By 16 months, toddlers use the left parietal cortex and both sides of the prefrontal cortex more extensively, enabling them to follow simple instructions and control impulses. The study found that brain changes occur despite no improvement in observable skills between 10 and 16 months.
A study by University of Bristol scientists reveals that ancient large kangaroo Protemnodon was a poor hopper and likely moved mainly on four legs. The research confirms previous findings on the anatomy of Protemnodon's humerus, showing it habitually put more weight on its forelimbs than modern kangaroos.
Experts at the University of Bristol have identified potential hazards in AI research for engineering biology, including inconsistencies in measurements and privacy concerns. The study proposes additional data hazard labels to describe these risks, aiming to ensure the safe development of novel biological compounds.
Researchers have discovered exceptionally preserved trilobite fossils, over 500 million years old, that provide detailed information about the anatomy and behavior of these ancient creatures. The findings, published in Science, reveal new insights into the evolution of life on Earth.
Scientists found that ammonite diversity flourished in Earth's oceans for over 350 million years before dying out with dinosaurs. New research shows their fate was not set in stone, but rather the result of regional changes in speciation and extinction rates.
A new study reveals significant declines in atmospheric levels of potent ozone-depleting substances and harmful greenhouse gases, confirming the success of the Montreal Protocol. The findings show a notable reduction in HCFCs, which are also contributing to global warming.
A new study finds that juvenile male dolphins with strong social bonds practice adult-like reproductive behaviors when playing together, and those who spend more time practicing will father more offspring as adults. The research provides rare evidence for a link between juvenile social play and reproductive success in a wild animal.
Researchers have identified the remains of a local prehistoric marine reptile as belonging to a thalattosaur, a large sea-lizard that behaved like an otter. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about its identity and provides new insights into the animal's diet and behavior.
Scientists have found that declining snowfall is boosting chances of water shortages in the summer, as seasonal flows are changing. This change in seasonal patterns affects ecosystem health, food security, and hydropower generation.
A team from the University of Bristol has made a significant discovery at Lavernock Point, revealing early Welsh dinosaurs lived on a tropical lowland beside the sea. The fossils found include those of placodonts, coelacanths, and dinosaur remains, providing insights into the evolutionary history of these species.
Researchers found that mycelium composites, made from fungi and agricultural residues, can have a greater environmental impact than conventional fossil-fuel-based materials in countries like South Africa. The technology's overall potential damage on the environment can be mitigated by incorporating alternative energy sources.
A study of over 9,000 participants found that small increases in fine particulate matter during pregnancy and childhood were associated with more psychotic experiences and depression symptoms later in life. Higher noise pollution exposure in childhood and teenage years was linked to increased anxiety symptoms.
Caterpillars respond defensively to electric fields similar to those emitted by their natural predators. The study found that caterpillar hairs move in response to electric fields and are most sensitive to frequencies corresponding to wingbeat frequencies of other insects.
Researchers at the University of Bristol are using drones to harness wind energy and reduce carbon emissions. The project aims to improve safety and efficiency in Airborne Wind Energy Systems (AWES), which has the potential to generate €70 billion worth of electricity by 2050.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have integrated a quantum light detector smaller than a human hair onto a silicon chip, enabling high speed quantum communications and optical quantum computers. The detection technology operates at room temperature and can be used for various applications, including sensing and communications.
Higher childhood body size may reduce breast cancer risk by forming less dense breast tissue, which is a known risk factor for the disease. The study found that over 50% of the protective effect is explained by changes in dense breast tissue.
A snail-inspired robot has been developed to mimic the motion of a snail, featuring a sliding suction mechanism that enables it to slide on water and climb walls. The robot achieves comparable sliding ability as snails, carrying loads up to 1kg without energy consumption.
New regulations in China significantly reduced daily sedentary time by 13.8% and increased students' likelihood of meeting screen time recommendations. The measures, which restricted online gaming and homework assignments, were found to be effective in improving children's physical and mental wellbeing.
A new study challenges previous claims that dinosaurs like T. rex were exceptionally intelligent, finding their brain size and neuron counts to be unreliable estimates of intelligence. The researchers argue that relying on single lines of evidence, such as neuron counts, can lead to misleading interpretations.
Researchers found that increased CO2 concentrations prolong the life of SARS-CoV-2 variants in airborne particles, increasing transmission risk. Fresh air with lower CO2 levels can inactivate viruses faster, making opening windows an effective mitigation strategy.
A new laser-based approach using Raman spectroscopy can quickly and non-destructively identify elephant ivory from legal mammoth tusk. The technology has been shown to provide accurate species identification, offering a valuable tool for customs enforcement and combating the illegal ivory trade.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have derived a formula to assess the quality of components in fields like aerospace using laser-based ultrasonic array sensors. This breakthrough could lead to radically new designs, quicker production processes, and significant commercial advantage for UK manufacturing.
A new robotic suction cup mimics the adhesive properties of octopus suckers to grasp complex surfaces like rocks and shells. The device uses a multi-layer soft structure and artificial fluidic system to achieve long-lasting suction with minimal overflow.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have solved the mystery of how futuristic aircraft embedded engines make noise. They discovered that the noise pattern changes depending on the fan's thrust level, with higher thrust producing a noise similar to traditional fans and lower thrust causing the duct itself to make more noise.
A study published in Nature found that changes in marine plankton communities can precede mass extinctions. Researchers used a database of fossil records to analyze how plankton responded to climate change over millions of years, revealing that community shifts often occur before losses of biodiversity.
A new study estimates that opioid dependence in Scotland has remained relatively stable since 2014/15, affecting 1.3% of the adult population aged 15-64. The prevalence of opioid dependence among those aged 50-64 increased by 2,800, while those aged 15-34 decreased by 5,100.
A new study found that individuals who experienced weight-related pressure from family or media as teenagers are at higher risk of internalized weight stigma as adults. The research, published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe, highlights the importance of addressing weight stigma and bullying to promote better mental health outcomes.
A new study has unveiled key insights into the evolution of oxygen, carbon, and essential elements over Earth's entire history. The research reveals how the buildup of carbon-rich rocks accelerated oxygen production and its release into the atmosphere.
A UK study found that majority of rabbit owners could identify pain and pain-free rabbits but lacked knowledge on subtle signs, highlighting the need for education and training.
Researchers found no significant differences between standard and keyhole surgical incision types on short-term clinical outcomes, physical function recovery, or NHS resource costs for oesophageal cancer patients. The ROMIO study suggests that surgeons can maintain their preferred procedure type without compromising patient care.
A new study found that making draught alcohol-free beer more widely available in pubs and bars can lead to a five per cent reduction in sales of alcoholic drinks, equivalent to 51 pints per week. This change increases the options available to customers without restricting their choice.
A single heatwave has been found to damage the fertility of both male and female tsetse flies, with more daughters being born than sons. This effect on fertility is particularly concerning given the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves due to climate change.
A new study from the University of Bristol's Science of Happiness course found that teaching students evidence-informed habits like gratitude and meditation improves wellbeing. However, these benefits are short-lived unless the habits are kept up over time.
A study found that empathetic communication can significantly improve attitudes towards vaccination and build trust with health professionals. The research, led by the University of Bristol, used a novel dialogue-based technique to address misinformation and misconceptions about vaccines.
A new web-based baby sleep planner tool, developed by researchers at the University of Bristol, has been shown to improve the uptake of life-saving advice for families with infants at increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The tool provides a baby's SUDI risk assessment at birth and a downloadable sleep plan for families.
Researchers found that a significant shift in synapsid jaw function occurred roughly 270 million years ago, linked to a change in predatory behavior with important implications for the evolution of our earliest ancestors. As herbivores grew larger and faster, carnivores adapted to become bigger and better predators to survive.
A new computer model mimics Moon dust, allowing for smoother and safer Lunar robot operations. The model can be used to train astronauts ahead of Lunar missions, reducing delays and improving control.
Research at the University of Bristol found that droughts trigger behavioral changes leading to higher instances of HIV transmission among women in rural sub-Saharan Africa. The study suggests that climate change may exacerbate this issue, particularly for women who rely on farming as their livelihood.
A new University of Bristol-led study finds that infants of non-White ethnicities are at a greater risk of death than their White counterparts. The analysis highlights the need to tackle factors driving infant mortality, with preterm birth being a significant contributor to this risk.
Researchers found that blueberry blue color comes from external wax structures, not pigments in the skin. These structures scatter blue and UV light, giving blueberries their blue appearance to humans and birds.
The first dinosaurs were faster and more dynamic than their competitors, maintaining a wider range of running styles. This adaptability allowed them to diversify and thrive after the end-Triassic mass extinction, leading to their success on Earth for so long.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered how ermine moths produce ultrasonic warning sounds using an 'aeroelastic tymbal'. The mechanism involves the snap-through buckling of a corrugated membrane, amplifying sound production through resonance. This study sheds light on the biomechanics behind moth defense mechanisms.
A new species of pterosaur from the Middle Jurassic of Scotland expands our understanding of its evolution. The discovery sheds light on the early diversification of flying reptiles, with Ceoptera evansae showcasing a significant period of evolution and distribution.
A new type of inhibitor drug has shown promise in preventing microvascular diabetic complications, including diabetic eye and kidney disease. Researchers have developed a novel class of drugs that target the glycocalyx lining, which is damaged in diabetes.
A new study led by University of Bristol researchers found that weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes can alter levels of cancer-related chemicals circulating in the blood. Nine cancer-related proteins were changed by the weight loss intervention, suggesting a potential reduction in cancer risk.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that higher maternal body mass index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of several pregnancy complications, including high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia. However, being overweight also has a lower risk of anaemia during pregnancy and low birthweight babies. The research used mul...
Leading scientists propose a new global advisory system to address the alarming impacts of urban expansion, which would fulfil a similar function as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The system aims to manage sustainable growth of cities and protect vital Earth systems.
A study published in Journal of Ecology found that forest canopies do not follow fractal patterns, despite exhibiting similar deviations from fractality across diverse ecosystems. The researchers used airborne laser scanning data to compare forest heights and deviated scaling with fractality.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered a significant connection between specific weather patterns and power faults. The study shows that winter weather patterns characterized by high wind speeds and precipitation volumes are responsible for many instances of power outages through wind, gale, and lightning strikes. Hig...
A three-year study has provided the first reliable estimate of giraffe population size for the region, revealing a mere 27 individuals remain within Bénoué National Park. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this subspecies from extinction due to threats from poaching and human pressures.