A new study suggests that using a brain-training app can help people reduce their junk food consumption and lose weight. The app trains users to associate healthy foods with stopping and unhealthy snacks with avoiding, resulting in an average weight loss of half a kilogram and a small increase in healthy food eaten.
A large-scale genetic study has identified more genomic regions linked to type 2 diabetes-related traits by including multi-ethnic participants. The research, published in Nature Genetics, found that expanding the scope of genetic studies to different ancestries yields better results and benefits global patient care.
A new study reveals widespread plastic pollution in Galapagos seawater, beaches, and animals, with over 400 plastic particles found per square meter on some beaches. Microplastics were also discovered inside more than half of the marine invertebrates studied, posing a potential threat to the ecosystem.
Wild African elephants highly attend to scent trails of dung and urine left by other elephants. Artificial elephant trails could divert them away from farms and villages, reducing conflicts with humans. The study's findings suggest an important role of smell in long-distance navigation for these animals.
Researchers estimate that UK road verges, covering 1.2% of land in Great Britain, can be managed for nature by reducing frequent mowing and planting trees. This approach could create better habitats for pollinators, capture carbon, and contribute to the UK government's tree-planting ambitions.
The SeaCURE method utilizes natural processes and renewable energy to remove CO2 from seawater, allowing the ocean to absorb more CO2. The process involves making seawater temporarily acidic to 'bubble out' CO2, then delivering a concentrated stream for utilisation and storage.
A new survey suggests that Leave voters in Cornwall wanted to regain control over the UK due to concerns about EU influence, while immigration was a key factor for many. However, the issue of immigration was not a significant concern in Cornwall itself, with only six people citing it as an issue.
A new study reveals that counselling sessions in primary school have a lasting positive impact on children's mental health. The research, published in European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, found that children who received one-to-one counselling showed considerably better mental health than those who did not.
A new European collaboration outlines initial steps towards a united global plan to protect the ocean's health. The researchers emphasize holistic collaboration to address threats like climate change and pollution, while highlighting the benefits of access to healthy coasts on human wellbeing.
Researchers discovered that fair treatment alone is insufficient to foster a sense of value in groups; instead, recognizing individual talents and qualities provides a sense of inclusion while promoting mental health. This approach complements the idea of 'fitting in' by allowing individuals to stand out and feel valuable.
A new study suggests that the Antarctic ice sheet was more unstable in the past than previously thought, with fluctuations in its area causing significant changes in deep-sea temperatures. This can lead to a chain reaction of climate change, accelerating further ice loss and increasing rainfall on Antarctica.
A new study reveals that many UK farmers are not prioritizing adapting to the effects of climate change due to uncertainty and focus on short-term profitability. However, innovative practices such as improving soil health and adopting risk-spreading strategies can help build resilience within farming businesses.
A new study found that zoo YouTube videos focus disproportionately on mammals, with only 3% of content dedicated to conservation. However, the study also notes an increase in conservation-focused videos in recent years, highlighting the potential for social media to support global conservation education.
Research found that captive pelicans bred successfully on repeated occasions when they were free to choose their own friendships. The flock formed a social structure, with sub-adults spending more time with each other than adults.
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.