A new study calls for anti-racist and holistic models of care to address ethnic inequalities in mental healthcare. The research highlights the need to consider social factors, racism, and cultural aspects of illness to produce equitable care.
Researchers found that adult hospitalisations from Omicron-related SARS-CoV-2 infections were less severe than those from Delta infections. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was effective in preventing hospitalisations and severe outcomes, even with increasing Omicron variant transmissibility.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have created a new technique to construct rare molecules found in Bahamian sediments, which could lead to cheaper and more accessible treatments for diseases. The breakthrough reduces the production time of these complex molecules from over 20 steps to just 14.
A new fossil discovery in a London storeroom has revealed that modern lizards originated in the Late Triassic period, 35 million years earlier than previously thought. The fossil, Cryptovaranoides microlanius, is a relative of living lizards and snakes, and its characteristics impact estimates of lizard evolution and diversification.
Researchers have identified a tailor-made pocket feature in the spike glycoproteins of deadly coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, MERS, and Omicron. This finding could lead to the development of a pan-coronavirus treatment that exploits this pocket feature to stop virus infectivity.
Researchers at the University of Bristol found that social bees have larger foraging ranges due to traits like body size, colony size, communication, and flower constancy. This has significant implications for predicting pollination services and creating effective conservation strategies for bees and plants.
Research at the University of Bristol found that fertilizers alter the electric field around flowers for up to 25 minutes, reducing bee feeding effort. This impact can last longer than natural fluctuations and causes a reduction in pollination in nature.
A majority of gig economy workers report feeling threatened by online reviews, which can negatively impact their earnings. The study found that algorithms used to rank workers are opaque and volatile, leaving workers vulnerable to malicious customers. This 'reputational insecurity' is creating instability in the workforce, with some wo...
A new method of modifying our immune system has been demonstrated in a study published in Advanced Science, which could help treat skin cancer.
Researchers found increasing water storage in recent decades, despite declining long rains season, which points to a potential silver lining for climate adaptation. Groundwater may support increasingly food and water insecure rural populations in the Horn of Africa drylands.
Researchers found that adding eco-friendly ratings on menu items increased the likelihood of diners choosing more sustainable options. The study showed a significant increase in sustainable food choices, particularly among those already motivated to act sustainably.
Researchers have developed a strong seaweed-based separator to prevent dendrite growth in sodium-metal batteries, increasing storage capacity and efficiency. The breakthrough paves the way for greener and more efficient energy storage systems, reducing reliance on scarce materials like lithium.
Early Jurassic ichthyosaur juveniles showed predatory specializations, with physical differences in their snouts indicating distinct diets. The study used CT scans and biomechanical testing to confirm that the slender-snouted ichthyosaurs had a quick but weak bite, while the broad-snouted ichthyosaurs had a slow but powerful bite.
Archaeologists from the University of Bristol have found a pattern in the distribution of ancient stone spheres across the Aegean and Mediterranean. The spheres fit two major clusters, suggesting they were used as counters for a board game. This discovery provides new insights into social interaction in the Bronze Age Aegean.
A fossil discovery has revealed that ancient fish possessed paired fins, challenging the current understanding of vertebrate fin evolution. The findings suggest that these fins first evolved as a continuous head-to-tail precursor, which later differentiated into pectoral and pelvic fins.
A 518-million-year-old fossilized worm named Wufengella has shed light on the evolution of three major animal groups: brachiopods, phoronids, and bryozoans. The discovery reveals that these ancient animals shared a common ancestor with segmented worms.
A study analyzing millions of tweets reveals that Republican Congress members share more links to untrustworthy sources, compared to their European counterparts. This trend is particularly concerning given the upcoming US midterm elections and the role of social media in shaping public perceptions.
A study by the University of Bristol and Namibian Ministry found no statistically significant differences in population growth factors between dehorned and horned black rhinos. The research suggests that dehorning is not a hindrance to black rhino reproduction or survival, reassuring its use as an anti-poaching deterrent.
Researchers have developed a method to build complex synthetic cells using living bacteria, capable of producing energy-rich molecules and synthesizing RNA and proteins. The protocells' inherited bacterial components remained active, enabling the construction of self-sustainable ATP production systems.
Researchers found that insects have a weak ability to acclimate to high temperatures, with only small compensations of 10-15°C. Juvenile insects show greater resilience, but this may be limited to specific critical periods. The study highlights the need for further research on insect responses to climate change.
Researchers discovered that tetrapods had more complex connections between skull bones than fish, limiting their evolution for millions of years. This complexity resulted in a single, consolidated skull unit, whereas fish ancestors had multiple distinct sections.
Scientists have uncovered evidence of cereal cooking, dairy products and meat-based dishes in ancient pots from Scottish crannogs. Cereal biomarkers were detected in one-third of pots, providing the earliest biomolecular evidence for cereals in absorbed pottery residues.
The new equation developed by University of Bristol scientists can be used to model accurately particle motion through porous materials like biological tissues, polymers, rocks, and sponges. This could lead to exciting advances in medical procedures, natural gas extraction, and plastic packaging production.
A study analyzing over 4,131 pregnant mothers found that the essential nutrients in fish can protect against mercury content and that frequency of fish consumption is a more important factor than type. The researchers argue for revising current advice warning pregnant women not to eat certain types of fish.
Male bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay form complex alliances to increase access to females and reproductive success. Their multi-level alliance network, the largest outside humans, shows cooperative relationships can emerge without unique human features.
A new study found no difference in sexual enjoyment between women who gave birth via caesarean section and those who delivered vaginally. However, women who had a caesarean section were more likely to report sex-related pain at later stages postpartum.
Scientists have discovered that Saccorhytus, a microscopic creature thought to be an early human ancestor, is actually part of a different family tree. The analysis revealed complex spines around its mouth and a lack of anus, indicating it is an ecdysoszoan, a group containing arthropods and nematodes.
Scientists at the University of Bristol discovered that fungal diversity stems from evolutionary increases in multicellular complexity. The study found that fungal disparity has evolved episodically through time, with greater morphological variety emerging after the emergence of multicellular fungi and complex fruiting bodies.
A new study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe found that over 55% of respiratory disease hospitalisations during the pandemic's peak were caused by non-SARS-CoV-2 infections. Non-COVID-19 respiratory infections are expected to increase this winter, posing a significant burden on healthcare systems.
Scientists created a robot that mimics rock ants' one-to-one tuition to understand teaching methods. The study found the robot successfully taught route to an apprentice ant, which then learned and led others, revealing key elements of teaching in these ants.
Scientists have discovered that volcanic super eruptions occur when huge accumulations of magma deep in the Earth's crust move rapidly to the surface, disrupting pre-existing rock. This process takes place over millions of years, but the magma disrupts the crust and then erupts in just a few decades.
Researchers at University of Bristol developed mathematical models to assess biomarkers for detecting glioblastomas, a type of brain cancer. The study found that lowering the current biomarker threshold could lead to earlier detection using blood tests.
The Slender Pitcher Plant's springboard trapping mechanism is powered by extrinsically sourced energy from falling raindrops. The unique geometry of the plant's tubular pitcher wall and hanging lid maximizes impact energy transmission into downward movement.
A new DNA repair-kit successfully fixed genetic mutations causing Steroid Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome (SRNS) in patient-derived kidney cells. The kit, developed by University of Bristol scientists, uses a modified baculovirus to deliver larger DNA pieces and build them into human genomes.
A new study finds that famine and disease, not increased milk consumption, led to the evolution of lactose tolerance in European populations. Prehistoric people consumed milk extensively, but it wasn't until around 1,000 BC that the genetic trait for lactase persistence became common.
A large study suggests that differences in growth, weight, and body fat levels among children conceived through fertility treatment are small and not apparent by late adolescence. The study found minimal health implications from these differences.
Two studies found that dogs fed on a diet of raw meat were more likely to excrete antibiotic-resistant E. coli in their faeces. The research suggests that not feeding raw meat to dogs may help reduce the circulation of critically important antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A new model reconstructs marine animal diversity from 550 million years ago to present, revealing long-term stability and development of biodiversity hotspots. The findings support the idea that ecosystems can support high levels of diversity, but regions hosting hotspots may be close to their limit.
A study published in The American Journal of Medicine found that regular physical activity can substantially reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease in individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants with higher levels of fitness showed a significantly lower risk of developing the disease, even among those with low soc...
Scientists at the University of Bristol found that habitat differences in Amazonian rainforests predict changes in brain structure, particularly in areas processing visual information. The study used 160 samples across 16 species and highlights the importance of visual ecology in shaping entire animal communities.
Researchers predict plankton will store more carbon in the coming century due to climate warming. However, uncertainty remains for storage beyond the end of the century, which could impact future climate change.
New research by Professor Susan Harkness reveals that motherhood earning penalties have a significant impact on the economic wellbeing of single mothers. The study found that labour market penalties, cost of partner absence and child-related increases in financial needs combine to negatively affect single mothers' income.
A laboratory study published in PNAS found that SARS-CoV-2 virus can lose 90% of its infectivity when in aerosol particles within 20 minutes. The loss is strongly dependent on low relative humidity and pH, with a decrease in airborne infectivity observed at levels below 50%.
New research reveals NHS weight policies are associated with a decline in knee replacement surgery rates, disproportionately affecting less affluent groups. The study found that regions introducing BMI-based policies saw a decrease in surgery, potentially worsening health inequalities.
A new study reveals that bottom burrowing animals were among the first to recover after the end-Permian mass extinction. The research, led by Dr. Xueqian Feng, used ancient sea bed burrows and trails to reconstruct the recovery stages of various animal groups.
Severe brain bleeds in babies have been linked to long-term sight problems, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed data from 32 children who experienced Grade 3 or 4 intraventricular haemorrhage and found that those with more severe bleeding had worse visual outcomes.
After the Permian mass extinction, life on land and in oceans experienced a 'Triassic revolution' with rapid adaptation and evolution of animals. Animals grew back faster and smarter, with predators becoming meaner and prey adapting new survival strategies.
A pioneering study shows that climate change was the primary driver of the location of ancient coral reefs, which once extended far beyond the tropics. The researchers used habitat modeling and reconstructions of past climates to predict the distribution of suitable environments for coral reefs over the last 250 million years.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered that moth wing scales can absorb up to 87% of incoming sound energy, even when placed on an artificial surface. This finding has huge implications for building acoustics and travel industries, with potential applications for ultrathin sound absorbing panels.
A team of scientists from the University of Bristol has identified a host cell pathway hijacked by SARS-CoV-2, allowing it to penetrate human cells. The study found that removing a protein complex called ESCPE-1 blocks COVID-19 infection by around 50%.