Jaw mechanics shed new light on early tetrapod feeding habits
A study of the jaws of one of the earliest known limbed vertebrates shows the species still fed underwater, not on land.
Research
New research reveals role of methionine in enzyme catalysis
The first convincing evidence that the amino acid methionine plays a role in catalysis in an enzyme has been uncovered by researchers from the University of Bristol. Previously, it was thought that methionine was only involved in structure and binding, not in making reactions happen in enzymes.
£75,000 project to tackle UK’s biggest cancer killer
A team at the University of Bristol has won £75,000 funding to tackle lung cancer - the UK’s biggest cancer killer.
SUMO shows subtlety to control brain function
A key protein, which may be activated to protect nerve cells from damage during heart failure or epileptic seizure, has been found to regulate the transfer of information between nerve cells in the brain. The discovery, made by neuroscientists at the University of Bristol and published in Nature Neuroscience and PNAS, could lead to novel new therapies for stroke and epilepsy.
Research finds fundamental marine ecosystem change during rapid climate change events
Marine ecosystems – especially in nutrient-starved areas of the ocean – are very sensitive to abrupt climate change, according to new research from the University of Bristol.
Why do some neurons respond so selectively to words, objects and faces?
Some neurons in the brain respond to words, objects and faces in a highly selective manner, consistent with the so-called 'grandmother cell' theory whereby a particular neuron activates when a person sees, hears or otherwise senses a specific entity, such as his or her grandmother. For example, a neuron in a human was found to respond to images of Jennifer Aniston but not to other people, objects or scenes.
Animal welfare researchers in Israel break new ground
Animal welfare scientists at the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Sciences have been investigating the potential of a novel method of assessing the welfare of dairy cows. The research could provide early indications of health and welfare problems and help in more timely and effective interventions.
Diary of an ‘irregular’ sheds light on Wilson government
A diary which provides a unique insight into the Wilson government is published this month. Inside the Department of Economic Affairs: Samuel Brittan, the Diary of an 'Irregular', 1964-6 , is edited by Professor Roger Middleton in the Department of History.
How we look in the right place at the right time
Human visually guided behaviour relies on looking in the right place at the right time. Researchers from the University of Bristol have identified how the selection of potential locations of interest in the visual scene is combined with detailed object recognition in the central visual field. Both tasks are performed simultaneously and without interfering with each other.
NICE calls for greater awareness about domestic violence and abuse
Domestic violence and abuse can affect anyone, both women and men regardless of their age or where they are from. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence says there needs to be a wider understanding in health and social care, as well as in society as a whole, about how we can help people experiencing it.