A new study reveals that thousands of sharks have been caught illegally in a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Indian Ocean, threatening critically endangered species like oceanic whitetip and scalloped hammerhead. The MPA was found to be vulnerable to enforcement due to its large size and remote location.
New research shows Mediterranean green turtle populations are recovering, but loggerhead turtles face additional threats due to high mortality rates. The study found stable reproduction rates among loggerheads, suggesting deaths among all ages impede their recovery.
A new study published in Appetite found that nearly 7% of meat eaters experience a strong disgust response to images of meat dishes, which could be leveraged to encourage reduced meat consumption. Researchers suggest harnessing this 'yuk factor' may be more effective than relying on willpower.
A recent study published in the Journal of Law and Society suggests that children are more prone to pleading guilty even when innocent due to their brain development and information processing abilities. The researchers argue that this can lead to inaccurate convictions and recommend tailored protection for young defendants.
Researchers found that larger, more experienced bumblebees begin foraging at dawn despite poor visibility. This suggests that knowledge of food locations helps them navigate safely, and they can capitalize on the benefits of extra foraging time during early morning.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered a method to recreate the early structure of the human embryo from stem cells in the laboratory. This approach enables the study of human fertility and reproduction, with potential benefits for infertility research and IVF procedures.
Sea turtle nesting populations in the Cayman Islands have recovered significantly after conservation efforts, with loggerhead and green turtle numbers increasing dramatically. However, hawksbill turtle nest numbers remain low and populations still face threats including illegal hunting and artificial lighting on nesting beaches.
Scientists have developed a new method to extract metals like copper from their parent ore body using an electric field. This non-invasive technique has the potential to transform the mining industry by dissolving metals from previously inaccessible deposits.
A new study found that the Brazilian Amazon released more carbon than it stored over the last decade due to forest degradation. Degradation accounted for three times more carbon loss than deforestation, highlighting its significant impact on overall biomass and carbon storage in the rainforest.
Researchers tracked global ship movements and found a 70.2% decrease in Exclusive Economic Zones during the pandemic's early stages. The impact of reduced boat traffic allowed some marine ecosystems to recover, with clearer water observed in Venice's canals and reduced underwater noise at Vancouver.
A large-scale study found that people treated with infliximab had significantly lower antibody concentrations after a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine. However, the vaccine-triggered antibody responses rose significantly in those who had previously been infected with COVID-19 or received a second dose. The researchers recommend prioriti...
New research suggests that reversing global warming quickly enough can prevent abrupt and irreversible changes triggered by climate tipping points. The study found that thresholds could be temporarily exceeded without permanent shifts, providing a lifeline to avoid dangerous climate change.
New research suggests Himalayan rock glaciers, which account for 1/25 of glacial ice, will resist global warming more than traditional 'true' ice glaciers. These slow-moving glaciers are well-insulated and contain about 51 cubic kilometers of ice.
Researchers propose marketing sewing as a wellbeing activity and using technology to encourage consumers to adopt slower fashion habits. The study suggests that creating spaces for clothing repair on high streets could help reduce fast fashion's negative environmental impacts.
Atlantic bluefin tuna numbers appear to be increasing in UK waters after a long period of decline. Researchers have documented this growth using data from citizen scientists, eco-tourism vessels, and fisheries records, revealing that these fish arrive in May and stay until January, with peak sightings between August and October each year.
A team of researchers from the University of Exeter and the University of Auckland made a significant discovery in how a single cell stores electrical patterns similar to memories. The study found that a single neuron can select between different patterns based on individual stimulus properties.
A new study reveals that women are choosing to go grey as a means of self-expression and authenticity, despite societal pressure. Despite potential negative consequences, many report feeling happier and more confident in their natural appearance.
Researchers found that fostered flamingo chicks formed stable social ties and behaved like parent-reared birds after rejoining their species. The study provides valuable insights into the success of fostering for conservation breeding programs.
Researchers have discovered a unique regenerative property of human early embryo cells, allowing them to regenerate trophectoderm and produce placental cell types. This breakthrough may benefit assisted conception treatments and help understand causes of infertility and miscarriage.
Researchers identified how Wnt proteins orchestrate cell communication and patterning of body axis, revealing the role of Vangl2 in regulating cytoneme formation. Long and branched cytonemes reinforce distant Wnt signalling, leading to altered body axis patterning.
Researchers found genetically distinct Fal Estuary maerl beds, shaped by geographical isolation and limited connectivity. Threats from shipping and climate change require targeted conservation efforts to protect these ancient ecosystems.
A new study found that drinking beetroot juice for ten days increased levels of beneficial oral bacteria linked to healthier blood vessels and brain function in older adults. The results also showed a significant drop in systolic blood pressure, suggesting potential benefits for cardiovascular health.
Researchers found that Gray's beaked whales have high genetic diversity and flexible social systems, allowing them to adapt to changing conditions. The species' ability to thrive in the face of environmental shifts could provide insights into how other deep-sea animals respond to rapid ecological change.
A team of undergraduate students from the University of Exeter's Natural Sciences department has published their second-year research in a top academic journal. They applied novel image analysis techniques to study the Belousov-Zhabotinsky chemical reaction, extracting features such as wave velocity and making unprecedented progress.
A review of 126 marine mammal species reveals that accidental capture, climate change, and pollution are driving declines. Conservation efforts have saved some species, but many more are at risk, including the vaquita porpoise and North Atlantic right whale.
Medieval and early modern lawyers chose sheepskin over goatskin due to its high fat content, making it difficult to erase text without leaving visible marks. This study reveals the use of sheepskin parchment as an anti-fraud device in legal documents from the 13th to 20th century.
A team of international scientists has created a new diagnostic procedure for pulmonary aspergillosis, eliminating the need for invasive techniques. The breakthrough uses a patent-pending Aspergillus-specific monoclonal antibody to rapidly recognize infection in the lungs.
A new study found that people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treated with infliximab are less likely to develop antibodies after COVID-19 infection, which may boost susceptibility to reinfection. The study suggests that careful monitoring is needed to ensure patients mount a strong enough antibody response.
Scientists have discovered that sugars called mannoses play a crucial role in the immune system's response to malaria and sickle cell disease. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating these diseases.
Researchers found that Center-right MEPs became less cohesive in voting for resolutions protecting EU fundamental values between 2009 and 2019. The analysis shows a sharp increase in the tendency of EPP MEPs to support these resolutions over time, but during 2011-2019, they had below-average cohesion compared to others.
UK fishers face economic insecurity and climate-driven storms, making it harder to balance risks and rewards. The study suggests that factors like household income, fishing success, and crew support influence decision-making, with skippers taking greater risks when expecting good catches.
Researchers tracked breeding gannets for 11 years, finding that females travel up to 260km to find food, while males average 220km. The study highlights the importance of long-term studies and suggests differences in diet between sexes may be due to subtle taste preferences.
A new study found that Europeans spend an average of £35 per trip to visit water bodies, with a typical family making 45 trips annually. Poor perceived water quality can result in significant losses, with over €100 billion in annual costs.
Scientists have discovered a new breeding site for the world's rarest seal species, the Mediterranean monk seal, in northern Cyprus. At least three pups were born at one cave between 2016-19, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts.
A new study reveals that global warming can reduce energy transfer in plankton food webs by up to 56%, threatening the survival of larger animals. Warmer temperatures cause metabolic rates to accelerate faster than growth rates, leading to less efficient energy flow and reduced biomass.
Ecosystem collapse is occurring in 19 case studies across Australia and Antarctica, driven by global climate change and human impacts. A three-step framework to combat irreversible damage is proposed, emphasizing awareness, anticipation, and action to protect key ecosystems.
New research reveals chimpanzees use areas away from villages more intensively, but enter human-occupied land for fruit when scarce. The study provides insights into how wildlife balance risks and rewards in anthropogenic landscapes, informing coexistence strategies.
Researchers found that pheasants in different habitats prefer to use either allocentric or egocentric navigation strategies. The study suggests individual variation in these biases may influence habitat selection and resource relocation.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered how single-celled algae like Chlamydomonas rotate as it swims towards the light. By analyzing flagella movement and creating a computer model, the team found that the alga can steer by exerting different forces on its two flagella.
A new study shows that people's writing styles reflect the norms of the social group they belong to. Researchers analyzed online forum posts from parents and feminists to demonstrate their method, finding an accuracy of 70% in detecting which group identity was active. This discovery has implications for understanding how people switch...
A rapid systematic review found that rehabilitation programmes can give hope and confidence to patients, while tailored approaches can help individuals recover from severe respiratory illness. Early mobilization and progressive exercise were key components in improving recovery outcomes.
Researchers at University of Exeter identified a way to rescue mutated muscle cells using novel drugs, providing a possible new treatment for rare childhood illness. The study found that compounds targeting mitochondrial energy production improved muscle function in animal models with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
A large-scale study published in the BMJ found that genetic testing technology widely used by commercial companies is unreliable in detecting very rare variants. The study analyzed data from nearly 50,000 people and found that the technology produced false positive results for rare disease-causing genetic variants in over 80% of cases.
A new study found that introducing premium commercial food with high protein content from meat reduced the number of prey animals brought home by 36%, while five to ten minutes of daily play resulted in a 25% reduction. These non-invasive methods offer a solution for reducing hunting without restricting cat access.
A new study found that common pipistrelle bats are attracted to wind turbines, with activity around 30% higher at turbines than control locations. Ongoing monitoring and measures like idling blade rotation may help reduce fatalities. Soprano pipistrelle bat activity did not show conclusive evidence of attraction.
A large-scale genetic analysis found specific biological mechanisms contributing to muscle weakness in older adults, with diseases like osteoarthritis and diabetes playing a significant role. The study identified 15 areas of the genome associated with muscle weakness, highlighting potential therapeutic interventions for prevention.
Research finds positive relatedness among emerald coral gobies, suggesting kin selection as a key factor in their social structure. The study reveals that group members are more closely related to each other than to individuals from different reefs.
Researchers discovered ancient Amazonian farmers built wooden palisades and earthworks to enclose valuable soils in Bolivia. This fortification demonstrates the importance of protecting investments in fertile land during social unrest.
A large-scale analysis found a disproportionately higher COVID-19 death risk in middle-aged people with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that vaccine prioritization strategies across Europe should consider the relative risk of COVID-19 mortality in this population.
Scientists at the University of Exeter made a breakthrough in understanding brain activity during seizures by studying synchronization patterns. The study found that excessive synchronization can lead to epileptic seizures and Parkinson's disease, impairing brain function.