All UK & Rest of Europe articles
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NewsA rapid evolutionary process provides Sudanese Copts with resistance to malaria
An international study investigating the genomic diversity of the Sudanese population reveals that the Copts originating in Egypt –who settled in the country between the seventh and eleventh centuries– have acquired a genetic variant that protects them from contracting malaria.
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NewsYeast cells can be used for rapid testing of cancer immunotherapy
An international research team has developed a new yeast-based biotechnological platform that makes it possible to test and understand advanced cancer treatments much faster and cheaper than before. It can reduce development time for new types of cancer immunotherapy from months to days or weeks.
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NewsForest soils increasingly extract methane from atmosphere
Researchers evaluated the world’s most comprehensive data set on methane uptake by forest soils. They discovered that under certain climate conditions, which may become more common in the future, their capacity to absorb methane actually increases.
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NewsBlood test may give insights into a person’s infection history
Which infections have you already come into contact with? In the future, a simple blood test may be all you need to answer that question. Researchers intend to investigate the sensors the immune system uses to identify pathogens.
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NewsPreviously unknown viruses discovered in groundwater
Researchers have created a comprehensive picture of viral diversity and function in a groundwater system. They identified over 257,000 viral operational taxonomic units, i.e. viruses at species level, 99 % of which were previously unknown.
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News A fungus living in our body can make melanoma more aggressive
A study has for the first time established the mechanism by means of which the Candida albicans fungus makes melanoma more aggressive. It activates several signalling pathways in the melanoma cells, creating an environment that helps to reprogram angiogenesis and metabolism.
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NewsBBSRC-backed spin-out launches rapid DNA air sequencing technology
New spin-out, Agnos Biosciences, has launched AirSeq, a rapid DNA air sequencing technology to transform pathogen detection across health, food and biosecurity. It brings to market a powerful new approach to detecting biological threats in the air.
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NewsPlants influence the composition and function of their surrounding microbiome to suit their needs
An investigation into plant–microbe interactions at the genetic, metabolic and physiological levels revealed that 203 bacterial gene sequences were strongly shaped by the host plant, for example through their metabolic products. One bacterial genus was found to enhance root development even in nitrogen-limited soils.
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NewsScientists fight superbugs with nets, light switches - and egg white
A new gel could combat resistant bacteria in wounds and around implant sites, while also supporting healing. The hydrogel, which is inspired by natural immune defences, has produced highly promising results in animal models.
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NewsHigh consumption of ultraprocessed foods may be linked to cancer survivors’ risk of death
Cancer survivors who consumed higher amounts of ultraprocessed foods as part of their diet had a significantly increased risk of both all-cause and cancer-specific death, a new study shows.
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NewsWHO calls for mental health to be central to neglected tropical disease care
A major new World Health Organization publication sets out, for the first time, a practical, evidence-based package of care to address the mental health impacts of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and the stigma that can prevent people from seeking care and participating fully in society.
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NewsResearchers uncover the invisible worlds beneath our feet
An analysis of a natural aquifer revealed that despite their close spatial contact and possible interactions, the microorganisms in the water and on the rock form two strongly contrasting ecological communities.
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NewsSediment core yields evidence of an unexpected climate feedback in Antarctica
Researchers have concluded that global warming may lead to reduced uptake of carbon dioxide than at present in the Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean if the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, which is considered unstable, continues to shrink.
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NewsSix years after COVID-19’s global alarm: Is the world better prepared for the next pandemic?
Six years ago, the Director-General of the World Health Organization sounded the highest global alarm available under international law at the time, declaring the outbreak of a new coronavirus disease. As we cross this six-year mark, WHO asks: Is the world better prepared for the next pandemic?
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NewsStudy suggests far fewer cervical cancer screenings are needed for HPV‑vaccinated women
In a modeling study of women vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV), researchers found that cervical cancer screening could be done far less often than current recommendations without compromising health benefits.
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NewsDanish pediatrician warns Denmark’s childhood vaccine schedule is not one the U.S. can copy
Danish pediatrician Lone Graff Stensballe DMSc, PhD warns that the U.S. should not replicate Denmark’s childhood vaccine strategy due to major social and health disparities between the two countries.
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NewsNipah virus outbreak: Risk of global threat is low, say experts
The Global Virus Network is monitoring reports of a Nipah virus outbreak in India and emphasizes that such cases, while very concerning and serious, are not unexpected or unprecedented.
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NewsFrom biocidal coatings to medicines: A nanocomposite sting for microorganisms
A surface capable of responding to chemical signals generated by microorganisms and automatically producing biocidal substances – a description of how the B-STING silica nanocomposite works. The new material acts as a nanofactory of reactive oxygen species, activating only when necessary.
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News£2.8 million research project to combat one of the world’s most urgent health threats
An ambitious new £2.8 million international programme will aim to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across East Africa. It will examine how environmental, social and economic factors influence the spread of drug-resistant infections in East African communities.
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NewsCorals sleep like us, but their symbiosis does not rest
A study has revealed that corals also sleep, despite not having a nervous system, while their microbiome remains awake. For the first time, a biological day-night pattern that transcends the individual and helps sustain a symbiotic relationship has been identified in situ.