the risk of these outcomes. The findings highlight the importance of continuity of care for improving health outcomes.
Researchers found that climate change is causing some British butterflies to emerge earlier, benefiting flexible species with multiple breeding cycles per year. However, single-generation species that are habitat specialists are most vulnerable to climate change, leading to declines in numbers and local extinctions.
Insects are moving northwards in response to climate change, but often find no suitable habitats for settlement. Habitat availability plays a crucial role in determining expansion rates, with some species thriving in certain conditions while others struggle.
Researchers have developed a new mathematical framework that accurately predicts the positions of proteins in the containers of all icosahedral viruses for the first time. The discovery solves a scientific mystery that has endured for half a century and paves the way for new insights into how viruses form, evolve, and infect their hosts.
Researchers discovered that certain soil microbes can make plants more resistant to an aggressive disease, such as bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. The study found that rare taxa and pathogen-suppressing bacteria are associated with healthy plant microbiomes.