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.
A review published in the Journal Birds suggests that studying birds in their natural habitats can improve zoo management and conservation efforts. By analyzing the ecological role of bird species, zoos can design enclosures that support reproduction and develop conservation actions.
A new study improves a computer modelling system to predict the impact of ozone on soybean production, estimating damage at 10% yield reduction for normal ozone levels and less than half that for extreme levels. The research aims to inform policy decisions to limit surface ozone levels.
Researchers investigate photonics as a solution to develop fast and energy-efficient computing systems inspired by the human brain. By mimicking biological processing systems, they aim to reduce energy losses and improve processor speeds.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have made groundbreaking discoveries about the region's history, revealing new insights into its fertile past. The study sheds light on the region's unique ecosystem and its potential for dairy production.
Research suggests a link between maternal depressive symptoms and adolescent suicidal thoughts, with loneliness as a key mediator. Children of depressed mothers are up to 15% more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or attempts as adolescents. Interventions targeting loneliness may help reduce this risk.
A recent study by researchers from the University of Exeter analyzed 68 English language jihadi magazines produced between 2013 and 2020. The Taliban's magazines promote traditional roles for women, while ISIS and Al Qaeda encourage violence and leave husbandless wives. Experts hope highlighting these varying recruitment strategies wil...
Scientists have developed Repeat DNA-Paint, a new technique that overcomes DNA-PAINT's drawbacks to improve super-resolution imaging. This allows for clearer molecular detail with light microscopy, enabling direct observation of biological functions in health and disease.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have identified a population of dormant Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria that are better equipped to revive when conditions improve. The study also discovered an enzyme involved in this process, which breaks down lactic acid into pyruvate, allowing the bacteria to survive for extended periods.
Researchers developed a simple, affordable test to detect hidden blood in feces, helping identify those at risk of developing colorectal cancer. The test has shown exceptional performance in detecting the disease in patients with low-risk symptoms, reducing the need for unnecessary colonoscopies.
Researchers at University of Exeter found that male Drosophila simulans flies with certain genital shapes produced more offspring. Surprisingly, despite rapid evolution of genital form, selection on this trait was relatively weak.
Researchers found guppies showed higher inhibitory control when swimming towards food in a cylinder and resisted the urge to bump into it. The study revealed consistent differences between individual guppies and a population-level difference in self-control ability compared to another strain of guppies.
A recent study found that ancient oceans were more resilient to climate change than previously thought, with limited expansion of seafloor anoxia during the Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum. However, current human activities are expected to drive more rapid and expansive oxygen loss due to higher carbon emissions and nutrient pollution.
A study by University of Exeter researcher Dr. Patrick English found that minority candidates are less likely to be fielded in areas with lower tolerance for diversity. Only 65 out of 650 potential BAME MPs needed to reflect the UK's minority-ethnic population, highlighting a systemic barrier to representation.
Researchers identify human societal tipping points to rapidly cut carbon emissions, citing examples of road transport and power generation transitions. Small coalitions of countries could trigger upward-scaling cascades to achieve more, say experts.
A new study shows that big bumblebees selectively remember the location of flowers with high nectar concentrations. In contrast, smaller bumblebees invest equally in learning the locations of artificial flowers regardless of sucrose concentration.
A global study found that a difference in blood pressure readings between arms is linked to increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. The research suggests that measuring both arms could save lives by identifying patients at significantly increased risk.
Researchers recommend that GPs adopt a more open questioning style when discussing self-harm and suicide with patients, acknowledging the possibility of a positive response. This can help alleviate stigma and encourage patients to disclose their thoughts, ultimately leading to better mental health outcomes.
The discovery of 66 new Roman Army sites has provided more insights into the Roman Empire's military presence in the Iberian Peninsula. The analysis of these camps reveals a larger Roman army presence than previously thought during the 200-year battle to conquer the region.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have identified a new treatment approach for mitochondrial diseases, such as Leigh Syndrome, by using novel drugs that metabolically reprogram mitochondria to generate energy. The study successfully normalized or improved energy production in genetically mutated microscopic worms.
A study on North American red squirrels found that keeping the same neighbors boosts survival rates and breeding success, even for solitary species. Familiarity with neighbors reduces aggression and increases territory defense efficiency, benefiting overall fitness.
A new study finds that crops grown near Chernobyl's exclusion zone continue to be contaminated with radioactive isotopes, including strontium 90 and caesium 137. The contamination poses significant health risks to humans and the environment, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and remediation efforts.
A blanket ban on landing thresher sharks has stopped targeted fishing, but persistent 'bycatch' continues to be a problem. The study found that bycatch is widely unrecorded due to mistrust and confusion among fishers, making it hard for authorities to enforce the ban.
Researchers found that chestnut-crowned babbler birds adapt to rising temperatures by breeding earlier, but this reduces successful breeding due to cold temperatures. The study suggests these birds fall into an ecological trap, highlighting the need for further research on adaptable parenting.
New research from the University of Exeter's Living Systems Institute has found that human embryonic stem cells do not acquire cancer-causing mutations when grown in their most primitive state. The study provides a significant breakthrough in understanding the genetic stability of human pluripotent stem cells.
A study of 6,769 people from 77 countries found that those under strict lockdowns were more likely to experience depression and anxiety. Access to outdoor spaces and views of nature reduced symptoms during lockdowns, particularly in areas where people were not allowed to visit parks.
Researchers from the University of Exeter have developed a new theoretical approach to force light to travel through electromagnetic materials without reflection. This discovery could pave the way for more efficient communications and wireless technology.
A new study has found that short telomeres may contribute to the cause of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a devastating lung disease affecting thousands in the UK. The research also suggests that reducing stress and increasing exercise may help prevent or treat IPF.
Researchers warn that peatlands, a significant carbon sink, are expected to shift from absorbing to emitting carbon due to human impacts. The study predicts total carbon loss from 2020-2100 at 104 billion tons, emphasizing the need for urgent inclusion in climate models and better preservation efforts.
The study suggests most animals remain stressed for longer than optimal after a stress-inducing incident, likely due to physiological limits. The researchers propose that environmental predictability and baseline stress levels play key roles in shaping stress responses.
Researchers from the University of Exeter and ZSL used GPS and satellite tags in plastic bottles to track plastic pollution in the Ganges river and Bay of Bengal. The study found that plastic pollution can travel thousands of kilometers in just a few months, with some bottles traveling up to 2,845km in 94 days.
A large-scale study found that genetics contribute to most cases of extremely large or small birth weights in full-term babies. However, the role of genetics was less significant in the smallest three per cent of babies, suggesting other factors such as placental health may be involved.
New research finds that plastics in seawater can cause deformities and developmental problems in sea urchin larvae due to chemical leaching. The study highlights the importance of reducing plastic pollution and finding alternatives to replace harmful additives.
A study published at the University of Exeter Medical School has discovered specialized nerve cells called speed-sensitive cells in the brain's entorhinal cortex that malfunction in Alzheimer's disease. This malfunction disrupts the brain's map, leading to spatial navigation difficulties.
A new study recommends protecting first-time borrowers from long-term debt by introducing psychometric tests to assess age, experience, and personality traits. The study argues that lenders should have a duty of care and control access to credit more carefully for young people and those with impulsive tendencies.
Researchers found subtle changes in about 1,000 genes and stronger effects in some genes, particularly among neurons, after exposing worms to low gravity. The study aims to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of spaceflight-induced health decline in humans and identify potential therapy targets.
Entanglement in waste fishing gear poses a significant threat to Ganges River wildlife, including critically endangered species like the three-striped roofed turtle and Ganges river dolphin. The study highlights the need for recycling systems and awareness-raising initiatives to mitigate plastic pollution.