A new study found that killer whale mothers pay a high price for raising their sons, with each living son cutting their annual breeding likelihood in half. This lifelong burden on mothers has significant implications for the future viability of the southern resident killer whale population, which is critically endangered.
A new project led by the University of Exeter will assess climate change impacts on Cayman Islands sea turtles, including rising temperatures, storminess, and sea-level rise. The team will develop ways to protect turtles and improve coastal management.
Research found that experiencing three or more concussions is linked with worsened brain function in later life. Participants who reported multiple concussions showed significant cognitive decline, particularly in attention and complex task completion.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers found that inefficient risk assessment and digital forensic analysis processes are causing police tensions and slowing down investigations. The study highlights the need for updated understanding of risk and prioritization to address growing demand for digital forensics.
A new study found that consuming dietary nitrate from beetroot juice significantly increases muscle force while exercising. The researchers discovered a 7% increase in muscle torque production, providing the best evidence to date on the mechanisms behind why dietary nitrate improves human muscle performance.
Researchers found that pheasants are more likely to be killed by predators on unfamiliar ground, with 40% of the birds meeting their demise. The study suggests that experience within an area plays a critical role in determining survival rates.
A new study found that sunrise and sunset trigger significant boosts in people's feelings of awe, improving mood and positive social behavior. Participants were willing to pay a premium to experience these phenomena, highlighting their potential value in boosting wellbeing.
A reading project that pairs school-age children with older adults has been found to boost wellbeing among both groups. The Silver Stories programme built relationships between generations and helped children develop social skills and confidence, while also fighting loneliness for listeners.
Research by Nicole Bolleyer and colleagues found that parties formed by existing parliamentarians are more likely to dissolve. Parties with social organization roots are less likely to dissolve early or late in their life cycle. The study analyzed data on 204 political parties in 22 democracies between 1968 and 2016.
A major new analysis of former British special advisers' career paths shows that most transition to corporate lobbying and policy advocacy roles. However, few register with official lobbying registers, and public service careers have declined significantly over the past three decades.
A fungus infecting salamanders has evolved to contain multiple copies of jumping genes, which contribute to its increased virulence. The 'copy and paste' mechanism allows the fungus to amplify skin-destruction genes, making it more deadly.
A new study by Dr. Urenmisan Afinotan from the University of Exeter Law School reveals that weak penalties and loopholes in Nigeria's legislation are failing to deter gas flaring in the Niger Delta, despite efforts since the 1960s. The study highlights the need for stronger regulations to mitigate climate change.
A new study reveals that Chinese Communist Party zero-covid volunteers have suffered from stress and anxiety due to the pressure of enforcing policies. The researchers found an increasingly pressurized grassroots infrastructure, with volunteers facing high workloads and hierarchical chains of command.
A new study examines the dual nature of skateboarding as both a polluting and sustainable activity. Skateboarders often navigate grey spaces with heavy air pollution, yet they also bring eco-friendly innovations like bamboo boards and hemp clothing to the sport.
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 ...
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.
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.
A new fossil site in Morocco has revealed giant arthropods that were up to 2m long and played a unique role in ancient ecosystems. The discovery opens new avenues for paleontological research and provides insights into the evolution of early animal life on Earth.
Researchers analyzed Reddit comments from various social groups to understand their values and principles. The study found that similar groups communicate in similar ways, but those related to stigma show greater variation in their language style.
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.
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.
Researchers identified various feeding behaviors in nurse sharks, including vertical and ventral feeding, as well as 'pectoral positioning' where they flex their pectoral fins. This adaptable behavior suggests nurse sharks can thrive on different prey across various habitats.
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.
A comprehensive study on the mental health of children and young people during COVID-19 found mixed results, with some deterioration in mental health symptoms across various domains. However, overall, the findings suggest a large enough impact to result in an increased demand for services.
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.
Researchers found that a device called SharkGuard emits small electrical pulses to scare off sharks, reducing bycatch by up to 91% for blue sharks and 71% for stingrays. Further testing is needed to explore the effects on target species like bluefin tuna.
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.
A new UK study of over 3,000 adults found that childhood financial circumstances significantly impact wellbeing in middle age (41-65). Financial hardship in childhood is also a concern for mental health, particularly as child poverty levels increase.
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.
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.
A team at the University of Exeter has found genetic changes in a region that controls the activity of the genome, turning on or off genes, which led to the discovery of the cause of Congenital Hyperinsulinism. This breakthrough could unlock new causes of rare diseases and pave the way for improved treatments.
A new study warns that a lack of support for children's non-attendance from teachers and local authorities can lead to parents losing faith in the education system. Experts call for policies to be reformed to take account of underlying causes, rather than adopting a punitive approach.
A novel screening tool has been developed to diagnose a serious heart condition in young athletes. The tool uses non-invasive ultrasound techniques to accurately identify cardiomyopathy, reducing false positives and providing better protection for the athletes of tomorrow.
Scientists have discovered a way to control Panama disease in bananas using specialized anti-fungal chemistries, providing hope for the global banana supply. The study's findings reveal that these chemistries can suppress the disease and maintain plant health, opening new avenues for efficient control strategies.
A University of Exeter graduate has discovered a new, animal-free method to create human neuron-like cells for studying brain development. The breakthrough could lead to better treatments for brain disorders and improve human quality of life.
A team at the University of Exeter discovered that migrating hoverflies orientate towards the north during spring, contradicting previous assumptions. The study tracked the insects' movement from Western France to Cornwall, showing a strong northerly compass sense.
A study by the University of Exeter shows that urban life leads to a decline in plant awareness, which can be addressed through activities like wild food foraging. The research found that people's interest in plants develops where they have frequent interactions with relevant plants.
Research by the University of Exeter found high levels of antibiotic ciprofloxacin in UK wastewater, posing a significant risk to human health. The study suggests that antibiotic pollution from human waste can increase resistance to antibiotics, even in countries with well-established sanitation infrastructures.
Researchers at the University of Exeter are developing a genetic tool to analyze lobster population genetics and connectivity, trialing aquaculture technology for sustainably farming lobsters in The Bahamas, and devising a policy for future sustainable exploitation.
A study of 18 countries found that adults with good mental health reported more blue space experiences as children. This was associated with greater intrinsic value on natural settings and more frequent visits as adults, leading to better mental wellbeing.
A major new study found that 24% of farmers reported mobility problems, while 31% experienced anxiety and depression. The research, published in BMC Public Health, highlights the need to tackle physical and mental health issues in the agricultural industry.
Research reveals Alzheimer's disease genomic changes occur primarily in non-neuronal brain cells, rather than neurons. The study found a number of new genes not previously implicated in dementia, which could be targets for future drug development.
A team of scientists from the University of Exeter has made a key breakthrough in predicting fluctuations in the rotation of the Earth and the length of the day. They used mathematical modeling to show that changes in the atmosphere can be predicted more than a year in advance, linking geodesy with climate prediction.
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.
A team of scientists studied how relatedness to a social group changes with age in seven mammal species, finding that incentives to help or harm shift depending on the species' social structure and gender. This understanding can explain differences across species and sexes.
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.
A new project will explore the defence mechanisms of bacterial cells to stop the spread of drug-resistant genes. The team, led by Professor Edze Westra, will use a range of methods to understand how bacteria defend against mobile genetic elements (MGEs) that contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
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.
A new study found that farming professionals experience loneliness and isolation due to a lack of understanding from the general public about their work. The researchers highlight the need for strengthening connections between farming and non-farming communities to improve mental health.
Researchers found that poor infrastructures, low awareness, and unstable funding hinder efforts to implement global guidelines for antimicrobial resistance. The study highlights the need for tailored interventions responsive to local needs.