A systematic review of 20 relationship education programmes found a lack of high-quality evaluations, with only three programmes following participants for over a year. Experts recommend co-created programmes integrated into mental health-informed curricula and evaluated over the long-term to promote good mental health and wellbeing.
A new study suggests that people with type 1 diabetes who have high levels of psychological resilience are more likely to manage their condition successfully. The research found that those with low resilience also had poorer blood sugar control after two years.
Coral reefs in remote areas of the Indian Ocean have shown rapid recovery after a 2015/16 bleaching event. The study found that reefs with intact physical structure and key coral species returned quickly, indicating a high level of resilience to ocean warming.
The Chengjiang Biota, an ancient group of animal fossils, has been found to inhabit a shallow-marine, nutrient-rich delta environment. This discovery sheds new light on the possible causal factors for the Cambrian Explosion and how early animals adapted to stressful conditions.
New research from the University of Exeter reveals that people can switch between multiple social identities with ease. The study found that rapidly activating different identities has no apparent difficulty and may even be beneficial for remote workers who struggle to separate their work and personal lives.
A UK-based study surveyed 425 doctors, finding that both male and female overestimated the proportion of women in various roles. However, men who made this mistake showed significantly lower support for gender-equality initiatives. The research highlights the need to address these misconceptions to achieve progress toward gender equali...
A new analysis suggests that ending automatic early release from prison for terrorists will undermine their rehabilitation and threaten their human rights. The study, published in Legal Studies, argues that the changes, known as TORERA 2020, create a 'cliff-edge' in managing the risks of releasing terrorists.
A new research project led by Professor Edze Westra aims to uncover the mechanisms of molecular communication in viruses, which coordinate their infections and replicate in infected cells. The team will use a combination of theoretical, experimental, and observational approaches to address key questions about viral communication systems.
Scientists developed an AI approach to model and map the Earth's natural features in greater detail and accuracy. The new system can recognise intricate features and aspects of the terrain far beyond traditional methods, generating enhanced-quality environmental maps.
Scientists have developed a new toolkit to aid in the discovery of porphyry-type copper deposits, crucial for green technologies. The study provides a textural framework for exploration geologists to assess deposit architecture before employing more invasive techniques.
A Peruvian trial of underwater sound devices called pingers reduced bycatch of dolphins by 83%, but failed to deter humpback whales. The study found that lower-frequency pingers may be needed to address whale interactions.
Researchers found that voles in Inner Mongolia, China, trim tall grasses when shrikes are nearby, decreasing predation risk. The voles' behavior is an example of ecosystem engineering, where they modify their environment to improve survival.
Researchers found that Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) helps individuals with depression develop self-compassion, leading to a state of safety and relaxation. Participants who received MBCT showed increased self-kindness and reduced threat responses compared to those in an untreated control group.
Researchers have tracked green turtle populations at Aldabra Atoll and found a significant increase in clutches laid since the species was protected in 1968. The study reveals an overall 2.6% annual rise in clutch numbers, offering hope for marine conservation success stories.
A new study predicts that El Niño events will increase in frequency by 2040, regardless of efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The researchers used state-of-the-art climate models to examine the potential impacts of different emissions scenarios on global weather fluctuations.
The Amazon rainforest is experiencing a decline in resilience, which could trigger dieback and have severe consequences for the environment. The study found that resilience has dropped consistently since the early 2000s, with parts of the forest losing resilience faster due to deforestation and climate change.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of Candida glabrata, a deadly yeast infection that's resistant to antifungal drugs. The study found genes associated with virulence and drug resistance, shedding light on how the pathogen spreads and evolves.
Research shows female chimpanzees tend to avoid villages and farmland, while males are more likely to encounter humans, leading to smaller social gatherings for females. This sex difference in risk perception could have significant consequences for the survival of chimpanzees.
A new study found that over two-thirds of UK social scientists believe their academic freedom is at risk, with internationalisation and the rise of authoritarian states like China being major concerns. The survey also showed that academics are reluctant to self-censor when teaching students from autocratic states in the UK.
A new study finds that men and women in same-sex couples are more likely to choose eco-friendly modes of transportation, such as walking or cycling, and less likely to drive. This 'sexual orientation gap' may be due to environmental preferences, with gay and bisexual individuals valuing the environment more.
Researchers found that genetic relatedness correlates with hormonal responses and behavioural reactions in fish, allowing for selective breeding of less-stressed fish. This approach could simplify breeding methods for aquaculture and aquariums.
Three University of Exeter researchers Dr Jasmine Ono, Dr Luis Yanez Guerra and Dr Jane Usher have been awarded BBSRC Discovery Fellowships for innovative research in biotechnology and biological sciences. They will focus on improving scientific knowledge to develop better treatments for human fungal pathogens and understanding the ori...
The Gabonese government-led initiative, 'Gabon Bleu,' created a 20-protected area network, increasing ocean protection from less than 1% to 26%. This inter-connected network protects habitats and globally important marine species.
Researchers say a new framework can help trigger positive tipping points to tackle the climate crisis, including the growth of plant-based diets and regenerative farming methods. The Breakthrough Agenda at COP26 signals a shift in thinking, aiming to tip economic sectors into a green state.
A new study reveals that the fungus Rhizopus partners with a bacteria called Ralstonia to evade immune cells and predators in soil. This partnership strategy is also used by humans' own immune cells, allowing Rhizopus to cause disease in humans.
Researchers have discovered a new type of tiny propeller used by archaea, with implications for human health and technology. The study found that the filament is made up of thousands of copies of two alternating proteins, enabling it to move and propel the cell at high speeds.
A study published in Big Data & Society urges governments to limit the use of COVID-19 certificates to the current pandemic, citing concerns over data privacy and human rights. The research recommends introducing 'sunset clauses' into relevant legislation to set a clear expiry date for the passes.
New research reveals that zoos and aquariums can prioritize evidence-based environmental enrichment to benefit a wider range of species. The study highlights the need for greater diversity in enrichment types and species researched, as well as more attention to social enrichment.
A new study found that people with dementia who see the same GP consistently have lower rates of health complications and fewer emergency hospital admissions. They are also less likely to develop delirium and incontinence, and receive safer prescribing.
A deforestation emissions reduction scheme in Indonesia prevented over 70 million tons of carbon emissions, but this is a tiny contribution to the country's overall commitment under the Paris Agreement. The study found that dryland forests inside the moratorium area had higher forest cover compared to similar areas outside.
Researchers found that some people's genes determine whether they store fat in a 'favourable' or 'unfavourable' way, affecting their risk of diseases. Even those with 'favourable adiposity' are still at risk for certain health issues.
The four-year programme will investigate the chemical signatures that trigger immunity in fungal infections, which kill an estimated 1.6 million people worldwide annually. By understanding these signatures and how fungi disguise them, researchers hope to uncover the origins of antifungal immunity.
The English Channel prevents many rockpool species from reaching the UK due to unfavorable ocean currents. This could lead to a decrease in intertidal wildlife richness in the UK as warmer-water species fail to replace threatened ones. As climate change causes sea temperatures to rise, this barrier may prevent species from adapting.
A new study has discovered a type of astrocyte glial cell, named EROB cells, that responds to oestrogens and is involved in the development of the sense of smell in zebrafish embryos. The research shows that oestrogens regulate the development of the olfactory sensory system via these cells.
Research suggests US hostility towards Chinese Communists in the early years of the Cold War was driven by President Truman's nationalist beliefs. The study found that Truman's view of China as a 'colony' led to economic and military support for local warlords, resulting in covert operations against the CCP.
A study shows that UK government trust, social norms, and privacy concerns play a significant role in the adoption of the NHS Covid-19 app. Initial enthusiasm to adopt the app was higher in urban locations, while people's concern about third-party data access fuelled reluctance to use it.
A new EU-funded project, MUSIC, will investigate how bacterial defences influence the spread of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) between bacteria. MGEs can change key traits of bacteria, including antibiotic resistance and virulence.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that 13% of people who tested positive for COVID-19 on standard PCR tests remained clinically relevant for the virus beyond 10 days. This could pose a risk of onward transmission, and the authors recommend applying the newly adapted test to settings where vulnerable individuals are present.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism for regulating organelle contacts, essential for producing specific lipids in nerve cells. The study reveals that phosphorylation of a protein at the peroxisomes can block interaction with the endoplasmic reticulum.
A new project will provide scientific evidence on the outcomes of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) for transgender people. The AFFIRM Relationships project seeks to identify causal links between GAHT and psychosocial functioning, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their care.
A clinical trial found that people with severe alcohol disorder stayed off alcohol for longer when treated with low doses of ketamine combined with psychological therapy. The therapy showed promise in preventing relapse and improving liver function, with participants having lower depression rates after three months.
A new study by the University of Exeter reveals two previously unknown Vibrio species in UK waters, which can cause gastroenteritis and skin infections in humans. The increasing range of these bacteria also threatens marine biodiversity and the seafood industry, with potential economic costs estimated at £6 billion annually.
A new study reveals that medieval warhorses were bred for success in various functions, including tournaments and long-distance raiding campaigns. The research, published in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, found that breeding and training were influenced by biological and cultural factors.
A new study found that providing health information in a foreign language can reduce vaccine hesitancy. In a study conducted in Hong Kong, participants who received the same information in Cantonese showed lower willingness to get vaccinated compared to those who received it in English. The researchers suggest that language choice shou...
A new study suggests there are likely to be rare individuals in the general population who possess a natural talent for visual comparison, comparable to expert forensic scientists. These 'super-matchers' may not even realise they have this skill, but researchers aim to identify and recruit them for future studies.
A study by University of Exeter scientists found that pheasants' heads cool rapidly before a fight, indicating a stress response. After the confrontation, their heads heat up again as normal blood flow is restored.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that countries with high levels of trust among their citizens experienced a faster decline in COVID-19 cases and deaths. This is because behaviors like mask wearing and social distancing rely on mutual trust to be effective.
A large-scale new study found that frailty was a strong risk factor for dementia, even among people at high genetic risk, and that it can be modified through a healthy lifestyle. Over 10 years, dementia was detected in 1,762 participants, with those who were frail before diagnosis having a much higher risk.
A study by the University of Exeter found that older male elephants help keep younger, more aggressive males calm by policing their behavior. Without these older bulls, adolescent elephants become more fearful and aggressive towards non-elephant targets, posing a threat to humans.
New research combines antibiotics and phage therapy to cure infections more effectively and reduce antibiotic use. The study found that bacteriostatic antibiotics trigger CRISPR-Cas adaptive immunity in bacteria, increasing the chances of treatment efficacy.