A new study suggests that a massive reduction in green pastures and the spread of forests may have been the primary cause of the decline of mammals like the woolly mammoth. The research found that climate change and habitat changes made grazing difficult for large mammals, leading to their extinction.
Researchers at Durham University use huge computer simulations to recreate the beginnings of the Milky Way, finding that many ancient stars originated from smaller galaxies torn apart by galaxy collisions. The simulations provide a blueprint for galaxy formation and reveal clues to the early history of the Milky Way.
New research reveals the Yangtze River in China is 40 million years old, challenging previous estimates of its origins. The study, published in Geology, found that the river began cutting the Three Gorges area around 45 million years ago, resulting in a more gradual formation process.
A Durham University researcher has developed a new notation system for African drums, allowing people to learn and perform unique rhythms worldwide. The system is used in a song called 'Vuma! Unity, harmony, goal!' promoting rhythm and unity for World Cup success.
A new study by Durham University has found that a computer-based technique can improve the ability of partially-sighted people to 'see' better. The research tested patients with hemianopia, a condition affecting their visual field, and found that they became faster and more accurate at detecting objects on a computer screen.
A new study reveals that modern-day Chinese pigs are directly descended from ancient pigs domesticated 10,000 years ago. The research found a difference between pig domestication patterns in Europe and East Asia, with no incorporation of wild boar into domestic stocks in China.
A massive galaxy in the early Universe created stars like our sun at a rate equivalent to 250 suns per year, researchers say. The team observed four star-forming regions within the galaxy, each over 100 times brighter than similar regions in the Milky Way.
Researchers at Durham University have discovered a massive explosion that halted star birth in an early galaxy. The blasts scattered gas needed for new stars, regulating the galaxy's growth.
A new study found that female mandrills reproduce with males whose genes complement theirs, increasing the chances of their offspring resisting disease. The researchers believe this may be due to smell or selective fertilization, and the discovery supports the idea humans may also choose genetically compatible mates.
Scientists at Durham University discovered rapid star formation in 'stellar nurseries' of infant galaxies, creating new stars at a rate 100 times faster than expected. This finding provides insight into the birth of our own galaxy and how it formed its first stars.
A study by Durham and Northumbria Universities found that second-generation Irish immigrants preferred English Protestant names over traditional Irish Catholic names, indicating a desire to minimize prejudice. The research suggests that this trend was also observed in other immigrant communities worldwide.
A new coastland map produced by Durham University scientists charts the post Ice-Age tilt of the UK and Ireland, revealing areas at high risk of sea-level rises. The map helps local authorities target resources to areas where sea level rises will be greatest, saving money on defenses.
A new report argues that current governance activities on nanotechnology are limiting public debate and may repeat mistakes made in managing GMOs. The report recommends innovative ways to involve the public in decision-making, such as treating their views with respect and using them to inform science policy.
A new model of Britain's Ice Sheet reveals it reversed its flow back up valleys, creating unique 'drumlins' along the A66 road through Eden Valley and Lake District lowlands. The ice sheet flowed downhill initially but complex flow directions switched significantly over short timescales.
Research at Durham University suggests that people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle to identify emotions from short video clips of body movements without seeing faces or hearing sound. Adults with ASD performed poorly in a test detecting the direction of coherent movement on a screen, attributed to visual processing problems.
A new study suggests that future tsunamis could reach a scale far beyond the 1964 Alaskan earthquake, killing up to 35 people directly and causing extensive damage. The research indicates that rupture of an even larger area than previously thought could create an even bigger tsunami.
Researchers found that Southern Elephant seals quickly responded to the gain and loss of habitat under climate change by establishing a new breeding site in the Ross Sea Embayment. This new habitat was adopted due to abundant food resources and physical space, allowing rapid expansion of the population.
The study found that intense heat from early stars and black holes evaporated gas from small clumps of dark matter, rendering them barren. This natural explanation for galaxy formation supports the view that cold dark matter is the best candidate for the mysterious material believed to make up most of the universe.
A new study suggests that common fish species, such as the nine-spined stickleback, can compare behavior and make choices based on personal experience, leading to better food supplies. This sophisticated social learning capability, called 'hill-climbing', challenges the idea that big brains are necessary for cumulative culture.
Researchers at Durham University found that rammed earth's strength is heavily dependent on its water content. The study aims to aid the conservation of ancient rammed earth buildings by understanding the source of their strength.
A network of wildlife conservation areas can save up to 90% of bird species in Africa affected by climate change. The research team found that protected areas will provide new habitats for birds forced to move due to changing temperatures and rainfall.
A new study suggests a score-based system, called the Conscientiousness Index, can detect behaviours that need early investigation and provide targeted support. The index measures diligence in day-to-day behaviour and is believed to contribute to improving doctors' performance after qualification.
Researchers have developed a new 3-minute test that measures the level of citrate in fluid samples from the prostate gland to detect prostate cancer. The technique uses light energy and can provide an accurate way to screen and diagnose the disease, particularly in its early stages.
Researchers from Durham University have successfully mapped the high-resolution structure of the matrix protein, a critical component of enveloped viruses like RSV. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new biochemical tools to treat respiratory ailments and other viral infections.
A study published in the Journal of Biogeography found that climate change may lead to longer bird migrations, with some species facing journeys of up to 250 miles longer. This could have significant consequences for birds' survival and ability to adapt.
A new indicator shows climate change is affecting many bird species in Europe, with some benefiting and others declining. The study found that 75% of the species studied are projected to decline due to climate change.
Researchers discovered that post-traumatic stress disorder impacts stroke patients' recovery and ability to resume normal life, even with minor brain damage. Early testing using simple questionnaires could lead to significant improvements in subarachnoid hemorrhage patient outcomes.
Researchers found that translocation to climatically-suitable areas can help butterflies survive beyond their northern ranges. The study showed that assisted colonisation can play a vital role in wildlife conservation, especially for rare species and those with limited mobility.
Researchers at Durham University's Institute for Computational Cosmology created simulations to predict galaxy formation and dark matter effects. The work aims to improve understanding of dark matter, a mysterious substance making up 80% of the Universe's mass.
Researchers at Durham University found that commercial violent computer games can be used to build virtual worlds for training in fire evacuation procedures. The study showed that using game code from First Person Shooter games is quicker and more efficient than traditional virtual reality toolkits.
The institute will continue its world-class research into antimatter and dark matter, extra space-time dimensions, and the Higgs boson. The new funding will also enhance computer facilities, create permanent academic appointments, and support UK phenomenology community members.
A study by Durham University and the University of Reading found that loneliness has doubled from 16% to 30% among Chinese people aged 60+, with urbanization and nuclear family structures contributing to the issue. To tackle this problem, the authors suggest involving local communities in social activities and providing financial support.
A recent study found that humans actively changed the coats of domestic animals through selective breeding, leading to diverse coat colors and patterns. The researchers discovered that domestic pigs with rare genetic mutations had altered proteins, while wild pigs lacked such changes due to rapid selection by predators.
A new research study suggests that high caffeine consumption may be linked to a greater tendency to hallucinate. People who consume more than seven cups of instant coffee per day are three times more likely to report hearing voices when there is no one around.
A team of astrophysicists has discovered that hydrogen is concentrated in permanently shaded lunar craters, which could indicate the presence of ice. This finding is significant for future human exploration of the moon and could provide a water source for establishing a manned base.
A preliminary study by Durham University found that struggling households in the UK have borrowed against their homes to meet basic needs like raising children. On average, these households borrowed an additional £5000 to £7500 in a given year.
A leading academic from Durham University argues that patients must comply with moral duties to look after themselves and others when accessing free healthcare. This includes promoting one's own health, using NHS resources responsibly, and cooperating with medical advice and treatment.
A team of scientists has developed a new type of probe for examining protein interactions using luminescence, enabling non-invasive tracking of protein association in living cells. The technique could aid understanding of serum albumin function and drug-protein interactions.
Researchers used a massive computer simulation to 'see' gamma-rays given off by dark matter in the Milky Way galaxy. They predict that these gamma-rays should glow in a characteristic pattern near the Sun, which could help detect invisible clumps of dark matter.
Researchers at Durham University and Caltech used gravitational lensing to study a young star-forming galaxy in the distant Universe, revealing its internal velocity structure and spiral disk. The findings provide insight into how the galaxy evolved into a present-day system like our Milky Way.
Researchers at Durham University found a giant black hole emitting a regular X-ray signal, linking it to smaller black holes. This discovery sheds light on how gas behaves around super-massive black holes as they feed and develop.
Reinnervate has developed a polystyrene foam scaffold to grow cells in 3D, revolutionizing drug testing and saving companies money. The company is now poised for commercial manufacture and global sales after securing significant funding.
The Chinese earthquake has triggered a significant risk of flooding and power shortages in the Sichuan Basin, which could last for decades. Dr. Alex Densmore's research found that landslides and sediment buildup pose a major threat to river valleys and reservoirs.
Researchers at Durham University have developed two synthetic molecules that can direct stem cells to 'differentiate' into specific tissue types, improving the reliability of experiments and potentially reducing animal use. The new molecules, EC23 and EC19, are more stable than natural compounds currently used in laboratory research.
Researchers have discovered that studying crystal formation in volcanoes can reveal the timing between magma movement and eruptions. This technique allows scientists to better understand individual volcano behavior, helping inform civil defense decisions.
Researchers have developed a more accurate way to identify aggressive bowel cancer forms, suggesting patients with the Lamin A marker should receive chemotherapy in addition to surgery for improved recovery and survival. The study aims to develop a robust prognostic tool for widespread use in bowel cancer treatment.
Researchers found that warmer temperatures are favouring bird species with southern European ranges, such as the Cirl Bunting and Dartford Warbler, which are becoming more common across Britain. In contrast, northern species like the Fieldfare and Redwing are experiencing declining numbers
A two-year-old mud volcano in Indonesia was triggered by drilling operations, according to a detailed scientific analysis published this week. The study disproves the theory that an earthquake was responsible for the eruption.
A study by Dr. Iain Edgar at Durham University found that militant jihadists often legitimize their actions based on night dreams and connect to a mythical past through these dreams. The research also highlights the significance of understanding night dreams as a tool to assess one's worldview and implicit motivations.
A mass grave of skeletons in prehistoric Germany reveals that neighboring tribes were prepared to kill their male rivals to secure their women. The researchers found that the local group of skeletons had only men and children, indicating that the adult females were spared execution and captured instead.