A study at Bristol Zoo Garden and Paignton Zoo Environmental Park found that zoos can inspire children to engage with animals through non-traditional forms of education. However, the research also revealed challenges in conveying scientific and environmental messages, highlighting the need for zoos to adapt their approaches.
The study found that movies like 'Lord of the Rings III' appeal to people's emotions and are more enjoyable for those with limited control over their lives. It also showed a cross-cultural appeal, particularly among women who saw it as a spiritual journey.
A study suggests that major lenders can play a crucial role in helping hard-up borrowers avoid debt by working with 'near-prime' providers. By collaborating, these lenders can assist borrowers in upgrading to mainstream credit, which offers lower interest rates.
A recent study by the University of Cardiff's Economic & Social Research Council found that fast turnaround times on car carriers lead to a decline in seafarers' lives, causing fatigue, social isolation, and limited free time. The research highlights the need for better working conditions and labor protections for crew members.
A UK-led project measured public services performance and found significant differences in education sector output compared to the US. The research also highlighted a lack of correlation between healthcare expenditure and outcomes across the EU, but found links between system organization and disease outcomes at a micro level.
Research reveals continued union decline and increasing availability of flexible working arrangements in Britain. Despite this, employees' perceptions of work-life balance have improved, with managers showing a greater understanding of employees' responsibilities outside work.
A study by Michael Kitson of the Judge Institute of Management found that biotechnology firms believed economic changes had a negligible impact, but relied on large cash reserves for insulation. In contrast, aerospace firms developed portfolios of activities driven by different business cycles to reduce vulnerability.
Research suggests that CEO compensation provides the right incentives for managers to focus on maximizing corporate wealth. The level of CEO compensation has changed over the past decade, with options becoming a dominant component of pay. This change is driven by the need to recruit and retain talented CEOs in complex organizations.
Researchers analyze data from the 2003 Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey to examine the relationship between in-group pride and out-group prejudice. They find that Catholics are less likely to feel proud of the Union flag, while Protestants tend to identify more strongly with their religious group.
Research by Stephen McKay reveals a link between individuals' satisfaction with their household income and outstanding credit commitments. Those expressing the least satisfaction tend to believe repayments are a burden, while those with higher incomes are less likely to feel this way.
The article highlights how government policy on alcohol is influenced by the night-time economy and jobs it generates, rather than careful data analysis. Binge drinkers are portrayed as folk devils, associated with noise, disorder, and violence, and are often linked to young people drunk in public places.
This report delves into the patterns of modern life, exploring how seven deadly sins – pride, anger, lust, avarice, gluttony, envy, and sloth – shape individual experiences and societal norms. The study reveals complex relationships between these vices and factors like income, education, and employment.
A progressive reduction in age at first intercourse has been observed among UK young people, with women twice as likely to regret their first experience. Meanwhile, social attitudes towards sexual behavior have relaxed, particularly for the young, but monogamy remains a widely accepted value.
The UK's low election turnout reflects the failure of politicians to inspire trust, communicate clear policy platforms, and reach out to habitual non-voters. The problem is not with voters' interest in politics, but with their capacity to mobilize those least interested to turn out.
A new report by Eirini Flouri and Heather Joshi finds that children from lower social classes are more likely to exhibit irritability, while women are more likely to report persistent anger in adulthood. Anger levels decrease with age, but being single in mid-life is associated with increased anger. The study also suggests that childho...
A new study led by Dr. Tarani Chandola found no link between high intelligence in childhood and better health among highly educated adults. The study instead highlights the importance of policies targeting specific areas such as working conditions and enabling healthy lifestyles.
The ESRC Delivery Plan aims to increase responsive funding, address staff recruitment and retention issues, and enable major partnerships through collaborative funding. The plan also focuses on addressing key research challenges and demonstrating high ethical standards in social science research.
A study of over 200 mothers and their babies found that a mother's ability to understand her child's emotions and state of mind is a strong indicator of the child's development by two years old. This 'mind-minded' trait was linked to higher scores in language and play skills, even among children from poorer backgrounds.
A study by Dr. Michael Orton found that there are fewer instances of people on low incomes living in high-value properties than previously thought. The research also highlights how middle and lower-income individuals spend a higher proportion of their income on council tax compared to those with higher incomes.
A study led by Professor Rosalind Edwards finds that the definition of brothers and sisters has more to do with individual circumstances and experiences than biology. The research reveals that children's answers to this question are complex, built through everyday communication and sharing experiences.
A study led by Professor Jonathan Side found that researchers can work with fishermen to identify future research priorities, particularly on lobster stock enhancement. Despite challenges, the fishing community expressed willingness to participate in research, but lacked organisational capacity and trust in science.
Scotland's population is expected to fall below 5 million by 2042, with the number of people aged 65 and older rising by 61% and fertility rates at historically low levels. The research initiative aims to provide evidence to inform policy decisions on migration and childbearing.
A study led by Lancaster University found that a novel digital photograph browser improved photo retrieval when used individually, while collaboration hindered recall of shared memories. The tool, TW3, restricted cataloguing to 'Who', 'What', 'Where' and 'When' categories.
Research by Professor Allan Williams found that short-term migrants gained enhanced social skills, self-confidence, and networking capabilities, leading to better jobs and higher salaries in Slovakia. The study also highlighted the positive impact of these experiences on migrant's future career aspirations.
A new study found that Scotland and Wales have adopted a more traditional social democratic approach to public service delivery, prioritizing non-selectivity and professionalism. This has resulted in differences in areas such as healthcare, education, and rural policies, with Scotland taking a more proactive role in areas like agricult...
The UK NHS telemedicine initiative has failed to deliver promised benefits, with integration issues and inadequate patient consultation hindering its success. New portable telecare systems for monitoring chronic illnesses are being developed but face similar challenges.
A study by Professor Francis Green found no evidence to suggest that successive generations of workers have higher expectations from their jobs, leading to disappointment. The investigation suggests a general trend of falling well-being among British and German workers, but fails to explain the decline in Germany.
Researchers found that public-private partnerships (PPPs) can be weakened under certain circumstances, such as when introducing new safety features that increase operational costs. The study also highlights the importance of market value at the end of a contract in determining the desirability of PPPs.
A UK study found that only 5% of internet users visited the House of Commons website in the past year, while 40% visit news and current affairs websites. The telephone remains the preferred method for conveying views to MPs, with e-mail gaining popularity among younger generations.
A recent study by Dr. Susan Harkness found that despite increased employment rates for mothers with pre-school children, women continue to face unequal working hours and household responsibilities, leading to increased time pressures and decreased earning power.
The pharmaceutical industry is struggling with declining productivity and increasing R&D costs, prompting the need for innovative solutions. Personalized medicine offers a promising approach by targeting drugs to individuals likely to respond well, while regional development and cluster formation can foster collaboration and competitiv...
A new study found that Whitehall departments continue to prioritize devolved nations, leaving England with unclear territorial boundaries. The researchers suggest that a lack of cultural changes and misunderstandings have contributed to these issues.
The biotech industry is thriving in terms of scientific breakthroughs, but struggling to translate these advances into marketable treatments. Industry experts suggest that investing in new business strategies and measures that support innovation would be more effective than solely focusing on research.
Researchers found that devolved administrations have acquired more policy-making resources and clearer priorities to influence EU policy, but may face challenges due to civil servant access limitations. The study highlights the growing importance of devolution in UK's EU policy, with potential impacts on agricultural and rural policies.
Research found confusion between multi-disciplinary and multi-agency work, highlighting need for training in effective management of teams. The study also identified jargon use as a barrier to collaboration, affecting professionals' sense of identity and job satisfaction.
A new ESRC report reveals that a higher proportion of families in Northern Ireland are living below the poverty line compared to Britain or the Republic of Ireland. The report also highlights severe child poverty in Northern Ireland, with many households struggling to access basic necessities like heating and clothing.
A study of over 150,000 individuals in England and Wales found that the percentage of those living alone increased by 31% between 1971 and 2023, with men more prone to going solo after age 25. The trend is expected to continue, with younger generations increasingly choosing individual living.
The conference will address patent regulations for genetically engineered organisms, regulatory challenges for new drugs developed through genetic investigations or stem-cell research, and public acceptance of these products. Experts with international reputations will discuss future pathways of innovation in the life sciences.
The study investigates how people navigate risk and uncertainty in their personal lives, relationships, and careers. Key findings include the erosion of traditional roles and relationships between men and women, as well as the increasing importance of private responsibilities and public support.
The ESRC Social Contexts and Responses to Risk network examines perceptions of risk and responses to it in various areas, including town-planning, intimate sexual behavior, and social care. The research aims to provide a clear assessment of how the social sciences can contribute to understanding and managing new risks.
A groundbreaking study aims to create more accurate surveys by considering context and long-term implications. However, the researchers warn that this approach may require significant investment in training and respondent commitment.
Researchers gather stories from two communities in Essex to understand people's assumptions and values on environmental risks. The study aims to give more insight into the social, cultural and local factors that influence attitudes towards technological risks.
The study found that despite increased male involvement in domestic tasks, women still bear the brunt of childcare responsibilities. Women are often responsible for organizing and scheduling care, even among more affluent households, due to cost and quality concerns.
The Economic and Social Research Council is hosting an international conference on the Evolution of the Life Science Industries, which will discuss state-of-the-art research, development, and problems in the life sciences. Speakers with international reputations will shape future pathways of innovation.
The 'Public Services' programme will examine costly and complex services such as healthcare and education, with a focus on quality, performance, and delivery. Researchers aim to use scientific analytical research to understand the realities of public services and their unintended effects.
A workshop at the British Academy in London explores how governments can balance transparency with sensitive information requests. Experts argue that forcing officials to disclose procedures and utilizing information commissioners can help mitigate worst effects of secrecy.
Research among 2,790 East London adolescents reveals strong associations between mental health and home and social situations. Those with strong social support, harmonious relationships, and positive perceptions of local amenities had better mental health.
A new study found that asylum seekers in the UK are often left homeless due to inadequate social security benefits and housing. The researchers are calling for increased support and better living conditions for these vulnerable individuals.
Researchers found a significant increase in obesity (12% of men, 11% of women) and drinking (almost doubled in women with highest qualifications) among UK youth since the 1940s. Additionally, depression and anxiety rates have risen, with modern mothers less likely to breastfeed their children.
The study reveals that step-families struggle with deciding where children should spend Christmas, particularly when a non-resident father is involved. Mothers often prioritize fairness between biological and step-parents, leading to difficult negotiations.