Add BrightSurf on Google Email

University of Essex


Fish face smaller meals due to warmer seas and fishing

Researchers found that warmer waters and commercial fishing lead to smaller meals for predators, resulting in reduced energy intake. This can weaken predators and make marine ecosystems more fragile. The study suggests managing climate change and fisheries together is essential to protect marine food webs.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2026

Improving relationships between dads and daughters... it's a walk in the park

A new study by Dr John Day of the University of Essex found that physical activity provides a common ground for fathers and daughters to develop deep emotional connections. The research discovered that societal shifts in what it means to be a dad, combined with increased focus on exercise, have led to this transformation.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalFamilies Relationships and Societies·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 27, 2025

Secret of the female orgasm uncovered by psychologists

A study by University of Essex researchers found that women who notice and attend to internal bodily signals, such as heartbeats and sensual touch sensations, experience more frequent orgasms. The research suggests that focusing on the body rather than the mind can lead to increased orgasm satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalBrain Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2024

The secret to slimming? Special ‘skinny genes’ double weight loss

A recent study discovered 14 'skinny genes' associated with significant weight loss in response to regular exercise. Participants who carried more of these genes lost up to 5kg during an eight-week period. Exercise was found to be crucial for unlocking the full potential of these genes, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalResearch Quarterly for Exercise and Sport·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2024

Husbands still dominate investment decisions

New research reveals a persistent gender gap in household decision-making, with husbands holding more control over investments and potentially exposing their wives to unwanted financial risks. The study found that this power imbalance can have significant consequences for women's financial well-being and overall security.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalReview of Financial Studies·TypeSurvey·DateAug 28, 2024

Bed-sharing has no impact on children’s psychological development

A recent study published in Attachment and Human Development found no association between bed-sharing at 9 months and childhood emotional or behavioral problems. Despite ongoing debate, the research suggests that parental bed-sharing is unlikely to have a negative impact on children's development when practiced safely.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalAttachment & Human Development·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2024

Working from home is stifling innovation – study finds

A new study by University of Essex and University of Chicago economists found that staff working in a hybrid model were less likely to come up with innovative ideas than colleagues who always worked in the office. The quality of ideas also suffered, particularly in teams that didn't coordinate their work schedules.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 30, 2024

Only 4% of teen football academy prospects make top tier

A recent study by University of Essex researchers found that only 4% of talented teen football academy prospects make it to the top tier of professional football. The study also revealed that players who succeeded excelled in self-confidence, ball reception skills, and dribbling.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalInternational Journal of Sports Science & Coaching·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2024

YouTubers cheer people up more than casual friends

A new study by the University of Essex suggests that watching online stars like Zoella and PewDiePie can be more emotionally fulfilling than talking to casual friends. The research found that parasocial relationships with YouTubers offer positive reinforcement, despite not being able to respond. People of all ages reported feeling a st...

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalScientific Reports·TypeSurvey·DateMay 23, 2024

All work and no play will really make a dull life - new research reveals

A study across three countries found that individuals who prioritize achievement over enjoyment experience lower happiness the next day. In contrast, those who value freedom report a 13% increase in well-being, including better sleep quality and life satisfaction. Relaxation and hobbies also lead to a significant boost in well-being.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalJournal of Personality·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2023

Why parental pressures are taking the fun out of children’s play

A new study from the University of Essex finds that modern parental pressures and expectations are leaving children with less time for independent play. This is leading to concerns about children's development and increased sedentary behavior due to technology. The study suggests a need for a culture shift where policymakers encourage ...

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalSociology of Health & Illness·TypeSurvey·DateAug 15, 2023

New insights into engineering climate smart crops for the future

A new study has made significant advances in understanding the underlying reasons behind crop yields, paving the way for engineering smarter plants to improve their productivity. Researchers have identified key elements that enable C4 photosynthesis, a process that allows certain crops to thrive in hot and dry environments.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

The drugs don’t work – meditation and training are better at sparking creativity

Researchers debunk rock'n'roll myth, finding narcotics have no effect on inspiration. Instead, complex training programs, meditation, and cultural exposure boost creativity. Training that highlights mental techniques has long-term impacts, while mindfulness activities like meditation also improve imagination in the short term.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalPsychology of Aesthetics Creativity and the Arts·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 28, 2023

Importance of early-life factors identified in new lung health study

A comprehensive study has identified key early-life factors that negatively affect lung function in young adults. The research analyzed data from over 7,500 participants and found that factors such as mother's weight during pregnancy, birthweight, and body composition at primary school have a significant impact on lung health.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 2, 2023

Don’t be like Darth Vader – study shows negative emotions spark success... but there’s a price

A study by University of Essex found that negative emotions such as anxiety and anger can fuel success, but are linked to poor health and lack of strategic thinking. Positive perceptions and feelings of control, on the other hand, lead to enjoyment of learning and desire for success.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2023

All in the mind – decoding brainwaves to identify the music we are listening to

Researchers at the University of Essex have developed a new technique that uses non-invasive brain wave monitoring to accurately identify the music someone is listening to. The method has been successfully tested on a dataset of simple piano music and shows promise for decoding language signals from the brain in the future.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 19, 2023

Obsession with failure and hunt for perfection linked to burnout, sports study uncovers

A University of Essex-led study found that athletes who fixate on their mistakes and strive for perfection are at risk of psychological difficulty. The research suggests that perfectionistic concerns can lead to athlete burnout, causing them to view achievements as inadequate and create a self-fulfilling performance prophecy.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalJournal of Clinical Sport Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 22, 2022

Concussion worse if fighters rapidly cut weight before boxing and MMA matches, ground-breaking study reveals for the first time

Researchers found that fighters who rapidly cut weight before bouts are more likely to suffer concussions or be misdiagnosed with head trauma. The study also discovered that the practice may not offer a competitive advantage and can leave fighters at a disadvantage more often than not.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalClinical Journal of Sport Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateApr 11, 2022