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University of Bristol


How does snow affect the amount of water in rivers?

New research shows that the amount of water flowing through rivers in snow-affected areas depends on how much precipitation falls as snowfall. In a warming climate, reduced snowfall leads to decreased river discharge. The study highlights the importance of streamflow for society, including ecosystem stability and hydropower.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 18, 2014

Children's TV time is closely linked to parents' viewing habits

A new study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that children aged five and six spend more time watching TV on weekends than during the week, with parents playing a significant role. The research suggests that there is a need to find ways to help families reduce screen-viewing time.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateApr 30, 2014

New research on gigabit wireless communications

The study proposes enhanced technologies and algorithms to increase data capacity and densification in short-range wireless networks, achieving speeds of up to 7Gbps per link. Beamforming is also explored as a solution for multi-gigabit connections between base stations and users, with an adaptive algorithm reducing interference.

Scientists unmask the climate uncertainty monster

New research finds that increased scientific uncertainty in the climate system necessitates even greater action to mitigate climate change. The study shows that as uncertainty in temperature increase expected with a doubling of CO2 rises, so do economic damages and likelihood of exceeding safe temperature limits.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalClimatic Change·DateApr 4, 2014

Quantum cryptography for mobile phones

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a scheme to enable quantum cryptography on mobile phones, using photons as information carriers. This breakthrough technology has the potential to make secure communication available to the general public.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 3, 2014

Men who started smoking before age 11 had fatter sons

Research from the Children of the 90s study at the University of Bristol found that men who started smoking before age 11 had sons with significantly higher body fat content compared to those who started smoking later. This study suggests a potential transgenerational effect of tobacco exposure on metabolic changes in the next generation.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 2, 2014

What psychosocial factors can help IVF patients?

A systematic review of 23 studies found that social support, mindfulness, and positive emotional outcomes are linked to better emotional adjustment in IVF patients. The study highlights the importance of coping strategies, personality traits, and social circumstances in predicting emotional outcomes during and after IVF treatment.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalHuman Reproduction Update·DateMar 27, 2014

Report reveals cancer drug divide

A new study comparing prescription data from England and Wales has found that patients in England are up to seven times more likely to be prescribed expensive cancer drugs than their counterparts in Wales. The Cancer Drugs Fund has created an inequality in access to these treatments, raising ethical, moral, financial, and policy concerns.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateMar 3, 2014

New insights into the origin of birds

Scientists discovered that key characteristics of flight, such as body size and forelimb length, evolved simultaneously in a group of dinosaurs. These findings suggest that birds arose through multiple evolutionary steps, with powered flight emerging later.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEvolution·DateFeb 23, 2014

Molecular biology mystery unravelled

Researchers at the University of Bristol and EMBL have identified the 'holo-translocon' as the machinery responsible for inserting proteins into cell membranes. This breakthrough could lead to the design of new anti-bacterial drugs and applications in synthetic biology.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2014

Integration brings quantum computer a step closer

A team of researchers has successfully integrated key components of a quantum computer onto a silicon microchip, paving the way for the development of a practical quantum computer. The breakthrough enables the creation of a photon-based device capable of performing complex calculations, potentially rivaling modern computing hardware.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 30, 2014

How common is aggression in UK dogs?

A recent study estimated human-directed aggression in UK dogs, revealing that nearly 7% exhibit aggressive behaviour when meeting people. The majority of these incidents occur in one specific situation, contradicting the common 'safe' or 'vicious' dog stereotype.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalApplied Animal Behaviour Science·DateJan 7, 2014