Scientists have identified the mechanism behind high-temperature superconductivity, revealing the vital interaction between electrons and spin fluctuations. The discovery provides a major breakthrough, but only solves half of the superconductivity riddle, with further research needed to increase material temperatures.
A decade-long study in California has found that select earthquake forecasting models can consistently describe patterns of earthquake activity over the following day. The study provides strong evidence for the use of these models in public operational forecasting systems, potentially improving disaster preparedness for millions.
Researchers used a pioneering method to unravel the uneven contours of WASP-17b's atmosphere, showing a circular but asymmetrical shape with one more extended side. The findings expose the intense heat and winds that influence the atmosphere, providing a comprehensive 3D view of an exoplanet's atmosphere.
Researchers have identified five key ways countries can be better prepared for super El Niño, including enhanced collaboration and targeted actions to mitigate health impacts. The study highlights the need to isolate El Niño-related impacts and generate more targeted actions.
Researchers from the University of Bristol found that sheep grazing in spring can remove vital nectar for bumblebees, while honey bee hives have a modest impact on wild pollinators. Managing livestock and habitat types can support wild pollinator communities.
Researchers found over 93,000 unhealthy food and drink brands and 9,360 prediction markets logos during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The study highlights the lack of regulation and respect for national laws in FIFA's commercial model.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new AI method inspired by the game of 20 Questions, which reduces training costs and complexity by combining simple yes/no questions. This approach can perform complex classification tasks at a lower computational cost, making it more suitable for real-world use, particularly in...
A new species of 240-million-year-old prehistoric animal from Tanzania has been discovered, which could refine the age of one of the world's most significant fossil sites and reshape the timeline of early dinosaur evolution. The discovery links Tanzanian and South American fossil-bearing rocks, showing they are of equivalent age and co...
A national care improvement programme has led to more equitable access to antenatal magnesium sulphate, a treatment that reduces the risk of cerebral palsy in premature babies. The programme's rollout has narrowed regional and socioeconomic gaps in treatment rates, benefiting mothers and babies across England.
Researchers found that fish in cloudy water take longer to find food, but individuals in larger groups respond more quickly overall. Sticklebacks change their shoaling behavior to compensate, becoming more coordinated and finding food faster.
Scientists have developed a new acoustic levitation technique using an ultrasonic beam capable of levitating and moving small objects in mid-air over distances of up to 40cm. The technique, which uses a zero-order Bessel beam, enables stable levitation six times further than previously achieved using conventional methods.
Researchers discovered repeated night-time bursts of hormone secretion in patients with primary aldosteronism, a hormone disorder that affects up to one in five people with high blood pressure. This approach could potentially revolutionize how we diagnose hypertension and ultimately reduce cardiovascular disease.
A new online CBT therapy approach has been shown to effectively treat depression, with patients reporting significant symptom reductions and improved function. The therapy, which combines therapist-led sessions with online materials, was found to be particularly beneficial for those with barriers to accessing traditional in-person appo...
Researchers have identified a naturally occurring gut molecule that strengthens chickens' immune response against bacterial infections. The compound, sodium butyrate, reprograms chicken immune cells to fight diseases without causing inflammation.
A pioneering study reveals that by 2100, 13% more areas in the UK will be at risk of coastal flooding due to rising sea levels. By 2300, this number triples, with over 1.7 million people exposed to the risk of coastal flooding.
A new collaborative study found loneliness strongly linked to poorer mental health and lower wellbeing, as well as worse general health. The research suggests that supporting people who feel lonely or socially isolated could help improve mental health and overall health.
A newer 'climate-friendly' refrigerant used in car air conditioning systems may already be a significant source of a 'forever chemical' pollutant across Europe. HFO-1234yf is contributing to increasing levels of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in the atmosphere, which can form TFA and has been detected in water, plants, food, and human samp...
Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered a method to supercharge soft robots and wearable technology by harnessing the surface tension of a tiny liquid metal droplet. This breakthrough enables the creation of more powerful devices with reduced complexity, benefiting rehabilitation patients and biomedical technologies.
New research reveals that pterosaurs likely had more diverse wing shapes than previously thought, contrary to current reconstructions. The study analyzed nine popular pterosaurs, including the Pteranodon and Quetzalcoatlus, using a method called theoretical morphospace to create a map of all possible wing forms.
A previously inactive moss gene plays a key role in their reproductive success, regulating the number of offspring and improving resource allocation. The study found that this gene acts as a brake, preventing too many sporophytes from developing, which is advantageous for parental resources.
Dwarf mongooses alter their behavior in areas where fights with rivals are most likely, even without another group present. The study shows that the biggest changes occur when the anticipated threat is greatest, allowing them to tailor their pre-emptive behavior accordingly.
A University of Bristol-led study found that tropical butterflies of the Heliconius tribe live up to three times longer than their closest relatives, with some species surviving for almost a year. The researchers discovered that these butterflies have evolved a unique strategy for extending lifespan and slowing down aging.
A new study found that replacing beef with salmon once a week can save up to 28% of carbon emissions, equivalent to a return flight to Marrakech. The researchers suggest simple diet changes could contribute to national targets of reduced carbon emissions.
A University of Bristol team has developed an AI system that can automatically find, name, and follow individual animals in footage, saving thousands of hours for researchers. The system, part of the SA-FARI project, uses a foundational Vision-Language Model to precisely identify objects in images or videos.
A pioneering training program equips health workers with effective conversation skills to address vaccine hesitancy, resulting in improved attitudes towards vaccination. The program has already upskilled over 400 health workers across the UK, leading to increased confidence and better vaccine conversations.
The study found that small plankton in polar oceans survived the K-Pg boundary extinction event because they needed less energy and were more tolerant to darkness. This breakthrough provides new insights into the mechanisms linking environmental changes to selective extinction patterns.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a tiny liquid-metal pump that can power and control soft robotic systems. The innovative technology has the potential to transform robotics and wearable devices, making them more portable and agile.
A University of Bristol-led pilot trial found that tocilizumab reduced symptoms of depression, fatigue and anxiety in people who had not responded to standard treatments. The study provides early evidence for a new treatment option for patients with inflammation-related depression.
Researchers developed a new method to carry out long-term climate simulations at a fraction of the cost and time needed compared to traditional climate models. The team used a powerful climate model to train a much faster statistical emulator that can reproduce climate changes in just minutes.
A recent study by a University of Bristol PhD student reveals a host of thriving microscopic algae communities in snow and glaciers across Signy Island. The research sheds surprising new light on how glacier ecosystems respond to rising global temperatures.
A new study suggests that toxic mercury exposure may disrupt metabolic health, affecting liver function and cardiovascular disease risk in vulnerable populations. Researchers used a high-dose methylmercury exposure model to explore how differences in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) forms affect mercury toxicity.
A study by University of Bristol researchers found that forming social connections online boosts networking performance, while reducing engagement with content. Individuals with sharper cognitive abilities are more likely to prioritize social connections over knowledge gathering.
The study reveals how pollinators support food production and diets, highlighting the risks of biodiversity loss for human health. Simple steps like planting wildflowers or using fewer pesticides can help boost pollinator numbers, strengthening both nature and people's wellbeing.
Researchers used a technique called theoretical morphospace to analyze bird wings, finding that many species have wing shapes ill-suited for their flight performance. Penguins and hummingbirds stand out as exceptions, having evolved optimally shaped wings for their specialized styles of movement.
Researchers developed a new mathematical model to understand wound healing, which found that surrounding tissue forces play a crucial role in closing wounds. The model predicts that these forces cause wounds to stretch or squish as they close, aligning with the natural direction of the tissue.
A new study highlights the gap between India's hazardous waste production and registered contaminated sites, emphasizing the need for coordinated monitoring and robust remediation processes. The researchers propose a Contaminated Site Monitoring, Assessment, and Remediation (CS-MAR) framework to improve governance of contaminated sites.
A pioneering study at the University of Bristol found that dairy calves fed less complete tasks faster and remember more when pursuing milk, but miss out on play. In contrast, calves fed more were more inclined to play. The study suggests that feeding calves more can suppress hunger and promote other important behaviors like play.
Scientists discovered that deep-water coral ecosystems in the Galápagos region vanished for over 1,000 years due to prolonged La Niña-like conditions. The study found that these ecosystems may be more susceptible to climate change than previously thought, with significant implications for conservation efforts.
A recent study by the University of Bristol found that people trying to resist their food cravings use social media content featuring indulgent treats as a substitute for eating. Dieters spent more time viewing high-calorie options and consumed less chocolate than non-dieters after being exposed to visual food content.
Researchers discovered that DNA polymerases can generate highly sophisticated DNA sequences from scratch, with some exceeding 85,000 bases. By controlling the reaction conditions and temperature, scientists can steer the composition of the sequences produced.
Researchers at the University of Bristol found that gentle human interactions trigger positive emotions in young chickens. The study's results suggest that early-life handling can shape animals' affective experiences and improve their welfare.
Scientists have created a network of simple mechanical motors that replicate the key features of actomyosin, the molecular machinery underpinning human muscle contraction. The system 'self-organised' into coordinated travelling waves of motion and automatically adapted as the mechanical load increased, just like human muscles.
A new laser range-finding technique inspired by quantum physics has been demonstrated with sub-millimetre accuracy in real-world environments. The system suppresses noise from sunlight and atmospheric conditions, enabling applications in autonomous vehicles, surveying, and space exploration.
Research shows that babies can understand and engage in deception from as young as 10 months, with 1 in 4 by 17 months and 50% by 3 years old. Children's deception development builds in their first years, becoming more proficient and creative as they grow, and can involve various tactics like hiding, denial, and fabrication.
A new study by the University of Bristol found that the UK's disposable vapes ban may lead to an increase in cigarette smoking among young adults. The research, published in PLOS Global Public Health, suggests that some individuals may turn to cigarettes as an alternative to disposable vapes.
GLP-1 weight-loss drugs may prevent further tissue damage following a heart attack, significantly reducing the risk of further life-threatening complications. Researchers found that these drugs improve blood flow to the heart by activating potassium channels, relaxing constricted blood vessels and reducing heart damage risk.
A global analysis of two antenatal treatments reveals significant international variation in implementation, with higher-income countries showing better uptake. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the reasons behind these disparities and improve global equity in essential antenatal treatments.
Research reveals that hunting pressure is shrinking safe space for mandrills in Equatorial Guinea's Monte Alén National Park. Mandrills are adapting to changing conditions by focusing on high-quality sites with limited human impact.
A new study of over 3 million adults found that booster vaccines reduced the risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. The effectiveness was similar for Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech booster vaccines, but protection declined over time.
Researchers found that grey wolves consume harder foods like bones during warmer climates, indicating a shift in their diet due to climate change. This adaptation helps them extract nutrition during periods of limited food availability.