Knots in chaotic waves
Computer models reveal a vast array of knots in chaotic waves, including those tabulated by mathematicians, with implications for understanding optical and acoustic landscapes
University of Bristol
Tooth wear sheds light on the feeding habits of ancient elephant relatives
Researchers have reconstructed the feeding habits of ancient elephants in China over the last two million years using tooth wear analysis. Sinomastodon and Stegodon coexisted before Sinomastodon's extinction, while Elephas showed a more catholic feeding habit incorporating both grazing and browsing.
The success of the plant-eating dinosaurs
A new study reveals that plant-eating ornithopod dinosaurs experienced four evolutionary bursts, with improved jaws and efficiency playing a key role. Despite rapid plant evolution during the Mesozoic, these herbivores remained successful, with some species even specializing in conifer digestion.
Mantis shrimp roll their eyes to improve their vision
Researchers discovered mantis shrimp use eye rotations to improve their polarized light vision. This unique ability has significant implications for the development of automated visual systems, particularly in underwater exploration and materials analysis.
Research will help GPs diagnose urinary tract infections in children
Researchers have developed a technique to help GPs and nurses identify young children most likely to have a UTI, enabling non-invasive urine sampling. The symptoms-and-signs-based clinical rule is superior to routine clinician diagnosis, reducing the need for unnecessary tests and increasing accurate diagnoses.
Vet School research paves the way for improved horse welfare
The University of Bristol's research identified four priority challenges to equine welfare: unresolved stress/pain behaviour, inappropriate nutrition, inadequate stabling/turnout, and delayed death. The findings aim to improve horse welfare in the UK, with a focus on education, industry collaboration, and legislative changes.
A new bio-ink for 3-D printing with stem cells
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new bio-ink containing stem cells that can be printed using 3D technology. The bio-ink allows for the creation of complex living tissue structures with microscopic pores, providing effective nutrient access for stem cells.
New generation of high-efficiency solar thermal absorbers developed
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new generation of high-efficiency solar thermal absorbers using a tri-layer metasurface absorber. The system uses amorphous carbon as an interlayer between thin gold films, strongly absorbing light across the solar spectrum while minimizing emission of thermal radiation.
Ancient rice may hold key to solving the puzzle of the settlement of Madagascar
Archaeologists uncover evidence that settlers from South Asia colonized Madagascar over a thousand years ago, using long-distance voyages across the Indian Ocean. The discovery provides the first archaeological signature of Austronesian expansion and challenges historical understanding of the island's settlement.
Dancing hairs alert bees to floral electric fields
Researchers at the University of Bristol discovered that bumblebees' tiny hairs deflect in response to electric fields, but only the hairs alert the bee's nervous system. This finding suggests that electroreception in insects may be more common than previously thought.
Survey reveals few GPs use alternatives to face-to-face consultations
A new study found that only 6% of general practices in the UK offer email consultations, while none are using internet video. Despite policy pressure, few GPs plan to adopt alternative methods to improve access and efficiency.
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.
You are what you eat: Immune cells remember their first meal
Immune cells build a molecular memory of their first meal after eating a dying neighboring cell, shaping their inflammatory behavior. This discovery may lead to novel therapies for inflammatory disorders such as atherosclerosis, cancer, and arthritis.
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.
Could hepatitis C treatments help prevent virus transmission?
A team of researchers suggests that increasing HCV treatment rates among people with mild disease could reduce transmission, while targeting those with severe disease has little impact. The studies also highlight the importance of increasing HCV treatments to prevent End Stage Liver Disease and related cancers or deaths
Shape-shifting modular interactive device unveiled
The Cubimorph modular interactive device can change shape on-demand, featuring touchscreens on each of its six faces and a hinge-mounted turntable mechanism. Researchers from the University of Bristol presented their design rationale and prototypes demonstrating key aspects at ICRA 2016.
New study shows animal welfare initiatives improves feather cover of cage-free laying hens
A new study published by the University of Bristol and industry partners has found that cage-free laying hens in the UK have experienced a reduction in feather loss and an improvement in overall welfare, with some farms reporting a 59% increase in changes to improve bird welfare.
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.
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'.
How will people interact with technology in the future?
Research at ACM CHI 2016 introduces PowerShake for wireless power transfer on mobile devices and Investigating text legibility on non-rectangular displays. The findings also highlight the potential of EMPress hand gesture classification, GauntLev wearable object manipulation and sustainable interaction design principles.
Infants swaddling for sleep associated with sudden infant death syndrome
A meta-analysis of four studies found an association between swaddling for sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), particularly among infants placed on their sides or fronts. As babies get older, they may be more likely to move into unsafe positions while swaddled during sleep.
Human heart cells respond less to e-cig vapour than tobacco smoke
Researchers found that human coronary artery endothelial cells showed a reduced stress response to e-cigarette aerosol compared to conventional cigarette smoke. This suggests that switching from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes may lead to reduced immediate harm for tobacco smokers.
A faster and cheaper way to produce new antibiotics
Scientists at the University of Bristol have developed a novel way to produce new antibiotics, increasing production by over 2,000 per cent. This breakthrough could lead to cost-effective treatments for resistant strains of tuberculosis and Staphylococcus aureus.
Birds of prey constrained in the beak evolution race
Researchers found that raptors' skulls change shape predictably with species size, linking beak and skull shapes. This constraint may limit the evolutionary flexibility of birds of prey.
A trick of the light may help diseased plants attract greenfly
Research at the University of Bristol reveals that plant viruses can alter leaf surface properties to attract insects like greenfly. Infected leaves reflect less polarized light, making them more visible to bugs.
From Brussels to Brooklyn: Bristol's 5G wireless research showcased
The University of Bristol's Communication Systems and Networks group is leading international research on 5G wireless networks, with a focus on capacity enhancement and data rates. The team will showcase their work at the NetWorld2020 Annual Event and General Assembly in Brussels and the Brooklyn 5G Summit.
Dinosaurs 'already in decline' before asteroid apocalypse
Dinosaurs were already experiencing an evolutionary decline, with many species going extinct faster than new ones emerged. This suggests that the asteroid impact may not have been the sole cause of their extinction.
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.
Humanoid robotics and computer avatars could help treat social disorders
Researchers developed a system to enable robot or computer avatar interaction with patients playing the mirror game, promoting attachment and improving social coordination. The results show that players sharing similar movement features interact better, paving the way for social rehabilitation.
General practice in England nearing 'saturation point'
General practice workloads in England have increased by 16% over seven years, with more frequent and longer consultations, according to a large-scale analysis. The study's findings suggest the system is approaching saturation point due to low recruitment rates and an ageing population with complex needs.
Seeing the light: Bristol chemists create mimic of key vision protein
Researchers successfully designed and built a molecule that mimics the behavior of rhodopsin, a crucial protein in vision. This breakthrough could lead to new technologies by bypassing cell communication mechanisms.
Researchers uncover factors associated with hospital deaths in the oldest old
A study of nearly 670,000 hospital deaths among people aged 85 and over found that 62% still die in hospital, with those living in deprived areas more likely to do so. The research suggests that palliative care should be tailored to the needs of older patients, particularly those who live in care homes or have dementia.
New research program aims to improve health care staff's approach to domestic violence
Researchers at the University of Bristol are launching a six-year study to enhance healthcare professionals' responses to domestic violence and abuse. The REPROVIDE program will investigate training methods for general practice staff, including support for male victims and perpetrators.
Nitrogen factories in the Cretaceous oceans
Researchers found a unique cyanobacterium that provides nitrogen to a more complex cell host without photosynthesis, evolving around 90 million years ago. This 'slaving event' is crucial for the marine food web, providing bioavailable nitrogen.
Autism genes are in all of us, new research reveals
New research suggests genetic risk underlying autism spectrum disorders affects a range of behavioral and developmental traits across the population. Those diagnosed with ASD represent a severe presentation of these traits, which also occur in unaffected individuals.
Parents of premature babies get confidence boost from home-from-hospital project
Researchers found that a parent-orientated discharge planning process, known as the Train-to Home intervention, can increase parental confidence in caring for their baby. The project resulted in fewer visits to emergency departments after going home and reduced healthcare costs after discharge from hospital.
Is educational neuroscience a waste of money?
A new study from the University of Bristol finds that educational neuroscience lacks concrete benefits for teaching and child progress in classrooms. The research criticizes the use of brain scans and other methods without solid evidence to support their effectiveness.
More than 2 million people co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C
A global study reveals 2.3 million people co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C, with a significant burden in Eastern Europe and central Asia. The study highlights the need for improved integrated HIV/HCV services and increased screening and treatment to reduce morbidity and new infections.
Rare respiratory disease gene carriers actually have increased lung function
Researchers discovered that healthy carriers of a rare respiratory disease gene have enhanced respiratory capacity and increased height, with a 10% advantage. The study may lead to new treatment approaches for physical fitness training and lung function disorders, as well as height modification in growth disorders.
New insight into enzyme evolution
New research describes how enzymes 'tune' to work at specific temperatures, with a fundamental physical property - heat capacity - being the key. This discovery could lead to designing better biocatalysts for industrial processes.
Best to sleep on it: Brain activity patterns during sleep consolidate memory
During sleep, brain activity patterns from the day are replayed at fast-forward speed in the hippocampus, strengthening microscopic connections between nerve cells. This process is crucial for consolidating memories and retaining important information.
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.
New type of optical material discovered in the secret language of the mantis shrimp
Researchers from the University of Bristol have discovered a new way to create polarizers using the polarization of light in mantis shrimp. This innovative solution could lead to improved optical technologies, such as cameras and sunglasses.
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 ...
Genome studies can help identify lifestyle risks for diseases
A recent study suggests that genome-wide association studies (GWAS) should also identify genetic variants that predict behaviors increasing disease risk, allowing for targeted interventions. The study's lead author believes that GWAS can help develop more effective and better-targeted treatments by identifying modifiable risk factors.
Ocean acidification makes coralline algae less robust
Coralline algae, crucial for marine biodiversity, are becoming less robust due to ocean acidification. The skeletal structure of these algae is vulnerable to changes in carbonate chemistry, which can lead to habitat loss and reduced support for other species.
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.
Greenland ice sheet releasing 'Mississippi River' worth of phosphorus
Researchers found that the Greenland ice sheet is releasing a significant amount of phosphorus into the Arctic Ocean, with annual input equal to some of the world's largest rivers. The nutrient could stimulate growth of plankton at the base of the ocean food web, impacting birds, fish, and marine mammals higher up the chain.
Delivering the Internet of the future -- at the speed of light and open sourced
Researchers have developed a high-performance network infrastructure that is open and programmable, using light to carry internet traffic. This technology has the potential to revolutionize optical network infrastructure, making it accessible to traditional programmers and application developers.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateJan 26, 2016