A £1 million grant from the Bezos Earth Fund will support a new initiative aimed at identifying and activating 'positive tipping points' to accelerate decarbonization and limit climate change. The project will focus on improving assessment, forecasting, and activation of positive tipping points across various sectors.
Scientists used centuries-old clam shells to study the North Atlantic's evolution and response to external changes. The findings indicate that the system destabilized and lost resilience prior to the Little Ice Age, potentially causing it to 'tip' into a new, colder state.
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.
Researchers developed an AI-based tool to calculate harmful effects of medicines, reducing risks of confusion, blurred vision, and falls. The International Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Tool (IACT) provides a more accurate scoring system, supporting personalized medicine approaches.
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.
A gold standard document provides evidence-driven recommendations for individualized activity and exercise plans in people with cystic fibrosis. The Exeter Activity Unlimited Statement integrates physiological, psychological, and social benefits of being physically active to support clinical teams.
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.
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.
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...
Scientists have developed a new method to distinguish between normal land structures and small asteroid craters by analyzing charcoal samples, revealing 30% of impact sites remain unlocated. The study found unique characteristics in impact charcoals that differ from wildfire charcoals.
A new study finds that individuals with stronger religious beliefs tend to have lower sex drives but are more content with their sex lives overall. Researchers also discovered a significant association between educational attainment and reduced sexual satisfaction.
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 ...
Researchers developed an alternative metric called Ortega parameters to measure income inequality, distinguishing between low- and high-income earners. This new approach reveals links between inequality and health outcomes, such as obesity and education rates.
A large-scale study by the University of Exeter found that incorporating genetic risk into GP triage processes can improve referrals for those in need, while avoiding unnecessary invasive biopsy investigations for those at low risk. This approach has the potential to significantly impact prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The study found that Al-Qaeda, Taliban, and TTP use situational comedy to galvanize curious individuals and emphasize an 'us versus them' mentality. In contrast, ISIS uses dehumanising humour to mock rivals and create a shared identity among followers. This humour helps foster internal cohesion and creates social bonding.
New research shows that the Amazon rainforest's growth rate is limited by a lack of phosphorus in the soil, which could reduce its ability to store carbon and increase vulnerability to climate change. Phosphorus availability played a critical role in increasing productivity in a recent experiment.
A new study found that using the higher arm blood pressure reading reclassifies 12% of people as having hypertension, who would have fallen below the threshold for diagnosis if the lower reading arm was used. The study suggests that adopting the higher reading can improve diagnosis and management of hypertension.
A study published in PLOS One found that using hand signals, such as waving or raising a hand to show empathy, can improve communication and social connection in online meetings. The research team trained participants to use these gestures, which led to better interaction, increased feelings of closeness, and improved learning outcomes.
Aerosol particles in the atmosphere have a bigger impact on cloud cover than previously thought, increasing it by approximately 10%. Clouds hold more water before rainfall occurs due to smaller and more numerous droplets, leading to reduced precipitation. The study uses satellite data and machine learning to improve climate models.
A new study by the University of Exeter recommends using metaphors, images, and poetry to complement traditional medical scales for patients to describe their chronic pain. This approach can improve doctor-patient communication and aid diagnosis or provide better support.
A new resilience sensing system can identify areas in danger of collapse and measure the success of conservation efforts. Global average resilience has declined over the last 20 years, with regions such as the Amazon rainforest showing signs of loss of resilience.
Research found that modernizing patient-reported outcome measures with computerized adaptive testing can significantly reduce data collection time and improve completion rates. The new method uses algorithms to select relevant questions for individual patients, reducing the number of questions from 12 to just four at 90% precision.
A new study emphasizes the need for clearer guidelines on how countries like the UK, USA, and Australia will respond militarily to imminent armed attacks. The UN Charter requires a country to establish it has been attacked before responding in self-defence.
Scientists studied mute and whooper swans, finding a trade-off between aggression and rest. The study suggests that providing enough foraging spots can reduce the need for aggression, allowing birds more time to rest.
Researchers have identified over 1,500 genetic differences between migratory and non-migratory hoverflies, shedding light on the genetic pathways involved in migration. The study reveals suites of genes being activated in concert, including insulin signalling for longevity and pathways for immunity.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that people's perceptions of crime prevalence can significantly impact their legal judgments, with women and men holding different views on the frequency of certain crimes. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing these biases to ensure more informed verdicts.
A new survey by the University of Exeter finds that Americans are more likely to view China's development as a critical threat, with 63% of Britons sharing this sentiment. The research highlights differing perceptions of threats from Russia and China among citizens in the US, UK, and Lithuania.
A new wearable technology project aims to empower older women to continue participating in sports and exercise without fear of pain or injuries. The project, MISFIT, will develop smart textiles and footwear insoles to monitor injury risk and provide personalized advice to health professionals.
A study found that men exhibiting mild behavioural impairment symptoms are at risk of faster cognitive decline compared to women. Researchers identified key behavioral changes, such as apathy and false beliefs, which may help identify people at higher risk of developing dementia.
Scientists have made a pivotal new breakthrough in controlling light to evolve the next generation of quantum sensing and computing. The team has shown that controlling light can be achieved by inducing and measuring a nonlinear phase shift down to a single polariton level.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have identified a new gene, TMEM63C, that causes a degenerative disease affecting upper motor neuron cells. The study suggests that MNDs are caused by abnormal lipid processing pathways inside brain cells, which could lead to new diagnostic approaches and treatments.
A new study found that banded mongooses engage in lethal intergroup battles, with the number of adult males and age of oldest male being crucial factors. Experienced individuals are vital for success, while older males become liabilities beyond a certain age.
Scientists have identified a new pathway for peroxisome division, independent of Mitochondrial Fission Factor (MFF). The study, led by Professor Michael Schrader, reveals that PEX11β and FIS1 cooperate to divide peroxisomes, restoring normal morphology. This discovery offers potential therapeutic options for diseases caused by defects ...
A new study using sophisticated modelling and data from the Republic of Congo's marine national park found a steady increase in olive ridley turtle nests, while leatherback turtles' nesting numbers follow a cyclical pattern. The research highlights the region's importance for sea turtle conservation.
A large-scale study found that having multiple heart-related conditions significantly increases dementia risk, even for those with high genetic risk. Researchers analyzed data from over 200,000 people and discovered widespread brain damage among those with more than one cardiometabolic condition.
Researchers found that otters learn to extract food from unfamiliar natural prey with their own wits, not just by observing others. Eleven of the 20 otters in the study successfully extracted meat from rainbow trout, shore crabs, and blue mussels.
Researchers have re-evaluated chicken remains from over 600 sites worldwide, revealing that domestication occurred around 1,500 BC in Southeast Asia. Chickens were initially regarded as exotica and only later used as a food source.
A new AI method can distinguish between the overall sounds of healthy and unhealthy coral reefs, making it a valuable tool for monitoring reef health. The technique uses machine learning to analyze sound recordings and track the progress of reef restoration projects.
A new study by the University of Exeter predicts that the pink sea fan coral species will expand its range northwards along the British coast as global temperatures rise. The research found suitable habitat for the species beyond its current northern limits, indicating potential spread by 2100.
A recent study on Reddit climate debates found little evidence of echo chambers, instead revealing a mix of polarized discussions and deliberate debate. The researchers analyzed over 18,000 posts and 267,000 comments from 93,850 users to examine topics, information sources, and community dynamics.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that antibiotic-resistant plasmid molecules can spread quickly through bacterial communities, making them more resistant to antibiotics. This raises concerns about the potential for antimicrobial resistance to spread in environmental settings and impact human health.
The research highlights the importance of social science in engaging people and societies, ensuring a green transition that promotes wellbeing, equity, and fairness. The study suggests that both profound societal change and technical improvements are needed to meet climate goals.
Researchers uncovered intricate settlements in Bolivia's Llanos de Mojos savannah-forest, featuring elaborate structures and a vast network of reservoirs. The cities were built alongside nature, employing successful sustainable subsistence strategies that promoted conservationism and maintained rich biodiversity.
A team of researchers found that jackdaws use a form of 'consensus decision-making' to decide when to leave their roosts en masse. By combining recorded calls with tests in which pre-recorded calls were played, the team discovered that birds effectively 'cast a vote' through calling out to reach a consensus.
Research found that children who spend more time playing outside had fewer internalizing problems and were more positive during the first Covid-19 lockdown. The effects of adventurous play on mental health were consistent even after controlling for demographic variables, with a greater impact on children from lower-income families.
Researchers at the University of Exeter are using satellites and drones to track the availability of flowers for pollinators. This technology could be combined with behavioral studies to better understand the impact of human activity on pollinator habitats, leading to more effective conservation efforts.
New research shows that motorboat noise disrupts parental behaviors in coral reef fish, but reducing noise levels improves breeding success. On quieter reefs, 65% of nests contained offspring, compared to 40% on busy reefs. The study suggests that acoustic sanctuaries can help build resilience on coral reefs.
Researchers found that over 99.6% of caught scallops were in pots with lights, and video footage shows the shellfish piling into the pots. This novel method could be a game-changer for sustainable seafood production and reduce environmental impact.
New research suggests that 62% of warming in the subtropical North Atlantic is stored in the deep ocean below 700m. The study estimates a further 0.2°C warming in the next 50 years due to climate change.
Conservation efforts have made progress along the African east coast, but tens of thousands of sea turtles still die each year. The study highlights the importance of local knowledge and community engagement in turtle conservation.