A new study by University of Bristol scientists found that secular cultures with tolerance of minority groups tend to have more wealth, education, and democracy. The research suggests that changes in culture generally come before economic improvements, making cultural values a crucial predictor of future prosperity.
A new study reveals that the rapid evolution of Darwin's finches and Hawaiian honeycreepers was linked to their beaks and skulls. The researchers found that these birds had a stronger association between their beaks and skulls than other bird lineages, allowing for more versatile evolution but constrained along specific directions.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered a new class of material, 'non-sticky gels,' that forms when colloidal particles behave as liquid crystals. This breakthrough enables the development of gel formulations with improved mechanical properties and longer shelf-life, addressing a major limitation in many products.
A comprehensive review of 23 studies on drinking alcohol during pregnancy found evidence that it can lead to poorer cognitive functioning and lower birthweight. The findings reinforce the UK Chief Medical Officers' DRYMESTER guidelines, which recommend abstaining from alcohol in all trimesters.
Scientists tracked mass loss from Pine Island Glacier using ESA satellite technology and found complex patterns in space and time, with thinning rates decreasing in the central trunk by a factor of five since 2007. This contradicts previous observations, highlighting the need to improve model projections for future sea level rise.
A new study reveals iridescence can act as highly-effective camouflage, increasing prey survival and explaining its evolution in many animal species. Researchers found that iridescent beetle models survived best against bird attacks, suggesting a clever strategy to confuse predators.
Despite reports of near elimination, global HFC-23 emissions are growing at record values, contradicting expectations. Scientists attribute the rise to increased production in developing countries.
Researchers have identified distinct species of giant straight-tusked elephants in Europe and Asia, with the Indian form featuring a robust skull crest. The study, published in Quaternary Science Reviews, reveals that these prehistoric giants went through six sets of teeth in their lifetimes.
Researchers have identified a link between abnormal calcium release and arrhythmias in heart failure, suggesting new therapies may improve early Ca2+ release. Restoration of AP phase 1 repolarization could mitigate defective excitation-contraction coupling and reduce sudden death risk.
Scientists discovered two bursts of new genes that drove the evolution of land plants, contradicting previous gradualistic views. These genetic innovations enabled plant multicellularity and adaptation to terrestrial environments.
A new study from the University of Bristol found that unpatterned animals using short, fast movements are less likely to be detected by predators. The research used human participants as surrogate predators and quantified the effects of movement duration, speed, and target pattern on localization accuracy.
A UK study found that over 20% of young adults have fatty liver disease, with those who are overweight or obese at greatest risk. The research highlights the need for improved liver health awareness and management among this age group.
Researchers used computational simulation methods and cloud computing to discover how nicotine receptors respond to nicotine, reducing time to results from months to days. This accelerated discovery could lead to more effective smoking cessation aids, addressing a major public health concern.
A UK-wide trial has started recruiting patients for a three-year study on preventing falls in people with Parkinson's disease, led by the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol. The trial will test whether a commonly prescribed dementia drug can prevent debilitating falls and improve patients' qu...
Researchers have developed artificial cells capable of decomposing hydrogen peroxide and generating oxygen, as well as implementing a rudimentary chemical signalling pathway between the cells. The new protocells use a combination of synthetic and biological catalysts to create multi-functional activity.
A new study on brain tumors has identified mutations that are particular to different tumor types, enabling precision medicine approaches. The research also lists licensed drugs that could be used as combination therapies to target specific mutations in the future.
Scientists have identified wildlife corridors that should be protected to help the jaguar's survival. The study found that conservation efforts can focus on the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Maya Forest Corridor.
Researchers found that teenage girls with clinical levels of anxiety are twice as likely to engage in regular fasting and develop anorexia nervosa. The study suggests that anxiety may precede the onset of severe restrictive eating behaviors, making it a potential early indicator of eating disorders.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have identified a new propulsion mechanism for cells moving through complex environments. They found that self-propulsion without exerting force on the environment is possible in active matter.
Tracking methane emissions is crucial to meeting global climate warming targets, with a need for improved measurement and modeling techniques. New technologies including isotopic variants and satellite mapping will help quantify emissions and understand mechanisms causing changes.
A new study has identified areas in the US where investing in conservation today can save billions of dollars in potential future flood damages. The research found that acquiring and protecting lands with a high risk of flooding could prevent devastating losses.
A recent study found that probiotics and prebiotics have distinct effects on the immune systems of male and female piglets, contradicting previous assumptions. This research highlights the importance of considering sex in nutritional trials and may lead to personalized treatment approaches for infants.
A large study published in International Journal of Epidemiology found that being more active reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Men with a specific DNA variation associated with increased physical activity had a 51% reduced risk, suggesting overall physical activity may play a larger role than previously thought.
New research investigated the effect of sleep on eyewitness memory and found no benefit for eyewitness identification accuracy. Despite this, reliability remained high, with participants accurately identifying guilty suspects even after a 12-hour delay or sleep period.
Researchers discovered fossils of Caveasphaera, 609 million-year-old single-celled relatives of animals, revealing evidence that animal-like embryonic development evolved before complex animals appeared in the fossil record.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that co-prescribing benzodiazepines with opioid agonist treatment increases the risk of overdose death by three-fold. Doctors should avoid this practice, especially for patients who have recently left treatment or continue to use opioid drugs.
Researchers found that a decline in ocean oxygen can break down feedback mechanisms controlling the marine nitrogen cycle, which is essential for all forms of life. The team used a data-constrained earth system model to show that extreme deoxygenation can lead to a collapse of the ocean's bioavailable nitrogen inventory.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that over half of people would be willing to donate their personal data for research. The researchers developed a new questionnaire to explore individuals' motivations, which identified three key reasons: serving society, gaining personal benefits, and understanding data purpose.
A new robotic skin called ElectroSkin has been created, which can crawl across surfaces using artificial muscles and electrical charges. This innovative technology could lead to the development of soft robots for environmental monitoring, robot grippers, and wearable technologies.
A review of complementary and alternative therapies for treating infantile colic found some treatments like probiotics, fennel extract, and spinal manipulation to be effective but with limitations due to small sample sizes and subjective measurement methods.
A new study from the University of Bristol found a significant association between generalized anxiety disorder at age 18 and harmful drinking three years later. The research used data from the Children of the 90s cohort to investigate the relationship between anxiety, drinking motives, and alcohol use.
A new study published in Psychological Medicine found that tobacco smoking may increase the risk of developing depression and schizophrenia. The researchers used UK Biobank data from 462,690 individuals and applied Mendelian randomization to analyze the association between smoking and mental illness.
A new study by University of Bristol scientists reveals that meat-eating theropod dinosaurs had broadened their food base. The researchers analyzed the jaws and teeth of 83 theropod dinosaurs, including giants and small ones, to describe every possible jaw shape and tooth shape in terms of about 80 measurements.
A new study published in PLOS Genetics found that heavy smoking can have a causal effect on facial ageing, influencing appearance and wrinkling. Researchers used Mendelian randomization and gene-by-environment interaction tests to identify the effects of smoking heaviness.
The study found that the monsoon system's development was more sensitive to changes in geography than carbon dioxide levels. The monsoon peaked around five million years ago, with 'super-monsoons' stronger than today. Understanding its behavior is crucial for agriculture and industrial development of over 1.5 billion people.
The University of Bristol's Mantis robotic arm provides light, affordable, and simple solution for everyday users, enabling them to build and use robots without expensive kit or skills. The system simulates the sense of touch, providing haptic force feedback, and can be built and used by anyone from a secondary school student.
Artificial skin creates first ticklish devices by mimicking human skin's sensing resolution and detecting gestures like tickling, caressing and twisting. The Skin-On interface enables devices to 'feel' user interactions, conveying expressive messages through touch gestures.
Physicists have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how liquids behave with other materials, including finding super-repellant substrates that can repel water. Their findings provide a comprehensive framework for tailoring material properties, which has important implications for various physical and biological systems.
Scientists have identified two cellular families involved in liver injury and cancer, with one protein acting as a 'brake' on scar tissue production. The study, published in Nature Communications, sheds new light on the mechanisms behind scarring and its complications in liver disease.
A €11 million ERC grant will study the role of glacier algae in darkening the Greenland Ice Sheet surface, affecting sea level rise predictions. The research aims to understand how biological darkening occurs and where it will occur in the future.
A new study found that 58% of suicide deaths and 45% of non-fatal suicidal behaviors in low- and middle-income countries are linked to psychiatric disorders. The research suggests a wider approach is needed beyond just treating psychiatric illness to prevent suicidal behavior.
An interdisciplinary group of researchers will investigate antimicrobial use and resistance in Argentinian livestock farms, aiming to develop a complete picture of AMR levels and their environmental impact. The project will inform policy making and potential interventions to reduce antimicrobial use and AMR.
A UK government-used VPF valuation undervalues human life due to insufficient sample size and invalid interpretation methods. An alternative method called J-value offers an accurate assessment by balancing safety spend against extended life expectancy, valuing a life at £8.59 million.
Researchers discovered a key signaling pathway in adult fly intestines that promotes intestinal regeneration after stress. This finding has potential applications for regenerative medicine, particularly in treating inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer.
A new type of vaccine that can be stored at warmer temperatures has been developed for Chikungunya, a disease that causes crippling headache and joint pain. The vaccine candidate has shown exceptionally promising results in animal studies, setting the stage for a future vaccine to combat the disease.
Scientists at the University of Bristol discovered clay vessels from Europe dating back to 5,000 BC that were used as early baby bottles for animal milk. The analysis revealed ruminant milk residues from domesticated cattle, sheep, or goat.
A study by University of Bristol researchers found that a named GP scheme did not lead to improved continuity of care or reduced emergency hospital admissions among older patients. Instead, it increased the risk of emergency hospital admissions, particularly among those aged over 75.
A University of Bristol researcher has received a De Leo Fund Award for her outstanding work on suicide prevention in low- and middle-income countries, where 79% of global suicide deaths occur. Her research focuses on understanding the most effective methods of preventing suicidal behavior in these regions.
Scientists have discovered a distinct climatic signature on rivers globally, with varying elevational profiles shaped by regional aridity levels. In humid regions, rivers exhibit concave-up shapes, while drier regions feature straighter profiles.
A longitundinal cohort study found an association between paracetamol intake during mid-pregnancy and behavioral problems in children. Hyperactivity and attention issues were common among young children whose mothers took paracetamol 'sometimes' or more often.