A recent study by the University of Exeter and Marine Conservation Society found no difference in litter levels inside and outside England's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), with plastic being the main form of litter. The research highlights the need for locally appropriate management to tackle specific sources of litter in different areas.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have identified a novel mono-alkyl chain lipophilic cation (MALC) that protects crops against fungal diseases. The compound, C18-SMe2+, inhibits fungal mitochondria and triggers a self-destruction program in fungi, while also alerting plant defense systems.
A study warns that AI technology on product labels can be used for both producer benefit and consumer advantage. Researchers propose reformed regulations to prevent producers from manipulating consumers' expectations.
A new study finds electric cars lead to lower carbon emissions overall, even if electricity generation involves fossil fuels, in 95% of the world. In most regions, including Europe and the US, electric cars produce up to 70% fewer emissions than petrol cars.
A new study warns that relying too heavily on AI to manage international migration could lead to serious breaches of human rights. AI can improve reception conditions and predict future crises, but it also risks reinforcing unlawful practices and discrimination.
Researchers have discovered that ancient human communities survived the harsh European Ice Age by using charred wood and plants for fuel, medicine, and food. The oldest known circular structure, Kostenki 11, contains remains of mammoths and other animals, suggesting a high degree of adaptation and knowledge of their environment.
Research reveals that children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes under 7 years old have a different form of the condition compared to those diagnosed at 13 or above. The study proposes two distinct endotypes: T1DE1 and T1DE2, which could lead to new treatments and a potential cure for some people.
Research shows that ship noise affects shore crabs' ability to change color and behave normally, reducing their camouflage effectiveness. The study found that juvenile crabs exposed to ship noise changed color half as quickly, making them less camouflaged.
Researchers found that younger females adapt their reproductive strategy based on the size of the carcass available, while older females consistently put high effort into reproduction. This age-dependent plasticity in parental care allows younger beetles to conserve resources for future reproductive opportunities.
A new study found that ocean changes in the early Neoproterozoic era limited phytoplankton growth and oxygen release, maintaining an oxidizing atmosphere. The study suggests that phosphorus levels remained 'just sufficient' to support life.
A new compound has been discovered that targets a pathway causing brain swelling after stroke, potentially reducing cases of brain injury and death. The compound, called ZT-1a, was tested on mice and rats with stroke or hydrocephalus and showed promise in effectively reducing brain swelling.
Scientists have discovered the earliest known example of an animal evolving to lose body parts it no longer needed. Facivermis, a worm-like creature from the Cambrian period, evolved to lose its lower limbs due to its tube-dwelling lifestyle anchored on the sea floor.
New research shows that seagulls are more likely to peck at food that has been handled by humans. This suggests they use human actions when deciding what to eat. The study, published in Royal Society Open Science, also found that gulls' preference for food is not just based on the sight of food.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers has found that Arctic warming does not drive a more meandering jet stream, despite earlier studies suggesting a link between the two. The research suggests random fluctuations in the jet stream influencing Arctic temperatures may be behind any observed correlation.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have found that Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador is showing early warning signals of a potential collapse. The volcano's western flank is displaying rapid deformation, which could lead to a colossal landslide and widespread damage to the surrounding area.
New research found that the accumulation of tau and amyloid proteins in the brain significantly alters gene expression, particularly in genes related to inflammation. The study provides new insights into the progression of Alzheimer's disease and highlights potential pathways for treatment.
A European Union-funded project is using guided conversations with older adults in rural areas to identify their needs and create innovative solutions. By empowering older people, the project aims to revitalize rural communities and address issues like isolation and loneliness.
Research suggests that captive-bred game birds may be unprepared for life in the wild due to unnatural early life conditions. Mimicking natural conditions in captivity could promote more natural behavior and improve survival chances. Adding perches and unpredictable food supply are proposed solutions.
A study published in the British Journal of General Practice found an increase in shortness of breath and cough as the first symptoms reported by patients diagnosed with lung cancer. This suggests earlier detection, possibly due to awareness campaigns.
Research suggests that reducing emissions of ozone-forming gases from human activities such as road transport and energy production can improve plant growth and capture more carbon. A 50% cut in these emissions is proposed as a large but plausible target to mitigate ozone-induced loss of plant productivity.
A study tracked female loggerheads from Mediterranean rookeries, revealing three key feeding areas: Adriatic, Tunisian Plateau and eastern Mediterranean. The research highlights the importance of protecting these habitats to conserve turtle populations threatened by bycatch and human activities.
Research finds that poor mental health can both cause and effect school exclusion, with early intervention crucial for preventing exclusion and improving outcomes. Children who were excluded from school often had poor mental health and faced family adversity.
Bacterial autoimmunity occurs when the CRISPR-Cas system targets viral DNA incorporated into the host genome, leading to damaging autoimmunity. The absence of this key immune system can be beneficial for bacterial survival and proliferation. Anti-CRISPR proteins also provide protection for the host by disabling its immune system.
A study using quahog clam shells and climate models reveals Arctic sea ice can't 'bounce back' if climate change causes it to melt. Human activity is now massively forcing the system, exacerbating warming and sea ice loss.
A new study found that people in Eastern countries are less likely to support sacrificing someone to save more lives, highlighting the importance of considering local ethics in AI development. The 'Trolley Dilemma' thought experiment showed a significant difference in willingness to sacrifice one person versus five.
A University of Exeter study found that grey squirrels with strong left-right preferences performed poorly on a learning task, suggesting a negative relationship between laterality and cognitive performance. The researchers measured the speed of learning among over 30 squirrels to assess both learning and lateralization.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that people who live in areas with more natural exposure are more likely to engage in environmentally friendly behaviors. Urban greening initiatives could play a key role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.
A new study suggests that a collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) would lead to widespread cessation of arable farming in Britain, resulting in a substantial reduction in agricultural output. The AMOC brings heat from the tropics, making Britain warmer and wetter than it would otherwise be.
Research using satellite data reveals significant increases in subnival vegetation cover across four height brackets in the Himalayan region. The study found a stronger trend in increased vegetation cover between 5,000-5,500m above sea level, with conditions at Mount Everest's top height range showing signs of plant growth.
A study by Dr Jingnan Chen from the University of Exeter Business School found that highlighting women's achievements in the workplace can significantly increase their willingness to lead. In mixed-gender teams, public feedback about a woman's performance can encourage capable women to take on leadership roles.
Researchers found that strong social connections, especially with favored partners, increase a macaque's survival chances by 11%. Macaques on Monkey Island showed better survival rates with stronger social ties.
Researchers developed a global database to predict invasive plant populations, finding that species from disturbed environments are more likely to become invasive. The study suggests avoiding the export of these species, which can cause harm to people, industry, and wildlife worldwide.
Scientists at the University of Exeter's Living Systems Institute have discovered a fresh understanding of how genes are copied, shedding light on the transcription process. The study suggests that two long-debated models work together to terminate gene expression, providing a more accurate explanation for this complex process.
A new study found that LED lights along the top of floating gillnets in Peruvian waters can cut accidental bycatch of sea turtles by more than 70%, and small cetaceans (including dolphins) by over 66%. The research suggests that this simple, low-cost technique could help save wildlife while allowing fishers to fish more sustainably.
Researchers found that playing healthy reef sounds through loudspeakers in dead coral patches doubled fish arrival and increased species diversity by 50%. This 'acoustic enrichment' method could help kick-start natural recovery processes on damaged coral reefs.
More than half of identified climate tipping points are now active, threatening the Amazon rainforest and ice sheets of Antarctica and Greenland. The scientists call for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to prevent key tipping points, warning of a worst-case scenario of a less habitable planet.
A team led by the University of Exeter suggests that animals carrying sensors can fill gaps in ocean monitoring, particularly in areas near poles and shallow coastal regions. The study highlights the potential for animal-borne sensors to enhance our understanding of climate variability and weather patterns.
The world's first 'Fisheries Index Insurance' scheme aims to protect Caribbean fishing communities from extreme weather events. However, policymakers must complement climate risk insurance with adaptations actions in coastal ecosystems to ensure its effectiveness.
Physicists from the University of Exeter have theoretically found a quantum system where time correlations survive for an infinitely long time, breaking the no-go theorem for genuine time crystals. The discovery could lead to the development of novel atomic clocks and shed light on condensed matter physics.
Research on Trinidadian guppies reveals that leadership tendencies are partly inherited, with around a third of the variation explained by pedigree. Males bred for high leadership exhibit lower aggression and increased sociability compared to those bred for low leadership. In contrast, female leadership does not appear to be linked to ...
Researchers observed a dramatic shift from chaotic to ordered motion in jackdaw mobs as they grew in density. The birds initially follow 'topological' rules for winter roosting but switch to 'metric' rules for predator avoidance, leading to the emergence of organized behavior.
Researchers found that a shallow frozen ground layer present in winter months can lead to greater ground failure and damage after earthquakes. The study on two historical earthquakes in Kazakhstan shows that the presence of this layer can generate more severe ground fracturing during earthquakes in the winter.
A new study reveals that North Sea fishing vessels discard over 267,000 tonnes of fish, enough to feed 3.45 million birds, and this figure has declined since 1990. The discarded fish support scavenging bird species, with the largest declines observed in northern fulmars, black-legged kittiwakes, and herring gulls.
Researchers argue that incorporating sex and gender into scientific studies can improve experiments, reduce bias, and lead to new discoveries. Examples include advancements in climate change research, facial recognition systems, and social robots. The goal is to increase transparency and promote inclusion in research.
A new co-regulation map of the human proteome has been created, enabling the prediction and assignment of functions to uncharacterized human proteins. The map reveals unexpected partnerships between proteins, including peroxisomal membrane protein PEX11β with mitochondrial respiration factors.
Satellites are now essential for monitoring ocean carbon levels, which helps slow climate change. The new study highlights the potential of increased satellite exploitation to fill critical knowledge gaps in ocean monitoring.
Research on zoo animals reveals a bias towards 'popular' mammal species, such as chimpanzees, with globally more fish and birds in zoos. The study suggests that zoos offer unique opportunities to study underrepresented species, contributing valuable insights into animal health, conservation, and welfare.
A new study suggests that unchecked climate change will lead to a decline in arable farming in the east and south east of England by 2100. Crops may still be grown with irrigation, but this would require significant water transport or storage.
University of Exeter researchers have identified a gene in Clostridioides difficile responsible for binding to the gut, offering a promising new approach to developing a vaccine. Mice vaccinated with this protein generated specific antibodies and were less susceptible to C. diff infection.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that bacteria evolving alongside other microbes develop resistance to phages using an immune mechanism called CRISPR-Cas. This resistance does not reduce the bacteria's virulence, with similar effects expected in humans.