A new study reveals the devastating impacts of flue-cured Virginia tobacco production on the environment and farmers' lives in Zimbabwe. The research highlights the destruction of 60,000 hectares of Miombo woodland each year and an economic context that prevents farmers from diversifying into less damaging crops.
Researchers propose threshold levels for safe cannabis use, aiming to guide consumption and reduce harm. The recommended limit is 8 THC units per week, above which the risk of developing cannabis use disorder increases.
Professor Sarah Bailey received an award for her career-long work promoting openness and transparency around animal research. She has championed openness, openly discussing her research with animals since the 2000s, and led the University's Openness Strategy to implement the Concordat's commitments.
The University of Bath has launched a multimillion-pound global scholarship fund to support its efforts in attracting top international students. The fund, worth up to £9.2 million, aims to foster cross-cultural exchange and deliver world-class education with excellent employability prospects.
Research finds that standard road crossing intervals are too short for older adults with limited mobility, resulting in a need for slower crossings. The study analyzed walking speeds of 1,110 adults aged 65 and over and found that just 1.5% can cross the road within the typical time allowed by pedestrian signals.
New University of Bath research shows that the 'beauty-status exchange' between couples continues into marriage, where they trade money and status for attractiveness. As one spouse's income rises or falls, their partner adjusts physically to maintain perceived fairness within the relationship.
Scientists have discovered a promising new treatment for nail infections using hydrogen sulphide, a naturally occurring gas that can penetrate the nail plate efficiently. The research has shown strong antimicrobial activity against a range of nail pathogens, including fungi resistant to common antifungal treatments.
A new study reveals that labelling clothes with a breakdown of the cost per wear (CPW) can help consumers recognize the long-term value of durable garments and discourage overconsumption of fast fashion. The research found that CPW increased preference for high-quality clothing, even when the upfront price was higher.
A University of Bath study found that starting university leads to increased recycling and green travel habits. Values and supportive infrastructure play key roles in driving these changes.
A team of researchers at the University of Bath has developed a new technology called HydroHaptics that allows users to interact with soft objects in a meaningful way. The system uses a deformable surface to provide tactile feedback, enabling applications such as wearable tech, gaming, and medical simulation.
Targeted government investment has increased optimism among young people in disadvantaged areas, bucking national trends. Young people in Opportunity Areas reported a significant boost in confidence about training, higher education, and employment.
Researchers at the University of Bath develop a peptide fragment that locks alpha-synuclein into its healthy shape, blocking toxic clumps that cause nerve cell death. The breakthrough demonstrates the potential of rational peptide design to transform large proteins into compact drug-like molecules.
A UK study finds that frequent placement changes in foster care increase the risk of mental health problems by more than two-fold. The research highlights the need for early, accessible support and closer collaboration between local authorities and mental health services to address this issue.
A University of Bath study shows many parents are deeply worried about the climate crisis and their children's future, but struggle to live low-carbon lives. Despite feeling a strong responsibility to safeguard their children's future, most parents find it difficult to consistently model low-carbon behaviors at home.
A large-scale study of over 17,000 pupils and 2,300 teachers found dramatic differences in physical activity levels across England, with some schools achieving double or triple the levels of others. The research highlights growing evidence that children in deprived areas face bigger barriers to physical activity, even during school hours.
Researchers found that mutations in the CFAP410 gene change its interaction with another protein, making motor neuron cells more vulnerable to DNA damage and cell death. This discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying Motor Neurone Disease and highlights potential targets for new therapies.
A new study finds that traditional masculine norms, such as self-reliance and avoiding femininity, drive men's increased meat consumption. Researchers recommend addressing these norms and promoting plant-based marketing to encourage men to adopt healthier dietary habits.
A new brainwave test developed at the University of Bath has been shown to detect signs of memory impairment linked to Alzheimer's disease years before clinical diagnosis. The Fastball EEG technology, a three-minute passive test, can reliably identify memory problems in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment.
Researchers from the University of Bath and University of Hong Kong found that additive advice bias is common in conversations, social media, and AI chatbots. This bias can leave people feeling more overwhelmed than helped, with well-intentioned tips piling on extra tasks.
New research shows that family ostracism can significantly impair leadership effectiveness and reduce customer service performance. Leaders experiencing family exclusion may adopt a 'laissez-faire' leadership style, characterized by passivity and disengagement, ultimately affecting customer outcomes.
A new study finds that up to 18% of women are advised to stop breastfeeding due to medication, while chronic illness increases this number to 58%. The research highlights the need for accurate and balanced information about medication safety during breastfeeding.
The University of Bath conducted the largest growth and maturation study in world football, evaluating over 1,000 academy players in Scotland. The study found a strong bias toward early-developing players, raising questions about current selection and development practices.
Researchers at University of Bath have developed a system that can transport therapeutic proteins across the gut wall and into the bloodstream, enabling medication delivery via pill. The new technology has shown consistent delivery rates, with potential to transform lives of patients who currently inject themselves daily.
A large-scale study found that zoos are often breeding endangered animals in skewed sex ratios, which can limit genetic diversity and increase the risk of extinction. The research highlights the need for zoos to collaborate and share data on their animal populations to manage conservation efforts effectively.
A five-year study found that social connections among conspiracy theorists are recruiting diverse participants and providing a sense of belonging. Participants were drawn to events and groups where they could share ideas and feel part of a community.
A study from the University of Bath found a clear gap between expected and actual retirement behavior among younger workers. Those without active workplace pensions or outright home ownership are more responsive to State Pension age reform and adjust their expected retirement age upwards.
Scientists from the University of Bath have identified two new families of chemical compounds that inhibit alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (MCR) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a key enzyme for TB survival. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for TB and potentially other diseases like prostate cancer.
A new article by University of Bath academics highlights the urgent need to address conflicts of interest with industries causing harm, such as tobacco and ultra-processed food. The authors argue that excluding these industries from policy-making is essential to restore trust in public institutions and prevent ill health.
A new study from the University of Bath found that inappropriate polypharmacy is a major driver of emergency hospital admissions among adults aged 65 and over. The researchers developed a digital tool to proactively identify older adults at risk of medication-related harm, which could reduce preventable emergency hospitalisations.
A new study from the University of Bath found that individuals with a higher IQ make more realistic predictions, leading to improved life outcomes. Smarter people are significantly better at forecasting, making fewer errors and showing more consistent judgement compared to those with a lower IQ.
Researchers at University of Bath warn that underpriced leverage risk could trigger a new banking or credit crisis. Default rates on US leveraged loans are at their highest level in four years, with many borrowers resorting to distressed exchanges.
Two systematic reviews found that feeling part of a community, owning a dog, and having safe green spaces are crucial factors influencing physical activity. Wealthier communities with better neighborhood quality have older adults who stay more active, regardless of access to parks or facilities nearby.
The BathMat clinical trial evaluates an innovative inflatable pillow designed to make moving intensive care unit patients safer, faster, and less labour-intensive for NHS staff. The trials aim to reduce staff time required for repositioning proned patients and improve patient healthcare outcomes.
Scientists have discovered a novel way to block an enzyme involved in regulating blood pressure, called ACE. Ciprofloxacin binds selectively to a different site, blocking angiotensin I but not inhibiting the enzyme's other functions.
A study of firms in China found that trade shocks have a positive impact on managerial behavior, improving investment decisions and reducing inefficiencies. The researchers discovered that tariffs and sanctions concentrate managers' minds on efficiency and focus resources towards more lucrative projects.
A new study published in Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology shows that proactively reorganizing family routines can make people more effective and innovative at work. Employees who take initiative at home carry the momentum into their professional lives, becoming more resilient and forward-thinking.
Researchers found significant brain structure differences between youth with conduct disorder who have been abused and those who haven't. The study's authors believe this may lead to better diagnosis and treatment strategies for children with CD who have experienced childhood maltreatment.
A new study from the University of Bath found that regular, moderate-intensity exercise preserves vitamin D levels in overweight and obese individuals. The study showed that exercise completely maintained the body's active form of vitamin D, which plays a key role in supporting bone health and the immune system.
New research from the University of Bath shows that lower taxes on heated tobacco products in Ukraine are benefiting the tobacco industry's bottom lines at the expense of governments and consumers. The study found a significant increase in demand for HTPs, while traditional cigarette sales declined.
A new study found that mammals with bigger brains and more complex immune systems tend to live longer. The research suggests that the immune system plays a major role in driving the evolution of longer lifespans across mammals, removing aging and damaged cells, controlling infections, and preventing tumor formation.
A portable device can instantly detect dangerous street drugs at extremely low concentrations, highlighting their dangers. The device, being trialled by drug-checking services in the UK, Norway, and New Zealand, allows for cheap and on-the-spot analysis of substances.
A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry reveals that childhood trauma significantly increases the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, including harmful alcohol consumption, smoking, and illicit drug use. The research also found an unexpected connection between trauma and cardiovascular health, wit...
Computer scientists at the University of Bath reprogrammed a Roomba to perform four new tasks, showcasing the untapped potential of domestic robots. The researchers identified over 100 ways to tap into the latent potential of robotic devices, proposing functions such as playing with pets, watering plants, and delivering breakfast in bed.
A new study by the University of Bath found that London's Low Emission Zones significantly reduced harmful pollutants, resulting in lower sick leave rates and improved mental well-being. The introduction of Ultra Low Emission Zones also delivered substantial cost savings.
A new study from the University of Bath found that combining step tracking with mindfulness training boosts people's desire to exercise. Participants who used a mobile app for daily mindfulness practices increased their activity by 373 minutes per week compared to those who only stepped tracked.
The Deep Computational Text Analyser (DECOTA) is an open-access AI tool that transforms open-ended survey responses into clear themes in minutes, not months. Developed by the University of Bath, DECOTA delivers insights around 380 times faster and over 1,900 times cheaper than human analysis.
The UK's first water monitoring center is launched to detect disease outbreaks and community health issues. Researchers will analyze wastewater samples from four urban areas, tracking chemicals and biological markers to identify early warning signs of infectious diseases and chronic health conditions.
A new study from the University of Bath reveals that delays in diagnosing and treating psoriatic arthritis often result in irreparable damage to joints. Early diagnosis and effective treatment can prevent this damage and improve physical function and quality of life for patients with PsA.
A new mathematical model reveals that humans played an active role in the transition from hunting and gathering to farming, driven by factors like population growth rates and competition. The study challenges traditional views that focused on environmental factors, providing fresh insight into the rise of farming.
Researchers found that women have significantly more sensitive hearing than men, with an average difference of two decibels across all populations studied. Environmental factors such as living in forests or high altitudes also affect hearing sensitivity, with forest-dwellers having the highest and altitude residents having the lowest.