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.
Using a dataset of 873 children's heart rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation measurements, researchers developed data fusion models that predicted the severity of their illness with moderate accuracy. The best-performing model had a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 75.8%, outperforming existing scoring systems.
A recent study of nine-year-old children in Ireland found that overweight youngsters are significantly more prone to being bullied than their slimmer peers. The research also revealed a stark correlation between childhood obesity and an increased risk of chronic illnesses.
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.
Researchers have successfully demonstrated a quantum logic gate acting on four particles of light, enabling new approaches to quantum technologies. The device has the potential to improve secure communication and precision measurement, paving the way for more efficient computers and innovative applications.
Researchers discovered that ancient plants like spikemosses had stomata that could open and close in response to light, carbon dioxide, and abscisic acid, a key plant hormone. This finding suggests that water-conserving innovations occurred early in plant evolution.
Dazzle camouflage, a World War I technique, can affect perception of speed when objects move quickly, potentially reducing losses from attacks on fast-moving vehicles. This effect is due to high contrast geometric patterns, which were found to cause a significant reduction in perceived speed by around 7 percent.
A new study reveals ocean acidification compromises fish hearing, leaving clownfish deaf to predators. Researchers reared larvae in different CO2 environments, showing that increased acidity impacts sensory systems, including those inside the fish's body.
Researchers found that women who gained more than the recommended weight during pregnancy were three times as likely to be overweight or obese. Regular monitoring of weight in pregnancy may need to be reconsidered to prevent these health problems.
A team of researchers studied the evolution of parareptiles, finding that they were not hit as hard by the end-Permian extinction as previously thought. The study used evolutionary relationships to infer missing diversity and revealed new patterns in the fossil record.
The introduction of Aldabra tortoises on the island of Mauritius has successfully dispersed ebony seeds, aiding the recovery of a critically endangered tree species. This rewilding experiment demonstrates the potential for restoring extinct interactions in ecosystems.
The ALSPAC project will investigate how behavior before birth, infancy, childhood, and adolescence affect adult health. Researchers will collect data from three generations: the original mothers and children, their adult offspring, and now, grandchildren.
A study published in PLoS One found that viewers were heavily influenced by the 'worm', a continuous response tracking measure used in live debates. The researchers concluded that the worm's small sample size makes it vulnerable to manipulation and compromises the public's ability to form independent opinions.
Researchers have gained insight into how 'tidying up' enzymes, like cytochromes P450, break down drug molecules. The study reveals that the oxygen transfer process can be influenced by three factors: molecular docking, oxygen-accepting ability, and enzyme pocket shape.
A £6 million research programme aims to create new generation of high performance fibre reinforced polymer composites, capable of sustaining large deformations without breaking. The materials will provide greater reliability, safety and design flexibility, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 15%.
A study by University of Bristol academics found that virtual MIMO technology can increase data capacity by up to 50% but also makes things worse for some users in certain scenarios. The researchers propose metrics to determine when to use this technology, highlighting the need for careful design and intelligence in the network.
Researchers at the University of Bristol are developing biologically-engineered synthetic liquid polymers to create a permanent solution for cartilage defects. The injectable gel can form three-dimensional scaffolds that encourage healthy cell growth and tissue repair.
Research suggests that actively engaging children in leisure time can boost their physical activity levels. However, the study found that boys and girls have different preferences for active play due to societal pressures. The researchers also noted that boys tend to have more freedom to roam during active play.
Researchers at the University of Bristol discovered that domestic hens exhibit a clear physiological and behavioral response to mild chick distress, suggesting an empathic capacity. The study used both behavioral and physiological methods to measure these traits in birds.
A new study uses genetic techniques to link bat diet to habitat quality, showing that bats rely heavily on insects from aquatic environments. The research also identifies specific pollution tolerances among insect species, providing insights into the bats' foraging behavior and conservation efforts.
Women who experience depression and anxiety after a miscarriage may continue to feel these symptoms after a healthy child is born. The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children found that mental health problems associated with miscarriage or stillbirth do not end with the birth of a healthy baby, but can persist for several years.
Researchers from the University of Bristol demonstrated the quantum operation of new components that will enable compact circuits for future photonic quantum computers. These integrated photonic circuits are compact, stable, and low-noise, paving the way for mass production of chips for quantum computers.
New research from the University of Bristol's Centre for Communications Research investigates how smartphone grips impact wireless signal strength. Holding a device can lead to a 100-fold reduction in sensitivity and signal fluctuations, impairing service quality.
A study found that brief exposure to noise playback caused three-spined sticklebacks to make more foraging mistakes and be less efficient in consuming food. The researchers suggest that noise pollution could have a wider range of detrimental effects on fish behavior than previously thought.
Trypanosomes, a distant branch of the eukaryote tree, have been found to reproduce sexually through meiosis, a process previously thought unclear. The study uses fluorescently-tagged proteins to visualize the process inside the tsetse fly.
An international team found that many crustacean families can detect and avoid reef noise, depending on their lifestyle. The study reveals that larvae of crabs and lobsters are attracted by the noise, while others actively avoid it.
New UK research found that boys and girls who engage in physical activity with their best friend tend to be more active. The study suggests that encouraging children to exercise with friends outside of school can increase their physical activity levels.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new methodology for calculating model ages of continental crust formation. This approach uses the isotope composition of newly formed crust to estimate age, resulting in significantly younger and more consistent dates than previous methods based on mantle isotopes.
Research found that a specific microRNA (miR-503) can impair the ability of endothelial cells to form new blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow and increased risk of amputation in diabetic patients. Inhibiting this miRNA improved blood vessel formation.
New research reveals that children with autism are unable to search effectively for objects in real-life environments, contrary to previous findings. This skill is crucial for achieving independence in adulthood.
Scientists discovered a network of repair proteins in bacteria that enables prioritized repair of heavily used DNA regions. The study found similarities between bacterial and human DNA repair systems, shedding light on how cells maintain their genetic instructions.
A large-scale content-analysis of cross-linguistic text reveals national biases, cultural, economic and geographic links between countries influence the news agenda. Outlets from similar countries tend to cover similar stories, such as those related to trade or Eurovision.
Researchers found that acetylcholine facilitates NMDA receptors by inhibiting SK channels, allowing for enhanced learning and memory. The discovery provides new insight into the mechanisms underlying learning and memory, with potential therapeutic applications for Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders.
Researchers estimate global media consumption will drive 2,570 exabytes of data per year by 2030. To achieve renewable energy infrastructure, a 60-performance improvement in efficiency is needed, potentially reached by 2021. Behaviour change strategies like reducing digital waste and persuasive web design can reduce overall demand.
Climate change exacerbates the effects of El Niño on coral reef fish populations, leading to a near-absence of young fish necessary for adult replenishment. This process allows fish to feed on plankton and escape predators, but may now become an Achilles' heel in changing waters.
Scientists discovered that rainforest collapse triggered an evolutionary burst among reptiles, leading to increased diversity and adaptation. The event, which occurred 300 million years ago, isolated populations of reptiles and allowed them to evolve in separate directions.
Scientists develop a new DNA technique to screen for natural resistance in crops affected by the honey fungus, a devastating disease of trees and shrubs. The technique allows for easy identification, measurement, and study of the fungus in a lab setting.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a method to measure the movement of the Earth's deep interior, which controls continents and ocean locations. This technique uses seismic waves to study the properties of a mysterious layer called D″, where the mantle meets the core.
Researchers investigated wild cat flank markings to understand the evolution of patterns, finding that dense habitats and low light levels drive patterning. This suggests that complex patterns like leopard spots evolve for camouflage.
A new study using brain imaging revealed how people learn from their competitors' successes and failures. The research found that players experienced neural activity in response to their competitor's unexpected failures, suggesting they learned to inhibit the actions leading to those failures.
A new study by the University of Bristol has found that dogs with separation-related behaviors tend to make more pessimistic judgments, suggesting a cognitive bias. The research provides insight into animal emotions and highlights the importance of addressing underlying negative emotional states in dogs.
A study of over 1,000 children found that excessive screen time is related to higher psychological difficulty scores, regardless of physical activity. Children who spent more than two hours per day on screens had better psychological scores, while those with moderate physical activity fared better in certain areas but worse in others.
A recent study published in Cell Metabolism has identified podocytes as a crucial factor in the development of kidney failure in diabetes. The researchers found that these cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to similar kidney disease symptoms in mice with normal blood sugar levels.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered a way to prevent intermittent episodes of breath holding associated with Rett syndrome by increasing levels of aminobutyric acid and stimulating serotonin receptors. This breakthrough has significant implications for alleviating symptoms in patients with this debilitating disease.
A new study by University of Bristol researchers reveals that geoengineering would have varying impacts globally. Regions like the USA and Australia become drier with increasing strength, while others like Australia become wetter.
Coral reefs are surprisingly noisy places with fish and invertebrates producing clicks and grunts that provide useful information about the state of the reef. Healthier reefs were found to be louder, with a clear association between overall noise level generated and the amount of living coral.
The COGNITO project, led by the University of Bristol, aims to develop computer systems that can understand and predict human behavior and activity. By using on-body sensor networks and advanced computer vision algorithms, researchers hope to create systems that can assist people in skilled assembly and manipulation tasks.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a silicon chip that uses two identical photons to perform complex calculations and simulations, paving the way for a new type of quantum computer. The device has the potential to solve problems that are currently beyond the capabilities of conventional computers.
A University of Bristol team argues that the skeletal remains found in a Vergina tomb do not match historical records of Arrhidaios, a lesser-known figure. The remains show signs of cremation 'green' and a healed fracture on one skull, which may indicate Philip II's lost eye was transferred.
Researchers found that hormonal changes play a significant role in enabling the crabs to make their journey. The Crustacean Hyperglycaemic Hormone (CHH) enables the efficient use of stored energy and its conversion to glucose to fuel the migration.