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University of Bristol


Live animal transport regulations not ‘fit for purpose’, major international study finds

The study's findings highlight serious failures in animal welfare protection during transportation, with all countries falling short of guaranteeing adequate protection. The researchers propose updating the regulations to address major risk factors such as excessively long journeys and hot weather, drawing key future directions for new...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 23, 2024

Feeding mode of ancient vertebrate tested for first time

Researchers use computational fluid dynamics to examine the feeding mode of extinct jawless heterostracans, dismissing the filter feeding hypothesis. The study reveals that forward-facing denticles on oral plates may have prevented oversized food particles from lodging between plates.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 15, 2024

Exposure to high humidity and temperature in pregnancy could influence blood pressure changes in childhood

New research from the University of Bristol found that exposure to high humidity and temperature during pregnancy can influence blood pressure changes in children. The study analyzed over 7,000 participants and found a steeper increase in blood pressure with higher relative humidity and a slower increase with higher temperature.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJACC Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2024

Obesity may not be the only factor to link ultra-processed foods to higher risk of mouth, throat and oesophagus cancers

A new study found that consuming ultra-processed foods is associated with a higher risk of developing upper aerodigestive tract cancers. The study analysed data from 450,111 adults and found that eating more UPFs was linked to a 23% higher risk of head and neck cancer and a 24% higher risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2023

Increased threat of war enhances pup survival

Research from the University of Bristol found that conflict with rival groups increases pup survival rate when threat levels are higher. This challenges the common belief that intergroup conflict has negative consequences on reproductive success.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2023

First-of-its kind hormone replacement treatment shows promise in patient trials

A new hormone replacement therapy, Pulsatility, has shown promising results in improving symptoms and quality of life for patients with adrenal insufficiency conditions. The treatment, which delivers hydrocortisone in a pulsatile pattern, decreased fatigue by 10% and improved mood and energy levels by 30%.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 19, 2023

Eco-friendly bamboo potential mainstream construction material after researchers make break through

Scientists at the University of Bristol have created a prediction model for a simple connection method using screws in bamboo. This innovative approach can help fight climate change by sequestering carbon at a faster rate than traditional wood, taking only four-to-five years to mature.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2023

Software can detect hidden and complex emotions in parents

Researchers developed a software that can accurately detect intricate details of emotions in parents, even in everyday family life. The study uses machine learning techniques to analyze facial expressions from videos taken at home, providing potential early intervention opportunities for mood and mental health disorders.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalFrontiers·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2023

Sperm swimming is caused by the same patterns that are believed to dictate zebra stripes

A new study reveals that sperm tail movement follows the same mathematical template as zebra stripes and other natural patterns. This discovery, published in Nature Communications, suggests that flagellar undulations can arise spontaneously without external influence, using a reaction-diffusion system first proposed by Alan Turing.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

New dual-arm robot achieves bimanual tasks by learning from simulation

Researchers at the University of Bristol developed a novel Bi-Touch system enabling robots to perform manual tasks with human-like dexterity. The system uses simulation-based training for AI agents, which are then applied to real-world scenarios, achieving precise sensing, gentle interaction, and effective object manipulation.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2023

Butterfly species’ big brains adapted giving them a survival edge, study finds

Scientists at the University of Bristol found that Heliconius butterflies' brains grew as they adopted a novel foraging behaviour, allowing them to collect and digest pollen, which gives them an adult source of protein. The findings suggest that brain structure and function are closely linked to ecological niche and behaviour.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 12, 2023

Significant variations in hip fracture health costs and care between NHS hospitals and regions, study finds

A new study by the University of Bristol highlights significant variations in healthcare spending and care delivery across NHS hospitals following hip fracture. The research found that patients who received timely orthogeriatrician assessment and physiotherapy had lower costs and reduced risk of delirium.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·TypeObservational study·DateJul 10, 2023

Beak shape can predict nest material use in the world’s birds, study finds

Researchers used machine learning algorithms to predict nest material use based on beak shape and size, correctly identifying broad materials in 60% of species. The study explores ecological and evolutionary context behind these relationships, with potential applications in understanding animal manipulation and evolution.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 9, 2023

Warmer and murkier waters favour predators of guppies, study finds

Changes in water conditions impact how Trinidadian guppies protect themselves from predators. The interaction of increased temperature and reduced visibility causes fish to form looser protective shoals. This study contributes to understanding the dynamics between prey and predators in a rapidly changing world.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2023

Long COVID not caused by COVID-19 immune inflammatory response, new research finds

Researchers at University of Bristol found that Long Covid is not caused by an immune inflammatory reaction to COVID-19. Instead, persistent immune activation and inflammation may persist for months after COVID-19, correlating with severe disease. The study suggests a new direction for understanding and potentially treating this debili...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournaleLife·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2023