A collision between the Milky Way and Large Magellanic Cloud is expected in 2 billion years, potentially waking up a dormant black hole. The event could eject the Solar System from the galaxy, although the impact on Earth is unlikely.
A large-scale expansion in bioenergy crop production could lead to a significant decline in vertebrate biodiversity, with potential losses of up to 36% of global habitats. The study argues that the benefits of bioenergy mitigation may be outweighed by its negative impacts on biodiversity.
Researchers found that sniffer dogs could scent malaria in samples of socks worn by infected children, with an accuracy rate of 70% for malaria-infected samples. The trained dogs could distinguish between the scent of malaria parasites and uninfected individuals, providing a non-invasive way to screen for the disease at ports of entry.
Researchers developed a new seismic risk modeling approach to assess earthquake impacts and identify common hazards across multiple scenarios. The 'ensemble modeling' method provides critical information on likelihood and probable scale of future earthquakes' impacts, enabling targeted disaster mitigation resources distribution.
A study by Durham University found that industry-certified particle masks are most effective at protecting people from volcanic ash, while surgical masks offer less protection. The study also showed that cloth materials like bandanas and T-shirts provide very poor filtration.
A joint British-Italian team has shown that the clustering of three deadly quakes in Italy's Apennine mountains may have been caused by a cross-cutting network of underground faults. The research found that smaller faults prevented a single massive earthquake from occurring and also triggered later earthquakes.
Scientists discover faintest satellite galaxies orbiting Milky Way are among the first galaxies to form, dating back over 13 billion years. The findings support the current model for the evolution of the universe, providing insight into the early stages of galaxy formation.
A new type of bed net showed a 12% reduction in clinical malaria cases compared to conventional nets, and children sleeping under it were 52% less likely to be anaemic. The study also found a 51% reduction in risk of malaria-infective mosquito bites.
Researchers at Durham University found that a massive collision with an object twice the size of Earth likely tilted Uranus on its side. The impact may have trapped heat, explaining the planet's extremely cold temperature. Simulations also suggest this event could have formed Uranus' rings and moons.
A new study from Durham University found that men's testosterone levels are largely determined by their environment during childhood. The research suggests that men who grew up in challenging conditions may have lower testosterone levels in later life.
New research suggests that life could be common throughout the multiverse due to dark energy's impact on star and planet formation. The findings contradict the long-held notion that a specific amount of dark energy is necessary for life to emerge, raising questions about the multiverse theory's ability to explain cosmic origins.
Scientists studied a species of roundnose grenadier fish, finding adaptation to depth at functional genes linked to body form and function. This 'disruptive' selection allows for the evolution of new species, even within the same geographic population.
Leading expert Julian Elliott argues that current US Federal and State dyslexia laws ignore scientific evidence and prioritize expensive diagnoses over early intervention. He advocates for a focus on identifying reading difficulties in children and providing targeted support, rather than pursuing a dubious diagnosis of dyslexia.
A new study found that the risk of man-made earthquakes due to fracking is greatly reduced if high-pressure fluid injection used to crack underground rocks is 895m away from faults in the Earth's crust. The ReFINE consortium recommends this distance to avoid reactivating geological faults and reducing the risk of induced earthquakes.
Scientists estimate tens to hundreds of well sites could be needed in the UK to extract shale gas, with hundreds to thousands of wells drilled over several years. The researchers used data from the UK's milk and fuel transportation industries as a comparator for any future UK shale gas industry.
A study published in Brain found that people who hear voices can detect disguised speech-like sounds more quickly and easily than non-voice-hearers. Voice-hearers' brains automatically responded to meaningful sounds in the regions linked to attention and monitoring skills.
Astronomers have spotted a rare opportunity to study the demise of a dwarf galaxy called Little Cub, which is being consumed by a gigantic neighbouring galaxy. The process provides clues about how smaller galaxies lose their gas and eventually shut down star formation.
Researchers found high numbers of invasive species in island and coastal regions, particularly in the Hawaiian Islands, New Zealand's North Island, and Indonesia. The study highlights the need for effective measures to prevent further introductions of alien plants and animals into vulnerable ecosystems.
Researchers found that coronal jets and CMEs are triggered by magnetic reconnection, a process where stressed filaments break through their magnetic restraints. The study provides a theoretical universal model for solar eruptions, covering all scales from small jets to large CMEs.
Researchers from Durham University found that only a quarter of the UK's largest shale gas reserve might be recoverable due to limited space for well development. To minimize land disruption and environmental impact, they recommend locating wells as far apart as possible and operating on a multi-well basis.
Astronomers have developed a way to detect the ultraviolet (UV) background of the Universe, which could help explain why there are so few small galaxies in the cosmos. The UV radiation strips smaller galaxies of the gas needed to form stars, effectively stunting their growth.
Research warns that hurricanes are moving further north along the Northeast US coast, posing a greater threat to cities like New York. The study suggests that man-made emissions have overridden natural cooling effects, leading to more frequent and powerful storms.
A study published by Durham University found that earworms, or songs that get stuck in your head, tend to have faster tempos, common melodic contours, and unusual interval structures. The researchers also identified specific songs with these characteristics, including Bad Romance and Don't Stop Believing.
A new UK consortium aims to develop novel and efficient ways to store data using nanoscale magnetic whirlpools known as magnetic skyrmions. This technology could make day-to-day gadgets like mobile phones and laptops smaller, cheaper, and more energy-efficient.
A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that orangutans have the potential capacity to control their voices, which could have led to the evolution of human speech. The research found that an adolescent orangutan named Rocky was able to copy the pitch and tone of sounds made by researchers, mimicking vowel-like calls.
Researchers used computer modeling to investigate galaxy colors and their relation to evolution. They found that rare green galaxies are likely at a critical stage of transformation from blue to red as they age. The study suggests that these galaxies' unique colors can provide insights into the processes driving their evolution.
Scientists using cosmological simulations and gravitational wave signals predict initial mass of supermassive black hole seeds. The research aims to uncover mechanism that created these massive black holes and when they formed in the early Universe.
A study of 2,436 people found that listening to sad music can lead to feelings of pleasure, comfort, and relief, but also painful experiences related to personal loss. The research has implications for music therapy and rehabilitation, highlighting the complexity of human emotions in response to sad music.
A study by Durham University found that climate change is having a similar impact on common bird populations worldwide. Species favored by changing climates outperformed those disadvantaged by warming trends over a 30-year period from 1980 to 2010.
Researchers at Durham University have discovered a massive canyon system beneath the Antarctic ice sheet, stretching over 1,000km and potentially containing a subglacial lake. The discovery was made using satellite imagery and radio-echo sounding data, and is being confirmed through an airborne survey underway.
A new study from Durham University found links between massive volcanic eruptions and polar temperatures during the last Ice Age. The research indicates that Southern Hemisphere eruptions may have triggered abrupt warming in Greenland, while Northern Hemisphere eruptions caused Antarctic warming.
Researchers at Durham University have re-examined the economics of fusion, taking account of recent advances in superconductor technology. Their analysis shows that fusion energy could be financially feasible compared to traditional fission nuclear power. The study identifies new advantages in using this new technology.
Researchers at Durham University have identified the remains of 17th century Scottish soldiers found in mass graves, using a combination of scientific data and historical information. The skeletons were buried in two pits on the University's site, dating back to between 1625 and 1660, with isotope analysis showing likely Scottish origin.
Astronomers detected high-energy x-rays from five previously clouded supermassive black holes, supporting the theory of millions more existing but hidden from view. The research uses NuSTAR to study nine candidate black holes, confirming five were obscured by dust and gas.
A study by Durham University found that men wearing red are perceived as more aggressive and dominant than those in blue or grey. The results suggest that the colour red is a warning signal in nature and may influence social perceptions of dominance and aggression.
Researchers detect lagging dark matter clump in galaxy collision, suggesting interaction with forces other than gravity. This finding rules out the standard theory of Cold Dark Matter, potentially revealing new physics and behavior.
High-definition scans of fetuses whose mothers smoked showed a significantly higher rate of mouth movements than normal declining rates. The researchers believe this may be due to delayed fetal development of the central nervous system, which controls facial movements.
Researchers used data from NASA's Lunar Prospector spacecraft to map the radioactive element thorium from an unnamed volcano in the Compton-Belkovich Volcanic Complex. The study found debris from the eruption spread over a vast area, comparable to Scotland's size.
A large study found that most voice-hearers experience multiple voices with distinct qualities, while some also report physical effects on their bodies. The findings question traditional views of hearing voices and suggest different types of therapies could be beneficial for voice-hearers.
Scientists reconstructed a 450-year rainfall record using a stalagmite from Belize, showing a substantial drying trend since 1850. The research links this trend to rising sulphate aerosols from industrial emissions, which moderated temperatures and shifted the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) towards the warmer Southern Hemisphere.
Researchers at Durham University have found a genetic mechanism that could stop the spread of Septoria leaf blotch (STB) disease, caused by a fungus threatening wheat yields. By manipulating TaR1 protein levels in wheat, they demonstrated earlier activation of plant defenses, potentially allowing for more effective control of the disease.
A team of astronomers developed a simulation that produces galaxies with characteristics similar to observed ones, including mass, size, and age. The strong galactic winds in the EAGLE-simulation lead to lighter and younger galaxies with less star formation, mirroring real galaxy observations.
A study published in The Lancet found that using insecticide-treated bed nets alone is sufficient to protect children from malaria in areas with low or moderate transmission. Researchers led by Durham University concluded that combining wall sprays and bed nets does not offer additional protection against the disease.
Research from Durham University found that Alpine Chamois have decreased in body size over the past 30 years, with young animals now weighing 25% less than those of the same age in the 1980s. The study suggests that climate change is affecting how chamois behave, leading to reduced body size.
Researchers suggest that dark matter particles scattering with photons and neutrinos could explain the lack of small galaxies around the Milky Way. By tuning this interaction, scientists can learn more about dark matter's physics and its effects on galaxy formation.
The study found that most people can access community pharmacies within a 20-minute walk, with greater access in deprived areas. Community pharmacies have the potential to deliver public health services and interventions to areas that need them most.
New supercomputer simulations show that most dark matter halos failed to form galaxies, with gas sterilized by the heat from first stars. The research improves understanding of dark matter, a mysterious substance believed to make up 85% of the universe's mass.
Researchers found that competing with sheep had a far greater effect on Chamois than predicted effects of future climate change. The study reveals an alternative strategy to help threatened species adapt to climate change by restricting competitor expansion.
Researchers discovered that Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria use combinatorial communication to achieve an effect different from the sum of individual signals, a method previously thought to be unique to humans and some primates. This finding has serious implications for our understanding of language origins.
A new study by Durham University highlights the inadequacies in heart failure care in the UK, including uncertainty among clinicians about diagnosis and management. The research found inconsistencies in patients' access to tests and services, as well as a lack of awareness among health professionals of dedicated heart failure clinics.