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University of Bristol


Rapid rise of the Mesozoic sea dragons

Researchers from the University of Bristol found that marine reptiles in the Mesozoic era quickly developed diverse feeding habits and morphological adaptations, expanding their ecological niches. This study, published in Paleobiology, sheds light on the rapid evolution of these ancient predators.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPaleobiology·DateMay 20, 2016

Dynamic dazzle distorts speed

Researchers found that dynamic dazzle patterns can distort perceived speed, causing a targeting error of up to 2m for a Land Rover. The effect remains even with only a small patch of the pattern visible, providing potential applications for camouflage on vehicles with central doors.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 19, 2016

New innovations to combat resistant infections

Researchers at the University of Bristol are developing novel diagnostic tests and nanopatterned surfaces to combat resistant infections. A new rapid diagnostic test can predict effective antibiotics, reducing reliance on strongest options. Novel antimicrobial surfaces could improve biomedical devices and implant success rates.

An enzyme enigma discovered in the abyss

Researchers at University of Bristol and Newcastle University have discovered a natural Diels-Alder enzyme, AbyU, which catalyzes the powerful chemical reaction. The discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotics and other medical treatments.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 11, 2016

New design of primitive quantum computer finds application

Scientists at the University of Bristol have developed a new method to simulate a 'quantum walk' on a primitive quantum computer, which they claim can solve problems that classical computers cannot. The study suggests that these smaller quantum processors could outperform classical computing for specific tasks, such as 'Boson Sampling'.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 10, 2016

New insights into how the brain adapts to stress

New research reveals that stressful events result in DNA de-methylation, leading to the suppression of gene expression and facilitating adaptive behavioral responses. The study also found a link between SAM, a compound produced by the liver, and stress-related responses in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2016

Sauropod swimmers or walkers?

A new study of fossil tracks in northern China suggests that sauropod dinosaurs were walking, not swimming, despite previous theories. The tracks, dating back over 120 million years, show four or five claw marks at the front and are matched perfectly by the feet of medium-sized sauropod dinosaurs.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 18, 2016

Rooting the family tree of placental mammals

Researchers assembled largest mammalian phylogenomic dataset to test models of molecular evolution and confirm findings that Atlantogenata is the sister group to all other placentals. The study resolves the controversy over placental mammal family tree, revealing that Afrotheria and Xenarthra diverged from each other around 90 million ...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 15, 2016

Women are seen more than heard in online news

The study found men's views and voices are represented more in online news than women's, while women appear proportionally more in images. Women feature more in fashion and entertainment articles, but are least present in sports and politics topics. The research highlights the marginalization of women's voices in the media.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 3, 2016

It's a 3-D printer, but not as we know it

Researchers developed a novel method to print composite materials using ultrasonic waves, enabling the creation of complex fibrous architectures. The technology can be easily integrated into existing 3D printers, offering tailored material properties and potential applications in smart materials.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateJan 18, 2016

Grazing towards sustainability

The Global Farm Platform conference presents research findings on sustainable livestock systems, showing that traditional measures of dairy cow performance are oversimplified. Knowledge exchange between farmers and researchers reveals that robust cows can be more economically viable due to their good health, fertility, and ability to t...