A study by the University of Bristol found that urban gulls adjust their foraging patterns to coincide with human activity, such as school breaks and waste centre opening hours. This adaptability helps them thrive in cities by maximizing energy intake from fluctuating food sources.
A study by the University of Bristol found that Trump's tweets systematically divert attention away from harmful topics to unrelated issues representing his political strengths. This diversion significantly reduces negative media coverage of the harmful topic the next day.
Researchers from University of Bristol's QET Labs developed a tiny device that measures quantum features of light at record high speeds. This achievement promises novel routes to outperform current state-of-the-art in computing, communication, and measurement.
Researchers are pioneering a new type of antivenom treatment to neutralize venom toxins from the bloodstream with more efficacy, safety and affordability. The goal is to provide a low-cost, easy-to-produce, safe to administer, clinically effective and low dose type of antivenom that can be stored and used for community treatment.
A team of researchers used specially-adapted drones to collect gas samples from Manam volcano in Papua New Guinea, enabling local communities to better predict future eruptions. The project also improved scientists' understanding of the Earth's carbon cycle and its contribution to sustaining life on Earth.
Researchers from Italy's INGV and University of Bristol create historical catalog to estimate frequency of violent explosive events and investigate temporal recurrence relationship between eruptions. The study suggests a 50% probability of another paroxysm within 12 months after a previous explosion.
A recent breakthrough identifies neuropilin-1 as a key factor in SARS-CoV-2's ability to infect human cells. The study reveals that targeting this interaction could lead to the development of effective anti-viral therapies, potentially curbing the current COVID-19 pandemic.
The Permian-Triassic mass extinction marked the origin of endothermy in both synapsids and archosaurs, with evidence suggesting a 'switch' around 250 million years ago. This coincided with the emergence of erect posture and hair in mammal ancestors, as well as feathers in bird ancestors.
A pioneering technique has captured precisely how mountains bend to the will of raindrops, solving a long-standing scientific enigma. The study found that rainfall significantly affects erosion rates in rugged terrain, with implications for land use management, infrastructure maintenance, and hazards in the Himalaya.
New research suggests that ancient deep-sea corals provide a time machine to study changes in ocean circulation and carbon cycle during the last ice age. The study found that rapid changes in ocean circulation around Antarctica released CO2 to the atmosphere, ending the last ice age.
Researchers from the University of Bristol and Manchester have developed cameras that can learn and process visual information in real-time, eliminating the need to record and transmit images. This breakthrough enables intelligent machines to perceive the world more efficiently and securely.
Research on 200 million-year-old mammal teeth reveals they functioned like reptiles, living up to 14 years. Fossilized cementum rings were used to determine lifespan, contradicting previous warm-blooded mammal assumptions.
According to a study published in Nature Communications, interactions with outsiders may drive the evolution of intelligence in animals. Big-brained animals have adapted to contend with rival outsiders, requiring considerable brain power to defend territories, find mates and compete for resources.
Research using objective measures found that boys and girls with earlier onset of puberty are at higher risk of self-harm. The study analyzed data from over 5,000 individuals and found a significant association between early peak height velocity and increased risk of self-harm.
Researchers used computer simulations to study the behavior of ancient ancestors, revealing their ability to adapt to different positions within the water. The findings suggest that these jawless vertebrates were not as limited as previously thought and had diverse lifestyles.
Researchers modelled the changing ecologies of fossil reptiles in Mesozoic oceans, discovering six ecological categories that linked movement, habitat, and feeding styles. The study shows that these marine reptiles avoided competition with each other, with some groups conserving their ecological roles over time.
Researchers found that nanolites, 10,000 times smaller than a human hair, increase magma viscosity, leading to explosive eruptions. The study uses cutting-edge imaging and Raman spectroscopy to demonstrate the surprising effect of nanolites on volcanic behavior.
A computational study of Euparkeria capensis reveals a 'mosaic' of functions in its hindlimb, shedding light on the evolution of locomotion in archosaurs. The fossil's unique hip structure suggests it could have assumed an upright posture, despite conflicting evidence from its ankle joint.
A team of scientists has discovered a druggable pocket in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein that could be used to stop the virus from infecting human cells. The pocket, which binds to linoleic acid, plays a crucial role in viral infectivity and is involved in COVID-19 disease progression.
Researchers developed a behavioural test to measure rats' individual emotional experiences and found that vocalisations during 'tickling' accurately reflect their emotional states. The study suggests using call patterns to understand and improve rat welfare.
A new mass extinction event was discovered 233 million years ago, which led to the dinosaur takeover of the world. The Carnian Pluvial Episode caused widespread biodiversity loss due to climate change and increased greenhouse gases, but ultimately paved the way for the evolution of modern ecosystems.
A commercial-scale farm trial found that slower growing broiler chickens have better health and more positive behaviors than conventional fast-growing breeds. The study suggests that a shift towards slower growing breeds could improve the lives of 142 million chickens produced in Europe every week.
Research at the University of Bristol discovers a new mechanism for learning in the brain that stabilises memories and reduces interference. This breakthrough provides insight into how humans form expectations and make accurate predictions about future events.
Researchers have developed a comprehensive analysis pipeline using genetic prediction of protein levels to prioritize drug targets. This approach has quantified the potential for reducing drug development failure rates and could help identify novel drug targets.
A team of scientists has created a unique prototype that can transform how we communicate online by deploying a new technique harnessing the laws of physics. The quantum network, scalable and relatively cheap, could secure people's online communication and pave the way for widespread rollout.
Research shows handgrip strength can predict type 2 diabetes risk by 50% per unit increase, with implications for prevention strategies. The finding is marked in women and could be used to identify individuals at high risk.
A study analyzing over 650,000 hip replacement patients found that consistent use of reliable implants is a key factor in long-term success, not surgeon skill. The findings suggest that patients should ask their surgeons about the long-term evidence of an implant's effectiveness.
Researchers used radiocarbon dating and CT scans to study ancient bones, revealing a Bronze Age tradition of retaining and curating human remains. The findings suggest that Bronze Age people valued the dead in tangible ways, often keeping remains in their homes or displaying them as grave goods.
A new study found that extreme hurricane rainfall events in the Caribbean are five times more likely in a warmer world, but meeting Paris Agreement goals could reduce this risk by up to half. The research highlights the urgent need to tackle global warming and recommends targeting resilience funding towards the most at-risk areas.
Researchers found that adolescents who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity had stronger hips at age 25, while time spent in light intensity activity was less clear. The study suggests that supporting young people to remain active could benefit future bone health and prevent osteoporosis.
A new diagnostic definition for Functional Cognitive Disorder (FCD) has been established, allowing researchers to better characterise the condition and its prognosis. The criteria also hold promise for strengthening research into dementia by identifying patients for trials.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have challenged long-held assumptions about how human sperm swim. Their groundbreaking study reveals significant differences between sperm movement and previously thought mechanisms, shedding new light on the complex biology of sperm motility.
A new study uses a humanoid chewing robot to assess medicated chewing gum, replicating human chewing motion in a closed environment. The researchers found that the robot demonstrates a similar release rate of xylitol as human participants, with the greatest release occurring during the first five minutes of chewing.
A genetic study spanning seven countries has identified distinct population clusters of the American Crocodile, with regional differences found in Northern, Central, and Southern America. The findings highlight the importance of habitat conservation and management strategies tailored to each population's unique needs.
A study by researchers from the University of Bristol has identified the ancestral origin of tequila bats in Mexico, revealing distinct migratory patterns and breeding habits. The findings support the need for targeted conservation management strategies to protect this Near Threatened species.
A 10-year follow-up study found that premature babies treated with a 'brain washing' technique called Drainage, Irrigation and Fibrinolytic Therapy (DRIFT) were almost twice as likely to survive without severe cognitive disability. The treatment, pioneered by University of Bristol researchers, has been shown to reduce secondary severe ...
Researchers at the University of Bristol have identified a novel protein pathway in several human neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease. Abnormal expression of SAFB1 was found to be associated with spinocerebellar ataxias and polyglutamine expansion, offering new potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
A new polymeric heart valve, PoliValve, has been developed by scientists at the universities of Bristol and Cambridge, promising to address the limitations of current artificial valves. The device combines excellent durability with biocompatibility, making it a potential alternative for valve replacement surgery.
Thylacosmilus atrox, a marsupial from Argentina, was previously thought to be a fierce predator like Smilodon. However, new research reveals it was likely a scavenger, using its canines to open carcasses and possibly its tongue to extract innards. Its skull and teeth show distinct differences from those of placental saber-toothed cats.
Researchers develop ProtoSpray technique to create interactive displays on arbitrary shapes, breaking away from 2D rectangular casings. This innovation enables makers and hobbyists to produce objects that can display information and detect touch.
A recent study published in Nature reveals that the deep Earth's water cycle plays a crucial role in triggering earthquakes and tsunamis. The research, led by Dr. George Cooper, found that the amount of water released from the subducting plate is directly linked to the volcanic productivity and earthquake activity.
A new research project at the University of Bristol aims to create a low-cost, rapid COVID-19 diagnosis system. The pilot study uses simulant fluorescently labelled RNA to develop an assay for coronavirus detection.
A pioneering study found specific genetic changes affect gut bacteria populations, paving the way for understanding disease causes. Researchers identified 13 DNA changes related to changes in gut bacteria presence or quantity.
A team of researchers from the University of Bristol developed an ant-inspired method for mathematical sampling, which outperforms traditional methods. The study found that ants' collective behavior can be used to create a more efficient way of exploring complex probability distributions.
A new study found that early signs of type 2 diabetes can be detected in children as young as 8 years old through metabolic changes measured by blood samples. The research identified subtle differences in metabolism among participants who were more genetically prone to developing the disease later in life.
Scientists have identified a substance called Neuropeptide Y (Npy) in the kidney's filtering unit, which sends harmful signals causing proteinuria. Blocking this pathway with medical intervention may lead to new treatments for chronic kidney disease.
Researchers found a causal link between prolonged loneliness and increased likelihood of smoking behavior, including starting to smoke, smoking more cigarettes, and decreasing chances of quitting. The study used Mendelian randomization, a novel research method, to explore the relationship between loneliness and substance abuse.
A new study on extinct camelids provides the first quantitative characterization of their ecomorphology in ancient North American savannas. The analysis reveals that these ecosystems were drier than modern African savannas, leading to a decrease in ungulate diversity.
Research by the University of Bristol found that certain fish perform better in disordered groups due to their increased alertness and ability to detect food sources. This challenges the traditional view of orderly group behavior as always beneficial for foraging, highlighting individual diversity as a key factor.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have solved a 100-year-old physics problem, enabling accurate predictions of infectious disease transmission. The discovery uses special mathematical functions and a technique called method of images to calculate encounter and transmission probabilities.