A study by Durham University reveals that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are consistently outperforming their peers in reading, writing, and maths skills, with the gap widening over time. Increased professional development and targeted support are called for to address this issue.
New research using satellite technology tracks the movement of albatrosses and petrels, finding that they use sea ice-affected parts of the ocean for feeding and scavenging. The study suggests that Antarctica's shrinking sea ice could force seabirds to travel further or alter their food patterns, affecting ecosystems.
A new study by Durham University found that almost half of dyslexia professionals believe in unproven indicators, such as reading letters in reverse order or high levels of creativity. The researchers are calling for government policy to guide evidence-based assessment procedures to prevent misdiagnosis.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals significant cultural differences in body appreciation among White Western, Black Nigerian, and Chinese women. White Western women reported higher media pressure to be thin, but lower body appreciation compared to other ethnic groups. In contrast, Black Nigerian women had higher body appreciation an...
A new study has uncovered a 520-million-year-old fossil that preserves the internal organs of an early ancestor of modern insects, spiders, and crabs. The fossil, named Youti yuanshi, provides key clues about the evolutionary steps required for simple worm-like creatures to transform into sophisticated arthropod body plans.
Researchers at Durham University have developed a groundbreaking method to diagnose Multiple Sclerosis using advanced eye imaging techniques. The innovative approach integrates optical coherence tomography and infrared scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, achieving an impressive 92% accuracy in initial tests.
A study by Durham University found that retired rugby players with multiple concussions have higher levels of proteins linked to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and motor neurone disease. The research suggests monitoring athletes' blood for these biomarkers may help diagnose early disease and prevent future development.
A study published in Cerebral Cortex reveals that the brains of both sighted and blind individuals adapt to echolocation training, showing remarkable neuroplasticity. The research used MRI scans to analyze brain activity before and after training, finding changes in the primary visual cortex that develop sensitivity to sound echoes.
A new study found that thousands of world's most threatened species lack sufficient conservation efforts, highlighting a serious mismatch between biodiversity crisis and actions taken. Conservation interventions are insufficient or non-existent for over half of the analysed species.
A new Durham University study reveals that selective breeding has constrained communication abilities in domestic dogs compared to their wolf ancestors. The research found that domestic dogs can only convey affective states with 65% accuracy, whereas wolves can do so with 71% accuracy.
A new study led by Durham University researchers proposes that strong stellar magnetic fields can dissipate gravitational tides, leading to the orbital decay of 'hot Jupiter' exoplanets. The findings suggest certain nearby stars may be good targets for searching additional hot Jupiter planets on decaying orbits.
A new study using the James Webb Space Telescope found that the universe's early galaxies developed and matured much faster than previously believed. Almost 20% of disc galaxies observed had bar formations, indicating a more settled stage in galaxy evolution.
A comprehensive geophysical map of the Greenland Ice Sheet has been unveiled, providing a modernized framework for interpreting its solid earth properties. The map reveals a far more complex picture than previously known, with distinct subglacial regions and unique geophysical signatures detected.
Researchers have discovered that baboons are opportunistic foragers, eating antelope faeces when food is scarce. Camera collars provided an unprecedented view of their interactions with unhabituated wildlife like banded mongooses and impala.
New research reveals that the northern elephant seal's reproductive and foraging success has been impacted by a population bottleneck, which nearly caused their extinction. The study found lower female and male reproductive success, as well as reduced dive performance in individuals affected by the bottleneck.
Scientists at Durham University have found an unexpected way to achieve brighter, more efficient, and stable blue organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The new design strategy uses 'hyperfluorescent' OLEDs, where energy is transferred from a 'sensitiser' molecule to a separate 'emitter' molecule.
Fallow deer were first introduced to Britain by the Romans, not the Normans, and have been repeatedly moved by humans as a symbol of colonial power. Their strong association with Greco-Roman goddesses has driven much of their movements around the Mediterranean.
Researchers at Durham University and Oxford Brookes University have identified a key gene contributing to the rapid evolution of male external genitalia in fruit flies. The study found that changes in the Sox21b gene altered genital shape and size, affecting mating duration and female choice.
A team of astronomers led by Durham University detected a rotating disc structure around a forming high-mass star in another galaxy, marking the first extragalactic detection. The disc is estimated to be around 15 times the mass of our Sun and provides insights into star formation across different galactic environments.
Research reveals that the Supergalactic Plane's sparse spiral galaxies are transformed into elliptical galaxies through frequent interactions and mergers. The study used simulations to model the evolution of the Universe, finding consistency with observations of our cosmic environment.
A new study reveals that quasars can be obscured by dense clouds of gas and dust within their host galaxies, rather than just the 'dusty torus' around the black hole. This phenomenon is more common in compact starburst galaxies with intense rates of star formation.
A recent study by Durham University suggests that graphic warning labels on meat options could reduce people's meat consumption, improving public health and reducing the UK's carbon footprint. The labels, which show a graphic image alongside text, were found to be effective at discouraging people from choosing meals with meat.
Researchers have carried out the largest ever computer simulations to investigate the Universe's evolution, taking into account ordinary matter and dark energy. The FLAMINGO simulations provide a detailed picture of virtual galaxies and galaxy clusters, allowing for comparisons with observations from new high-powered telescopes.
Researchers at Durham University used satellite data and radio-echo sounding techniques to map a 32,000 km2 area of land underneath the vast ice sheet. They found an ancient landscape with valleys and ridges formed by rivers at least 14 million years ago.
Researchers used supercomputer simulations to model possible collisions between precursor icy moons and discovered that an impact could scatter the right amount of ice into Saturn's Roche limit, forming its iconic rings. The study suggests a massive collision occurred around 200 million years ago, creating the remarkably young and almo...
A recent study found that Ice Age cave artists in Northern Spain may have experienced pareidolia, seeing meaningful forms in random patterns, and used this to inform their depictions of animals. The researchers also discovered that the majority of images showed a strong relationship to natural features on the cave walls.
The UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of maritime activity in ports and at sea. The hub will carry out innovative research in sustainable marine fuels and their safe use, low-carbon power and propulsion systems for shipping.
A new study found that European breeding birds have shifted their ranges by an average of 2.4km per year over the last 30 years, but these changes were not as rapid as predicted based on climate change alone. Local factors such as habitat availability and population connectivity played a key role in determining range shifts.
Researchers at Durham University argue that a new radiocarbon-based date for the Laacher See volcano eruption is incorrect due to contaminated trees absorbing dead volcanic carbon. The team suggests an alternative date of 12,880 years ago, coinciding with a newly reported sulphur spike in the Greenland ice sheet.
A study by Durham University and the Jane Goodall Institute has found that gradual release of mandrills into the wild with post-release support improves their stress response and overall well-being. The research tested this assumption for the first time, providing evidence for a carefully planned release.
Young chimpanzees use combined gestures, vocalisations and facial expressions to communicate in a way similar to human infants. As they age, their ability to combine signals improves, especially in situations like playing or aggression.
A recent study by Durham University and NUS found that enhancing existing protected areas is vital for safeguarding biodiversity. The research analyzed 5000 species and discovered that 70% lack representation in protected areas, highlighting the need to strengthen protection of existing parks.
The SuperBIT telescope has begun capturing high-resolution images of the Universe on its first research flight. It is investigating the mystery of dark matter, which is thought to be made up of particles that can bounce off each other during galaxy collisions.
A team of astronomers has discovered an ultramassive black hole in the foreground galaxy, with a mass estimated to be over 30 billion times that of our Sun. This massive object was detected using gravitational lensing and supercomputer simulations.
Researchers at Durham University and the University of York have developed new concepts about the shape and dynamic nature of carbon-based molecules. They found that a simple rearrangement of a molecular cage structure can lead to inversion of mirror image forms, making carbon-centred chirality dynamic and responsive.
A new study reveals that the earliest fossils of Bryozoans, a group of tentacle-bearing animals, are actually green algae from China. The discovery suggests that evolution continued over a longer period after the Cambrian explosion and challenges conventional theories about the origins of animal life.
Researchers from Durham University and University of York successfully twisted molecules to their breaking point, exploring how far the chemical bonding in an aromatic ring can be twisted before its aromatic bonding breaks. The study reveals a balance point where the ring jumps between aromatic structure and two smaller rings.
Researchers found solid scientific evidence that Vikings transported animals, including a horse and dog, across the North Sea to Britain. The analysis of human and animal remains from the Heath Wood cremation cemetery revealed that these animals originated from Scandinavia.
Fossils of a type of sea worm, Iotuba chengjiangensis, have provided new insights into the evolution of annelid worms. The discovery suggests that these worms diversified into different lineages around 515 million years ago, during the Cambrian explosion.
Law students surveyed want climate change education to be included in their studies, emphasizing the need for legal graduates to understand climate constitutional legislation and net zero. Durham University researchers argue that climate change is a niche topic and students are leaving without proper understanding of law's social context.
A new study reveals that vertebrate species involved in the live wildlife trade exhibit distinctive life history traits, including large numbers of offspring across long reproductive lifespans. This profile is likely financially advantageous for trades involving captive breeding, but also increases the risk of species becoming problema...
Researchers used new data from the European Space Agency's GAIA space observatory to project the orbits of satellite galaxies into the past and future, revealing the plane form and dissolve in a few hundred million years. The findings remove one of the main objections to the validity of the standard model of cosmology.
A new study has deciphered the mechanical code of DNA, revealing previously unknown ways in which nature encodes biological information. Researchers used a next-generation technology to show that local sequence determines local bendability of DNA.
A study published in Psychological Science found that babies react to flavors from foods eaten by their mothers while still in the womb. The researchers used 4D ultrasound scans to observe fetal facial reactions to carrot and kale flavors.
A new study reveals that brightly colored songbirds are more likely to be traded as pets and are at a greater risk of extinction. The researchers found that certain color hues, like azure and yellow, are especially common in the trade.
A new study by Durham University suggests that the East Antarctic Ice Sheet can be protected from devastating effects of global warming if temperature increases are kept below 2°C. The researchers found that staying within this limit could prevent significant ice loss and contribute less than half a metre to sea level rise by 2500.
A study by Durham University researchers found that bonobos produce specific 'baby-like' signals to express emotional distress and increase the chances of receiving comfort from others. These signals, such as pouting and whimpering, can also reduce the likelihood of re-attack after a conflict.
A new study predicts that climate change will drastically alter bird communities globally, affecting both numbers and types of species. Phylogenetic diversity, a measure of species relationships, is also expected to decline in tropical regions.
A study by Durham University found that people's ability to recognize emotions in others is not affected when their whole body is visible. However, they were less accurate at recognizing happiness in masked faces. The researchers used images of full bodies with and without face masks to test participants' emotion recognition skills.
Researchers found that humans can better locate targets when moving sideways than straight ahead, challenging previous understanding of human spatial hearing. This discovery has implications for echolocation instructors and users, who can now turn their head away to improve accuracy.