Researchers analyzed European viper venom samples to investigate how they are shaped by competing demands of catching prey and defending against predators. The study found no evidence that venom components directly activate pain-sensing nerve cells, instead suggesting that hunting efficiency is the primary driver of venom evolution.
Research exposes soprano pipistrelle bats to weak broadband radiofrequency noise, disrupting their ability to sense the magnetic field and navigate. The study reveals a 'carryover effect' of electromagnetic noise pollution on bat behavior, with potential ecological consequences.
A study found that 85% of nature organization subscribers support regulated lethal control of wild deer. The practice was widely used and supported among respondents, with only differing opinions on deer management making collaboration challenging. Researchers hope the findings will help increase confidence in recommending lethal control.
A Bangor University study found that stressed baby lizards grow more slowly and behave differently, but surprisingly, these offspring are also more social. The research suggests maternal stress has long-lasting effects on lizard social behavior, overriding the influence of social environment after birth.
Researchers found that migratory birds rely on magnetic inclination and declination to determine their location, even when other components of the Earth's magnetic field remain unchanged. This challenges the 'map-and-compass' system theory and suggests a more complex internal navigation system.
A recent study published in the International Review of Financial Analysis suggests that cryptocurrencies are not completely disconnected from economic risks. The research found that during turbulent periods like the COVID-19 pandemic and Ukraine war, cryptocurrency prices experienced increased volatility.
A Bangor University study found that looking at nature during urban walks reduces anxiety and enhances restorative feelings. Guided participants focused on greenery, such as trees, for improved mental well-being metrics.
Researchers calculated global potential for low-carbon floating solar arrays on nearly 68,000 lakes and reservoirs worldwide. The study found that five nations could meet their entire electricity needs from FPV, including Papua New Guinea, Ethiopia, and Rwanda.
Climate change projections suggest that land-locked lakes on the Tibetan Plateau will increase in volume fourfold by 2100, leading to significant land loss and related impacts. This could alter the landscape, affect wildlife migration routes, and exacerbate climate change through increased greenhouse gas emissions.
New research by Bangor University reveals that summer storms help maintain healthy oxygen levels in deep waters around the UK. The study shows that oxygen mixing can slow the development of a summer oxygen deficit, improving ocean health.
A recent study highlights the importance of considering lamb's nutritional value when comparing its carbon footprint. The research found that lambs finished on grass diets had a lower carbon footprint per unit of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids content, making them a more sustainable option.
New research reveals that secondary forests in the Amazon cover over 190,000 km² but connect more than 2 million isolated fragments of old-growth forest, crucial for biodiversity conservation. These forests also act as a buffer zone, shielding old-growth edges from negative effects like hotter temperatures and wind.
Scientists validate a long-held ecological distribution theory, but find it doesn't hold true for islands with human habitation. The findings suggest that traditional models of the natural world may no longer be valid in the face of mounting local human impacts.
Research reveals that 176 bird species globally incorporate man-made materials into their nests, providing potential benefits such as structural support and insulation. However, these materials can also harm birds through entanglement, ingestion, or attracting predators.
A Bangor University paper quantifies the carbon benefits of ending bottom trawling, finding only a small fraction of seabed carbon reacts to disturbance. The study challenges the validity of previous claims and suggests using 'carbon credits' for banning trawling may actually increase overall CO2 emissions.
Early plasticity in coastal plants like sea campion enables rapid adaptation to new environments, including toxic substances. The research found that beneficial plasticity in ancestral plants increases the likelihood of gene reuse during parallel adaptation.
Researchers found SARS-CoV-2 virus in almost all plane wastewater at three UK airports during a period of COVID restrictions. The study suggests that wastewater testing could be used to monitor the general health of passengers on flights entering the country, potentially capturing 8-14% of SARS-CoV-2 cases.
Researchers at Bangor University used multibeam sonar to positively identify the SS Mesaba, a merchant ship that sent an iceberg warning to the Titanic in 1912. The wreck was found in the Irish Sea, revealing new information about this infamous maritime event.
Research highlights the 'worst of both worlds' for people living in suburban areas, with poor access to natural and built infrastructure. This can result in a lower quality of life compared to urban and rural areas.
A new study by Bangor University suggests that a biodiversity offsetting scheme at Ambatovy mine in Madagascar has successfully achieved 'No Net Loss' of the unique forest habitat destroyed by the mine. The study, which used state-of-the-art approaches to evaluate the impact of the mine's strategy, found that the offsets have saved nea...
A new study reveals significant differences in forest recovery rates across Amazonian countries, with some experiencing little to no recovery even 20 years after deforestation. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to protect and restore remaining forests.
A new study demonstrates the importance of planting new commercial forests in fighting climate change. The study shows that future use of harvested wood can remove more CO2 from the atmosphere than previously thought, thanks to advancements in carbon capture & storage technology.
A team of scientists has re-evaluated the forest harvesting trends in Europe, finding that an abrupt increase of 69% reported by a previous study was incorrect. Instead, they found a more modest 6% increase in forest harvests over the same period.
Researchers combined healthcare data with ecological techniques to identify potential links between airborne pollen and human health. The study found connections between certain grass species and respiratory health issues, suggesting a roadmap for refining pollen forecasts in the future.
Researchers at Bangor University discovered that birds displaced beyond their normal migratory route can still use the Earth's magnetic signature to find their way back, a feat known as true navigation. The Eurasian reed warbler was found to be able to extrapolate its position from magnetic signals even when far beyond familiar territory.
A study of spitting cobras shows that a combination of venom components have evolved to create an instantly painful venom, used for defense rather than hunting. The research provides a remarkable example of convergent evolution and suggests early humans may have influenced the evolution of spitting in cobras.
The Amazon rainforest could disappear within a lifetime if a tipping point is reached, according to new research. Ecosystems dominated by single species are more stable and take longer to shift, while the loss of key species like elephants can trigger rapid changes.
Researchers found that larval fish in ocean surface slicks ingest prey-size plastics, which could impact their development and survival. The study highlights the importance of understanding complex gradients in plankton and larval fish abundance to protect these vulnerable life-history stages.
A team of scientists has identified five priority measures for Madagascar's new government to prevent species and habitats being lost forever. Investing in protected areas and local community tenure over natural resources are key strategies to address the country's biodiversity crisis.
The study reveals that different grass pollens can cause varying reactions in allergy sufferers and people with asthma. By analyzing environmental DNA, researchers identified links between certain pollen types and days with increased asthma attacks or intense hay fever symptoms.
Neuroscientists have identified the brain's preparation for complex actions, including speech, handwriting, sports, and music, by analyzing tiny magnetic fields outside participants' heads. This research reveals unique patterns that distinguish skilled from error-prone executions.
A new study reveals that reefs experiencing frequent temperature changes are better equipped to resist coral bleaching during ocean warming events. The research highlights the importance of high-frequency temperature variability in reef regions worldwide, providing valuable insights for conservation efforts and marine spatial planning.
A comprehensive review of literature on coral resilience highlights the need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The study also identifies novel management techniques and overlooked reef areas to protect against climate change impacts.
A new study reveals that an invasive Australian tree species, Pittosporum undulatum, is posing a significant threat to the global biodiversity hotspot in Jamaica's Blue Mountains. The species has already outpaced native trees, reducing their regeneration and threatening rare and endangered species.
Researchers have discovered that mature Reed Warblers can detect the declination from magnetic north and use it to locate themselves longitudinally, orienting towards their migratory route. This system is believed to be learned by experience, as juvenile birds were unable to adapt to a new magnetic signal.
A recent study by Bangor University found that pharmaceutical companies marketing orphan drugs for rare diseases can be up to 15% more profitable than other drug companies. This is due to the lucrative market for these treatments, with some costing as much as £340,000 per patient per year.
Researchers at Bangor University have achieved a world first by using dragline silk from the golden web spider as an additional superlens to provide up to 2-3 times magnification. This innovation enables viewing of previously invisible structures, including nano-structures and biological micro-structures.
Scientists have created a new solid 3D superlens using nanobeads, enabling the view of previously invisible details on surfaces. The technology adds 5x magnification to existing microscopes, opening up new possibilities for biology and medicine.
The Island Mass Effect hypothesis explains why seas surrounding islands are more productive. Phytoplankton growth creates a self-sustaining cycle, supporting life from small fish to top predators.
Researchers studied bar-headed geese's migratory biology during high-altitude flights across the Tibetan Plateau, revealing a unique 'roller coaster' flight strategy. The birds employ this strategy to track underlying terrain and minimize energy expenditure due to decreasing air density and oxygen availability at high altitudes.
The public favors treating patients with serious conditions, including cancer, if it reduces burden on carers or offers substantial health benefits. However, the majority oppose a ring-fenced budget for cancer drugs, which would prioritize cancer treatments over other equally serious conditions.
Researchers at Bangor University discovered a switch in cells that helps kill tumors with heat, which combines with an anti-cancer drug to treat localized cancers. The novel protein produced by heat modulates survival systems, and its discovery may improve heat-treatment of cancer for patients.
The new system identifies fish populations to a forensic level of validation, helping tackle overfishing and illegal fishing. DNA-based tools can be used across the food supply chain and provide an independent method for authenticity testing.
Researchers discovered that a negative word can prevent access to a native language system, highlighting the brain's ability to block information from conscious thought. This finding breaks new ground in understanding the interaction between emotion and thought in the brain.
Scientists at Bangor University discover that climate-induced droughts can lead to prolonged CO2 release from peatlands, potentially lasting a decade. This has significant implications for the environment, including habitat loss, species extinction, and decreased water quality.
Researchers found that communities of similar-looking catfish often comprise multiple species, highlighting the hidden diversity and complexity of neotropical freshwater ecosystems. The discovery has significant implications for environmental conservation, as many rivers are facing large-scale development and habitat destruction.
The Internet has led to a renaissance in informal writing, with online diaries and blogs increasing expressive range. Professor Crystal argues that concerns about language deterioration are misplaced, as new technology has increased informality in writing.