Researchers found that jackdaw chicks learned to associate predator sounds with danger when paired with adult alarm calls, becoming more vigilant. However, they did not learn from contact calls or a non-predatory birdcall, suggesting an evolutionary process to ensure only biologically meaningful links are learned.
Researchers from the University of Exeter argue that AI models are not as smart as claimed, citing a potential 'transferability crisis'. They found that generalisability is difficult to predict and benchmark metrics often overstate model performance. The study highlights the need for rapid testing in real-world applications.
A study of lake sediments reveals three major declines of plant-eating megafauna in Panama, which had significant impacts on forests and grasslands. Rewilding efforts by introducing new species or increasing populations of existing ones could restore nature and its benefits to humans.
A new study from King's College London and the University of Exeter found that ketamine's therapeutic benefits for people with alcohol use disorder may not be linked to its psychoactive effects. Instead, other factors such as brain network alterations and neural connections may play a role in the treatment's success.
Scientists found that European lobsters reared in hatcheries with similar-sized mothers had better survival rates, suggesting a potential solution to genetic bottlenecks. The study's findings suggest that releasing more juveniles from hatcheries could harm wild lobster populations if not managed properly.
A recent study by Lucy Osler from the University of Exeter highlights how human-AI interactions can lead to inaccurate beliefs, distorted memories, and delusional thinking. Generative AI systems can create an ideal environment for delusions to flourish due to their conversational nature.
New research confirms Arctic peatlands are expanding due to rising temperatures, with some areas growing by over a metre a year. The expansion is likely to store more carbon, which could help slow climate change.
Researchers have quantified the role of obesity in common long-term conditions, showing that losing weight can prevent multiple diseases. Obesity was found to be the main shared cause between ten pairs of commonly occurring conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis.
A study warns that current school-based mental health support for children from multilingual backgrounds can be less effective and inaccessible due to linguistic and cultural challenges. The researchers found that conversations were often 'lost in translation,' leading to reduced parental engagement and attendance.
A study by University of Exeter researchers found that moths move significantly less under artificial light compared to natural night conditions. The results suggest that light pollution has widespread effects on nocturnal moth activity, irrespective of lighting type, with implications for moth populations and ecosystem services.
A new book by University of Exeter experts Professor Gary Love and Professor Richard Toye examines the importance of political writing in modern Britain. The authors argue that long-form writing remains a vital part of the national conversation, from pamphlets to punk fanzines, and has shaped political identities and activism.
A new study based on data from Germany found that learning about widespread public support for climate action policies initially makes people think such policies are more politically feasible, but these effects are small and short-lived. The study challenges common expectations about the power of public consensus to drive climate action.
Researchers have discovered that TB bacteria manipulate the immune system's Dectin-1 receptor to facilitate its survival. The study found that when this pathway is absent, both human and mouse cells can control MTB infection. This breakthrough provides new insight into why humans and animals are susceptible to contracting tuberculosis.
A groundbreaking study demonstrates that Alzheimer's disease biomarkers can be accurately detected using simple finger-prick blood samples collected at home. The research, led by Banner Health and the University of Exeter Medical School, successfully tested 337 participants and proved the accuracy of this accessible testing approach.
As chatbots become more sophisticated, they are likely to generate and spread gossip, leading to reputational damage, shame, and social unrest. Drs. Joel Krueger and Lucy Osler warn that this 'feral' AI gossip can be particularly damaging due to its ability to operate unconstrained by human norms.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered a genetic process in Candida auris that could unlock new ways to treat the deadly fungal infection. The study found that genes activated during infection include those that code for nutrient pumps, potentially making it vulnerable to iron-based drugs.
Cultural traditions, such as Christmas, influence moral judgments in children about eating animals, making them more accepting of meat consumption. As they grow, adolescents and adults prioritize human needs over animal welfare and justify meat-eating based on tradition.
Researchers from the University of Exeter found that younger adults struggle to recognize older faces due to lack of expertise. However, they excel at recognizing faces from their own age group. This skill is attributed to perceptual expertise and training rather than negative stereotypes or ageism.
A genetic risk score test can predict who is at highest risk of developing type 1 diabetes and identify adults eligible for new drug teplizumab. The test identifies those in the top ten percent as eight times higher risk, enabling early intervention and treatment.
Climate researchers have found that temporary carbon removal projects can effectively neutralize the environmental impact of methane emissions. By using these projects to counteract methane's short-term warming, policymakers can make more informed decisions about how to address global warming.
New legislation bans online money games in India, highlighting aggressive promotional spending and addictive design features that exploit users. The study finds 450 million people lose Rs. 20,000 crores annually through online gaming, with cases of Internet Gaming Disorder and suicides reported.
A recent study found that microplastics in the natural environment are colonized by pathogenic and antimicrobial resistant bacteria. The study's findings suggest that these microplastics can act as carriers for harmful pathogens, posing a growing risk to environmental and public health.
Researchers identify two distinct types of lion roars, including a previously unclassified 'intermediary roar', using artificial intelligence for the first time. This discovery promises more accurate and less subjective monitoring for conservationists working to protect dwindling lion populations.
A new study from the University of Exeter suggests that collaborating with local communities is key to effective management of urban green spaces. By understanding how communities use and value these areas, local governments can create biodiverse and resilient spaces that support nature and public wellbeing.
A new study has identified three existing medications that could potentially prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease. The shingles vaccine is the most promising candidate, showing a strong safety record and reducing dementia risk by 16%. Repurposing medicines from other conditions offers a quicker and safer route to potential new treatments.
A new study by University of Exeter's Elections Centre finds that small changes in voter turnout can significantly impact election outcomes due to the UK's multiparty system. The research reveals a fragmented electorate with diverse preferences, leading to increased instability and competitiveness in constituencies.
A groundbreaking study reveals that domestic dogs exhibited significant variation in size and shape at least 11,000 years ago. The research analyzed 643 modern and archaeological canid skulls spanning the last 50,000 years, tracing the emergence of distinct dog forms deep into prehistory.
The 2025 Global Carbon Budget projects a record high of 38.1 billion tonnes of fossil CO2 emissions, with decarbonisation efforts not enough to offset growing energy demand. Climate change is weakening the land and ocean carbon sinks, reducing the remaining carbon budget to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
Researchers found that nearly half of gulls exposed to shouting voices flew away within a minute, while only 15% responded to speaking voices. The study used recordings of male voices at the same volume and adjusted for acoustic properties.
A new study finds that polar climate change is a major driver of global health risks, including chronic disease, mental health challenges, and pregnancy complications. The research calls for greater integration of health risks into health planning and policy.
Researchers found that humans have an evolutionary tendency to bias behavior against rare but mass mortality events, leading to intense dread and avoidance. This response is favored by evolution as it protects familial structures and genetic lineage.
A new study by the University of Exeter warns that the current laws turn a 'blind eye' to the long-lasting financial consequences of domestic abuse. The research suggests that the law should be reformed to take into account the financial impacts of abuse when dividing assets, enabling enhanced awards for victim-survivors.
Researchers find a fourteenth-century Arabic poem misinterpreted as factual account of plague's movement, influenced myths of its quick spread across Asia. The study highlights the importance of maqāmas in understanding how communities coped with catastrophic events like the Black Death.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers found that most sharks in UK waters survive catch-and-release fishing when angling best practices are followed. The study tracked the behaviour and survival of over 70 blue, porbeagle, and tope sharks caught in recreational fishing in the British Isles.
A new study by Dr. Tiago de Melo Cartaxo from the University of Exeter reveals that UNESCO Biosphere Reserves' less prescriptive regulations promote harmonious coexistence between people and nature. The use of soft law instruments supports local responses and fosters community collaboration in environmental management.
Researchers warn that global warming breaching 1.5°C could create a vicious cycle where dealing with climate impacts hinders action to tackle the underlying problem, leading to 'derailment'. The report highlights the need for a strategy to navigate this 'climate storm' and avoid derailment.
The book highlights the risk of 'scope creep' and emphasizes the need for strong data protection frameworks to preserve trust. It argues that collaboration between humanitarian actors, academics, regulators, and affected populations is crucial to ensure technology serves humanity.
A new study by Dr. Rasha Kassem and Professor Umut Turksen found that police officers perceive fraud as low-harm and low-priority, leading to weakened investigations and limited victim support. The researchers advocated for targeted training, investment in cyber and financial forensics, and cultural change within police organisations.
A new study by Dr Irene Fernández-Molina from the University of Exeter reveals that EU legal ambiguity on the Western Sahara conflict is a significant disadvantage for the Polisario Front and its Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. The study highlights how lawfare has been successfully used to challenge these ambiguities, leading to accu...
A new study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity found that current NHS policies to improve care for people taking multiple medicines may not be effective. Researchers tested a new process involving rigorous medication reviews by pharmacists and GPs, but found no improvement in safe prescribing compared to usual care.
A new study found that the growing age imbalance in the duty solicitor scheme risks eroding trust in the criminal justice system. The study warns of a looming generational crisis due to the financial burden of self-funding Solicitors Qualifying Examination fees, which is deterring younger solicitors from entering the profession.
A new study reveals that urban grey squirrels balance risk and foraging in urban environments by perceiving roads with consistent loud noise as lower predation risk. This ability to navigate complex risks contributes to their success in urban spaces.
A study published in a book by Professor Florian Stöckel and colleagues found that social media comments can act as signals for true or false information, helping users identify accurate news. However, these comments can also be misleading and undermine trust in correct information.
Marine plankton rely on cilia for movement, feeding, and dispersal. A new study discovered that coordination of these tiny structures is maintained by short-range interactions between cilia, enabling the organism to swim even when damaged.
New research reveals that mixtures of commonly used medications in the environment can increase the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Laboratory tests showed that combining these medications with ciprofloxacin led to an increased selection for genes that confer resistance, highlighting a potential threat to human health.
Satellite images reveal ancient stone mega traps, known as chacus, built by hunters and pastoralists in northern Chile. The structures were likely used to capture vicuña, a wild relative of the alpaca, and provide evidence of foraging populations that pre-date settled agricultural systems.
The world has reached its first climate tipping point, with warm-water coral reefs passing their thermal limit and widespread dieback taking place. Global warming is set to breach 1.5°C, posing devastating risks for people and nature.
A new study finds that pressure on teachers to follow strict curriculum policies is reducing their autonomy and motivation, as well as their ability to design engaging lessons. The research highlights the need for schools to trust teachers' professional judgment and provide them with the freedom to innovate.
A new study on Ascension Island's shark troubles has found that human attitudes towards interactions with sharks can drive global decline in shark numbers. The research, conducted by the University of Exeter and ZSL, interviewed islanders about their perceptions of sharks and human-shark conflict.
A new study warns that dental shame can lead to lower self-worth and unfavourable oral health care behaviours, exacerbating existing oral health inequalities. Researchers emphasize the need for non-judgmental environments where patients feel empowered to prioritize their oral health.