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.
Scientists have developed a pioneering new technique to barcode individual cells more accurately and efficiently. The method combines artificial intelligence with microfluidics, allowing for real-time analysis of single cells and enabling the efficient sorting and counting of cells.
A new study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology has identified a promising target for an anti-hypoglycaemia drug by boosting the brain's AMPK fuel gauge. The researchers found that the compound increases the release of glucagon from the pancreas, defending against hypoglycaemia.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that artificial intelligence can predict which people attending memory clinics will develop dementia within two years with 92% accuracy. The machine learning algorithm analyzed data from over 15,300 patients and identified around eight per cent of dementia diagnoses as being made in error.
Researchers have discovered that vast ice forms on Pluto's surface are formed by the sublimation of nitrogen ice, powering convection in the ice layer of Sputnik Planitia. This process is consistent with climate models and has implications for other planetary bodies.
A study by the University of Exeter found that pressure to achieve high grades, be popular and beautiful, contributes to anxiety in teenage girls. The pressure to live up to societal expectations can lead to mental health issues, with older girls at greater risk than boys.
Researchers developed a new way to create unique datasets during online exams, boosting their fairness and robustness. The technique uses bespoke lab videos, smart worksheets, and realistic data to provide instant feedback and aid marking.
Researchers found that in 2020, 93% of Guinea worms detected worldwide were in dogs in Chad. Dogs eating infected fish carry the parasite larvae, which means they maintain the life-cycle and humans can still catch the disease.
A team of researchers from the University of Exeter has made a breakthrough in developing all-optical switching of magnetization using transition metals. The new technology enables energy-efficient nanoscale magnetic storage devices with unprecedented tunability and scalability.
New research shows that bumblebees waste no time enjoying flowers but instead learn the bare minimum about where to land and find food. Bees extract just the necessary information from artificial flowers, suggesting a simple, low-effort form of learning is sufficient in some situations.
Researchers at the University of Exeter found that coral reef restoration projects can lead to a healthy and functioning ecosystem through the soundscape, with increased fish sounds recorded on restored reefs. The study used acoustic recordings from 2018-2019 as part of the monitoring program for the Mars Coral Reef Restoration Project.
A recent study published in lambda nordica suggests that recognizing the psychological, social, and physical effects of shame on HIV patients is crucial for enhancing their medical treatment. The research argues that healthcare workers should be more aware of how shame contributes to poor health outcomes, particularly in individuals wi...
Researchers develop theory on exploiting space reflection and time reversal symmetries to control transport and correlations in quantum materials. The discovery may lead to the design of future quantum devices relying on strong correlations and exceptional points in oligomer chains.
Researchers examined social media posts promoting live bird sales from West Africa, finding 83 species for sale, including endangered parrots. Social media platforms must work with wildlife experts to detect harmful content, as algorithms alone are not enough.
Research found that people who rated their sleep as poor also felt older and had a more negative perception of their ageing. This study suggests that addressing sleep difficulties could promote a better perception of ageing and have other health benefits.
Researchers found that warmer soil releases less carbon, but coarse-textured soils are more vulnerable to climate change. The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding soil types and their impact on carbon storage.
Researchers have identified thousands of novel brain-expressed gene isoforms, revealing a complex web of protein production in the brain. The study suggests that genes expressed in the brain may produce far more proteins than previously thought, with potential implications for diseases such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.
Physicists from Exeter and Zaragoza develop a theory to engineer non-reciprocal flows of quantum light and matter, paving the way for novel devices with directional character. This breakthrough may lead to the creation of quantum technologies requiring efficient, directional energy transfer.
A recent study found that digital health programs and apps are less effective in boosting physical activity among users with lower socio-economic status. Researchers analyzed over 14,000 studies and concluded that these interventions do not provide clear benefits for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The IPCC has endorsed new communication recommendations for addressing climate change, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and dialogue. The organization is keen to engage with experts and audiences in a two-way conversation to ensure effective information dissemination.
The green transition is already underway, with countries facing unique risks and opportunities based on their degree of competitiveness in fossil fuel markets. Diversifying economies towards low-carbon exports can mitigate negative impacts, while supporting innovation and job creation are key to maintaining long-term competitiveness.
The Global Carbon Project predicts an increase of 4.9% in global carbon emissions in 2021, with fossil carbon emissions set to grow more than they fell in 2020. The report highlights the need for immediate global action on climate change as world leaders meet at COP26 in Glasgow.
Experts call for a national compensatory body and guarantee fund to compensate victims of mass-hacking, citing potential catastrophic consequences and financial losses. The UK has an opportunity to establish itself as a leading role in connected and autonomous vehicle development by creating an insurance fund.
A new study found that around 1 in 4 medical doctors experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression during the pandemic, with female doctors and younger doctors more likely to be affected. The study also found a correlation between perceptions of workplace safety and mental health.
A new study reveals that increasing human wellbeing and improving environmental resilience are not always compatible, especially when understood too simplistically. The research team argues that a more nuanced approach can help find win-win scenarios, prioritizing both people's livelihoods and the planet's health.
Researchers have confirmed cases of leprosy in two unconnected West African populations of chimpanzees, in Guinea-Bissau and Ivory Coast. The strains identified are different and rare among humans. Long-term health monitoring is needed to establish the scale and possible effects of leprosy on critically endangered western chimpanzees.
Researchers at the University of Exeter develop a new method to mimic microenvironments in the human body, overcoming a major obstacle to using phage therapy. The study finds that phage can effectively kill bacteria in these environments without promoting genetic resistance.
A unique form of English rewilding is emerging as domesticated and scaled-down compared to global efforts. This approach requires human intervention to restore ecological function and increase biodiversity.
New research shows that climate models are underestimating the warming effect of black carbon aerosols transported over the South-East Atlantic. The study, led by Dr Marc Mallet, found that biomass-burning aerosols can lead to an increase in absorbed sunlight, potentially warming the climate system.
A new study estimates that over 3 billion people worldwide will still mainly use polluting fuels like wood and charcoal by 2030. This disproportionately affects Sub-Saharan Africa, where the number of people using these fuels is growing rapidly.
A new study found that six out of ten patients with common 'alarm' symptoms were not referred for urgent cancer investigation within two weeks, leading to a higher risk of delayed diagnosis. The study suggests that stricter adherence to guidelines and increased awareness of missed symptom groups could improve diagnosis rates.
A new study by the University of Exeter reveals that domestic cats rely almost entirely on their owner-provided food for nutrition. Despite being prolific hunters, cats only consume a small percentage of the prey they catch.
A comprehensive review finds that cruise ships cause major environmental pollution and degradation, as well as physical and mental health risks for passengers, staff, and land-based residents. The study highlights the need for global legislation to minimize damage on both oceans and human health.
The number of autism diagnoses in England has skyrocketed by 787% over the past two decades, driven primarily by increased recognition and improved diagnosis for females. Researchers analyzed GP records and found that the greatest rises were among adults, with females making up most of the increase.
A new study from the Kalahari Desert finds that teamwork allows birds to cope with brutally unpredictable environments. The research team at the University of Exeter shows that families with more helpers successfully raise more chicks in dry conditions, reducing weather-driven variation in breeding success.
Research reveals hoverflies use a time-compensated sun compass to orientate during autumn migration, adjusting course based on sun's position and time of day. This navigation technique helps the insects maintain an efficient southern route despite flying on sunny days.
A team of researchers has demonstrated how a detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can mitigate against negative environmental impacts in metal mining explorations. The new approach helps identify potential 'hot-spots' before extraction operations begin, allowing geologists to select targets with lower environmental impacts.