Researchers analyzed data from the Office for National Statistics to estimate occupational risk from COVID-19 among school staff. The study found that mortality rates among teachers were low compared to many other occupations.
A new study published in Ecology Letters reveals a global decline in the resilience of vertebrate populations, with accelerating loss of ecological functions and services. The research found that cumulative effects of anthropogenic threats such as climate change, invasive species, habitat loss, and pollution are driving this loss.
Researchers found that humour emerges as early as 1 month, with different types of humour developing at various ages. By 11 months, half the children were producing humour, often within a few hours. The study identified 21 types of humour in young children, shedding light on their cognitive, social, and mental health development.
Flowering plants dramatically increased Earth's biodiversity and rebuilt entire ecosystems after the dinosaur extinction. Angiosperms' unique features, such as colorful flowers and adaptations for insect pollination, drove their success.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that losartan, commonly used to treat high blood pressure, did not significantly slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease in people with mild-to-moderate symptoms. However, the drug may still be beneficial for those with early-stage disease if prescribed for longer periods.
Researchers found that fast-evolving lepidosaurs were more likely to go extinct than slow-evolving rhynchocephalians. The study suggests that the 'slow and steady wins the race' approach may not be as effective for all species.
A study published in Microbiology Spectrum found that parent-collected nose swabs outperform nurse-collected swabs in detecting respiratory infections in children, with high inter-rater agreement rates for viral and bacterial infections. The study's findings suggest that parents can collect high-quality samples, and this method may be ...
Researchers analyzed 70 primary teeth from children to identify potential links between maternal stress during pregnancy and thicker growth lines in tooth enamel. Thicker lines were found in children of mothers with severe depression or anxiety, while those receiving social support had thinner lines.
Wild dwarf mongooses have sufficient cognitive ability to monitor vocal cues about aggressive interactions and remember who the bullies are. After a conflict, subordinate group members groom with each other more than usual and ignore perceived aggressors.
A large UK Biobank cohort study found that Preserved Ratio Impaired Spirometry (PRISm) is strongly associated with an increased risk of death and comorbidities. PRISm was linked to symptoms such as breathlessness, cardiovascular disease, and multimorbidity.
Researchers found that giant pandas' high-contrast pattern helps them blend in with dark shades, tree trunks, and ground color, providing effective camouflage. The study also revealed that the panda's disruptive coloration breaks up its outline at longer viewing distances.
A systematic review of tobacco cessation pharmacotherapies and e-cigarettes found that combined treatments, particularly varenicline and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), were the most effective in helping people quit smoking. E-cigarettes showed promise but require further research to establish their safety.
Birds learn to associate ragwort flowers with danger and avoid toxic prey by recognizing the plant's distinctive yellow coloration. This behavior enhances their protection against predators.
Researchers investigated whether allergic diseases cause mental health conditions, finding little evidence of a causal relationship. The study used Mendelian Randomisation to identify genetic variants linked to allergies and mental health, but found no associations between the two.
A study found that intelligent bird species in captivity struggle with mental stimulation, leading to welfare problems. Providing naturalistic diets and enrichment items can improve care for large-brained parrots.
A team of researchers at Bristol's Quantum Engineering and Technology Labs has developed a silicon photonic chip that can protect quantum bits from errors using photons. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of more powerful quantum computers by reducing the fragility of qubits.
A large trial found that antibiotic amoxicillin has little effect on relieving symptoms in children with uncomplicated chest infections. The study also highlights the need for 'safety-netting' advice to parents, explaining illness course and when re-attendance may be necessary.
Research by the University of Bristol found that children born to depressed mothers are more likely to develop depressive symptoms by age 24, with scores almost three points higher than offspring of non-depressed mothers. The study highlights the importance of antenatal and postnatal depression support.
Researchers have developed an AI-powered platform that allows scientists to grow virtual tumors and optimize nanoparticle designs using artificial intelligence. The new EVONANO platform has the potential to improve targeted cancer treatments, enabling personalized therapies for individual patients.
A Bristol-led research team has identified specific receptors for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine that re-route information flowing through memory circuits in the hippocampus. The discovery holds promise for developing new, safer treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.
Researchers found that certain moth species' wingtips reflect sound strongly, distracting bats and saving the moths' lives. The unique structures also evolved to act as hemispheric and corner retroreflectors, reflecting sound back to its point of origin.
A new study by University of Bristol researchers found that people's comfort in their surroundings affects their walking patterns, with those feeling relaxed having regular stepping patterns regardless of environment. The study suggests well-designed urban environments can benefit wellbeing, concentration, and attention similar to natu...
A study published in BMJ Open found that brief exposure to misinformation about e-cigarette harms on Twitter can deter adult smokers from considering using e-cigarettes. Conversely, some US adult smokers may be encouraged to use e-cigarettes after being exposed to tweets that claim they are completely harmless.
A new protocol for prone positioning has been developed to improve oxygen levels in COVID-19 patients at high risk of dying. The technique, which involves turning patients on their front, shows dramatic improvements in oxygenation and is cost-effective, with studies suggesting longer periods may be more beneficial.
The study highlights the need for vaccination in Africa, where 890 million people lack on-site water and 700 million lack in-home soap/washing facilities. Researchers emphasize that physical distancing and mask-wearing can reduce transmission by at least 80%.
Researchers at the University of Bristol used molecular computer simulations to understand how laboratory evolution transforms inefficient designer biocatalysts into highly active enzymes. They found that evolution 'tunes' the flexibility of the whole protein, allowing it to accelerate chemical reactions.
Researchers found that warmer Polar atmosphere leads to increased snowfall in Antarctica, offsetting sea level rise. The study used modern climate models to predict changes to sea levels and found the two ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica respond differently.
Teenagers who frequently use cannabis may have babies born preterm up to twenty years later, according to a University of Bristol-led study. The research found that daily cannabis use between 15-17 years old increased the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
A new study found that 44% of micro-arteries from patients had abnormal myogenic tone, associated with excessive caldesmon presence and poor cell alignment. This abnormality affects blood supply within the heart and other organs, impacting quality of life and life expectancy.
New research has identified key genes that glucocorticoid hormones interact with in the hippocampus, a region crucial for stress coping and learning. The findings may lead to more effective strategies in preventing and treating mental health disorders.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have found that giraffes exhibit highly complex social structures, comparable to those of elephants and killer-whales. The presence of post-reproductive adult females offers survival benefits for related offspring, supporting cooperative parenting and shared care within matrilineal societies.
A decline in atmospheric CO2 played a major role in driving Earth's climate from a warm greenhouse into a cold icehouse world around 34 million years ago. Land temperatures cooled by about 3C alongside ocean temperatures, and only climate models with declining CO2 could reproduce this cooling.
Researchers have discovered a new paradigm in superconductivity, where the 'strange metal' phase plays a crucial role in understanding high-temperature superconductivity. The study found that exotic carriers undergo maximal dissipation in the metallic state, leading to a far cry from the original theory of superconductivity.
A new study found that higher testosterone levels are linked to socioeconomic position in men but not women. In contrast, lower testosterone was associated with poorer health and risk-taking behavior in women. The research suggests that testosterone may be less important than previously thought in determining success.
A recent study on tsetse flies found that a mother's age and diet influence the health of her offspring. Female tsetse flies produce weaker offspring as they get older or feed on poor-quality blood. The study also revealed that nutritional stress affects female fertility, but not the rate of reproductive ageing.
Researchers have developed a way to control multiple genes in yeast cells, paving the way for more sustainable production of bio-based products. The study demonstrates the use of dCas12a to regulate gene expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, unlocking its potential for producing pharmaceuticals, fuels, and food additives.
Researchers have discovered that rat whiskers act like antennae to amplify tiny stick-slip motions caused by friction, enabling the brain to perceive surface textures. This breakthrough has far-reaching benefits for design of textured surfaces for visually impaired and robotic safety in low light environments.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology found that providing information on the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines can significantly increase willingness to be vaccinated. The research showed that adults who received information about vaccine effectiveness scored 20% higher on a measure of willingness to be vacc...
Alvarezsaur dinosaurs reduced in size from turkey-sized to chicken-sized around 95 million years ago when they transitioned to an ant-based diet. Their bodies also underwent significant changes, including modified claws and a shift from flesh-eating to termite consumption.
A new study challenges the idea that early humans hunted prehistoric elephants, mammoths, and mastodonts to extinction. Instead, it suggests that climate change played a significant role in their decline over millions of years.
A pioneering study reveals subglacial lakes in Antarctica harbor thriving microbial life through the erosion of ancient sediments, providing a new source of nutrients and energy for microorganisms. The research found that crushing sediments can produce key gases, including methane and hydrogen, essential for microbial processes.
Researchers found dinosaur families evolving and expanding until 76 million years ago, when rates of extinction rose and new species formation slowed down. The team used Bayesian modelling techniques to account for uncertainties and found evidence of decline prior to the asteroid impact.
Research found that playing wind instruments produces similar aerosol levels to breathing and significantly lower levels than vocalizing. The study's findings have important implications for lifting COVID-19 restrictions in the performing arts sector.
A team of researchers has developed micro-actuators that use internal changes as a trigger for signal-based movement, paving the way for new applications in soft robotics, microscale sensing, and bioengineering. The devices, powered by chemical reactions, can be programmed to perform different modes of mechanical work.
Research led by University of Bristol scientists has shed light on the camel's kidneys, revealing a key role in helping it cope with dehydration and rapid rehydration stresses. The study suggests that cholesterol levels play a crucial role in water conservation, allowing camels to produce highly concentrated urine and minimize water loss.
Researchers discovered that bumblebees can accurately detect and choose between flowers with varying levels of humidity. The study found that bees learn to distinguish between humidity patterns in a similar way to how they recognize colors or scents.
A survey of English teachers found that over half support teaching children to take a public stand against climate change and break rules to make their point. The majority believe an action-focussed curriculum is necessary, starting with conservation projects in early primary school.
Research found that school enjoyment at age six is strongly linked to GCSE achievement at age 16, even after considering socioeconomic background and cognitive ability. Pupils who reported enjoying school scored an average of 14.4 more points, equivalent to a three-grade increase across all GCSEs.
Researchers at University of Bristol have developed a method to measure electric field inside semiconductor devices, enabling more efficient power and radio frequency electronics. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce energy loss by up to 10% across the globe and is a step towards a carbon neutral society.
Researchers at the University of Bristol developed the concept of 'evotype' to capture the evolutionary potential of biosystems. The evotype framework provides a means for bioengineers to control evolution by adjusting variation, function, and selection.