Computer simulations of microscopic, protein-coated beads that block bacteria from binding to host cells suggest that the microbeads could help reduce or eliminate bacterial infections in burn wounds. Dr Paul Roberts from the University of Birmingham’s School of Mathematics, UK., and colleagues present these new findings, funded by the BBSRC, in the journal PLOS Computational Biology.

A study jointly led by the University of Birmingham and University of Edinburgh has revealed that a new scanning technology could almost halve the number of liver biopsies carried out on people with fatty liver disease. The authors of the study, also carried out in collaboration with the Universities of Liverpool and Oxford, concluded that 458 out of every 1,000 liver biopsies could be avoided if people are first assessed using scanning tech...

Scientists have designed gold nanoparticles, no bigger than 100 nanometres, which can be coated and used to track blood flow in the smallest blood vessels in the body. By improving our understanding of blood flow in vivo the nanoprobes represent an opportunity to help in the early diagnosis of disease. Light microscopy is a rapidly evolving field for understanding in vivo systems where high resolution is required.

It is estimated that air pollution is associated with around 40,000 excess deaths in the UK each year. Even more shockingly, the World Health Organisation estimates that as many as 92% of the world's population are exposed to dirty air. Particularly an issue in the developed world, exhaust fumes from diesel cars is one of the major contributors to air pollution. Paris, Athens, Mexico City and Madrid plan to ban all diesel cars from their cit...

Irresistible Materials has announced the appointment of Warren Montgomery as Vice President of Product Strategy and Commercialisation, to drive the commercial launch of a product range based on a technology developed at the University of Birmingham.

A study led by researchers at the University of Birmingham reveals the key role of different types of fibroblast cells in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), opening up an avenue for research into treatment of the disease. Synovial Fibroblasts (SFs) are cells that make up part of the connective tissue, or synovium, around human joints. In RA patients, SF cells cause damage by invading and attacking the cartilage and bone around the...

A simulator of a Chinook helicopter, bringing together VR and an inflatable enclosure, has been conceived to help to support the future training of the UK Armed Forces' Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT). The University of Birmingham's Human Interface Technology (HIT) team designed the high-tech solution to help medical personnel to train for battlefield incidents that require emergency medicine, often administered in the back of the helicopt...

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed sensors that could cut millions from road-gritting costs and help local authorities get ready for colder days ahead. Unnecessary gritting of roads and car parks could be avoided and road safety in cold weather boosted, thanks to these new internet-connected, temperature sensors that have already been successfully trialled in Birmingham, London and elsewhere across the country.

Researchers have developed a light-activated tool to show how drugs need to be adapted to combat type 2 diabetes. The study, published in Angewandte Chemie, provides insight into the signalling process of receptors in cells. The team behind the research believe their findings could pave the way for the next-gen of anti-diabetic drugs that are activated by the presence of either blue or ultra-violet light.

A natural compound called limonene, which is found in oranges and lemons, could be indicative in early-stage diagnosis of liver disease, according to research published in the journal EBioMedicine by researchers in the Molecular Physics Group at the University of Birmingham.

New research has shown how a smart sensor chip, able to pick up on subtle differences in glycoprotein molecules, can improve the accuracy and efficiency of prostate cancer diagnosis. Researchers at the University of Birmingham believe that the technology will help improve the process of early stage diagnosis.