Add BrightSurf on Google Email

University of Exeter


Societies can remain distinct despite migration

A new study by the University of Exeter suggests that acculturation rates are strong enough to maintain cultural traditions in the face of migration, preserving differences between societies. The research found that even low levels of conformist acculturation can help preserve distinct cultural variations.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 17, 2018

Why a 'cuckoo in the nest' can go undetected

Some species are unable to recognize genetic differences between their own offspring and those of intruders, leading to acceptance. Genetic features associated with recognition may have died out due to the disadvantage of being different, making it impossible for parents to reject parasitic offspring.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 27, 2018

One foot in the grave for pheasants that favor a side

A new study found that young pheasants who strongly favored using their left or right leg to step over a barrier died at a significantly lower rate than those with weaker preferences. The research suggests that favouring one side of the body may bring advantages, but also explains why low levels of 'footedness' exist among pheasants.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 13, 2018

Peatlands will store more carbon as planet warms

New research suggests global warming will cause peatlands to absorb more carbon initially, but the effect will weaken as warming increases. The study highlights the importance of protecting intact peatlands and restoring drained peatlands to prevent rapid rates of peat decomposition.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 10, 2018

Bird bacteria study reveals evolutionary arms race

A recent study has found that birds develop resistance to bacterial infections, which in turn leads to the evolution of more potent pathogens. This host-pathogen coevolution process plays a key role in shaping species' defenses and highlights the importance of understanding emerging infectious diseases.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 6, 2018

Burly bird gets the worm

A study at the University of Exeter found that larger garden birds, such as house sparrows and greenfinches, dominate access to better food sources like sunflower hearts. Smaller bird species like blue tits and coal tits face limited access to quality food, pecking quickly to make the most of their time.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 5, 2018

Beluga whales and narwhals go through menopause

Researchers discovered that beluga whales and narwhals undergo menopause, mirroring killer whales' behavior. This reproductive strategy may have evolved due to increased relatedness among family members and the need for older females to contribute to group survival through knowledge sharing.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 27, 2018

Study confirms truth behind 'Darwin's moth'

Researchers found that pale peppered moths are more camouflaged against lichen-covered tree bark than dark moths, making them less likely to be eaten by birds in unpolluted woodland. This supports Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection and provides key evidence for the evolutionary advantage of camouflage.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 17, 2018

How hot is Schrödinger's coffee?

A new uncertainty relation has been discovered, linking the precision of temperature measurements to quantum mechanics. This discovery establishes a connection between quantum uncertainty and the accuracy of nanoscale thermometers.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 14, 2018

World experts target guidance on managing dementia symptoms

New research suggests that non-drug approaches should be prioritised in treating agitation in people with Alzheimer's disease, ranking assessment and management of underlying causes as the top treatment. Non-pharmacological treatments such as person-centred care and tailored activity programmes are also recommended for managing symptom...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Psychogeriatrics·DateAug 2, 2018

Stop antibiotics before resistance 'tipping point'

New evidence suggests that reducing antibiotic course length can reduce the risk of resistance. Microbial communities can reach a tipping point when exposed to antibiotics, leading to an irreversible shift towards drug resistance. Stopping treatment too soon may not prevent resistance from occurring.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 10, 2018

Asian hornet nests found by radio-tracking

Scientists used tiny radio tags attached to Asian hornets to track them to five previously undiscovered nests in southern France and Jersey. The technique has the potential to help protect Britain's beleaguered pollinator populations from the invasive species' devastating impact on honeybees and other pollinators.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 4, 2018

World's first animals caused global warming

Researchers found that early animals caused a decrease in oxygen levels and increase in carbon dioxide, leading to global warming. This process had a massive impact on the environment, contributing to mass extinctions during animal evolution's first 100 million years.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 2018