Scientists have discovered a new molecule that stimulates blood vessel formation, which could help treat non-healing wounds and injuries associated with diabetes. The discovery has the potential to reduce the number of limbs amputated due to diabetes, offering a cost-effective treatment option.
Researchers found that large-scale pheasant release programs have not changed the birds' roadkill likelihood, but shifted peak times to autumn and late winter. Captive-bred pheasants lack survival skills after release, making them vulnerable to road accidents.
Up to two thirds of people with Alzheimer's disease experience psychotic episodes, linked to faster cognitive decline and accelerated death rates. New approaches to clinical trials aim to develop effective non-drug interventions to alleviate symptoms without adverse outcomes.
Researchers from the University of Exeter suggest that conservation scientists work with filmmakers to raise awareness of endangered species and environmental issues, leveraging the 'Hollywood effect' to inspire action. The study highlights both positive and negative impacts of cinema on public perceptions and attitudes towards wildlife.
Researchers created photonic computer chips mimicking human brain's synapses, enabling speeds a thousand times faster than the human brain. The breakthrough paves the way for new age of computing where machines work and think like the human brain.
A study by the University of Exeter found that Trinidadian guppies exhibit complex personalities with distinct coping styles, remaining consistent even under stress. The research showed that individual differences persisted despite changes in behaviour due to environmental factors.
Laws designed to stop terrorism are often too vague, leading to uncertainty in charities' everyday operations. Charities may be forced to change their ways due to unclear legislation, potentially discouraging worthwhile activities.
A study by Dr Benjamin Lyons from the University of Exeter found that journalists can signal to readers which information is true, reducing misperceptions. By adjudicating disputes within standard news stories, journalists can provide one-sided evidence with a bigger impact on people's factual beliefs.
Periglacial zones, which cover a quarter of the Earth's land surface, are expected to reduce dramatically by 2050 and almost disappear by 2100 due to climate change. This could trigger significant changes in landscapes and biodiversity, with potential implications for regional climate systems.
Scientists tracked ruddy shelducks crossing the Himalayas using satellite data, finding they fly above 5,000 metres and reach 6,800 metres altitude. This challenge likely requires adaptations to cope with lower oxygen levels, surpassing even bar-headed geese' records.
Scientists have discovered that ribosomes, the tiny factories of cells that produce proteins, are attached to mitochondria. This finding provides new insights into the process of protein targeting and mitochondrial function, which is essential for understanding diseases such as Parkinson's.
A study of thousands of children found that exclusion from school can trigger long-term psychiatric illness, including depression and anxiety. The research highlights the need for tailored support to prevent exclusion and improve mental health outcomes.
Research shows smooth-coated otters adopt a 'copy when young' strategy to solve puzzles, with young otters learning faster than parents. This social learning behavior may help improve reintroduction programs for endangered otter species.
Researchers from the University of Exeter have discovered a virus that can reprogram ocean plankton to absorb certain nutrients, potentially affecting carbon storage in the ocean. The study found that infected phytoplankton cells become more competitive and grow faster before being killed by the virus.
Researchers developed a method to identify brain tissue most likely to generate seizures in people with epilepsy, offering new treatment strategies for drug-resistant cases. By analyzing EEG recordings and mathematical modeling, the team found that targeting specific brain regions could lead to enhanced surgical outcomes.
A University of Exeter study found that warnings about peers' behavior can backfire and increase intentions to bolt. In contrast, messages emphasizing what most people do, rather than what they think others do, are effective in reducing such behavior.
Researchers propose that environmental factors play a significant role in shaping gender-specific traits, rather than solely genetic inheritance. This idea challenges the long-held assumption that biological sex directly influences behavior.
Research suggests that traditional sailing methods have helped prevent overfishing and ensure the long-term survival of the Fal oyster fishery. Motorising the fleet would result in a nine-fold increase in fishing activity, putting the fishery at risk.
Scientists develop a phononic crystal structure that can steer and guide surface acoustic waves, or 'nanoquakes,' in devices. The breakthrough could pave the way for lab-on-a-chip biosensors and earthquake protection.
Scientists have found a stratosphere on an enormous gas giant exoplanet WASP-121b with an atmosphere hot enough to boil iron. The discovery was made using spectroscopy to analyze the planet's brightness at different wavelengths of light, revealing glowing water molecules.
Research finds that boat noise affects cleaner fish behavior, leading to increased cheating and decreased cleaning efficiency. This study highlights the need to control man-made noise in protected habitats.
A recent study by Exeter and Cambridge universities found that individual wild birds adjust their nest choices based on their specific markings. These adjustments enhance the birds' camouflage in relation to their predators, highlighting the link between behavior and appearance.
A University of Exeter study found that drinking alcohol boosts memory recall for information learned before the drinking episode began. Those who consumed more alcohol showed stronger effects on memory performance.
A study analyzing sea surface temperatures from 1957-2002 found that fluctuations contributed to persistent droughts in North America and the Mediterranean. The researchers showed that increased variability in ocean temperatures correlated with more extreme land temperature anomalies, leading to prolonged droughts.
A large-scale trial found that goal-oriented therapy significantly improves people's ability to engage in important daily tasks and maintain independence. The therapy, which involves setting and achieving individual goals, shows promising results for supporting individuals with early-stage dementia to live fulfilling lives.
A study of over 2,500 women found that even brief bursts of high-intensity exercise, equivalent to a 1-2 minute run, can improve bone health. The research suggests that short periods of weight-bearing activity are more beneficial than longer continuous periods.
A recent review by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) incorrectly linked Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a highly effective biopesticide, to diarrhoea in humans. However, Dr Ben Raymond of the University of Exeter disputes these findings, citing recent evidence that supports Bt bacteria as "very safe for humans".
Researchers found that regularly doing word puzzles like crosswords is linked to better brain function in later life. Participants who engaged with word puzzles performed better on tasks assessing attention, reasoning, and memory.
A large-scale trial found that person-centered activities combined with one hour of social interaction per week can improve the lives of people with dementia in care homes. The approach also saves money compared to standard care.
Researchers found grey squirrels could remember complex problem-solving techniques for nearly two years, even with changes to the task. This exceptional memory allows them to quickly adapt and retrieve skills, contributing to their success in urban environments.
Playing football improves bone development compared to swimming and cycling, particularly after a year of training. The study found that adolescents who played football had better bones than those who engaged in non-weight-bearing sports.
A new study published in Nature Communications has found that the hygroscopicity of inorganic components in sea spray is significantly lower than previously thought. This discovery could alter our understanding of how sea spray affects global climate patterns, as it influences cloud formation and solar radiation interaction.
An international research team has successfully brought Maxwell's Demon to life using superconducting circuits. The team observed the demon gain useful energy from a thermodynamic system, bypassing the second law of thermodynamics, and tracked how information is stored in its memory.
A new study found that patients with pre-existing serious health conditions, such as heart disease or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), may experience a delay of up to 26 days in receiving a bowel cancer diagnosis. This can lead to more severe outcomes and poorer treatment options.
Researchers have identified a specific gene mutation in myopathy, a type of muscle disease, and found it plays an essential role in muscle fibre integrity. The study uses a zebrafish model to provide new insights into the genetic basis of the disease.
Researchers discovered that hydrogen peroxide plays a crucial role in plant adaptation to sunlight. Plants use H2O2 to signal genes in their cell nuclei, allowing them to adjust and protect photosynthesis. This process ensures plants continue to thrive under varying light conditions.
A new trial by University of Exeter researchers found that taking low-dose aspirin before bed can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, a condition causing premature birth and maternal and foetal death. The study showed a 62% reduction in pre-term preeclampsia rates.
A new study suggests that monitoring wetland extent can better predict the release of methane from thawing permafrost. Researchers found that decomposition of new organic matter is the main source of methane released, not previously frozen carbon. This knowledge can help improve predictions and understanding of climate change impacts.
A study by the University of Exeter found that children starting school early are more likely to develop poorer mental health, with a 'tipping point' effect for vulnerable children. The research suggests that teachers should be aware of this issue and provide support to mitigate its impact.
Research finds that sulphate aerosols from the 2014-15 Holuhraun eruption reduced cloud droplet size and caused cloud brightening, providing new insights into their impact on climate. The study suggests that cloud systems are 'well buffered' against aerosol changes.
The UK's hazel dormouse population has declined by 72% over the past two decades, with conservation efforts proving insufficient to stem the decline. The research team is now calling for an urgent review of dormouse conservation to protect this beloved woodland mammal.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers found that hiding one's true self at work can damage career prospects and reduce feelings of belonging. Concealing stigmatised characteristics such as LGBT identity or poverty history results in lower self-esteem, job satisfaction, and commitment.
Researchers found that the golden appearance is due to high reflectiveness of the exoskeleton and manipulation of polarisation. The nano-structured exoskeleton contains intricate structures that produce circularly-polarised light, explaining the bright reflection and golden colour.
A study found that birds living in prime conditions have lower evolutionary potential to cope with climate change, whereas those between extremes exhibit greater adaptability. This reduces the likelihood of survival for populations in optimal and harsh environments.
New research suggests that bird and bumblebee species nesting late in the year are suffering more from habitat destruction. The study found that larger birds and bumblebees are worst affected due to competition over scarce nest sites.
Research by University of Exeter scientists shows motorboat noise reduces fish survival rates and changes parental behavior, with increased aggression and reduced feeding among affected males. Motorboat noise is considered a global pollutant, distracting fish from protecting their young.
A new international study reveals that man-made pollution in China's vital ecosystems is devastating its ability to absorb carbon from the atmosphere. The research found that surface ozone causes more harm than aerosol particles, which could lead to a 70% reduction in damage if pollution levels are reduced.
New research reveals that women are 'damned' either way on maternity leave, with negative perceptions of competence in both work and family domains. The study suggests that policies allowing women to balance work and family life are crucial, but may have unintended consequences.
Scientists have developed a new model that predicts Sahel summer rainfall with high accuracy, enabling decision-makers to anticipate future cycles of droughts and floods. This improved understanding has the potential to help local communities become increasingly resilient to the region's variable climate.
A large-scale study found that raised blood platelet counts are a strong predictor of cancer, with lung and colorectal cancers being more commonly diagnosed. The research suggests that substantial numbers of people could have their cancer diagnosed up to three months earlier if thrombocytosis prompted investigation.