New research suggests that geoengineering can increase land carbon storage in the Amazon, potentially protecting it from climate change. The study finds that stratospheric aerosol injection reduces warming and increases vegetation productivity, resulting in a 10.8% increase in land carbon storage.
Babies exclusively breastfed for at least three months have distinct epigenetic marks in their blood related to immunity and development. These findings come from the largest study on this topic, conducted across an international consortium.
Researchers found that birds that put more energy into raising their young live shorter lives. After selective breeding, females who produced larger eggs aged faster and died about 20% younger than those that laid smaller eggs.
New research shows Himalayan plants shifting upwards at an alarming rate, with some regions experiencing a 6.95m per year increase in vegetation line. Climate change is cited as the primary driver, with reduced snow depth a key factor. The study's findings raise concerns about the impact on water cycles and ecosystems.
Scientists have identified two non-coding genes as the cause of autoimmune neonatal diabetes in 19 children. The discovery sheds light on the importance of non-protein coding genes and their role in human disease.
Research reveals that viruses can eavesdrop on each other using chemical signals, which may not always benefit the listener. This 'cross-talk' between species can lead to incorrect decision-making by the eavesdropper.
Wild grey squirrels show a preference for almonds over pumpkin seeds, even when they require a longer climb to reach. This suggests that animals may benefit from waiting or working harder for a better outcome in natural decision-making scenarios.
A new study from the University of Exeter found that children and teenagers are more open to vegetarian or vegan diets, but often struggle to keep it up. The study identified key reasons for this, including disgust at learning about animal meat sources, health concerns, and environmental issues.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have created microlasers that can detect individual molecules and single atomic ions, opening up new possibilities for lab-on-a-chip technology. This breakthrough could lead to early diagnosis of conditions like cancers and dementia, as well as swift testing of viruses.
New research suggests that climate change causes dormice to gain weight before hibernation but lose weight after, potentially as a result of smaller bodies losing heat faster. The study also found that habitats with higher density hedgerows were associated with heavier dormice.
A new study by the University of Exeter finds that limited job opportunities in coastal and rural areas constrain social mobility for young people. Those who stay in their local area are more likely to work in routine and manual jobs, while those from professional backgrounds have higher odds of moving to other regions.
A new study reveals a dramatic increase in wildfires in tropical peatlands during the 20th century, releasing large amounts of stored carbon into the atmosphere. Human activities, such as agriculture and deforestation, are identified as the root cause of this surge.
Researchers found that bull sharks have active social preferences and choose their social partners, similar to humans. The study revealed that adult sharks form the core of the social network, while younger sharks are less socially connected.
Online spaces provide bodily comfort, relief, and inclusion for some autistic adults, allowing them to express themselves and connect genuinely without scrutiny. This challenges the assumption that in-person interaction is always more valuable.
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.