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University of Bristol


Can science predict a hit song?

Researchers at the University of Bristol used musical features and machine learning algorithms to predict song hits in the UK singles chart. They found that danceability increased in popularity from the late 1970s and that slower styles, such as ballads, were more likely to become hits in the 1980s.

Scientists discover new way to target cancer

Researchers at UWE Bristol and University of Bristol discovered that mutations in one specific cancer gene can control splicing balance, allowing a master switch to be turned on. This enables the growth of cancer cells and blood vessels, but new drugs targeting this process may block tumour growth.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCancer Cell·DateDec 12, 2011

Light dependency underlies beneficial jetlag in racehorses

A new study by University of Bristol researchers found that racehorses can adapt rapidly to changes in the daily light-dark cycle, leading to improved physical performance. The horses were able to run at full gallop for an additional 25 seconds before reaching fatigue after experiencing a shift in their 24-hour light-dark cycle.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Neuroendocrinology·DateOct 18, 2011

'Partner abuse is normal' say disadvantaged youth

A new study by the University of Bristol reveals that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to experience abusive partner relationships. The research found that many young people accept violence as normal and struggle to recognize its impact, highlighting the need for education and support to prevent abuse.

Manipulative mothers subdue show-off sons

A team of evolutionary biologists found that when mothers control offspring sex ratios, sexual selection collapses, and males lose their elaborate courtship displays to attract females. This twist adds unexpected complexity to Darwin's theory of sexual selection, suggesting that motherly control can override the need for showy males.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 12, 2011

Where does all the gold come from?

Researchers at the University of Bristol analyzed ancient rock samples to determine the origin of Earth's precious metals. They found that the planet's accessible reserves of gold and other precious elements are the result of a catastrophic meteorite shower that hit the Earth after its core formation.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateSep 7, 2011

Scientists develop new technologies for understanding bacterial infections

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a novel approach for studying molecules within their natural environment, allowing for unprecedented detail on bacterial infection mechanisms. The breakthrough utilizes a lateral molecular force microscope to measure biological phenomena directly on a living cell surface, enabling...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2011

70 percent of 8-month-olds consume too much salt

A recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that 70% of 8-month-old babies have a high salt intake, exceeding the recommended UK maximum level. High salt consumption can damage developing kidneys and establish poor eating practices that continue into adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 31, 2011

Scientists receive funding boost to further research into disease mechanisms of Alzheimer’s

Researchers at the University of Bristol have received a major funding boost to continue their research into the pathological processes underpinning Alzheimer's disease. They have found that neuronal excitability is substantially altered in the model of Alzheimer's disease, leading to changes in action potential generation and waveform.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateJul 29, 2011

Fantastic Mrs. Fox

A new study by University of Bristol biologists found that mother foxes determine which cubs stay and which leave their family groups, with dominant females playing a crucial role in dispersal strategy. This unique discovery sheds light on the evolution of social behavior in mammals.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 20, 2011

Vertebrate jaw design locked early

A new study suggests that vertebrate jaws evolved relatively early, around 420 million years ago, and that the diversity of feeding mechanisms in these early animals had little impact on jawless fishes. The researchers used physics and engineering concepts to analyze the potential feeding functions of early vertebrate jaw designs.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateJul 6, 2011

The rise and rise of the flying reptiles

A new study by Katy Prentice shows that pterosaurs evolved in a unique way, specializing over 160 million years. The research found that pterosaurs remained conservative for 70 million years before experimenting with new modes of life, adapting to feed on different food sources and becoming larger.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateJul 6, 2011

Studying solar wind

The study found that rocky planets, including Earth, are enriched in 17O and 18O by about 6% relative to 16O. This supports the 'isotopic self-shielding' mechanism, where photolysis of carbon monoxide liberates oxygen atoms that are sequestered into water molecules.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience·DateJun 29, 2011