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University of Exeter


Swans reserve aggression for each other

Researchers studied three swan species and found all were most frequently aggressive to their own kind, suggesting similar individuals compete for resources. The findings provide insight into how swan behavior affects other waterbirds over winter and highlight the importance of understanding bird competition.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAvian Research·DateAug 18, 2020

Seafood study finds plastic in all samples

A new study found that five different types of seafood - oysters, prawns, squid, crabs, and sardines - contain plastic, with varying levels of pollution. The research used a newly developed method to identify and measure five different plastic types, revealing surprising differences in the amount of plastic present among species.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 12, 2020

How fish stocks will change in warming seas

A new study projects significant changes in fish stocks in the UK due to climate change, including increased abundance of warm-adapted species and declining populations of cold-adapted species. The findings highlight the need for flexible management approaches to adapt to these changes and ensure sustainable fishing practices.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateAug 10, 2020

Small trees offer hope for rainforests

A new study suggests small trees can adapt better to droughts and grow into a new generation to help the rainforest survive. Researchers found that small trees increase their capacity for photosynthesis and growth despite lack of water, potentially leading to greater overall resilience in the forest.

Mammal cells could struggle to fight space germs

A new study suggests that mammalian immune cells may be less effective at detecting and responding to microorganisms from other planets, potentially posing a threat to space missions. The researchers tested the immune response of mice to peptides containing amino acids rare on Earth but common on meteorites.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMicroorganisms·DateJul 23, 2020

Plastics found in sea-bed sharks

Researchers discovered 67% of examined sharks contained microplastics and man-made fibers, emphasizing the widespread nature of plastic pollution. The study highlights potential sources of microplastic contamination, including fishing lines and textile waste.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 22, 2020

Concerns over police head injuries

A new study found that police officers are at a higher risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) than the general public, with 38.9% reporting a TBI resulting in loss of consciousness. Officers with a history of TBI also experienced higher levels of post-concussion symptoms and mental health issues, including depression and PTSD.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing·DateJul 20, 2020

Coconut confusion reveals consumer conundrum

A new study reveals that coconut oil production threatens more species per ton produced than palm or other vegetable oils, with 20 threatened species affected per million tons. The research highlights the difficulties of conscientious consumption due to a lack of objective guidance on environmental impacts.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 6, 2020

'Matador' guppies trick predators

Researchers found that Trinidadian guppies use a unique strategy to evade pike cichlid attacks by turning their irises black, drawing attention to their head rather than body. Larger guppies were better at escaping using this method, potentially due to increased size allowing them to reverse the negative effect of reduced agility.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 11, 2020

Crop pathogens 'remarkably adaptable'

Researchers found that many plant pathogens can specialise on particular temperatures or host plants, but also have wide temperature or host ranges. This study provides key insights into the co-evolution between pathogens and their hosts, allowing scientists to better understand where and when pathogens could strike next.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 2020

'Unparalleled' discovery of ancient skeletons sheds light on mystery of when people started eating maize

The discovery of well-preserved ancient skeletons in Belize has provided new insights into the introduction of maize as a key part of people's diets in Central America. The study shows that maize became a major food source around 4,700 years ago, with its consumption increasing over time and eventually becoming a staple crop.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 3, 2020

Climate could cause abrupt British vegetation changes

Research by the University of Exeter suggests that climate change could lead to sudden changes in British vegetation, particularly in regions with warmer and wetter conditions. This increase in plant growth is expected due to factors such as CO2 fertilization, but soil drying out can also cause rapid decreases in vegetation productivity.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMay 28, 2020

Age, gender and culture 'predict loneliness'

A global study involving over 46,000 participants found that younger people report greater feelings of loneliness than older adults. The study also revealed cultural differences in loneliness levels, with individuals in collectivist societies experiencing lower levels of loneliness.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMay 27, 2020