The study analyzed data from nearly 1 million individuals, revealing that everyone has around five million genetic variants, including 10,000 that alter gene sequences and 50 rare variants of uncertain clinical relevance. Most people would be categorized as at high risk of genetic risk for around three conditions, highlighting the impo...
Conservation experts highlight the importance of recognizing places that sustain biodiversity beyond national parks, including Indigenous communities and private landowners. Effective governance and management are crucial for lasting benefits. The review aims to support widening conservation efforts and strengthening relationships betw...
A team of researchers discovered that Candida auris creates multiple versions of its genome, including a gene called CRZ1, which helps the fungus evade antifungal treatment. This finding opens up new avenues for treating the deadly fungus, which has already been linked to high mortality rates and costly outbreaks.
A 100-year study of UK Good Housekeeping magazine recipes reveals a narrowing of seafood options to just five species: cod, haddock, tuna, salmon, and prawns. The study, led by Dr Ruth Thurstan, shows how decades of changes in fish supply and trade influenced domestic cooking habits.
Research shows that Indigenous communities may accept oil extraction despite its harms due to the uneven distribution of impacts and benefits. Dr. Julie Dayot's study found that communities see oil extraction as a means to address existing environmental problems and mitigate its effects on their livelihoods.
A study found that stratospheric winds can raise the chance of extreme electricity demand in northern and central Europe by 1.5-3 times. Cold weather after these events can give governments and energy providers a warning to prepare for extreme demand.
A new study highlights the need for ocean conservation to cover large areas to protect sperm whales from climate change. Suitable habitat is expected to shrink, but 'long-term core habitat' remains important off the Seychelles and Mauritius. Protection must cover extensive areas to allow whales to feed, breed, and migrate.
A landmark survey has revealed the Seychelles' giant tortoise population to be thriving and stable at approximately 180,000 individuals, following years of conservation efforts. The population is now considered healthy and stable, with the highest figure ever recorded for the species.
Amazon rainforest's ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is being significantly weakened by wildfire ozone pollution, according to new research. The study found that ground-level ozone damages the leaves of surviving trees, reducing their ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
A 'floating scarecrow' developed by UK scientists and a repurposed bird-scaring kite can help reduce seabird bycatch in gillnet fisheries by around two thirds. The device, known as the Looming Eye Buoy, uses an animated eye effect to scare birds away from diving into nets.
Butterflies use optical illusions to confuse predators, creating motion illusion effects that scramble a predator's aim. The patterns on their wings interfere with the way visual systems try to guess the direction and speed of moving things, boosting false motion cues.
Fish have designed their perfect partners in a new experiment, revealing simple male preferences for larger females and more complex female tastes favouring traits like longer tails or brighter colours. This approach mimics sexual selection, where attractive traits become stronger down the generations.
A new Cochrane review suggests that personalized programs to prevent falls in older people may not be effective in reducing falls. The review found that multifactorial programs, which are tailored to individual risk, have little or no benefit in preventing falls compared to standard medical care, exercise, or falls prevention education.
New research from the University of Exeter found that greater independence is not automatically associated with better wellbeing in children. The study highlights the importance of creating conditions that make independence possible, including safer communities and support for parents.
Researchers found that reef fish exposed to motorboat noise as embryos and juveniles grow smaller and have impaired survival skills. The study suggests that limiting motorboat traffic near reefs during breeding season may help preserve coral reefs.
Researchers developed a genetic risk score to analyze risk of type 1 diabetes in patients with MODY, identifying 16% with atypical type 1 diabetes. The score, now adopted as part of NHS testing, provides a diagnosis for patients with negative MODY tests.
A new set of international rules is necessary to protect the health of fishing stocks, according to a study. The current World Trade Organization Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies has shortcomings that need to be addressed, and a range of different rules should be established to complement existing international law.
A new study highlights the growing dependence on 'black-box' tools in science, which can process enormous amounts of information but lack transparency. Researchers recommend prioritizing open-source software, benchmarking proprietary tools, and intensifying efforts towards open science to address this issue.
Researchers have developed a potential new approach against the highly drug-resistant hospital fungus Candida auris. A synthetic sugar molecule that corresponds to a component of the fungus's surface has been identified as a promising basis for a vaccine, protective antibodies, and a rapid diagnostic test.
Researchers at the University of Exeter discovered that a 19th-century estate agent, Brooks & Green, created an early version of Rightmove using cosmorama technology. The discovery reveals how this innovative approach to property marketing paved the way for modern virtual tours and online property previews.
A study of bull shark behavior found that individuals are slightly more likely to associate and socialise with relatives than unrelated sharks. This 'kinfluence' effect may contribute to both proximity-based associations and directed social interactions, particularly among male sharks.
Research on British Risso's dolphins reveals they form a single genetic entity, separate from those in the Azores and Mediterranean. The study suggests these dolphins have been isolated for some time, but further research is needed to determine their boundaries.
The FLEX Toolkit is a new ADHD toolkit designed specifically for use in UK primary schools. It provides teachers with strategies and regulation tools to support children with ADHD, helping to shift the narrative and promote success and celebration of individual strengths.
Scientists at the University of Exeter have discovered two new mechanisms for how a well-established antibiotic works, which could lead to potential development of new antibiotic treatment. The study found that doxycycline targets the bacterial ribosome by blocking protein exit channels or reconfiguring it into an inactive state.
A new study reveals that AI chatbots' popularity stems from their interactive, personalized, and imaginative nature, allowing users to engage with them as trusted companions. The study warns of the potential dangers of these chatbots, including their ability to persuade users to believe false or unethical information.
A major new study on bigamy in England and Wales reveals that only a small number of individuals were carrying on 'double lives', while many were victims of abandonment or exploitation. The study overturns previous assumptions about the crime, showing it was rarer than thought and punished harshly.
Economists suggest that combining food labelling with higher prices for carbon-intensive items can reduce UK greenhouse gases by 5%, while generating net social benefits. The study found that labelling led to a 5.6% decrease in the carbon content of the average food basket, while a tax on the most carbon-intensive products yielded a 10...
A new book reveals Iran's government failure to address devastating environmental catastrophes, while persecuting campaigners trying to raise awareness. The country's rulers have failed to provide a comprehensive plan, despite the concerning state of its natural environment, leading to issues like water scarcity and deforestation.
A new study reveals that giant Dipterocarp trees can transport water to their topmost branches without difficulty, contrary to conventional scientific theory. The research found that these trees' hydraulic systems are perfectly adapted for their height, allowing them to withstand drought conditions.
Scientists have discovered that fungi and bacteria can work together by managing copper in their shared environment, forming larger and more active biofilms. A finely balanced copper environment is crucial for the cooperation between the two species, making it a potential target for new infection treatments.
Forming habits can make complex tasks automatic, reducing mental effort required for animals to find food efficiently. Breaking habits may also be essential if a habit is no longer beneficial, suggesting evolutionary benefits for creatures of habit.
New research reveals orangutans selectively consume certain medicinal plants in specific sequences, suggesting 'self-medication' behaviors. The study, based on 20 years of observations, found plant combinations with known medicinal benefits are eaten consistently beyond simple nutrition needs.
The Wilkes Atlantic Leatherback Turtle Alliance aims to safeguard the Atlantic Ocean's leatherback turtle populations, which are classified as 'vulnerable' globally. The alliance will produce research, strategic action plans, and advocacy to drive coordinated conservation action across the region.
Researchers emphasize the need for large-scale population studies to assess the risks of newborn genome screening and minimize overdiagnosis. The study highlights that most genetic research has been conducted in individuals with a condition or high-risk family, resulting in underestimated risk estimates.
New research warns that traditional legal systems are ill-equipped to cope with climate change's fast-moving impact on communities. The study proposes a blueprint for dynamic and responsive laws to help cities thrive amidst climate change and urban uncertainty.
Motion sickness was a prevalent issue in 17th and 18th-century coach travel, with passengers experiencing discomfort due to crowded and unsanitary conditions. Historical research has found that the movement of coaches caused physical and psychological unease among travelers.
New research shows that antibiotics can drive bacterial resistance even after they are broken down in wastewater treatment plants and discharged into rivers and seas. The study found that some metabolites form when antibiotics break down retain the ability to promote antibiotic resistance.
Research found that children who play outdoors more frequently during the preschool years are less likely to develop emotional and behavioral difficulties later in childhood. This study suggests that providing young children with more opportunities to play outside could support better mental health.
New research suggests that mangrove forests may not store as much carbon as previously thought, but instead release it as sea levels rise. The study found that localized areas may experience increased carbon storage, but the entire forest's storage is likely to decline over the next 100 years.
Urban male bowerbirds collect more colorful and larger human-made items than rural rivals, suggesting a preference for these traits in females. Researchers found that red decorations are more vivid in urban areas, while green decorations are duller.
A new study from the University of Exeter found that genetic testing can identify the cause of pancreatic agenesis in 98 per cent of cases. This diagnosis allows healthcare professionals to provide families with a better understanding of the condition's impacts, risks, and help them find support.
A new study by the University of Exeter reveals that Brazil and Mexico's EV growth has been shaped by factors beyond emissions and efficiency. The research highlights how domestic coalitions, market size, and foreign technology influences have driven policy decisions in both countries.
A study by University of Exeter experts found that unified and local efforts can support a thriving environment and improve community well-being. The researchers propose tech-driven, community-led action to rescue local environmental enforcement from funding cuts and jurisdictional confusion.
Scientists have identified 'Seed Transfer Zones' in Brazil to help restore degraded land. The study divides the country into 48 zones, each defined by climate and soil conditions, to identify native seeds best suited for restoration under current and future climates.
A new study reveals that low-performing organisations are more likely to seek external knowledge and collaboration, while high-performing ones focus on internal searches. Low-performing schools with high cross-school collaboration achieved better academic results.
A global partnership has provided life-saving genetic testing for over 1,100 families worldwide, improving treatment options for children with congenital hyperinsulinism. The Open Hyperinsulinism Genes Project combines cutting-edge genetics expertise with funding from a charity organization to expand access to rapid genomic testing.
A new study found that at-home blood tests combined with online brain tests can accurately predict dementia risk. The study used a finger-prick blood test and performance on brain tests to categorize participants into low, medium, or high risk groups.
Researchers used a game to analyze the effects of geometry and lighting on optimal camouflage. The study found that high-contrast markings like tiger stripes are harder to see in sunshine, while plainer patterns provide better camouflage in indirect sunlight.
A host of positive 'tipping points' can spark rapid nature recovery, according to Professor Tim Lenton. This includes triggering large-scale ecosystem regeneration and spreading nature-positive activities.
New research suggests chalk-stream salmon be classified as a sub-species of Atlantic salmon, with potential benefits for targeted conservation. The study found genetic distinctness between chalk streams and nearby rivers, highlighting the importance of protecting these habitats.