Researchers discovered that the barbastelle bat can catch earless moths by using an unusual whispering strategy. By producing quieter echolocation calls than other bats, the barbastelle can hear unsuspecting moths before they become aware of its presence, giving it an advantage in hunting.
A new study found that short exposure to artificial noise makes fish attracted to inappropriate sounds, putting their survival at risk. The researchers used underwater experiments to show that baby reef fish can learn and remember specific sounds, including those made by humans.
A new encryption scheme developed by Professor Nigel Smart allows for computations to be performed on encrypted data, enabling secure storage and access of sensitive information. This technology has the potential to revolutionize fields such as medical care research and electronic voting, while maintaining patient privacy.
A new study from the University of Bristol reveals that parents' physical inactivity can influence their children's TV viewing habits. The research found that higher parental TV viewing was associated with an increased risk of high levels of TV viewing for boys and girls.
Researchers discovered that coral larvae can detect sound waves to locate suitable habitats, which is essential for their survival. The study highlights the importance of understanding how corals respond to their environment, particularly in light of human noise pollution.
A small trial of bone marrow stem cell therapy in patients with MS found the procedure to be well-tolerated and suggested potential benefits. The study's results, published in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, provide a promising lead for further research into this emerging treatment option.
Almost 50% of AIDS patients died from AIDS, but non-AIDS related deaths increased after four years of treatment with ART. Lifestyle-related causes like suicide and liver disease were common non-AIDS deaths.
Researchers have successfully extracted stem cells from sections of vein removed for heart bypass surgery, which can stimulate new blood vessels to grow and potentially help repair damaged heart muscle after a heart attack. The discovery brings the possibility of 'cell therapy' for damaged hearts one step closer.
A groundbreaking study led by University of Bristol researchers has shown that a pioneering treatment can significantly reduce disability in premature babies born with serious brain hemorrhages. The treatment, known as ventricular lavage, involves draining out toxic fluids from the brain to improve outcomes for these vulnerable infants.
A new device, OdoReader, uses pioneering technology to rapidly diagnose Clostridium difficile infections by analyzing stool samples' odors. Early detection could save the NHS £200 million annually and prevent infectious disease spread.
Researchers identify color patterns in dinosaur feathers, revealing that they originated for display purposes before becoming useful for flight and insulation.
New evidence constrains the age of last Neanderthals in southern and western Iberia to 37,000 years ago. This finding counters previous speculations and has significant implications for understanding archaic features found in fossils.
A team of physicists from Bristol, Glasgow and Southampton universities have successfully created knots in optical vortices using holograms designed with knot theory. This new research demonstrates the physical application of an abstract branch of mathematics previously considered impossible to apply.
A recent study challenges the claim that caffeine aggravates tinnitus, finding no significant improvement in symptoms from caffeine abstinence. Instead, participants experienced increased symptoms during acute withdrawal phases.
Researchers found pigment-stained and perforated marine shells at two Neanderthal sites in Spain, suggesting symbolic thinking and modern behavior. The discovery of red and yellow pigments and cosmetic materials pushes back the debate on Neanderthal cognition.
A 30,000-year-old child's teeth found in Portugal provide insight into the evolution of modern humans and their relationship with Neanderthals. The analysis reveals that early modern humans had a different dental anatomy compared to recent humans, with greater volumes of dentin and pulp but less enamel.
A new study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that the Earth's temperature is more sensitive to atmospheric carbon dioxide than previously estimated. The research found that including factors like land-ice and vegetation in climate models increases the temperature response to carbon dioxide, indicating a higher sensitivity.
A mathematical model explains how male mosquitoes can hear the faintest beats of a female's wings while resisting loud noises. The model reveals that scolopidia located toward the tip of Johnston's organ contribute to mechanical amplification.
A new study confirms the Greenland ice sheet is losing mass at an accelerating rate, primarily driven by accelerated iceberg production and increased surface meltwater. The research suggests this trend is likely to continue in the near future, with significant implications for global sea level rise.
The study found that terrestrial ecosystems and oceans have a much greater capacity to absorb CO2 than previously thought, with the airborne fraction of CO2 remaining stable at 0.7% per decade since 1850. This challenges recent research suggesting a decrease in absorption capacity as CO2 emissions rise.
Researchers discovered mantis shrimp eyes can convert linearly polarized light to circularly polarized light, a crucial function in CD and DVD players. This natural mechanism works across the entire visible spectrum, outperforming human-made quarter-wave plates.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered a unique structure in the ear of the Blue Morpho butterfly, which may allow it to distinguish between high and low pitch sounds. The membrane's properties suggest that butterflies can hear lower pitches more sensitively than other insects.
Elevated levels of ECE-2 enzyme are linked to reduced blood flow in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that drugs blocking endothelin-1 may also benefit Alzheimer's patients.
Researchers at University of Bristol predict sea level rise will be between 7-82 cm by end of century, similar to IPCC projections. The new model uses fossil coral data and temperature records from ice-core measurements to achieve accurate predictions.
The study aims to reduce bone damage and fractures in laying hens by providing omega-3 supplemented diets. Researchers will house 16 flocks of 1,500 hens each in identical free-range systems to compare the effects of high and standard omega-3 diets.
Recent studies suggest tidal stream devices could supply up to 5% of the UK's electricity needs, offering a solution with minimal environmental impacts. Collaborative projects are developing more fatigue-resistant materials and improved design techniques for wind turbine blades and solar energy converters.
Researchers developed a biologically-inspired robot, the Chewing Robot, to study dental wear formation on human teeth. The robot replicates natural bite forces and movements, allowing for improved testing of new dental materials.
Researchers successfully manipulate entangled states of four photons on a silicon chip, achieving precise control over the behavior of individual particles. This breakthrough has important implications for quantum computing and ultra-precise measurements, paving the way for advanced quantum technologies.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have successfully implemented a high-fidelity fibre controlled-NOT gate using single photons in optical fibres. This achievement paves the way for more sophisticated quantum networks with increased range and potential applications in computing, communication, and advanced measurement.
Scientists estimate that the collapse of West Antarctica's ice sheet would raise global sea levels by 3.3 meters, not five or six as previously thought. The region's unique below-sea level topography makes it more prone to instability.
Physicists at University of Bristol and Imperial College London develop new method using 'spooky action' to identify quantum black boxes, overcoming fundamental limitations. This breakthrough has significant implications for future quantum computing and information science.
Researchers have found that human foetal stem cells can effectively treat back leg ischaemic ulcers in a model of type 1 diabetes. The culture mimics the wound-healing ability of the cells, suggesting they could be used as a 'factory' of wound-healing substances.
Azellon has raised £1.6 million in funding for trials of its cell bandage technology, which aims to regenerate damaged knee joints and prevent osteoarthritis. The technology uses a patient's own stem cells to create a 'cell bandage' that can be transplanted into the knee joint.
New research published today disproves the recent comet impact theory that triggered continent-wide wildfires in North America 12,900 years ago. The study found no evidence for large-scale fires across the continent but supports a link between global warming and increased wildfires globally.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have demonstrated an optical device that filters two photons based on their polarisation correlations, a key characteristic of quantum entanglement. This 'entanglement filter' has significant implications for quantum technologies, including computers, communication, and advanced measurement.
By selecting crop varieties with higher solar reflectivity, researchers estimate a global cooling of over 0.1°C, equivalent to 20% of the total global temperature increase since the Industrial Revolution. The study proposes issuing farmers with carbon credits for growing such crops.
The four-eyed spookfish uses mirrors to focus light in its eyes, producing bright and high-contrast images. This unique adaptation gives the fish an edge in the deep sea, where spotting brief flashes of bioluminescent light can mean the difference between eating and being eaten.
A new study published in Nature Cell Biology has discovered a way to increase the length of root hairs on plants, potentially improving crop yields. This method enables plants to take up minerals and water more efficiently, reducing fertiliser waste and promoting sustainable food production.
Researchers found evidence of a mother, father, and two sons aged 8-9 and 4-5 years buried face-to-face with arms interlinked. The graves also showed signs of violent raids and injuries, indicating a tragic event in prehistoric Central Europe.
A new radar breast imaging system has been developed at the University of Bristol, which uses radio waves to create a 3D image of the breast without radiation risk. The system has been trialled at North Bristol NHS Trust and shows promise in detecting abnormalities earlier than current methods.
Researchers at University of Bristol discover how bodies respond to internal distress signals, revealing potential for targeted stem cell therapy in heart patients. Kinin-sensitive EPCs identified as key to repairing blood supply and improving outcomes.
Researchers find fossil river channels in Libya with a distinctly volcanic signature, supporting the theory that monsoon rains fueled rivers to the Mediterranean. The discovery provides an alternative route for early human migrations out of sub-Saharan Africa.
Dinosaurs survived two mass extinctions before evolving into diverse species, taking up to 50 million years to dominate ecosystems. The research challenges the traditional view of rapid expansion and diversification.
Researchers have identified a key role for cytokine interleukin 17 in immune system detection of pneumococcus. This discovery may help develop an effective and affordable vaccine for the disease, which affects young children and the elderly.
A new study reveals that dinosaurs were not superior to their crocodile cousins during the Triassic period. In fact, crurotarsans - a group closely related to dinosaurs and crocodiles - outcompeted them for resources and explored a larger range of body types and lifestyles.
A new drug therapy called VX-770 has shown promising results in improving the quality of life for cystic fibrosis patients. Early trials have demonstrated a 50% decrease in sweat salt concentration and a 10% increase in lung function, offering new hope for this devastating disease.
Researchers studied the Prestin gene in echolocating bats and fruit bats, finding similarities in distantly related species. This suggests that echolocation has evolved more than once in bats, defying conventional wisdom on evolutionary relationships.
Research suggests that changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are the primary cause of Greenland's ice formation, contrary to competing theories. The study uses computer climate and ice-sheet models to show that a decline in CO2 levels led to the long-term growth of the Greenland ice sheet.
Diabetes can cause gangrene and skin ulcers due to restricted blood supply, leading to impaired healing and tissue dysfunction. New therapies may be developed by suppressing the action of p75NTR, a gene responsible for promoting blood vessel growth in diabetes.
A new study of extinct reptiles called kuehneosaurs shows that these early flyers used extraordinary extensions of their ribs to form large gliding surfaces on the side of the body. The research, published in Palaeontology, found that one species was more suited to parachuting than flying.