A new technology, in the form of a wristband with colored buttons, allows children to communicate their play intentions and facilitate inclusive play. Researchers hope this innovation will enable both neurodivergent and neurotypical children to connect and play together.
A new project identified the top 10 priorities in global burns care research, focusing on psychological effects, cost-effective treatments, and long-term care. The study surveyed over 1,600 people across 88 countries to guide future research and treatment improvements worldwide.
Researchers have developed a new method using CRISPR to identify microorganisms in natural environments, providing a clearer picture of the communities present. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of how microbes support ecosystem health and promote sustainable agriculture.
Researchers discovered a 'brinkmanship' game between rival genes in mammals that could explain why many fertilized eggs don't result in a new life. The study found that the stakes are raised, resulting in either the boldest gene triumphant or mutual self-destruction.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered a novel way to accelerate accurate quantum measurements by trading space for time using additional qubits. This method enables faster and more confident measurements without sacrificing accuracy, with potential applications in leading quantum hardware platforms.
A study led by University of Bristol found that COVID-19 pandemic reduced elective surgery in children with CHD, but did not increase post-operative complications or death. The research suggests prioritizing urgent and emergency procedures may be appropriate during healthcare disruptions.
A new study provides unprecedented light on the Transpolar Drift's transport system and factors controlling its dynamics. The findings indicate that warmer temperatures could increase the spread of human-made pollutants in the Arctic.
Researchers at the University of Bristol and international partners discover a non-toxic form of fluorine that replicates its unique properties, making it suitable as a water-repellent substitute for PFAS. The breakthrough has significant implications for industries using PFAS in various products.
Engineers at University of Bristol spin-out company Impulsonics have created a technology that can move cells using acoustic waves, enabling critical lab tasks to be carried out on a benchtop device. This innovation has the potential to accelerate drug discovery and unlock personalized medicine screening in clinics.
A new study suggests that smartwatches can provide a more accurate picture of people's daily drinking habits than current methods. The technology shows promise for future alcohol interventions, which could help reduce the £3.5 billion annual cost to NHS England and save lives.
New research reveals mammals were shifting toward a more ground-based lifestyle several million years before the dinosaurs' mass extinction event. Analyzing small-fossilized bone fragments, scientists found signs of locomotory habit in end of limb bones from marsupial and placental mammals.
Researchers at the University of Bristol discovered that cuttlefish employ a novel form of motion camouflage by displaying dark stripes on their head and arms. This allows them to disguise their hunting movements and deceive their prey's visual system, overwhelming it with strong dynamic motion cues.
A University of Bristol-led study suggests electric scooter schemes reduce bicycle collisions by around 20% in the UK. The research found that even after COVID-19 restrictions lifted, e-scooter scheme areas saw a significant decrease in serious and fatal bicycle collisions.
A new study from the University of Bristol found an association between fish intake and the behavioural development of children. Children who consumed the least amounts of seafood at 7-years-old were likely to be less 'prosocial' at ages 7 and 9 years compared to those who regularly consumed seafood.
Researchers found that ancient frog relatives thrived after the Permian-Triassic mass extinction due to their generalist feeding ecology and ability to feed on a wide variety of prey. They were able to survive and even flourish in freshwater habitats, which provided them with stable food resources amidst the turbulent Triassic ecosystem.
Researchers at the University of Bristol discovered that emus and rheas can solve tricky problems to gain access to food. The study found that these large birds created one new technique in 90% of cases, showcasing their ability to innovate.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed 'synthetic worms' that can move independently using active matter, a new class of materials. The 3D structures were created by applying an electric field to micron-sized particles suspended in a liquid mixture, and exhibit fascinating life-like behavior.
A new study published in the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery found that mechanical heart valve replacements have better long-term survival rates compared to biological valves. Patients who received mechanical valves had improved survival up to 13 years after surgery, with smaller valves showing greater benefits.
A new study from the University of Bristol reveals that child mortality in England has increased since the pandemic lifted, with a temporary decrease in deaths during lockdowns. The research found that children from non-white backgrounds faced higher rates of death compared to white children, highlighting existing healthcare inequalities.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed porous ground treatments that can drastically reduce drone noise by up to 30 dB, improving aerodynamics and enhancing thrust and power coefficients. These innovative surfaces can be applied to vertiports and buildings to create quieter urban skies.
Researchers found that most parents (78%) who worried about their child's weight were open to support and nearly all (98%) accepted a referral to relevant children's services. Parents preferred individualized support and focused on being healthy rather than just weight loss.
Researchers advise reprogramming and repurposing robots for sustainable use, as current recycling methods are often ineffective. The study aims to challenge the robotics industry to design for a circular economy, addressing challenges such as economic viability and technical capability.
A new study has revealed the alarming extent to which glaciers have shrunk over the past 40 years in Svalbard, with an area loss of over 800 km² detected. The research found that more than half of the glaciers undergo seasonal cycles in glacier calving, highlighting the vulnerability of these ice masses to climate change.
Regular aerobic exercise has been shown to significantly reduce disease markers associated with Alzheimer's, protecting healthy brain cells and restoring balance in the aging brain. The study highlights the potential for aerobic exercise to serve as a cornerstone in preventive strategies for Alzheimer's.
Researchers at the University of Bristol found no increase in cortisol release after waking, contrary to long-held assumptions. The study's findings suggest that daily cortisol rhythms may play a more significant role in regulating stress responses.
A new study finds that sabre-toothed predators' long, sharp blades were optimal for puncturing prey. The research also challenges traditional ideas on the diversity of sabre-tooth shapes among different species.
Research using novel underwater infrared cameras reveals that artificial light wakes sleeping fish and attracts predators to coral reefs at night, changing community composition. This alteration is concerning as it may be essential for regenerating energy and maintaining fitness in marine life.
Researchers have identified new potential therapeutic targets for diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a leading cause of kidney failure. The study reveals common and cell-type-specific changes caused by insulin-resistance, representing new targets for pharmacological or targeted gene therapy approaches.
A University of Bristol study found that jaw shape evolution in lepidosaurs is influenced by a complex interplay of factors beyond ecology, including phylogeny and allometry. Snakes exhibit unique jaw morphologies due to their flexible skulls and extreme mechanics.
Researchers found that freshwater fish populations near the poles are outperforming their equatorial counterparts due to warming temperatures. Species with larger body sizes and higher trophic levels are responding positively to climate change.
A new study found that factors beyond carbohydrates, such as exercise and hormones, play a substantial role in regulating blood glucose levels in people with Type 1 Diabetes. The research highlights the complexity of glucose regulation and the need for personalized insulin dosing approaches.
A culturally appropriate women-centred intervention improved healthcare systems' response to domestic violence, increasing identification rates by up to 100% and boosting worker confidence. The programme addressed specific challenges in four countries, including socio-economic disparities and conflict-related issues.
A fossilized skeleton found in Bristol has been identified as Cryptovaranoides microlanius, a tiny lizard with sharp teeth, and dated to the Triassic period. The discovery shifts the origin of the Squamata group back by 35 million years, confirming its relationship to modern anguimorphs.
Researchers discovered that synchronized movement between humans and robots builds trust, which can improve the success of human-robot teams. The study found that users who reported lower trust in the robots mirrored their movements less, suggesting that co-movement could be used to detect problems with user trust.
A new study reveals that tiny ocean organisms called plankton are struggling to adapt to the current speed of temperature rises, putting marine life at peril. The research highlights the urgent need for collective action to reduce carbon emissions and limit global warming to below 2°C.
Researchers found that hip implants with delta ceramic or oxidised zirconium head and highly crosslinked polyethylene liner or cup had the lowest risk of revision during 15 years after surgery. The study used data from over 1 million hip replacement patients in England and Wales to identify optimal implant materials.
A new study reveals nearly one in five people in Small Island Developing States are exposed to coastal and inland flooding, trebling to over 60% in some countries. Climate change is exacerbating the risk of flooding across these nations, with even a 1.5°C increase projected to affect over 20% of populations.
A new study reveals that naturally occurring iron minerals can oxidise arsenite, making it less harmful to humans. The breakthrough has the potential to improve water and food safety globally, particularly in regions with high levels of arsenic pollution.
A new study found that moving clocks forward and backward in spring and autumn causes a substantial but short-lived effect on sleep duration. While men tend to catch up on lost sleep, women experience increased insomnia and sleep difficulties after clock changes.
Researchers found that gardens can sustain pollinators by providing between 50% and 95% of total nectar during critical times. Gardening can help reverse pollinator decline, even in rural areas with small towns nearby.
A species of tropical butterfly with expanded brain structures demonstrates a remarkable ability to learn and remember spatial information about food sources. The study reveals that specific aspects of neural circuits have been tweaked to bring about enhanced cognitive capacities in Heliconius butterflies.
A new Lancet Commission report urges policy action on societal drivers and health services' response to self-harm, which affects 14 million people annually. The report highlights the need for compassionate support and responsible reporting on self-harm, particularly among young people in low- and middle-income countries.
The study uncovers a 'mammalian-style' contact between the skull and lower jaw in a cynodont species, indicating that the defining mammalian jaw feature evolved multiple times in different lineages. This complex evolutionary history suggests that early mammals experimented with various jaw functions, leading to the evolution of 'mammal...
The study sheds new light on the Permian-Triassic extinction, finding that Mega El Niño events drove the extinction, while climate warming and extreme weather events exacerbated its effects. The research highlights the problem of global warming not just being unbearably hot but also a case of conditions swinging wildly over decades.
A new report published in The Lancet Planetary Health highlights the increasing health dangers posed by long-term weather extremes in the UK. The study finds that prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can lead to various health issues, including reduced physical activity and dementia.
A recent study by University of Bristol scientists found that the novel pesticide flupyradifurone is lethal to mason bees at field-realistic concentrations. The research also revealed sublethal effects on bees, including reduced nesting behavior and lower survival rates.
A new study by the University of Bristol reveals that animals feigning death to avoid predators will seek safety in a suitable environment. The study found that the movement dynamics of antlion larvae after feigning death depend on the available escape strategies.
A pioneering study found that factories globally are not properly destroying emissions of a super-greenhouse gas emitted from the production of fluoropolymers like Teflon and refrigerants. The researchers used a novel technique to measure actual emissions, revealing a discrepancy between reported and real levels.
A groundbreaking study found that incorporating varied habitats into landscapes enhances biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Multi-habitat landscapes host a higher number of species and demonstrate improved ecological functions, including better pollination services.
New research forecasts that worldwide flooding will increase by around half between 2020 and the turn of the century if countries fail to meet carbon emission pledges. In a low-emissions scenario, flood risk is anticipated to grow 7% between 2020 and 2050.