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.
New research reveals fish are more resilient to low oxygen events than thought, with CO2 levels playing a key role in their ability to tolerate hypoxia. Sea bass shows a 20% increase in tolerance due to changes in blood chemistry, enabling haemoglobin to transport oxygen more effectively.
A new project aims to use Inga trees to keep land fertile for the long term, reducing pressure on smallholders to abandon their land. The plan could help maintain tree cover in the Amazonian Arc of Deforestation by supporting sustainable agriculture and providing a premium income for milk produced from grazing cattle.
University of Exeter scientists are working on a scheme to collect Sargassum seaweed, which can be converted into high-quality, low-cost fertiliser and biofuel through hydrothermal liquefaction. This process could help clear beaches in Mexico and the Caribbean, while also addressing marine plastic pollution.
Researchers argue that ignoring grief can cloud judgment, inhibit creativity and make it harder to find solutions. They propose that support for environmental scientists could improve their ability to think creatively about the future.
A UK-wide collaboration has identified a genetic variant carried by 40% of the population that explains why some patients develop antibodies against anti-TNF drugs and lose response. This discovery could lead to individualized treatment strategies for patients with Crohn's disease.
Researchers found that jackdaws can identify individual calls and assess group size when deciding to join a mob. While they use a form of counting, there may be cognitive limitations to their ability.
A new study published in Health and Place found that living close to the coast supports better mental health in England's poorest urban areas. The research analyzed data from nearly 26,000 respondents and revealed a link between coastal proximity and reduced symptoms of mental health disorders among low-income households.
A new filter developed at the University of Exeter can degrade and dissolve plastic microfibres released during washing, which account for over a third of ocean microplastics. The smart filter catches microfibres and uses enzymes to break them down into safe compounds.
A new calculator developed by the University of Exeter will help clinicians classify patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, reducing complications and misdiagnosis. The calculator combines blood test results with age and BMI to provide a personalized medicine approach.
Researchers tracked basking sharks using satellite tags, finding they spent most of summer at surface, but dove to deeper depths in winter. The sharks also performed 'yo-yo' dives towards late winter and early spring, reaching depths over 1000m.
Researchers at the University of Exeter found that jackdaws can learn to identify dangerous people by hearing a warning call, and this knowledge helps them avoid humans who pose a threat. The birds that heard the warning call returned to their nests more quickly when seeing the human again, indicating they had learned to recognize danger.
European shags follow social cues by watching fellow birds to determine the best time and place to dive. This behaviour may help them save energy and find fish more efficiently. The study sheds light on the importance of understanding seabird species' adaptability in response to environmental pressures.
New research suggests that incentives to plead guilty can lead innocent defendants in England and Wales to admit to crimes they did not commit. The study found that 76.9% of defendants pleaded guilty between 2016 and 2017, citing the high time and cost involved in trial as a major factor.
A new study reveals that climate change could significantly reduce or eliminate gains in banana crop yields worldwide, with 27 countries experiencing increased yields since 1961. By 2050, 10 major producers including India and Brazil are predicted to see significant declines in yields.
A new study warns that digital identity technologies could facilitate persecution and discrimination against ethnic minorities if not designed with safeguards. The University of Exeter Law School research highlights the need for high standards of privacy and data protection to protect human rights.
Research finds that men's greater empathy for male perpetrators is a consistent explanation of variability in victim blame, highlighting the dark side of empathy. The studies highlight the damaging consequences of media focus on male perpetrators' point of view, which can lead to increased victim blaming.
New research reveals that reduced Arctic sea ice does not cause extreme cold winters, but rather is linked to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns. The correlation between reduced sea ice and cold winters occurs because both are driven by the same large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns.
Research suggests green turtles favour narrow lengths of plastic in natural colours like green and black over debris of other shapes and colours. Plastic was found in all examined turtles, with smaller ones containing more pieces.
Researchers found that herring gulls take 21 seconds longer to approach food when a human is watching, suggesting that just observing the birds can reduce food-snatching. The study highlights the importance of modifying individual behavior to manage gull-nuisance issues in urban areas.
A new study reveals that road verges can provide essential food and habitat for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. However, areas closer to busy roads and cut during the peak flowering season are less beneficial to these species.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers shows that pathogens can evolve to become more virulent without increasing their rate of replication. This suggests that manipulating host immune systems may play a role in generating symptoms necessary for transmission.
Research from the University of Exeter Law School found that UK mobile phone contracts are cheaper due to minimal regulations and market competition. The study suggests that keeping regulations low creates a more competitive market, leading to lower prices.
Scientists discovered that microbes adopting a 'co-operative' approach to acquiring nutrients thrive in fluctuating environments. In contrast, internal nutrient breakdowns lead to instability and population decline due to exploitation by neighboring microbes.
Researchers found that sensitive climate models were more likely to experience short periods of cooling and display larger variations in warming over a decade. The study suggests that climate sensitivity plays a crucial role in understanding global warming trends and the potential for hyperwarming scenarios.
A new study suggests that unrestrained deforestation in the Amazon region could lead to a dramatic increase in wildfire risk by 70% by the end of the century. Improving sustainable land management practices could mitigate this risk and reduce the probability of wildfires.
A study by researchers from the University of Exeter and Berkeley found that crowding honeybees together does not greatly increase disease prevalence. However, intensive beekeeping could accelerate the spread of new diseases. Beekeepers don't need to worry about the number of bees they keep together as long as there is enough food.
A new study found apathy affects nearly half of people with dementia, distinct from depression, and linked to more severe dementia. Researchers highlight the need for effective treatments and improved care through personalized social interaction and staff training.
A new study found that people who wear a hearing aid for age-related hearing problems maintain better brain function over time. The research suggests that wearing a hearing aid may mitigate the risk of dementia, with benefits seen in measures assessing working memory and attention.
A new study found that living a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of dementia for individuals with a high genetic risk. The research, published in JAMA, analyzed data from over 196,000 adults and discovered that adhering to a healthy lifestyle, regardless of genetic risk, was associated with a reduced risk of dementia.
New research suggests that climate change could lead to the extinction of loggerhead turtles in Cape Verde due to rising temperatures and changing sex ratios. The study projects that by 2100, more than 90% of nests may incubate at lethal temperatures, killing most hatchlings before they can emerge.
A new project at the University of Exeter aims to discover how economics can help protect the environment by placing an economic value on biodiversity. The project will develop trading platforms to advance price measurements of biodiversity and provide individuals and businesses with access to conservation solutions in various countries.
Researchers found over 1,000 entangled shark and ray individuals, with true numbers likely higher due to under-studied cases. Entanglement causes significant animal welfare concerns, despite being considered a lesser threat than commercial fishing.
A study by the University of Exeter found that mycoprotein stimulates post-exercise muscle growth more effectively than milk protein. This breakthrough could have significant implications for those seeking to reduce their meat intake while maintaining optimal muscle mass.
A year-long study found that free-roaming mongrel dogs exhibit high levels of aggression in the middle of their dominance hierarchy, contrary to predictions. The researchers suggest that the complexity of pecking order in this crowded area leads to increased aggression.
Researchers found a significant increase in the number of leatherback nests in Espírito Santo, Brazil, from 25.6 to 89.8 between 1988 and 2017. The gentle recovery is attributed to local conservation efforts, but the population still faces threats from climate change, pollution, and coastal development.
A new study by the University of Exeter reveals that crop pests are likely present in many places thought to be free of them. The researchers used data from 1,739 pests and found large numbers of pests in China, India, southern Brazil, and former USSR countries.