A new bacterial strain, Staphylococcus cornubiensis, has been identified from a skin infection in Cornwall. The strain is genetically unique and likely belongs to the Staphylococcus intermedius group, which is also associated with pets.
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.
A University of Exeter study found captive flamingos engage in significant foraging and roam more widely at night compared to daytime hours. The birds tend to be more active at night, mirroring their natural behavior in the wild, suggesting an innate need to remain active.
The TCS SP8 FALCON system enables fast fluorescence lifetime imaging and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, allowing scientists to investigate protein environments with high accuracy. This technology facilitates advanced techniques in protein biology, including dynamic maps of protein interactions in living cells.
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.
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.
A large-scale study has found that people who have had a stroke are around twice as likely to develop dementia. The study analyzed data from 3.2 million people and found that having a stroke significantly increases the risk of dementia, with recent strokes more than doubling the risk.
Researchers found similar patterns of performance decay in male and female tennis players. As power declined, accuracy tended to increase. The study used data on top players from ATP and WTA tours.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found a simple combination of two blood tests can diagnose myeloma in GPs, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment. The study analyzed over 2,700 cases and suggested integrating a system to alert clinicians to relevant symptoms or changes in blood parameters.
A recent study by the University of Exeter suggests that replacing forests with crops for bioenergy power stations could increase CO2 in the atmosphere, while protecting and regenerating forests may be a more sensible option. The research highlights the importance of land use changes in mitigating climate change.
Researchers at the University of Exeter discovered new compounds that can reverse key aspects of human cell aging by targeting mitochondria. The findings, published in the journal Aging, show a significant reduction in senescent cells and potential therapeutic applications for anti-aging treatments.
Researchers used a twin study to identify factors influencing chemical modifications to DNA across the genome, finding epigenetic marks are more similar between identical twins due to genetic variation. Environmental exposures like smoking and obesity also show partly genetic control.
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...
A new study by the University of Exeter found that considering patient characteristics such as sex and BMI can significantly improve treatment outcomes in type 2 diabetes. The research suggests that obese females are more likely to have good blood glucose control on thiazolidinediones, while non-obese males benefit from sulfonylureas.
New research reveals that night-time lighting from streetlights and other sources can change the way different species interact. Low levels of artificial lighting enhance the hunting advantage of parasitoid wasps, leading to a reduction in aphid populations.
A new e-learning programme trained care home staff to increase social interaction from two minutes a day to ten, improving resident wellbeing and staff attitudes. The programme, called WHELD, uses simple measures such as talking to residents about their interests and involving them in decisions around their care.
Researchers emphasize need for more targeted trials to detect potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease, citing only 42 active trials on disease-modifying therapies. The study also identifies promising compounds and approaches to target amyloid and tau proteins, as well as repositioning existing drugs.
New research highlights the importance of targeted clinical trials to address the shortage, with 142 active trials worldwide and only 29 disease-modifying therapies in phase 2 or 3 development. The study suggests that considering biomarkers and risk factors can increase the power per patient screened to detect potential treatments.
Researchers found that opioid-based painkillers increased side effects such as personality changes and sedation by tripling in people with dementia. The study suggests that people with dementia produce more natural opioids, making them sensitive to painkillers.
New research reveals that very low concentrations of antibiotics can lead to an increase in resistant bacteria, highlighting the environment as a critical battleground in the fight against antibiotic resistance. The study found that sewage waste water and natural environments can be breeding grounds for resistant bacteria, which can th...
A new study reveals that acidic oceans impact fish ability to detect odors, affecting their food, habitat and predator avoidance
A new study reveals that ancient communities in the Amazon used intensive farming methods to expand crop production without depleting soil nutrients. This approach, known as polyculture agroforestry, has left a lasting impact on modern forest ecosystems.
Research reveals phages work together to overcome CRISPR-Cas, a key breakthrough for improving phage therapy to treat life-threatening bacterial infections. The study shows that a high number of viral particles can overwhelm bacterial defenses, leading to the establishment of an infection in bacterial populations.
A training programme called Incredible Years Teacher Classroom Management Programme improves child behaviour, concentration, and mental health by focusing on positive conduct and ignoring minor disruptions. Teachers who underwent the training reported improved teaching practices and increased student compliance.
Researchers have discovered ancient tools in China that date back to 2.12 million years ago, challenging the long-held assumption that early humans left Africa at this time. The findings indicate that early human ancestors colonized East Asia over two million years ago.
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.
International researchers found that illuminating gillnets with green LED lights reduced guanay cormorant deaths by 85%. This technology also reduced sea turtle catches by 64%, offering a cheap and effective way to reduce bird and turtle mortality in fishing.
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.
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.
A new study has identified key symptoms associated with testicular cancer in UK general practice, including testicular enlargement. The research found that painful testicular enlargement may indicate cancer, contradicting traditional teaching.
Researchers at the University of Exeter and the Met Office warn that climate models are underestimating the effects of rising CO2 levels. They found that CO2 concentrations could reach up to 765ppm before a 1.5°C warming threshold is reached, affecting ecosystems, crop yields, and ocean acidification.
A systematic review found that patients with continuity of care have significantly lower death rates, regardless of specialist or family doctor. The study analysed 22 high-quality studies from nine countries and found an effect across different cultures.
Researchers call for active woodland management to create a 'mosaic' of trees with varied ages and sizes. Dormouse numbers are falling in Britain due to changes in climate and habitat composition, with more broadleaf woodland needed to support the species.
Research by the University of Exeter warns that increased storm frequency and intensity could disrupt fish populations, destroy habitats, and affect the livelihood of fishermen. The study highlights the need for urgent research to predict where storms are likely to hit and support fishing communities' adaptation to climate change.
New research from the University of Exeter found that hypnosis can reduce fear and worry associated with injections and other needle procedures in children with cancer. The study suggests that hypnosis may be a valuable tool to improve mental health during cancer treatment.
A new study suggests that many coral reefs will be unable to keep growing fast enough to keep up with rising sea levels, leading to increased erosion and flooding risk. The researchers found that growth rates for over 200 tropical western Atlantic and Indian Ocean reefs are slowing due to coral reef degradation.
New research shows that agriculture is kept operational through a mix of family, permanent-hired, outsourced and seasonal labour. The majority of South West farmers now employ contractors for big projects, with 87% relying on them.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that the rapid decline in insulin production associated with Type 1 diabetes follows a two-phase pattern: an initial exponential fall and a subsequent stable phase. This discovery suggests that people with Type 1 diabetes may retain some working beta-cells for seven years after diagnosis.
Scientists find elevated levels of radioactive caesium in Ukrainian milk, posing health risks to children and adults; protective measures can mitigate exposure for less than €10 per person per year.
New research reveals tens of thousands of sea turtles are caught each year by small-scale fishers off South America's Pacific coast, with over 16,000 killed. The study highlights Ecuador and Peru as key places to tackle this issue, which threatens critically endangered species like leatherbacks and hawksbills.
Researchers found guppies rapidly turn their eyes black to warn rivals, making their eyes more conspicuous as an honest signal of aggression. This behavior is seen in larger guppies dominating smaller ones, but not the other way around.
Scientists studied six-spot burnet moths to examine if natural variation in wing markings indicates toxicity levels. Smaller red forewing markings were associated with more cyanide in females but not males. The study suggests evolutionary pressures may be complex and drive colors beyond matching toxicity levels.
A decade-long study has shown that sulphonylurea tablets are a safe and effective treatment option for babies with neonatal diabetes, providing excellent blood sugar control over the long-term. The treatment has been hailed as a 'miracle cure' by patients and their families, offering improved quality of life.
Research by University of Exeter scientists found that cautious rockpool prawns are better at controlling a limited resource than bolder counterparts. This may be due to their risk-averse strategy, which involves staying near a food source rather than exploring new areas and risking competition with stronger rivals.
The new guidance, developed by experts at the University of Exeter Medical School, aims to improve quality of life for older adults with type 2 diabetes. For the first time, it provides guidance on stopping treatment in particularly frail adults, a move welcomed by Diabetes UK.
A new study reveals an invisible layer of biological compounds on the sea surface can reduce carbon dioxide gas exchange by up to 50 percent. This finding has major implications for predicting future climate, as it suggests slower removal of anthropogenic carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Research at the University of Exeter and Edith Cowan University found that goal conflict and ambivalence are associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study involved over 200 young adults aged 18-35, who reported experiencing psychological distress due to conflicting goals.