A major new study found that men with two copies of the faulty haemochromatosis genes are 10 times more likely to develop liver cancer by age 75 compared to the general population. Researchers call for routine early testing for the iron overload condition.
A new report outlines key considerations for using drones in conservation, including a precautionary principle, ethical rules, and minimizing wildlife disturbance. The guide provides practical case studies and drone best practices to ensure safe and responsible use of this technology.
A plant species, Fritillaria delavayi, has evolved to become better camouflaged in areas with high human harvesting, increasing its survival chances. Human activity is found to be driving the evolution of camouflage in this species.
Indonesian wildfires are a major issue due to their impact on the environment and human health. The project aims to investigate the causes and possible solutions to these fires. Experts believe that the drivers behind the peatland fires are a combination of climatic processes, land use, and ignition by humans.
The four-year project will map the sources of plastic waste, investigate its effects and generate solutions to reduce waste. Researchers will work with governments, businesses and communities to co-design effective ways to cut plastic pollution.
The study suggests that tropical peatlands could reduce the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the likelihood of new diseases jumping from animals to humans. Conservation efforts in these areas could mitigate zoonotic disease transmission, protect human health, and strengthen arguments for their conservation and restoration.
Researchers found that migrants develop faster, produce offspring earlier, and die younger due to energy constraints. This could explain the decline of many migratory species as they may struggle to adapt to changes in habitats and climate.
Elite marathon runners require a perfect balance of VO2 max, efficiency, and lactate turn point to maintain two-hour pace. A study on athletes from Nike's Breaking2 project found that these runners must take in oxygen twice as fast as normal individuals at marathon pace.
Research found that pathogens with intermediate virulence are most evolutionarily successful, as they balance harm and transmission. This challenges conventional wisdom that new diseases evolve to become harmless.
Researchers at the University of Exeter and Plymouth found that animal groups consider various factors, such as group cohesion, individual strength, and prize importance, before deciding to fight. This study highlights complexity in group conflicts and provides insights into conflict resolution in humans.
Researchers observed Asian short-clawed otters solving food puzzles twice, several months apart, with the otters solving it 69% faster on average. This suggests a capacity for long-term memory and provides evidence of 'social learning,' where one otter's solution is quickly adopted by its closest friends.
Scientists have developed an optical elastography technique that can detect biomechanical alterations in cells and tissues non-invasively. The new technique uses Brillouin microscopy to highlight microscopic processes driving mechanical modification in biological tissues.
The project aims to study lower limb joint loading in active older adults engaged in sport using the VSimulators facility. The pilot data will contribute to designing a bespoke sports shoe for this demographic.
Mangrove forests are under pressure from three distinct threats: sea-level rise, lack of mud supply, and squeezed habitats. The study found that river dams decrease mud supply, while buildings and seawalls occupy space required for mangroves' survival.
Research reveals that female mongooses start fights to gain genetic benefits from mating with outsiders, while male group members and the entire group pay the costs. The study suggests that 'exploitative leadership' leads to frequent conflicts.
A study using genome sequencing and CRISPR gene editing tools has uncovered a new biological pathway essential for insulin production in the YIPF5 gene. The research shows that genetic changes in this gene result in high stress levels, leading to cell death in insulin-producing cells.
Research suggests slow-living animal species are more likely to act as disease reservoirs due to higher demographic competence for persistent infections. The study highlights the importance of using ecological characteristics like lifespan and reproductive capacity to identify potential wildlife reservoirs.
A recent study suggests that formal 'green prescriptions' to spend time in nature for people with mental health conditions may actually undermine some of the benefits. Research found that visits were associated with emotional and wellbeing benefits when done by choice, but not when pressured by others.
A new study examines 12,000 years of sea-level rise and finds that changes in land area and human cultures happened at variable rates, out of step with the prevailing rate of sea-level rise. Researchers warn that future sea-level rise will not always be simple and that human responses will be equally localized.
A pan-European project recruits young people aged 16-22 to use an app designed to learn about emotions, develop resilience, and build well-being. The app's data helps researchers understand mood, emotion, and mental health in young people.
A study of over 100 studies found that artificial night-time lighting has a profound impact on animals and plants, reducing melatonin levels and altering hormone regulation. The effects were particularly strong in diurnal species, causing them to start their daily activities earlier, while nocturnal species saw reduced activity duration.
New research suggests that a 2°C warming would release 230 billion tonnes of carbon from the world's soil, more than four times China's total emissions over 100 years. This 'positive feedback' effect contributes to further climate change.
Research shows malaria parasites can remain dormant in human blood stream during dry season, re-emerging when mosquito populations resurge. The parasite alters gene expression and uses spleen to evade immune system detection.
Scientists developed a new epigenetic clock specifically for the human brain, which is more accurate than previous models. The clock predicts biological age from DNA samples and may help understand accelerated ageing in the brain, potentially associated with brain diseases like Alzheimer's disease.
New research by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and University of Exeter reveals that mountain gorilla groups are more likely to be friendly with each other when they meet again, even if they had split over a decade earlier. This behavior is similar to human friendships and may help the group share limited space and resources.
Mantis shrimps surveyed burrows before evicting rivals, with the ideal burrow size found to be a balance between being large enough to fit into and small enough to block entry. The species, known for their powerful strikes, compromise on burrow size when faced with occupied homes.
Research found a significant drop in death rates among severe COVID-19 patients in English hospitals between March and June. Death rates declined by half for both high dependency unit and intensive care admissions during this period.
A study by Dr Lise Storm from the University of Exeter found that former rebel groups adopting political parties become more moderate in democratic nations. However, their tactics and policies remained unchanged if the issue driving support continued to remain relevant.
An international team led by the University of Exeter and National University of Singapore is investigating plastic pollution in Southeast Asia's marine ecosystems. The three-year project will assess life cycles and impacts on wildlife, identifying solutions to prevent plastic pollution.
Researchers developed a rapid, cost-effective method to predict lowest antibiotic concentration increasing resistance in wastewater. The SELECT assay can generate data quickly and inform decisions on safe levels of antibiotics.
Researchers have found a decline in sea turtle sightings off the coasts of the UK and Ireland over the past few decades. The study suggests that factors such as climate change, prey availability, and environmental disasters may be influencing this trend.
A new study by the University of Exeter and the University of East Anglia demonstrates that Common Carp would evolve resistance to KHV, rendering it ineffective. The research highlights the need for alternative control methods to mitigate ecological damage caused by invasive carp.
Watching high-quality nature programs on TV can uplift moods and reduce negative emotions, while experiencing virtual reality nature can lead to increased positive feelings and a stronger connection to the natural world. The study found that interactive VR experiences had the most significant benefits.
Researchers discovered that sodium and potassium make rare earth elements soluble, allowing for better predictions of their concentrations. This breakthrough could lead to new discoveries of neodymium and dysprosium deposits, essential for digital and clean energy manufacturing.
A new online programme will improve and personalize care for people with dementia in care homes, which were severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The programme aims to support care staff and residents through peer networking and solution sharing.
Global warming is affecting nighttime temperatures differently, with more than half of the global land surface experiencing greater night-time warming. This 'warming asymmetry' has significant implications for plant growth and species interactions.
Deaf children need new social spaces and support as specialist schools close, according to a study by Dr. Hannah Anglin-Jaffe. The proposed hubs would provide expertise on visual learning methods, sign language tuition, and Deaf culture access.
Researchers from University of Exeter argue that current global climate pledges are insufficient due to government support for fossil fuels and destructive policies. They call for a comprehensive global plan with seven recommendations to address the climate crisis.
Researchers from the University of Exeter have discovered a way to manipulate light using a synthetic Lorentz force, enabling photons to mimic charged particle dynamics. By distorting honeycomb metasurfaces, they created artificial magnetic fields that can be tuned using precision photonic devices.
Research shows that appointing a new leader just before an election leads to a higher turnover of MPs across Europe. The study analyzed statistics from 251 parties between 1945 and 2015, finding that the proportion of new and re-elected MPs is almost 5 percentage points higher for parties with a new leadership.
The 'Barcoding Galapagos' scheme trains naturalist guides to survey wildlife and plants using genetic techniques, providing an alternative income source for a population reliant on eco-tourism. The project aims to fill gaps in biological knowledge of the islands and lessen the impact of illegal harvesting.
A recent study found that people prefer a combination of human and app-based contact tracing for the coronavirus. The research suggests that trust in the provider of the app is more important than privacy concerns when it comes to choosing a contact tracing method.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers found that feeling misunderstood by other groups significantly increases support for Brexit and other separatist movements. The research also revealed a unique link between 'felt understanding' and trust, with those who feel understood being more likely to trust and forgive others.
Researchers found that herring gulls pay attention to human gaze direction, reacting faster and more aggressively when watched than when ignored. The study also confirms the bolder nature of urban gulls compared to rural ones.
A new study finds the world's oceans soak up significantly more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than previous estimates, with a net flux up to twice as much in certain times and locations. This accounts for approximately 10% of global fossil fuel emissions.
Research suggests that older bull elephants hold leading positions in male elephant societies, helping younger followers find food and water. The study's findings raise concerns over the removal of old bulls in both legal and illegal hunting practices.
A team of experts identified a stellar system where planet formation might take place in inclined dust and gas rings within a warped circumstellar disc around multiple stars. The discovery reveals that the inner ring contains 30 Earth masses of dust, which could be enough to form planets.
Current understanding of safe antibiotic levels in rivers may not prevent evolution of antibiotic resistance and fully protect human health. The study suggests introducing thresholds to help combat the spread of resistant bacteria.
Researchers found distinct categories of UK cat owners, including 'conscientious caretakers' and 'freedom defenders', with differing views on cat welfare and wildlife conservation. The study aims to find a win-win solution for managing cats that benefit both pets and the environment.
A new project aims to explore insect-based feeds for poultry and aquaculture industries, which could help the UK meet its net-zero emissions target. The team will work on efficient insect production methods to lower costs and environmental impact.