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University of Exeter


Economic behaviour not influenced by gender or biological sex, study finds

Researchers found that transgender individuals do not exhibit different economic behaviors compared to their cisgender counterparts. The study controlled for priming exercises and hypothesized that same-gender identities would lead to similar decision-making patterns. This unexpected finding suggests that traditional views on gender's ...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

Children and young people need lessons in building strong relationships to counteract negative role models and “Disneyfied” portrayals of love, experts say

A new study suggests that schools should incorporate relationship education to promote good health and wellbeing. Experts argue that children need to learn how to build and sustain strong partnerships, managing expectations and conflict, to prevent public health problems such as alcohol misuse and poor mental health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateDec 15, 2022

Plastic pollution kills sea urchin larvae

Researchers found that sea urchin larvae exposed to high levels of plastic pollution developed significant developmental abnormalities, including malformation of the skeleton and immune cells. The study reveals how newly made PVC pellets and beach-collected fragments cause harm to the embryos.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2022

Let the patient choose their type 2 diabetes medication says research study

A new study allows people with type 2 diabetes to choose their own medication after trying three different drugs in succession. The approach resulted in better glucose control and fewer side effects compared to other methods. Researchers conclude that patients should try before choosing a treatment for optimal results.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 7, 2022

Rhino conservation in Nepal creates a burden for communities, infrastructure and other species, study warns

A new study by Michelle Szydlowski from the University of Exeter warns that rhino conservation efforts in Nepal are putting a burden on communities, infrastructure, and other species. The study found that successful anti-poaching campaigns have increased tourist numbers and rhino populations, but also led to human and animal casualties.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Ecotourism·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2022

Female monkeys ‘actively reduce’ social network as they age

Researchers found that female rhesus macaques become increasingly selective in their social interactions as they get older, focusing on relatives and established friendships. This trend suggests that females play an active role in shaping their social networks, rather than being shunned by society.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2022

Egyptian lagoon vital to Cyprus turtles

A study by the University of Exeter found that 74% of green turtles foraging in Cyprus feed at Lake Bardawil, an Egyptian lagoon. The number of turtle nests has increased almost tripled since the early 1990s, but their dependence on this single location leaves them vulnerable to changes in conditions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 23, 2022

Little objective evidence to show effectiveness of learner-centred teaching methods, study warns

New research by Dr Nozomi Sakata and colleagues found that learner-centered pedagogy can have positive results, but lacks comprehensive evidence to prove its effectiveness. Only 9 out of 62 studies reported objective evidence of improved academic learning outcomes, while many studies cited subjective experiences of teachers and students.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Educational Development·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 15, 2022

No sign of decrease in global CO2 emissions

Global carbon emissions have reached a record high, with no indication of a decline to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The Global Carbon Project projects total global CO2 emissions of 40.6 billion tonnes in 2022, fueled by fossil CO2 emissions that are projected to rise 1.0% compared to 2021.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEarth System Science Data·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2022

Ambition to succeed despite adversity motivates people from diverse backgrounds to pursue legal careers, study shows

A new study suggests that a desire to succeed despite adversity is a key motivator for individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue legal careers. The research, based on 650 UK tweets, found that financial support and positive careers advice are crucial in overcoming barriers to entry into the legal profession.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalResearch in Post-Compulsory Education·TypeObservational study·DateNov 9, 2022

Offering healthcare services at livestock marts will help to remove stigma about seeking help among agricultural community, study shows

Research from the University of Exeter found that farmers and auction operators believed putting health hubs in livestock marts helped break down barriers to seeking support. The study also revealed that stoicism, fear of being judged, and lack of availability were significant deterrents for farmers.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2022

A study from the University of Exeter reveals a master regulator controlling fungal infection of wheat

The University of Exeter team identified a 'master regulator' that controls the formation of invasive hyphae in the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici. This discovery provides a crucial target for developing new control strategies against Septoria tritici blotch, a destructive fungal disease affecting wheat yields worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

Fertilizers cause more than 2% of global emissions

A study by the University of Exeter and Greenpeace Research Laboratories reveals that synthetic nitrogen fertilisers contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers estimate that the supply chain for these fertilisers is responsible for emitting the equivalent of 1.13 gigatonnes of CO₂ in 2018.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2022

Researchers identify how science can help cities and companies to operate within Earth system limits

Researchers identified seven key knowledge gaps to help cities and businesses operate within Earth system limits, including developing common procedures and science-based targets. The report highlights the need for alignment of targets across domains to avoid tipping points and ensure a social justice dimension.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 13, 2022

Research reveals potentially life-changing impact of internet forums on those in remission from opioid use disorder

A new study by the University of Exeter found that engaging with non-drug related online communities significantly reduces the risk of relapse during remission. Participants who engaged with more online forums had a lower risk of opioid use episode, with a potential 5% reduction per forum.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 6, 2022

Penguin publishing deal helped Virginia Woolf’s work reach a mass market, study shows

A new study by Professor Vike Plock found that Virginia Woolf's husband Leonard negotiated deals with Penguin Books to make her work widely available. The arrangement allowed Penguin to publish Woolf's essays and non-fiction at affordable prices, increasing her cultural capital and making her works accessible to a broader audience.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBook History·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 5, 2022

Bees use patterns – not just colors – to find flowers

A recent study by the University of Exeter reveals that honeybees rely on both color and pattern to identify flowers. The researchers found that bees can effectively distinguish between different flowers using a combination of these elements, suggesting that flowers don't need to evolve many different petal colors.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2022

Scientists study tourists to protect great apes

Researchers protected great apes by studying tourist behavior and expectations, finding that willingness to comply with disease prevention measures varies depending on nationality, visitor experience, and effectiveness of measures. The study identified ways to improve measures to reduce disease transmission, highlighting the importance...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPeople and Nature·DateSep 5, 2022

Majority of posts on extremist online forums made by “hyper” poster cliques, study shows

A new study published in the Journal of Policing, Intelligence & Counter-Terrorism found that most posts in extremist online forums are made by a clique of highly committed members. The research, led by Professor Stephane Baele and Dr Lewys Brace, analyzed over 12 million unique posts across eight far-right, seven Salafi-jihadist, and ...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Policing Intelligence and Counter Terrorism·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2022