Researchers at the University of Bath show that separating patient preparation from operating theatre schedules can significantly improve theatre availability and reduce waiting times. The study found a 40% improvement in theatre idle times and benefits for patient waiting times when surgery procedures are reconfigured.
A new study found that limited information is available on the size of the gambling market, participation, harms, and prevention in Sub-Saharan Africa. The researchers argue that regulation is outdated and ill-equipped for a digital age, with many territories lacking explicit regulation for online gambling.
Physicists at the University of Bath developed an optical fiber that uses topology to enhance its robustness, protecting light from environmental disorder. This design allows for scalable structure preservation over long distances, making it suitable for future quantum networks.
Research found that people using social media to escape superficial boredom are preventing themselves from progressing to profound boredom, a state that can lead to more creative and meaningful activity. Profound boredom stems from uninterrupted time spent in solitude, allowing individuals to question their sense of self and existence.
A new study by the University of Bath suggests that diving birds like penguins and puffins are more prone to extinction than non-diving birds. The research found that diving evolved independently 14 times and led to a loss of evolutionary diversity in these species.
A new study found that nearly half of wheat crops in Europe are contaminated with harmful fungal toxins, including DON, which can cause vomiting and other gastrointestinal problems. The researchers estimate that 75-million tonnes of wheat exceeded the limit allowed for human consumption between 2010 and 2019, resulting in a loss of aro...
A new study published in Nature Scientific Reports shows that playing the piano for just one hour a week can improve audio-visual processing and reduce depression, stress, and anxiety. The study found significant improvements in multisensory information processing among adults with no prior musical experiences.
A £1.5M EU-funded project led by Dr Esther Walton aims to understand the brain's role in aging and mental health, tracking over 78,000 individuals from birth to death. The research hopes to propose earlier interventions for a healthier, happier life.
Researchers have developed a quantitative imaging platform that can predict patient response to immunotherapy by analyzing the interaction between immune cells and tumors. This approach is more accurate than relying solely on biomarker levels, offering new hope for personalized cancer treatment.
A recent study found that superbugs in the environment rarely transmit to humans, contrary to previous fears. The researchers discovered high levels of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in livestock, pets, and environmental samples, but surprisingly little overlap between hospital and environmental strains.
Scientists at King's College London and the University of Bath have made a groundbreaking discovery about a molecule that plays a crucial role in nerve cell development. The study found that this molecule, known as SNRNP70, is not only present in the nucleus but also in the cytoplasm of nerve cells, where it shapes messenger RNA strand...
According to new research led by the University of Bath, some short-duration gamma-ray bursts are triggered by the birth of supramassive stars, not black holes. This discovery may offer a new way to locate neutron star mergers and gravitational wave emitters.
A new study from the University of Bath has found that clinical trials on heated tobacco products (HTPs) are often biased, with many being funded or affiliated with the tobacco industry. This raises concerns about the validity of HTPs as a safer alternative to cigarettes.
A major birth cohort study reveals that children exposed to traumatic events, such as witnessing death or serious injury, are almost twice as likely to develop psychiatric disorders. By age 11, over a third of the children had been exposed to trauma, associated with a wide range of mental health problems.
A new funding grant will be used to investigate the effectiveness of 'Fastball EEG' in detecting three major types of dementia, including frontotemporal dementia and Vascular Dementia. The technology has shown high accuracy in picking up small changes in brain waves associated with memory recall.
Scientists at the University of Bath have discovered a novel polyamine that destroys MRSA superbug Staphylococcus aureus by disrupting its cell membrane, rendering it susceptible to antibiotics. The compound is also effective against biofilm and has shown promise as a potential new treatment option for antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers have developed a model of how human embryos are formed, revealing that genes are switched on almost immediately after fertilization. This discovery may also shed light on the origins of cancer, which is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
A new study reveals that scheduling medical appointments on Fridays leads to a 10% increase in patient attendance, with Monday being the day patients are least likely to attend. The research suggests that patients' moods improve later in the week, making it easier for them to face medical appointments.
Astronomers detect massive light burst from 'infant' Universe, revealing properties of cosmic explosions. The GRB was triggered by a space explosion that occurred when the Universe was less than 900 million years old.
A new study suggests that climate anxiety is a significant driver of climate action, particularly among younger people and those with higher generalized anxiety. Media exposure, rather than direct experiences, predicts climate anxiety, which can motivate individuals to make environmentally friendly lifestyle changes.
Researchers have discovered a massive new mosasaur species from Morocco, named Thalassotitan atrox, which filled the apex predator niche. The giant mosasaur had massive jaws and teeth like those of killer whales and hunted other marine reptiles.
Researchers found that genetic makeup of mice affects bacteria in their gut, with heritable species and co-evolution observed. The study's findings could provide new insights into treating human gut-related conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
A new study published in JCPP Advances explores the impact of gender differences on autism diagnosis, finding that women's higher emotional needs may mask their autistic traits. The research highlights the importance of improving accurate diagnosis for both men and women, with potential implications for clinical practice.
Researchers found the Tonga tsunami reached 90 meters in height, outperforming previous tsunamis like 2011 Japan tsunami. The event emphasized the need for improved detection systems, as volcano-based tsunamis are currently 30 years behind earthquake-based event monitoring tools.
A new study by University of Bath psychologists found plant-based meat alternatives cause lower greenhouse gas emissions, require less agricultural land, and have better nutritional profiles compared to animal products. These findings support the use of plant-based products as a healthier and more sustainable solution for consumers.
New research from the University of Bath shows that aggressive interest rate hikes by global central banks may lead to a liquidity crisis, high market volatility, and decreased asset prices. The study highlights the importance of finding a balance between addressing inflation and triggering a liquidity crisis.
Scientists have discovered small plesiosaurs fossilized in a 100-million-year-old river system, suggesting some species may have lived in freshwater. The findings indicate that plesiosaurs were adapted to tolerate freshwater and possibly spent their lives there, like modern river dolphins.
A systematic review of 20 studies involving almost 120,000 people found that high-potency cannabis use is associated with a higher risk of addiction and mental health problems, including psychotic disorders. The study suggests that reducing the potency of cannabis products could help minimize these harms.
Researchers from the University of Bath and ETH Zurich found that adopting a 'use case' approach to new technology helps manage hype and unrealistic expectations. Companies should test alternative technologies before implementing, and evolve their business case as those uses are identified.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology suggests that 'selfish chromosomes' may be the reason behind the high number of human embryo deaths. The research found that most fertilized eggs die early on due to chromosomal errors, and even those that survive may not reach term due to a process called centromeric drive. However, the study a...
A new study by University of Bath psychologists highlights a significant rise in health anxiety among those who shielded at home, growing with time spent indoors. This contrasts with the general population, where anxiety decreased over time, indicating a pressing need for increased psychological support for 'shielders'.
The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai submarine volcano eruption created the largest recorded volcanic explosion, producing massive gravity and atmospheric waves that reverberated around the earth. The study, published in Nature, highlights the importance of this event for improving weather and climate models.
Research finds that up-tempo major mode music can increase purchase intentions for green products, bridging the gap between consumers' words and deeds. Major mode music is effective in reducing the attitude-behaviour gap by 40-50%, regardless of consumer background or product type.
Researchers from the University of Bath have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how a type of gene regulates essential nerve cells. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in controlling brain development and function, particularly during embryonic development and early life.
A recent study led by psychologists at the University of Bath challenges the idea that people have unlimited wants. Most people from 33 countries surveyed believed their 'absolutely ideal life' could be achieved with $10 million or less, suggesting a moderate level of wealth is desired.
Researchers from the University of Bath and Lancaster found that popular scales measuring technology use are related and poorly defined, failing to confirm 'addictive' behaviors. This calls into question current measures of digital technology use and its links to mental health and wellbeing.
A major study of nearly 2,000 brain scans found significant reductions in cortical thickness, subcortical volumes, and cortical surface area in individuals with anorexia. Early treatment and weight gain were shown to positively impact brain structure, suggesting the potential for long-term recovery.
New research challenges centuries-old scholarship on animal classification by morphology, instead favoring molecular data for a better fit with geographical distribution. Convergent evolution is found to be widespread and often misleading, with famous examples such as flight in birds, bats, and insects
Researchers at the University of Bath developed a way to make PLA plastics more degradable in natural environments by incorporating sugar molecules. This technology can degrade 40% of the plastic within six hours of exposure to UV light, making it compatible with existing manufacturing processes.
A new study calls for greater support for family members of individuals detained under the UK's Mental Health Act, citing heavy burdens and distress. The research suggests that reforms, including a new nominated person role, must be accompanied by extra support to help those caught up in mental health detentions.
A study found a connection between learning and memory deficits in children with Joubert Syndrome and defects in the hippocampus. The researchers used animal models to create a genetic mutation that mimicked the human disease, revealing key findings about the role of primary cilia in brain development.
A new study published in Cyberpsychology, Behaviour and Social Networking found that taking a one-week break from social media can lead to significant improvements in wellbeing, depression and anxiety. Participants who took a break reported improved mood and reduced symptoms of anxiety compared to those who continued using social media.
A new study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that shielding vulnerable populations while allowing the virus to spread through the rest of the population would have failed. The research reveals that even with perfect shielding, healthcare capacity would have been overwhelmed, and tens of thousands more deaths would have occu...
A new study at the University of Bath found that a key ingredient is missing from all sunscreens, leaving skin vulnerable to damage. The researchers identified iron-trapping extracts that can improve protection against UV rays and oxidative stress, reducing the risk of aging and cancer.
A new €1.5 million project led by Dr Mel Channon will investigate menstrual justice and injustice in low- and middle-income countries, focusing on Nepal and Guatemala. The research aims to improve women's experiences and reduce negative impacts of menstruation, with a focus on menstrual pain.
A new project led by Dr Rosana Pinheiro Machado will investigate the links between precarious work and authoritarian politics in Brazil, India, and the Philippines. The research aims to understand how economic growth has fueled the rise of aspirational classes and growing work precariousness.
Scientists at the University of Bath have developed a new technique called Transcription Block Survival (TBS) to accelerate the discovery of cancer-fighting drugs. TBS identifies molecules that can shut down dangerous proteins before they wreak havoc, by blocking their interaction with cell DNA.
Research by the University of Bath found that weaver birds eating seeds live in colonies and have polygamous breeding, while those eating insects are solitary and monogamous. The study statistically supports an ecological hypothesis on social behavior first proposed 58 years ago.
A study of over 6,000 households reveals that when mothers earn more than their spouses, they do more household chores. This challenges economic theory suggesting a more efficient sharing of responsibilities.
A landmark study found that autistic individuals think as quickly and rationally as non-autistic people, challenging the idea that autism is a mental processing disorder. The research suggests that certain fundamental processes are more similar between autistic and non-autistic individuals than previously thought.